Poison's Kiss (Deadly Beauties 2)

He laughs at my redundant answer that seems to apply to everything as I revel in our delicious afterglow.

"You want to sleep out here, with me?" He draws me closer, draping my leg over him, and kisses the hollow of my neck.

"Yeah."

Chapter 13

The Loss

Drackus is grinning as I walk into the kitchen, but his smile falls when he takes in my aura. I steady myself for the question so I can give a properly articulated and prepared answer.

"I don't see your bond. How did-"

"I found a spell to cloak my aura last night. I've always subdued the colors of my magic, but your library offered me a chance to find something to help the emotional colors I can't contain."

That was a very thoroughly planned and rehearsed lie Gage and I went over numerous times this morning when he brought me back to my room. I think he was a little panicked by the fact he knew Drackus would notice, but he wasn't going to lose his opportunity to be with me while I was throwing myself at him.

"That's good," he murmurs suspiciously.

"So, I'm about to call a cab, unless you have someone heading back toward Edgebrook. Thanks for... Well, I don't know if I got any answers like I had planned, but thanks for letting me... I don't know."

This is all so awkward. I want so badly to believe the man inside my father's mask isn't a monster, but it's so hard to trust that as a possibility.

"Well, I don't know what answers you were seeking, but I'm glad my daughter spent the night in her home. Right now, I want to give you your present. It's outside."

I forgot about the promise of a present.

Out of curiosity, I follow him out to the oversized garage where he keeps a small car show. Every row of vehicles reminds me of how luxurious life could have been. I keep looking around for a wrapped present with years of dust on it.

I don't know why I imagine this present is old. I guess I assume he bought it when I was ten.

"Where is it?" I ask while tucking my hands in the pockets of a perfectly fitting pair of jeans.

He smiles, keeping his back turned as he slowly flicks on the lights. I sort of hope he's sending me home with new clothes.

My wardrobe here is far more impressive than my wardrobe at home. I'm almost tempted to take a bag back with me. This shirt fits every inch of me more perfectly than anything I've ever felt. The jeans aren't the cheap knockoffs I normally cash in on.

"Any of them," he says, breaking my train of thought.

"Any of what?" I ask in bemusement.

He gives me a proud, excited smile as he motions to the garage.

"Pick any car you want. Your mother told me you've been saving for one, and right now isn't the time to be holding a mortal job. These are going to be yours one day anyhow, so you might as well enjoy one as a sample."

My mouth falls open in disbelief. "Drackus, I can't take a car."

He shrugs while opening a box on the wall full of perfectly hung keys, all labeled to go with their host.

"Let's say I'm a few years behind on presents, at least a decade. This should somewhat make up for the materialistic side of that equation. Besides, they're sort of sad just wasting away in here."

I shake my head, though the temptation is almost tangible.

"I can't. It's just too much."

"My dear, Airis, it's never too much. Either pick one or I'll pick one for you and deliver it to your new Edgebrook home myself."

Obviously he's keeping tabs on me. I'll be glad when my new home is finally ready to be lived in. I'm sick of hotel hopping.