“Thank you, Nicolai, that was a very nice compliment.”
“I’d like to fuck you now.”
I roll my eyes. “See, now you’ve gone and ruined the moment. Think before you speak.” Selene and Roman believe that when he demanded to have Nicolai come feed him, Nic was actually in the middle of having sex with another vampire, hence the constant desire to have sex. Selene also believes the last conscious memory Nicolai has, is of sex and the word “fuck” which comes out of his mouth far more than it should and at the most inopportune times, like when we’re standing in line at the grocery store, and he blurts it out. However, that’s all he does. While I have a healthy fear of him because he’s still learning the ways, he’s yet to try anything but force himself on me.
Roman slaps Nicolai on his head and tells him to watch his mouth. Nic takes this to heart and strains his eyes down to his pushed out lips. “I swear the Sisters did something to his brain when they performed the ritual,” Roman says. He’s exhausted, and if he slept, he’d probably have sleepless nights, but as it is, he spends most of his time watching Nicolai, teaching him and trying to keep him out of trouble.
“We’ll figure out how to break the bond,” I tell Roman, leaning into him for a kiss. “The priestess is working to uncover ancient rituals.”
“There’s no guarantee,” he says
I shake my head. “No, there isn’t. However, until we know for sure, there isn’t anything we can do about the situation.” I take Roman’s hand, and we walk further into the casino. Almost every table has someone sitting at it, and the slot machines are full. When Roman redesigned the layout, he put less equipment in, saying it would create more demand. So far, he looks to be right, but I have concerns.
“If people are waiting for a spot at the blackjack table, what’s keeping them here as opposed to going down the street to the next casino?”
Roman smiles. There’s a wicked glint in his eye. He doesn’t need to answer because I already know. All the dealers at the tables are vampires, and I have a feeling, each person’s being compelled to stay here.
“Roman, this is illegal.”
He pulls me into his arms. “It’s only illegal to compel a human into doing something they don’t want to. Each one here wants to spend money. We’re just enticing them to stay a little longer. Don’t worry, my love, they’re still in control and can say no.” He winks. “Trust me, darling. You know I would never break another rule of the Covenant.” This is true.
“What do you say, should we go check out the view from the Presidential suite?”
“I have a better idea.”
“What’s that?” I ask, only to watch Roman drop to one knee. Already in his hand is an opened black box with a dazzling diamond sparkling under the casino lights.
“Roman!” My hand covers my mouth, and I start to nod before he even asks me anything.
“Fiona, will you give me a chance to be your husband for the rest of your life?”
“Yes, yes I will.”
Roman stands and carefully places my engagement ring on my finger. Out of nowhere, Selene, Corban, Damen, Lydia, Lana and even Nicolai surround us, congratulating us. Nicolai looks hurt, which I can understand. I pull him into my arms and whisper, “Don’t worry, we’ll figure everything out, and you’ll be free.”
“And we can fuck?” he asks with a smile.
I throw my hands up in the air and start laughing, along with everyone else. This is what my life has become, surrounded by vampires as my friends, with one who has a one-track mind. If someone had asked me seven or eight months ago, what I’d be doing now, my answer would’ve been easy, laying by the pool, spending Daddy’s money. Ask me now, and I’ll tell you, running a business that helps people in need, while tr
ying to break a bond so a man can be free to fall in love, and not upset three Sisters who are hell-bent on making sure I pay for my vampire’s mistake.
Nicolai