“Not you. Your patrons. She likes to give her blood,” I explained, then added with some discomfort, “from peculiar parts of her body. ”
With a sly, seductive little smile, Katya watched me with keen eyes.
Astir frowned slightly as he scrutinized the girl’s long limbs, lovely face and golden hair. Now that she wasn’t weeping, she looked pretty, despite her puffy eyes. “Really?”
“I offered myself to her,” Katya admitted.
Magda cast a disdainful look in Katya’s direction and scooted away from her.
“In all ways,” Katya added.
I wasn’t exactly certain what Katya’s words meant or entailed, so I decided not to acknowledge her statement.
“I know Vlad had. . . relations with her, as you yourself pointed out,” I reminded Astir.
“I miss his kisses,” Katya sighed.
I gave her a fierce look, my anger brewing close to the surface. “Enough, Katya!”
“Don’t you?” she asked. “And his-”
“Enough!” Magda exclaimed irritably. “Obey the Mistress!”
Katya cast a dark glare at Magda, then shrugged.
The carriage creaked loudly as the horses picked up their gait. The guards on their horses kept pace with us as we wound our way through the town.
I did not want to think of Vlad, his kisses or otherwise. I forced my thoughts back to the topic at hand, pointedly ignoring Katya. “Astir, you have many living in your haven who offer blood and more to your clients, do you not?”
Shrugging, Astir regarded Katya with more interest than before. “She is a pretty little thing. ”
“She will fit into your household perfectly. A willing victim. ”
Katya sighed contentedly.
“She’s also a troublemaker, my dear little countess. ”
“Astir, isn’t that why you enjoy my company?” I countered, smiling at him sweetly.
“You’re playing me so well,” Astir commended me, his gloved hand lightly stroking my cheek. “Very well. I’ll take her. ”
Katya pouted a bit, but I ignored her.
“And if she wants to leave to live her own life, you will allow it,” I added. “Should it be for marriage or whatever other reason she may have. I will provide her with some money should she decide to leave. Agreed?”
Astir frowned at me. “The things I do to amuse you. ”
“Promise. ”
“Very well. You have my vow. ”
“Meanwhile, I reclaim Magda,” I continued.
&
nbsp; Magda raised her head and gave me a sweet smile of relief.
“Very well,” Astir agreed as he gazed at Katya thoughtfully.