His brown eyes were almost molten with fury and pain. I squeezed again and could swear I saw sweat break out across his brow. Impossible, surely, given Gautier's fierce reputation. Maybe it was just a trick of the lights
"Do you understand me?"
His nod was barely perceptible. From behind us came the sound of clapping
"Well done, Riley." Kelly's smooth and sultry voice came from close behind, and a little of my tension eased. If she was there, then my back was safe. "How about you give those sacks an extra squeeze for me? The great Gautier in pain is such a rare but welcome sight."
Gautier's gaze went past me. "Watch your step tonight, bitch. You might just hit trouble."
"Oh, I'm so scared." Kelly's voice was dry
I couldn't help smiling, but resisted the temptation to do as she asked and released him instead. I wasn't a fool - and if I inflicted too much damage, I'd catch hell not only from the Directorate, but Gautier himself. He wasn't above lying in wait for someone, and for all my bravado, I had no real desire to go head to head with the creep
I rose and turned my back on him - which, in itself, was an insult of the highest form to a vampire like Gautier. His fury scorched my skin, but I didn't flinch and didn't turn around. Just kept on walking
Kelly leaned against the doorway into the eating area, a wide smile softening her sharp features. "In a bit of a mood, are we?"
I grinned and tossed her a meal. "I'm just a little tired of being threatened."
"So I gathered. I'll have to pinch that move off you. It certainly immobilizes male quarry."
My gaze went to Gautier. Dark didn't even begin to explain his expression. Maybe I was crazy, but it cheered me up no end
"You got any plans for Tuesday or Wednesday night?" I stopped the trolley and opened the sides so the other guardians had access
Kelly shook her head, her black hair gleaming almost blue in the harsh lighting. "Nothing. Why?"
"The full moon is beginning to rise, so if you still want to catch a little werewolf action..." I trailed off and grinned
"Oh, yes please." Anticipation flicked in her gray eyes. "The male of your species sure can show a girl a good time."
Ain't that the truth. "I'll ring Tuesday and we'll arrange a meet time."
She nodded and leaned forward a little. "I haven't heard any whispers here about Rhoan's mission, by the way. Jack's sending me out tonight, though, so if I find anything, I'll give you a call."
"Thanks. But be careful out there."
She smiled and touched my arm lightly. "The great Gautier doesn't worry me."
Well, he worried me. And I didn't like the way he was watching us. "I was thinking more about the disappearances than Gautier. I don't want you to join the ranks of the vanished."
"It's not something I want, believe me." Her tone was one of dry amusement. "But I will be careful."
"Good."
Once the trolley was empty of its packaged blood, the two of us dished out the coffee. But all the while, I was aware of Gautier's heated gaze. His expression reminded me of the man who'd shot me, and I decided to ask Jack about Gautier's background when I returned upstairs
Once we'd finished serving, I walked the trolley back to the kitchen. Jack gave me a sweet smile when I got back to the office. "Like the way you handled Gautier."
I grimaced. "I just hope our bosses don't mind me roughing up their star guardian."
"You gotta show the guardians you're more than capable of protecting yourself down there, or there'll be trouble."
I nodded. Guardians seemed to have a whole different set of values than the rest of the population. Show the slightest weakness and they thought you were theirs to do with as they pleased. And while those in charge didn't condone the behavior, they weren't above turning a blind eye to it either, particularly if the guardians didn't kill their "toys."
I often wondered what would happen if the public or the press ever found out about some of the darker habits of those paid to protect them. Not to mention the true purpose of the guardian force - to kill without recourse to the courts or justice. Would there be outrage? Or would humanity simply accept it as a price that had to be paid for their safety?
Considering the unreasoned - almost instinctive - fear many communities had about the nonhumans in their midst, I pretty much figured it would be the latter