Chapter 45

A sigh of relief left her lips as the familiar broad back and long dark hair caught her eye. It felt like she had been looking for him for hours!

“May I sit down?” She didn’t meet his dark eyes but she didn’t miss the coolness of those dark pools spearing into her.

He shrugged, dwarfing the glass in his hand he chucked the contents down his throat.

Coaxing him to meet her gaze, she felt a silly flop as her insides tingled. There was just something about him and the way he wore his Stetson. It brought out the dark mystery of the man. Touching the brim of the hat she tipped it backwards, exposing the harsh lines of his face from the shadows of the stetson.

“We need to talk Richie.”

“We don’t have to talk about shit. I had my say.”

“Please listen to me. All this is my fault.”

Bolts flashed in his eyes as he met her eyes.

“Oh yeah sure. You pinned the fucker down and made him drink from you.” The intimate picture he painted turned his gut into a tight ball.

“Richie NO! You listen to me now. Be honest with yourself. You’ve know Jon for how long? Do you really think he is able to take advantage of me or that he even wants to?”

Unflinching he bit out. “ Yes, as a matter of fact I do. The Jon I knew and loved died the night that fucking bitch hacked her teeth into him.”

Sadness swam in her eyes.

“You are wrong, so wrong. I’ve never met a vampire so dedicated to protect the people around him. Why do you think he is drinking this potion? For himself? I don’t think so Richie. He is doing it to make it easier for you and the guys. Vampires are ruthless, heartless creatures out to destroy as many lives as they possibly can. Can you say that about Jon?  It would be so much easier to go out, hunt down a human and have his fill. “

“Ok so the only difference is, he doesn’t have to hunt, he has a nice little package coming to his room and…”

The force of her hand on his cheek snapped his head back.

“Don’t ever insinuate that I am a cheap whore. Today was the first say Jon fed from me. You don’t really deserve an explanation but I’ll give it to you anyway. I checked up on him, as I do everyday and realized that he was using too much potion. Four Richie…yes..he is on four vials a day now. He was burning up and tried to act all macho but I wasn’t fooled, he needed fresh blood and well, I was there. He fought me but in the end his bloodlust won. Don’t blame him Richie. I offered myself to him.”

The massive shoulders shuddered, lifting his face he kept her gaze captive. Offered…the word seemed so cheap to him right now.

“And…did you two…”

She shook her head. “No.”

A sigh escaped his lips. Taking his hands from the bar she whispered.

“Are you ready to go back? Its late and I’m tired.”

He stood up, winding an arm around her neck, he hauled her into his frame, his face buried into her hair, smelling the spring flowers in her hair.

“I don’t understand why you did it, but I hope to God it doesn’t happen again. I wont be able to handle Jon’s hands and fucking fangs all over you. SHIT its wrong on so many of levels man!” He shivered.

“He made me promise too. No more feedings, just this one time, you know, to help a dear friend.”

It was on his lips to warn her not to trust Jon but how could he? It was his best friend, yet somewhere along the way Jon lost something of himself. Richie wasn’t sure what exactly but it was there, the lurking animal fighting its way towards the surface. How long until this potion loses its touch? Who is going to pay the price when it happens? He looked down at Ksenia’s beautiful face and forced down the dread threatening to crush his heart.

Awareness flared in Richie and before he even saw him, he knew. Jon was close.

Instantly blue clashed with brown and they locked gazes. A silent war ensued between them and Ksenia stood aside, understanding the close bond they shared.

I’m sorry Richie. I didn’t want to but I wasn’t strong enough to fight it. I didn’t harm her, I promise.

She told me. It seems she is just as much to blame as you are. She offered it on a silver platter, you took it. End of story.

Jon straightened his shoulders.

Don’t blame her Rich. I thought I might get by without feeding, apparently it doesn’t work that way. She only tried to help.

His sneer reached Jon from across the room.

Yeah and what did it bring her in the past? She is not your fucking minion, you understand? If you need blood go get it somewhere else, you hear me Jon? I know how you work, blood and sex goes together. If you ever lay so much as a finger on her I’ll put a stake through your heart myself. She said nothing happened between you and to be honest I’m not so fucking sure. I found you in your room this afternoon and…I don’t want to discuss it.

He turned his head away. Would Jon be able to see the hatred shining from his eyes from across the room?

Nothing happened Richie. Believe me, nothing. I might be a heartless fucker but that I will never do to you or Ksenia. I’m going now. I apologize for what I’ve done.

In the blink of an eye Jon was gone. Richie could feel the fine thread connecting them dissolving in the night air. He was gone.

“Let go home.” Ksenia’s soft voice brought him back to reality.