Microsoft Word - Blood and Sex from CE.rtf (9 page)

Michael was seated across the aisle next to Tori, who was flipping through a magazine. If she was nervous about being the only human on the trip, she didn’t show it. The girl had guts.

46

The
padrone
nodded in his direction. “Thank you for coming on time.”

“I couldn’t let J come after me. He just wouldn’t be the same after I got through with him.” Blane put the bag into an empty seat while the others laughed.

“Still keepin’ that dream alive, huh?” Jonas said. “Maybe we should try that cage fighting that Gregory’s got going.”

The pilot poked his head out of the cabin door. “Please take your seats. We’re ready to leave.”

The door shut again. Blane slid into a chair next to Michael and Tori. “So, what am I supposed to do on this trip exactly?”

“Make sure Christiana is safe.”

If he weren’t already dead, Blane would have sworn that the lump in his throat was going to suffocate him. “You’ve got to be kidding. I’ve been with her for the past two weeks. She can’t stand me.”

“She is in our care until she goes home with Khalil. There have been rumors of a leak in the location of our meeting. We may be attacked by the Bureau in Venice, and since we will be protecting our
compagnas
, you will be responsible for Christiana.”

“Michael, I don’t thi—”

“It’s not an option, Blane. I know you two don’t like each other. That’s why you’re the perfect choice.”

“That’s as clear as mud.”

Tori let out a quick, sharp laugh, then hid behind the magazine.

“Khalil informed me two nights ago that he’s promised her to the
padrone
of Rome.”

Eeesh
. Blane knew that some of the leaders arranged bonded mates for their children, but

47

he’d never known someone to whom it actually happened. Christiana was the most uptight woman he’d ever met. There was no way she’d be okay with someone forcing her to bond.

“Does she know yet?”

Michael arched a brow, slowly studying his face. “Why do you care?”

“I guess I don’t.”

“Just make sure she’s safe. The last thing we need is for something to happen to her on our watch.” He glanced from Jonas back to him, as if they were having one of their mind conversations. “And don’t mention this arranged
vincolare
to her. This is for Khalil to tell.”

Blane nodded. He wouldn’t tell her. The last thing he wanted was to bring the wrath of the
vampiro
king down on his ass.

* * * *

Christiana tucked the last hair into place and adjusted her pink cashmere sweater. She needed a hot bath, but the jet didn’t offer that luxury. Sleeping there during the day hadn’t been the most comfortable choice, but it kept her away from that ridiculous green-haired
vampiro
, Blane. By the feel of the jet in the air, they were on their way to Venice for the
Luna di Anima
, the annual meeting of the vampire families to discuss politics and celebrate the coming new year with balls and parties. Back to the life she was accustomed to.

She opened the door and walked down the narrow hall to the main seating area. Her eyes darted from face to face, stopping on Blane’s.
What on God’s Earth was he doing on the jet
?

Michael pulled his human close. “Christiana. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

She moved to the only chair left, the one next to Blane. She sat, letting the aura of his emotions touch her. It wasn’t the usual ignorant pride that came off him. Instead, he was somber,

48

almost full of pity. It made her wonder what had happened while she was sleeping.

“Would you mind if Tori and I lie down for a while? She hasn’t been sleeping.”

“Be my guest.”

She watched the two go to the back and moved quickly to their spot. Jonas and Elena were snuggled in a double chair in front of the flat-screen television on the north wall, earphones covering their ears.

“Aren’t you wondering why I’m here?” Blane was watching her face carefully. His voice was soft, but not sad.

“It did make me curious.”

“Michael ordered me to protect you.”

She laughed. “I
do not
need
your
protection.”

“I have my orders.”

“As soon as we’re there, I will have Khalil relieve you of your duty.”

He gave her a strange look. The pity felt stronger.

“What is wrong with you? It’s like you’re talking to someone whose cat just died.”

Blane took a deep breath and put on a smirk. “I just feel bad for you. It can’t be fun living in that stuffed-shirt place with all those old vampires.”

“We can’t all be carefree and green-haired, Blane.”

“You need to spend just one night out with me. You might change your mind.”

She cackled. “Are you asking me out?”

“Maybe.”

Yeah. Right
. She wasn’t going to fall for it. He probably had some scheme in mind to have her translate in Venice while he flirted with women.

49

Christiana pulled her laptop from under the bench seat. She opened the lid and waited for her e-mail program to pop up. She’d let it download everything she’d missed, then started to read the subject lines.

“You don’t have to get so excited.”

She glanced back to Blane, clicking on the e-mail with the subject
Our First Meeting
. “I already have a date this week.”

“Really? You found someone who’s into princesses, huh?”

“I found a gentleman, yes.”

“And where did you find this gem?”

“That’s none of your business.”

Blane leaned forward, his black-and-green hair moving smoothly and falling around his face. He whispered, “Tell me it’s not from a dating service.”

“I met him through the Council’s Web site.” It was true. Vincenzo had known the site and met her in one of the secret chat rooms, which confirmed what he really was. Then he’d contacted her directly after all their online chats.

Blane chuckled. “You are
not
going on a blind date with someone you met online.”

“I didn’t ask your permission.”

“You should have.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I’m guarding you. Remember?”

She grumbled, “I’m going anyway.”

“We’ll see, Princess.” Blane leaned back and tucked his hands behind his head. That familiar arrogance radiated from him. “If you’re a good girl.”

She flipped him the bird.

“Oh!” He laughed harder. “I didn’t know they taught that at prep school.”

50

Christiana focused on the e-mail that took up most of her screen.

Dearest Juliet,

I will be at the meeting and can imagine nothing more pleasant
than meeting you. You will find me at the STATUE in the center of
COURT just after midnight during the masquerade.

Until then,

Your Romeo

She smiled. It was a little cliché, but it was the most romantic note she’d ever received.

Every other man wanted to either control her or own her for power. It was about time she met someone who wanted her just because of her personality.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me! That’s the cheesiest thing I’ve ever read.”

Christiana’s eyes jerked up to Blane’s snickering face, hovering too close, reading the screen. How had she missed him moving? “Not a word,
neonato
!” He wasn’t exactly a baby, but he was younger than she was.

The laptop slammed shut with the twitch of Blane’s hand. He moved back to his chair.

“You are not going to meet him.”

“And you are not going to tell me what to do.”

He smiled slowly. “Watch me.”

“You’re so…” She let out a screech that pulled Jonas and Elena’s attention. “You’re—

You
leggero
. Stay away from me, you ignorant lout!”

His face went slack, then his jaw clenched.

In a flash, Blane jumped to his feet and pinned her to the chair, one arm on each side of her. Furniture inside the jet rattled, but she didn’t think it had anything to do with turbulence.

51

He leaned down, too close. “Listen,
Princess
. I know you’re used to having your ass kissed, but I’m not your servant.” He stared at her, almost daring her to say something. “Khalil doesn’t have enough power or enough people to stop me from ripping you apart if you ever try that again.”