Total pages in book: 65
Estimated words: 62528 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 313(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62528 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 313(@200wpm)___ 250(@250wpm)___ 208(@300wpm)
“A few hours.” She winked. “Vampire speed.”
That was unfair. Now she could outsew him. Cheater. Well, no one could outdo him on a tweed coat or fitting a tux.
“And what do you mean you want us to break in?” she asked. “You said not to get anywhere near those people until we figure out who the mole is, though I don’t believe there is one. Our little family is loyal.”
They were not a family. He was a bachelor, all alone in the world. They were squatters. “Cimil is our mole and currently hiding out there.”
“Cimil? But she gave Sky a new body. Why would she kill her?” MF asked. “Or keep Sky’s family hostage?”
“Because she’s up to something, which is why the Uchben plan to attack the warehouse tonight; however, they are unaware and uninterested in the fact that Cimil is growing an army. She will be ready for them, and the Uchben will be slaughtered.”
MF narrowed her brown eyes. “You want to go in there and make sure Sky’s family isn’t inside. You want her to come running back after you play her knight in shining armor.”
“No. Though, that’s not a bad idea.” He paused. Wait. No. What am I thinking? “I would like to ensure her family is safe, yes. But any notion of reconciliation between us is gone. Sky wishes to…cross over.”
MF’s eyes went wide. “Permanently?”
He nodded.
“But why? I thought she was happy here with us?”
“She blames herself for her family’s current predicament, and she isn’t completely wrong.” Even if Cimil was behind everything, Sky never should’ve gone undercover working for Governor Newberry.
“Wow. I’m kinda hurt. Sky is like our mom, yanno? She’s constantly spying on us.”
“Yes, so motherly,” he said dryly.
“Well, not motherly for you, but then again, you’re kind of like our dad. I mean, nothing like my real dad—rest in peace—because you’re not nearly as affectionate, kind, thoughtful, uplifting—”
“I get the point,” he said.
“I was going to end with saying that you were there for us all when no one else was. I was an orphan when we met. So was Maxton in a way, being the last vampire. Bonbon was all alone until you made that deal with Cimil to find him a mate. Pet would be lost without you and Sky.” MF drew a breath. “We’re a family now, and it doesn’t work if one of us leaves.”
That was uncommonly sentimental for a vampire. “Well, Sky does not feel the same, apparently,” he said, “and there is nothing I can do other than to keep my promise to look after her sister and nephew.”
“But don’t you think it’s strange how she wants to move on all of a sudden?”
“It is highly suspicious.” Something definitely happened to change her mind. “But at the end of the day, it is still her existence, and leaving us behind is her choice.”
“Pfft!” MF launched vampire spittle in his face. “Don’t be so respectful of others’ feelings. For fuck’s sake, you’re the immortal tailor. A coldhearted, legendary assassin, fixer, tracker—”
“My demon is gone, MF. The killing part of my life is over, but I will give you coldhearted.”
She shook her head. “Says the man who is currently planning a dangerous rescue he fought tooth and nail against a couple of days ago.”
“True. But my plan takes the mole into account.”
MF jerked her head toward the corner. “Okay. I’m in. So is Parrot.”
“Maxton’s hellhound is here again?”
“Eh, he’s harmless. Mostly.”
“No, he is mostly dangerous. But good. We can use him tonight. Where is Maxton?”
“Where do you think?” She hit the register’s button and began counting out the money to shut down for the day.
“The mall? Again?” That vampire loved buying new suits. He had twice as many as Damien.
“Don’t worry,” MF said. “I can fill him in.”
“Eh, boss. What are we doing tonight?” Bonbon waddled up, looking fatter than ever.
“Stop dining on tourists. And you are not coming with us.”
“Never,” Bonbon grumbled. “And yes, we are.”
“You and Gorgonzolina will only get in the way,” Damien said.
“No way. I need to get out and feed.” Gorgonzolina trotted up, her tan fur ruffled in the back, which meant the two love-sucking demons had just been fornicating in the shop window again.
And this is why I prefer to work alone. While their sexual appetite attracted a crowd, it wasn’t the suit-buying type.
That gave Damien an idea. “Actually, I do have a use for you. Pet can help, too. Has anyone seen her? Or Sky?”
“Nope,” said MF.
“Nuh-uh,” said Bonbon.
“I wonder where they are. I haven’t seen them since Dallas.”
“Maybe they stayed there to explore,” MF offered.
Who knew? “Hopefully they will show up soon,” Damien said. “Because the Uchben will attack the warehouse tonight, and we must get there before they do.”
“Okay, so what’s your big plan?” MF asked.
“Simple. We go in, find Amelia and Miguel, kill anyone who gets in our way. Then we run.”