"You can see that I got it. I'm on my way back."
"Want some company?"
"Not if you're referring to yourself. You can run along ahead and report that I'll be meeting Vince for dinner as requested."
He smirked and then ran off without a word. Next time I would have to remember to text Vince back so that I wouldn't have to deal with his annoying sidekicks.
I took my time getting back, managing to find someone to feed on without feeling guilty. I drank just enough to cover Tanner's scent and then made them forget about our encounter. When I did finally arrive at Vince's mansion, I didn't spend all that much time getting ready. Usually I went all out getting ready to see Vince, but I just didn't have it in me. My mind was back in Delphic Cove with Tanner.
When I got to Vince's room, he opened the door before I could knock. He looked me over as though I looked as good as usual. "You're a sight for sore eyes, as always. I like the toned down look; you have a natural beauty that you don't let anyone see often enough."
I leaned against the doorway. "So did you have fun sending your spies?"
"Spies? I only sent Danny a few times."
A few times? He must have avoided my detection at least once. Anyone who was smart feared me as much as they feared Vince.
"Are you ready for dinner? I had the staff cook your favorite."
I raised an eyebrow. I didn't think that he even knew what my favorite was.
Vince laughed. "Don't worry-we didn't cook up the human boy. It's that Italian dish that you like so much."
"That sounds nice," I said, careful not to react when he brought up Tanner.
He held out his arm and I linked mine through his and we walked to his favorite dining room where the long table was set for two. He held the chair out for me and I sat. He sat next to me and smiled, but it wasn't a sweet, innocent smile like Tanner. "I've missed you, Samantha. The place just isn't the same without your beauty or your fire. I didn't expect your mission to take so long. I'm not used to going months without seeing you."
"Yeah, well, it is taking a long time. That girl is as boring as paint and finding a guy who will pay attention to her is no small task. Nor is finding one who is open enough to actually believe in vampires."
"It sounds like you've found one who believes," he said, resting his chin in his palm.