do.” Picturing him taking that call from his comfy bed, bare-chested, in cute little boxers or less, put a smirk on her face.
She glanced at the club entrance, then down at her glossy, kick-ass boots. She nodded to herself. Yep, good idea or not, she was ready to make this happen.
She marched up the steps. The doorman opened the door without blinking an eye or asking for an ID. That put a kink in her bravado. She was expected by club management. Not a good sign.
She stepped inside, alert for any sign of trouble. The classy surroundings were reassuring. The interior of Club Dintero was as elegant as the curb view: rich, warm cherry wood and leather in every direction. The main dining room was filled with secluded booths and alcoves along the walls, tables in the middle. Every booth was angled toward a spotlighted stage. At the mic, a pretty blonde vamp in a green, sequined gown crooned a sultry love song. Lighting was muted, mostly candlelight, which ensured the guests had privacy and intimacy. The subtle fragrance of sandalwood, emitted by the candles, added a sensual touch. Definitely a date den.
A hostess approached. The vamp’s jet-black hair hung straight to her waist. She made no attempt to hide the scowl that stated Ari wasn’t welcome. The woman motioned for Ari to follow and proceeded to thread her way through the dining room without a backward glance.
Surprised once again, Ari followed her without comment. Even though Guardians aren’t required to surrender weapons, she had expected them to ask somewhere along the way. It was standard in any club, human or magic. She took the lapse as further proof they already knew her identity. Victor had chosen a setting that was far from neutral. Ari grimaced. Probably the same conclusion the Christians reached at the entrance to the Coliseum.
Victor sat alone at a table for four. He was big. Six foot, 230 or more, and wearing expensive dark-brown leather from head to toe. He sat stiffly, staring straight ahead as they approached. The eyes he turned toward her were slitted, reptilian, until he chose to present a polite smile. He rose and pointed to a chair.
“Victor?” she asked.
When he nodded, she pulled out her badge. “Arianna Calin, Guardian.” She moved to the seat directly opposite him, where a low partition partially protected her back. She began the interview as soon as they were seated. She went over the basics first, asking him to state his name and how he could be reached. When they came to his employment, Victor’s answer explained her reception.
“Dining room host, Club Dintero.”
Ari’s head jerked up, and she met his flat, obsidian gaze. He smirked at her. She scanned the room, wondering if they were being watched. Hell, of course they were being watched. The staff would be protective of the boss.
Not that Victor looked like he needed protection. The rugged features and broad, athletic build might be considered attractive, in a dead guy kind of way. Unlike Andreas, Victor’s predator side was barely hidden. She half expected him to flick out a forked tongue to smell her. Based on the age of the victim, he looked older than expected, probably forty or better at transformation. His lack of humanity told her that had been decades ago.
A waiter stopped to offer drinks, which they both declined. This wasn’t a social event.
“Tell me about your relationship with Angela Raymond.”
“What happened to her? You said she was murdered.”
“You tell me,” Ari countered. “Did you see her last night?”
“No. And I don’t know what happened. If I knew, why would ask? Don’t bandy words, Guardian. Just get on with it.” His voice had a biting edge.
Ari’s back stiffened as she bit back just as hard. “She was beaten, her legs and arms broken. Covered with bites and claw marks. Her head was nearly ripped off. No human did that. It was someone very like you.”
Victor sprang to his feet, slammed both hands on the table, and bent forward, looming over her. His chair crashed to the floor. “You bitch,” he snarled under his breath.
At the first flicker of movement, Ari had shoved her chair back, out of his reach. Her eyes locked with his, and she eased upward, leaning toward him. It put them almost nose to nose. Close enough to inhale his citrusy scent. When Ari didn’t shift her gaze from his, Victor’s eyes widened at her boldness. She knew he would try to bespell her. This was