Blood Trial Supernatural Battle (Vampire Towers #1) - Kelly St. Clare Page 0,114

serious state after the constant deprivation since meeting Kyros.

“I was born into money and left because I wanted to make something of myself,” he said quickly.

I stared, taking a sip. “A DIYer, huh?”

“I guess. The money didn’t feel real. I couldn’t accept everything that came with it, like my friends did. I left right after school—been living off my own back for seven years.”

We’d probably gone to the same school—there was only one the elite went to—but he was a few years older at least. Things could have been so different if we’d known each other.

I nodded. “I can understand that.”

For vampire ears, I added, “Well, I can try my best. I’m not sure I’d do it myself. Free car. Someone doing my laundry. Sounds perfect.”

Rhys rubbed his jaw. “My family has a lot more than that. Probably sounds weird to someone without an estate.”

Finally, a fucking compliment. “You think I’m poor?”

He coloured. “Oh, I’m—”

I clinked my flute against his. “No apologies tonight. I’m poor as dirt. Cheers to that!”

When I lowered my drink, he was watching me.

“You know, I think that I find you fascinating.” Rhys rubbed his jaw again. “I’m not sure people really say that anymore.”

Uhm. Adorable.

And I knew for a fact Mr Rhys was more than adorable. Oddly, part of me could say the same about him. The fascinating part. He had secrets. If he’d left the rich game, he had unusual integrity and unpopular world opinions too. What more could I ask for?

“Basilia, my love?”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes, Rory darling?”

“Could I borrow you for a dance?” I caught the flinted edge to his eyes before he bowed.

“I was just about to kiss Rhys here though.” I smiled as Rhys choked on his bubbles.

The Vissimo held out his hand, eyes hard.

Fine. “Hold my drink?” I asked my fellow human.

Rhys’s answering grin was unexpectedly saucy.

Mmm.

“See you later,” he told me.

That I would.

Rory tugged me away faster than I thought necessary.

“Might I remind you that you’re meant to be here as my date. How do you think it looks that you’re all over that boy,” he spoke low and harsh in my ear.

“Okay, old man. Not everything is about image.” I remembered who I was talking to. “Rhys and I could get married in two years for all you know.”

“Darling, darling, that life is no longer an option for you.” He tugged me to him, hand around my waist, partially supporting my weight.

My face must have reflected my hurt and shock at that statement because the edge left his high-boned features though he didn’t apologise.

I placed one hand atop his shoulder, and rested the other in his offered hand, avoiding his gaze.

“You know about our kind now,” he continued, directing us into the dancing couples. “That will remain a barrier between you and the rest of the human population for the rest of your life. You’re not the kind to live a lie, Miss Tetley. You realise your path has altered for good whether you’re willing to admit it or not.”

That wasn’t true. “People have told me what my life would be since I was a young girl. They were wrong.”

“Were they?” he mused.

My gaze snapped to him, but the vampire was looking elsewhere.

“I can’t let you go home with the boy,” he said next, navigating us expertly between the couples. “Kyros—”

“I’m sick of hearing about Kyros,” I hissed. Desperation tinged my words.

“He’s my brother.”

I snapped my head up to glare at him. “The brother you’re baiting by taking me as a date to a social event? What kind of sibling does that?”

Not a speck of remorse showed on his face. “Our games are not your games.”

Boy, did I know it.

“A deal then.” I was going home with Rhys and no one was getting in my way.

Rory snorted. “No.”

“What was the Wells Row deal for?”

“… A loan. He has a large plot of commercial agricultural land that he wishes to rezone into residential land and subdivide for mass sale. It’s a good deal for us—with Lionel’s shift to vertical agriculture, the city won’t suffer from the loss of agricultural land. If this worked out, it could be huge for our clan.”

“Could be,” I said, pursing my lips.

His grip on me tightened before he groaned. “What do you know about him?”

I liked a man who knew when he was defeated. “My terms are that I’m not hindered in the slightest from taking Rhys back home to engage or not engage in adult activities. I’m allowed to stay out