Her Vampire Addiction - Tabitha Black Page 0,62

talk to her. Be honest about how you feel and find out what she wants.”

I finger the phone burning a hole in my pocket, wondering how the hell I’m going to resist contacting her for long enough to give her space. “I can’t even message her?”

“I never said that. But if you do, keep it light. Don’t ask her where she is or what she’s doing. Wish her good night, a good morning, that kind of thing. But hey, that’s just my advice. Take it or leave it.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Am I really getting advice on how to handle a woman from someone who prefers men?”

Tiberius shrugs. “Love is love.”

As I make my way back over to my stool in the corner, his words echo in my mind. Love. Do I love Sabina? It’s far too soon for that…

Isn’t it?

Sabina

I wake up after a restless night feeling like I haven’t slept at all. Felix has jumped on my chest and is kneading me intently, purring like thunder. I scratch beneath his chin where he likes it, wincing when he shifts and his claw catches my nipple through the sheet.

“I’m surrounded by sadists,” I murmur drily.

Maximus didn’t come after me last night. I was sure he would. Not that I wanted him to; I was glad to get a little time to think. Unfortunately, all the thinking I did seems to have led nowhere, as I’m just as confused this morning as I was when I finally dozed off.

Maybe Zeke was right to warn me to stay away from Club Toxic. My life has been nothing but complicated since I went there. And it’s only been a damn week.

I need to meet up with Zeke. That’s one decision I have made. For one thing, I need to get him to stop messaging me, otherwise Maximus really might hurt him. And for another, he needs to know that that kind of behavior is not okay. Even if I’d never met my vampire gladiator, I’d tell Zeke to back the fuck off.

Reaching out, I pluck my phone from the bedside table. My heart sinks when I see the new message notification, but it’s from Maximus. How angry is he that I ran out on him last night? Holding my breath, I open it.

I’m sorry I freaked you out. I’ve been coming on so strong because I’m worried about you. Sweet dreams, pet.

I blink, stunned, scanning the words twice more to make sure I’m reading them right. I was expecting anger, not remorse. It’s a very pleasant surprise.

Felix, apparently irritated that I’m no longer paying any attention to him, jumps off me and slinks off, presumably to curl up in his favorite box. I often envy him his uncomplicated life. Sleep, eat, groom, poop, repeat. He doesn’t have to worry about crazy ex-boyfriends or BDSM clubs full of vampires.

Will I ever get used to that idea? I scramble out of bed and head to the kitchen for some coffee. While it’s brewing, I reflect on the way I ran out on Maximus last night. Maybe it was unfair of me. It’s no wonder he’s so protective after what he’s been through. Then again, I’m not his wife. Officially, I’m not even his submissive.

Truth be told, I have no idea what I am to him. A play partner? Something more? What do I want to be?

I don’t know. Maybe I should get out now, before I’m too attached. It’s not like we could realistically have any kind of future together, after all—at least, not one I can picture easily.

You’re already attached, a little voice tells me, and I realize I’m holding my phone, my finger hovering over the button to message him. But he’ll be asleep now; the sun is high in the sky. I put the phone back down, deciding to text him later.

By the time I’ve lounged around and drunk some coffee, showered and dressed, put on some makeup and had some toast, I’ve made up my mind: I need to confront Zeke as soon as possible. Not only do I want it over and done with, but then his messages will hopefully stop and there’ll be nothing left to antagonize Maximus, as that’s the only thing we really butt heads over at the moment. Also, it’s Sunday, and I’m hoping Zeke will be able to carve out some time for me this afternoon.

Taking a deep breath, I get my phone and send him a message asking whether he’s free to meet.