Page 83 of Bleed

“And who’s this?”

I don’t have a chance to answer before my little mortal steps forward confidently, extending a hand.

“Bex Hamilton. Elliott’s source.”

Valentina ignores the offered handshake entirely. “Oh, of course you are,” she gushes, sweeping her into the same effortless half-hug she attempted on me.

Unlike me, Beatrix returns it. She even laughs, seemingly delighted by the warm reception. Then Valentina draws back just enough to study her, a slow smile spreading across her face before she glances my way again.

“This one’s simply stunning, Eli.”

I dip my chin. “She is.”

The words leave my mouth without a second thought, and Beatrix’s eyes snap to mine, her lips parting ever so slightly. I hold her gaze, sensing something passing between us.

I’m not sure why she seems surprised. I merely answered the question truthfully.

“Do you need a drink?” Valentina interrupts.

“Definitely,” Beatrix replies, positively beaming.

Valentina hooks her by the arm, pulling her toward the counter while signaling the server.

I hang back to observe.

Physically, the two women couldn’t be more different. Valentina is tall and poised, every movement polished through decades of public appearances. Beatrix is nearly a foot shorter, all restless energy and effortless charm. Yet they both navigate the room with the same easy confidence. When they smile, people smile back.

Social interaction has always required conscious effort on my part, but for them, it appears instinctive.

Even more interesting is the way Beatrix responds to Valentina. She regards her with open admiration, smiling at nearly everything she says. The fascination is… difficult to miss.

She’s spent weeks isolated in my company. Watching her with Valentina, it occurs to me that she may prefer the company of someone more like herself.

By the time they return from the bar with fresh drinks, the solution seems obvious.

“Join us for dinner?” I ask Valentina.

Both women blink, seemingly caught off guard.

“I’m not at your table,” Valentina laughs. “Though I’m sure they’ll rearrange things if tonight’s guest of honor asks nicely.”

I nod once, certain they will.

She turns to Beatrix, arching a dark brow. “If that’s alright with you?”

“Of course,” she replies enthusiastically, batting her lashes. “I’d love to get to know you better.”

Chapter

Nineteen

BEX

Valentina Navarro is, hands down, the prettiest person I’ve ever seen up close. I don’t mean to stare, but it’s hard not to– she’s one of those people your eyes keep drifting back toward whether you want them to or not.

Her skin is smooth and golden, so flawless it almost looks airbrushed. Her eyes are this otherworldly shade of hazel, framed by thick, dark lashes that somehow make them look even bigger. Glossy brunette waves tumble over her shoulders like an old Hollywood starlet, and the rest of her is just as exquisite– long legs, a tiny waist, perfect tits and ass.

It’s honestly a little rude.