Page 169 of Nightshade

“Only while you search for my father.”

“You have my word.”

“And how do I know you won’t prolong the search, just to keep me here?”

“You don’t. And I am conniving enough to do just that. But at the very least, I would want you in the company of your father, who insisted that I find you, incidentally.” Lips curved to a smile, he winked. “I’m sure I’ll have his blessings.”

“For kidnapping me? I doubt it.”

“It’s all a matter of perception.” Still holding the coin from before, he rolled it over his knuckles. “This coin will offer you safe passage back to the earthly realm. Once your father is found.”

All at once, the coin became my sole focus, and I watched with pointed interest as he taunted me with it. “I thought the only way back was a fallen angel.”

“Fallen angels are untrustworthy, at best. Many offer to return human souls, only to steal them for themselves.” He held up the coin, twisting it in front of me. “This coin, though, comes with no risk of that. It offers safe passage back to your old life, as it was.”

“How?”

“The mechanics of how go beyond rules and laws. It’s what makes this coin, the opportunity, rare and hard to come by, Miss Ravenshaw. Certainly not one I’d offer up to just anyone.”

“So, what do you want in return? My soul?”

“We’ll start with a drink. This evening. You will join me in my office.”

I narrowed my eyes on him. “If you think you’re going to try to seduce me into staying, Mister Van Croix, you don’t know me, at all, I’m afraid.”

“If you think I have to try, I’m afraid you don’t know me, either, Miss Ravenshaw. My office. Eight-sharp.”

* * *

Night fell, as I paced my room, eyes on the clock. After all, what would happen if I didn’t show up? What would he do, send Anya after me?

I’d spent all afternoon desperately trying to remember the conversation that I’d had with Alicia at the party the night before, but whatever drug I’d been given had wiped out bits and pieces of the event, from the point I accepted that drink.

While conveniently leaving the most humiliating memories, of course.

At that point, it must’ve hit my system like a bullet, spreading its poison to every corner of my brain. I couldn’t remember what I’d done, how I’d gotten home, or how I’d gotten to bed. A thick, black cloud loomed inside my memories, and I hoped it’d clear before the end of the night. I hoped I’d remember whether, or not, she’d given me a name to pursue.

A knock at my door steeled my nerves, and I swung my attention in that direction. Trying to think of what excuse I could come up with, to avoid the meeting he’d demanded. It wasn’t a matter of my feelings toward Van Croix. If forced to confess it, the truth was, I found him incredibly attractive.

But I refused to be held captive against my will. And I would not be seduced by a man deranged enough to think I was his dead soulmate reincarnated.

“Miss Ravenshaw, may I come in?”

Although slightly relieved to hear Anya’s voice, I kept my guard up. She was, after all, loyal to the man. I swung the door open, and without invitation, she entered my room, as usual. “Look, if you’ve come here to tell me to let him seduce me, you might as well leave now.”

“Of course not, dear. On the contrary. I think you should stay far away from Master Van Croix.”

Knocked silly by her words, I double blinked. “Wait. What?”

“I’ve not known him to be smitten with someone before, and quite frankly, I find this all unsettling.”

“Unsettling?”

“His behaviors are not normal. They are erratic and unstable. Master Van Croix is a very austere man, and to see him smiling is just …. Well, it’s unnatural.”

Jesus. The guy really was the moody, broody type. “What made him smile?”

“He asked me what you’ve had for breakfast each morning while you’ve been here. And how you like your coffee.” Flailing her hands, she paced. “This isn’t right. He is not one to take such interest in a woman, and I’ll admit, I’m a little worried for you.”