Hupotasso (Vampire Bachelor Games #2)

40

40

I scowl at Viper across the table when I catch his eye.

When he said guests I never in my wildest imagination thought one of them would be the woman sitting opposite him. But she’s been here two weeks now, as has the rest of his party, and none of them show signs of moving on.

Despite the strangeness of the situation he seems very happy with the arrangement, as does Angie, which surprises me no end. But then, why should I be surprised at anything she does? She’s shown herself to be so duplicitous I can’t trust a word out of her mouth.

Flicking my eyes to the end of the table I see mother’s lips tighten into a firm line, and Jag studying my wife over his glass.

Wolf’s out tonight, and the table is woefully dull without him, as Viper’s guests regale each other with stories of excess and largess and hold the vacuous conversations that only the lesser sons and daughters of minor nobles might.

But there’s one guest in particular who doesn’t participate in these conversations.

When I’d first seen her arrive I’d pulled Viper aside and asked what game he was playing.

“We formed an interest in one another during the family visits on The Games,” he’d shrugged. “Tatyana and I kept in contact. We both thought you’d choose Giselle, and we’d all be one big happy family. She reached out after her sister’s unfortunate demise and we agreed that after the dust had settled we’d catch up. When Angie had completed her tour Tatyana and I decided it would be OK to spend some time together. I thought it would liven things up and make for an interesting mix to invite some of my other friends along too. I did ask you, Brother.”

“Yes, but you deliberately neglected to say who this particular guest was. This is uncomfortable.”

“For you? Or your wife?” he’d smirked. “I understand Tatyana looks very much like her dearly departed sister — the genes are strong in that family. But never fear, Angie is perfectly happy with the company, even if you’re still second-guessing your choice.”

I’d left the conversation there, sorely tempted to smack him in the mouth, but knowing this was not the way with Viper. I don’t want to encourage his attachment, so the best thing is to ignore it and let it fizzle out. They all do, usually within a matter of weeks. Although if he thinks it annoys me he’ll keep her longer.

“What are your plans for next week?” I ask now, hoping he says he and his friends will be leaving for a long trip back to the Russian’s homeland, and perhaps an extended stay.

“My plans,” Viper shrugs, “are fluid. Tatyana is enjoying exploring the castle and getting to know the family, and everyone else is having a jolly old time. So we’ll stay put a while longer.”

He flicks a quick look at Angie, and she pales.

I raise a quizzical eyebrow at her, but she avoids my gaze. Apart from each evening at the table we spend no time at all together now.I haven’t visited her bed since the night Sophie gave birth to Spider’s son. Not since the night I’d told Angie I loathed her.

The night she’d replied that she hated me.

There’s been something in her eyes ever since. Something deep, something I can’t quite fathom, and it’s dampened my ardour and caused me more than a few sleepless days.

I’ve never forced a woman, never had to, and I don’t intend to start now. I know I need to have sex with her to get her pregnant, but right now I tell myself I have too much on my mind, too many responsibilities and plans. I’m juggling too many balls in the air to take the time to put my balls to use.

Deep down, I know I’m lying to myself.

I just can’t face those eyes.