The Raven (The Florentine #1)(112)

When she entered the Mercedes, she found William in the backseat.

“Good evening.” He greeted her with a passionate kiss.

She kissed him back earnestly, for she’d missed him.

“I like this.” His fingers descended to where the dress began at her backside.

“You requested it.”

“I may have requested it, but only you could wear it.” He grasped her wrist, moving her bracelet aside so his lips could meet her skin. “You’re stunning.”

Marco pulled away from the curb and they began driving.

“You won’t need this tonight.” William undid the scarf that covered her neck.

Slowly and sensuously, he slid the silk across her skin, allowing the end to trail across her breast.

Raven stopped breathing for a moment.

“Why not?”

“We won’t be in public this evening.” He touched her neck with a single finger. “But I need you to close your eyes.”

“Why?” Raven looked out the window in alarm. “Are you taking me back underground?”

“No. Trust me.”

Raven didn’t trust him. Not completely.

But she swallowed her doubts and closed her eyes.

She could hear the sound of other cars and Vespas as they passed. She could feel the movement of the car, the acceleration and deceleration. There were several stops and several turns.

She had no idea where they were going.

All this time, William’s thumb stroked the back of her hand.

Suddenly the car came to a stop.

“We’re here.”

Raven opened her eyes and saw they were in an alley. She didn’t recognize the buildings on either side.

Marco opened her door and helped her out, reaching inside to pick up her cane.

“Thank you.” She took it from him and walked around the back of the car to where William was waiting.

“That will be all, Marco. I’ll ring you when it’s time to return.”

Marco nodded and returned to the driver’s seat.

William stood in front of a rusty metal door. He pressed a stone in the wall to its left and a security panel emerged. He entered a long series of numbers and Raven heard a loud click.

William opened the door, allowing her to step inside.

“What’s this?” she asked, her eyes peering into the dark space.

“This is Teatro.”

Chapter Forty-six

“It doesn’t look like a theater.” Raven strained to make out the features of the room.

Behind her, William switched on the lights.

The lights were dim, but they illuminated a long bar that ran along one side, what looked like a stage that stood in front of a dance floor, and a series of couches and tables and chairs on the other two walls.

“It looks like a club.” Raven gave William a curious look.

“It is.”

“Where is everyone?”

“It’s closed this evening for a private engagement.”

He gestured to one of the velvet couches and Raven sat down.

William went to the corner, where the dj booth was located. Soon music filled the room.

Raven recognized it as Madeleine Peyroux.

“I thought you didn’t listen to modern music,” she called.

“I’ve been persuaded to expand my universe.” He smiled as he approached her. “Can I offer you a drink?”

Raven looked toward the bar. “Do you have human drinks here?”

“This is a club for vampyres and humans.”

Raven found herself disquieted by the revelation.

“I’d like red wine, please.”

William bowed and withdrew to the bar.

Raven took the opportunity to examine the large space more closely. There were flat-screen televisions on the wall, all of which were switched off. There were a few doors that led from the central room to places unknown.

It was, perhaps, a club like any other dance club. Except it catered to vampyres.

William approached with a bottle of wine and two glasses balanced on a tray. He poured a glass for her and one for himself.

“Going human tonight?” she asked as he handed her a glass.

“I enjoy red wine.”

He settled next to her on the sofa and clinked their glasses together.

Raven tasted the wine. It was excellent.

“Do you spend a lot of time here?”

“Never.” William sipped his wine pointedly.

“Why not?”

“Decadence bores me.”

“Why? What happens here?”

William swirled the contents of his glass, his face studiously blank.

“Nothing of importance.”

Raven’s eyebrows knitted together. “It’s a simple question; not a state secret.”

His eyes flickered to hers.

“Secrecy is the currency that keeps me alive.”

“Aren’t you tired of keeping secrets?”

He placed his glass on the table in front of them, but didn’t respond.

“I was under the impression that your secrecy would relax once we went to bed.” Her green eyes held a warning.

William tried to hide his surprise at her rising anger but was unsuccessful.

“I’m not used to confiding in someone. I will concede that you should have answers to some of your questions, within reason.” He relaxed in his seat, lifting his arm to rest across the back of the sofa. “I enjoy your company, Raven. I hope you enjoy mine.”