Love at Stake (13 page)

Chapter Eleven

“Excuse me, Abbey. Do you have a minute?”

Abbey glanced up to see Melissa hovering in her doorway of her office. “Please,” she said, surprised. “Come in.”

The redhead moved gracefully to the chair opposite Abbey and sank into it. “Thank you for seeing me.”

“Anytime,” Abbey replied. “It’s not you I have any problems with.” She switched off her computer screen and gave Melissa her full attention. “Are you here to sign up?”

The vampire shook her head. “Lucian is holding to his timeline. Another week or so and I’m sure I’ll be back.”

“All right.” Abbey folded her hands on the desk. “Then what can I help you with?”

“He’s going out with that were-tiger again. It’s the fourth time this week.”

Familiar pain stabbed through her but she refused to allow her hurt to show. “I fail to see what that has to do with me.”

Melissa shook her head in frustration. “Because it’s you he should be with.”

“You barely know me,” she said. “You’ve made a mistake. Lucian and I didn’t suit. He made that more than clear and I’ve moved on.”

“To a werewolf.” Her lip curled in distaste.

“How’d you hear about that?”

Melissa gestured toward the lobby. “The woman manning the desk out front is gossipy.”

“Remind me to kill Chloe,” she muttered.

“Look.” Melissa leaned forward. “I don’t mean to meddle where I’m not wanted. You don’t know me and my opinion means nothing to you, but I’m telling you, my sire is not happy with the woman he’s been dating. He hasn’t smiled since you parted ways.”

“Too bad,” Abbey said without sympathy. “He’s the one who ended our affair.”

“Give him another chance.”

She snorted at the words. “He doesn’t want one, trust me.”

“Lucian doesn’t know what he wants. That’s why I have to do this for him.”

Abbey could understand wanting to look after a parent, really she did. She’d been ready to do battle for her mother when she’d started dating her badger. But she also knew Melissa looked at Lucian through rose-colored glasses.

“Lucian and I only had a forty-seven percent rating,” she said. “I’m not the one who belongs with him.”

“Then perhaps my sire is right and your rating system needs adjustment.”

She shook her head. “I’m dating someone. I’m sorry if Lucian’s love life isn’t shaking out the way you want, but it doesn’t have anything to do with me.”

“Ah, yes. The werewolf. Tell me, does he excite you as Lucian did?”

“He’s a decent man. Honest, has a sense of humor, and he’s serious about me.”

The other woman’s eyes lit in triumph. “That did not answer my question.”

Because the answer was not something Abbey wanted to admit. She’d seen Christian almost every day this week and the man was fantastic.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t sure he was fantastic for her. They had fun together, it was true, but when he kissed her, Lucian was never far from her mind.

“He’s what I need right now,” she said instead. “I’m very happy with him.”

Melissa sighed. “You mortals are so stubborn.”

“Says the daughter of Lucian Redgrave.”

“Fair point.”

Abbey smiled. She liked Melissa, she really did. Her heart was in the right place, if misguided. If she ever managed to join Fated Match, Abbey would put the extra effort into finding her someone amazing.

“If you’re not going to listen to me about Lucian, then maybe you can help me with something else.”

“Sure,” Abbey said.

“I know I’m not an official member yet, but I heard you were having a mixer tonight and I want an invite.”

Abbey cocked her head to the side. “Lucian doesn’t want you having anything to do with our company.”

“I’m not asking to be matched up. I just want to see what sort of prospects are out there. Don’t you sometimes let prospective clients attend?”

They did if the client was someone of Melissa’s stature. Besides, Abbey didn’t see the harm. Lucian was shacked up with his were-tiger so he wouldn’t be putting in an appearance. If Melissa was eager to explore what their agency had to offer, it could only end well for Fated Match.

“All right,” she agreed, opening her desk drawer. “It’s a cocktail mixer in SoHo. The address is on the back.” She held out a printed invitation.

Melissa snatched it from her hand eagerly. “Fantastic.”

“We don’t get many vampires,” she said. “A few more have been signing up because of Lucian’s interest, but if you’re looking to meet someone of your own kind, you might be out of luck.”

Melissa waved away the concern. “I deal enough with my own kind through Lucian’s duties. I’d far rather meet someone else.” Her gaze locked with Abbey’s. “Perhaps a tasty werewolf.”

“Well, I’m bringing Christian so perhaps he can make a suggestion or two.”

“Thanks.” She rose from her chair, tucking the invitation into her bag. “I’ve got to run but I appreciate your bending the rules for me.”

“My pleasure,” Abbey said, escorting her to the door. “For what it’s worth, I really do hope Lucian allows you to join.”

Melissa’s smile dimmed somewhat but she inclined her head. “I’ll see you tonight.”

Abbey closed the door behind her before heading back to work. Except when she powered her screen back on, she barely saw the words before her.

Was Lucian regretting his decision to let her go or was it only wishful thinking? Despite her best efforts to put the bastard from her mind, he’d never been far from her thoughts. Even when she was enjoying Christian’s company, the back of her mind compared the two men. Lucian had none of Christian’s free spirit, but the wolf didn’t make her burn the way her lover had. The two men were night and day.

And she’d always been a nighttime kind of girl.

…

“Honey, how long do we need to stay at this thing?”

Abbey’s eyes narrowed. “I told you this was a work event. I can’t just skip out.”

Christian ran a hand through his hair as they walked toward the bar. “I know, I know. This is important to you.” His tone clearly conveyed he couldn’t understand why.

“My job is important to me.”

“Right.”

Abbey brushed off her annoyance, determined not to let him ruin her evening. They had started off so great all those days ago in the bar, but the more she saw Christian, the more she realized they had some fundamental differences their rating didn’t take into account.

He couldn’t understand her desire to be human. In his mind, there was no doubt that supernaturals were superior and it pissed her off. She knew he looked down on her work as well. His food was a work of art. His services were in demand all over the city. She just got people laid. Under any other circumstances, she wondered if they would have even survived the string of dates they’d enjoyed.

But the rating kept Christian coming back, and her heartbreak kept her accepting his invitations.

“You didn’t have to come with me tonight if you’re busy,” she said.

“No, no. I wanted to see you. Besides, I don’t want someone stealing you away, now do I?” He tossed her a boyish grin and she found herself smiling in response.

“How could that be possible?” she teased.

“Exactly.” He wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her into his arms. “Give me a reward and I promise to be good.”

“Typically rewards come after the good behavior.”

“Call it a bribe, then.” He lowered his head and Abbey lifted her face to his.

Her lashes fluttered shut as his lips touched hers. They might have their differences, but man, the guy knew how to kiss.

Abbey rose to her tiptoes and twined her arms around his neck. The heat from his skin chased away the coolness of the evening. His tongue invaded her mouth as he deepened the kiss. Abbey bit back a moan. She knew he’d be happy to blow off the mixer and head back to his apartment, but it was a step she wasn’t ready for. Not yet, when her body still mourned Lucian.

With a last kiss, she stepped back. Her breath was a little ragged and there was no mistaking the heat in Christian’s eyes.

“Soon,” he whispered.

She let him take her hand and tug her toward the bar. There was no denying that Christian was one attractive wolf and if she let him go, there would be a string of women lined up for him. Maybe she should dive in. Quiet the voice in her head longing for Lucian and fall into bed with a man who wanted her.

Wants me as long as I’m willing to change who I am to be with him,
she thought. If they went the distance, she knew the question would come up.
Will you turn for me?

She bit her lip. She wasn’t morally opposed to the transformation. There were undeniable perks to being one of the supernatural. But she didn’t want to do it only because her lover wouldn’t have her any other way. She deserved a man who loved her, no matter what species she belonged to.

Bitterness welled up. Lucian had turned away from her because she was human, and she had little doubt Christian would do the same if push came to shove.

So where did that leave her?

The bar was already full when they arrived. She saw Vivian through the crowd, working on introductions. Chloe and Jessie passed around drinks and helped make suggestions to the singles in attendance. Like her coworkers, she’d memorized lists of rating statistics and knew which members would work best with others.

Shrugging out of her coat, she handed it to Christian. “Order me a drink?” she asked.

“Got it. Go do your thing, honey. Make magic happen.”

She kissed his cheek before pushing her way to Chloe.

“There you are,” the witch said in greeting. “We’re swamped tonight.”

“It’s the Redgrave phenomenon,” Abbey said. “Let’s match as many as we can before he decides to leave our little agency.”

“Cheers to that.” Chloe glanced over her shoulder and smiled. “Looks like someone brought arm candy. Did no one ever tell you it’s a bad idea to leave your belongings unattended?”

“Christian will be fine.”

Chloe chuckled with disbelief. “You left your tasty boyfriend in a room full of sexy singles.”

When put that way, it did seem a little suspect. Abbey searched her soul for a drop of jealousy but felt none. Here she was, debating going home with him, and she didn’t care if other women tried to pick him up tonight?

“Christian’s not a cheat,” she said as if her lack of worry was completely justified in a brand-new relationship.

Chloe agreed but Abbey wasn’t blind to the puzzlement on her friend’s face. “Look, there’s a group of valkyrie in the corner. Let’s start there.”

Abbey nodded, scanning the crowd for possible matches. Mixers like this were invaluable to Fated Match. It allowed species that normally avoided one another to meet and mingle. A spike in their match rates coupled with Lucian’s patronage would more than ensure their survival in the competitive dating world.

Abbey immersed herself in work. She smiled and flirted, charming the unsure singles around her. Whenever she saw anyone standing alone for too long she zoomed in, making the necessary introductions and pressing a drink into empty hands.

Christian even stepped up to help. There was no doubt the man had charm when he wanted to turn it on. He got nervous herbivore shifters to loosen up enough for Abbey to match them with predators they’d never really considered before. She patted herself on the back for a were-mouse and mountain lion pair she’d set up an hour ago. The couple hadn’t stopped talking and now they were huddled in the corner together, bent heads brushing.

“You’re good at this,” Christian said.

“So are you,” she replied, wrapping her arms around his waist. “Who knew you could be so dashing?”

“If you’re just getting the memo, then I’ve been playing this last week terribly wrong.”

His thumb brushed under her chin to tilt her head up. Abbey smiled as he kissed her, enjoying his touch. He really had outdone himself tonight and she appreciated his support. Maybe there was hope after all.

As his lips dragged across hers, a strange hush fell over the bar. Abbey jerked back, wondering what had just happened. When she realized who stood in the doorway, her heart constricted in her chest.

Lucian walked into the bar looking as if he owned the place. At his side was the beautiful were-tiger Abbey had heard so much about. The woman was striking with her orange-and-black hair. The short cocktail dress she wore showed off legs that wouldn’t end. Abbey fought the urge to tug on her yellow skirt. As spiffy as she felt, there was no way she, or any other woman in the bar, could compare.

Vivian stepped into the awkward silence, her professional mode firmly in place. “Welcome to the party. Grab a drink and come meet some of our other members.”

The siren gestured to the bartender and once again music pulsed through the bar. Chatting and laughter started back up to cover the brief pause. Lucian and his date joined the crowd with smooth precision. Only then did Abbey see the other figure in the doorway.

Melissa met her gaze and mouthed, “Sorry.”

Had the vamp set her up? Was her visit today a ploy to get Abbey and Lucian in the same place at the same time? If so, Abbey was buying a stake.

“Is that Lucian Redgrave?” Christian whispered. “I had no idea your company had such feathers in your cap.”

“Yeah,” she replied, her mouth dry. “He’s testing out our services this month.”

Lucian’s gaze flashed toward her and she was helpless to look away. The week without him had been torture. Even just seeing him across the crowded bar was like a balm on her heart.

All he had to do was look at her and her pulse raced, her body throbbed. She remembered the feeling of his lips on hers and Christian’s kiss faded from her memory. The lust in Lucian’s expression showed he wasn’t immune to her presence either.
At least that was something
, she thought.

“Hey.” Christian wrapped his arm around her and pulled her against his chest. “Stop making googly eyes at the vamp. I know you’ve got a thing for bloodsuckers but I promise, I’m far more fun.”

She watched anger light Lucian’s face and deliberately turned away from him. Spinning in Christian’s arms, she brushed a kiss against his lips.