Page 74 of The Vampire’s Prey

Her sobbing increased. "He kicked me out! Apparently, this relationship just isn't working."

Shushing her gently, I bring her back into my arms. It's a good thing he's mortal. If he were a vampire, there would be a duel at sunset.

"Where are you staying now?"

"Fairfield Inn."

"She's been there for three days now!" I look up, shocked, at Evangeline's words. She sits back down next to Marion with a bowl of ice cream and a big spoon.

"Sorry sweetie. All we have is vanilla."

"Is okay. I’ll eat it anyway.” Marion grabs the bowl and starts digging in.

"Three days?" I finally find my voice. "You've been homeless for three days, and you didn't tell me?"

She looks up at me, guilt written all over her face. "You were sad because of Evie. I didn't want to make it worse."

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I get up from the couch and pace. Great. I have two women I have to deal with now instead of one. When it rains it pours, I guess. Sighing, I look back down at her, knowing I can't stay mad.

"Look Marion. You have to tell me these things. I'm not your daddy, but I sure as hell will wear your ass out and give you corner time if you keep something like that from me again."

Her eyes widen, and she nods her head furiously. "I'm sorry, Uncle Adrian. I won't do that again."

"Good girl. Now then, Aunt Evie and I have some matters to attend to tonight. Are you okay here by yourself?"

She holds up Evangeline's bunny and her bowl of ice cream and nods. "Can I stay up and watch whatever?"

My lips purse as I think about her request. I guess it wouldn't be a bad thing to indulge her tonight. "Very well but don't complain if you are sleepy and cranky at work tomorrow. I want you and Evangeline to get all your stuff and move in for a bit. We will figure out where you can go later. For now, you're living with us."

"Really?" She gingerly puts down the bunny and ice cream and hurls herself into my arms.

Holding her tightly for a moment, I kiss the crown of her head before pushing her back to the couch. "Really, really. Now then, it's time to go Evangeline."

"Ooh. Are you going to spank her butt!"

"Marion!" Evangeline exclaims, her face beet red. "That is not appropriate!"

"Yup. Gonna get your butt whooped."

"Marion.” I lower my voice, letting her know that she is pushing it too far. "Unless you want a whooping of your own, you will stop this at once. I know you're out of sorts, but you know the rules in my house. I expect you to still obey them. As Uncle, I will discipline you as I see fit."

"Yes sir," she whispers, clutching the ice cream to her like I'm going to take it away.

Smiling, I hold out my hand to Evangeline who's still blushing from scalp to collarbone. I pull her close and nibble the bottom of her lobe before kissing her cheek. "You look ravishing my dear."

She looks down at her simple white dress and frowns. "I feel like I've worn prettier than this before. But I guess, thank you?"

Reaching around, I give her a playful swat, eliciting a round of giggles from Marion. "I can compliment my woman, can't I?" I growl.

She shivers and nods, her eyes already starting to gloss over.

"Besides," I whisper, I'm more interested in what you have on underneath.

"But I don't have anything on," she whispers back. "That's how you told me to be."

"Exactly." I waggle my eyebrows at her and lead her out of the house and to the car.

The car ride goes on in silence, but the static buzz of Evangeline’s nerves grows bigger as we get closer to the club.