Page 35 of Sold to the Dark Vampire Prince

Alex’s stomach dropped when he saw Luciano Cavalieri standing behind the white leather sofas in the conference seating area, staring out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the sector below them.

“Father, I can explain.”

“Can you?” The king’s voice was dangerously low. “There are rumors flying all over the city that you bought out half the shops in town having gifts delivered to the family of this sanguine whore.”

“It was some food. Heating oil. That’s all.”

Judas slapped the tabloid on the desk between them. Alex remained silent.

“So, you aren’t denying it?”

“Her family is starving.”

“And how is that possibly relevant? People starve all the time. It’s hardly your concern. I thought I made it clear how important your public image is right now.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause embarrassment for our family or do anything that would impact the upcoming Christmas festivities.”

His father exhaled heavily. “You are not to see this girl again.”

Alex felt his hands balling into fists. “Her sister needs insulin.”

It was a mistake, and he knew it. And yet, he couldn’t just walk away, knowing Dani would be in the same terrible position in just a few months’ time.

“We’re prepared to ensure that the family receives a steady supply of whatever medications they need,” Cavalieri said from over by the window.

Alex flicked a glance in Dante’s direction, saw his brother’s jaw tighten. “And the production shortages?” He didn’t quite manage to keep the condescension from his tone.

Cavalieri waved a genial hand. “I know what you think of me, Alex, but I’m not a monster. I can admire what this girl wanted to do for her sister. Going to that auction house took grit.”

Alex nodded. “Thank you.”

“But at the same time, I’m also a father. I don’t want to see my daughter humiliated in the tabloids. We all know they aren’t going to want to write about fairytale weddings for long when they could be publishing pictures of your sanguine whore.”

“Nothing happened. I fed from her. That’s all.”

“Well then.” His father rose. “It seems we are all in agreement. Alex and Lara will make the joint announcement, and we’ll put this misunderstanding behind us.”

His stomach churned. “Joint announcement?”

“The two of you will be starting a foundation together. It will benefit impoverished children who lack access to medicine. The press release will let the public know that this girl and her family were the first beneficiaries, but that the press got wind of what we were doing before an official announcement could be made, hence the pictures of the food and gifts.”

“And what of the pictures from the auction house?”

His father’s voice turned steely. “The people responsible are being dealt with.”

Alex nodded numbly. This move on his father’s part would effectively announce his engagement to Lara as surely as any magical Christmas proposal ever could. But what choice did he have except to go along with it? If he refused, Dani and her sisters would be dealt with¸ too.

“Thank you, sire.”

No sooner had he stepped out into the hall than Dante rounded on him.

“I can’t believe you.” His brother paced the corridor, clearly agitated. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done, the danger you’ve put this girl in? How could you do something so fucking selfish?”

“Do we have to do this right now?” he mumbled. “My head is killing me.”

“Yes, and this is all about you.” His brother shook his head in disgust. “I thought you were better than this.”

“Dante,” he started.