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“No, I’m a realist.” She met his gaze squarely. She didn’t know what was happening between them. Probably nothing. Once they’d tracked down the magic and destroyed it, there was every likelihood Valen would return to New York City and forget her name. But just in case this was more than a casual flirtation, it seemed best to be honest. “I’ve met demons who made my heart flutter. And one who was convinced I was his mate.”
His jaw hardened, as if she’d said something that annoyed him. “But?”
“But as soon as the relationship shifts from casual to serious, the male develops an expectation that I will make him the center of my world.”
“Isn’t that what most people desire?”
“Probably.” Peri heaved a sigh. “When I say the words out loud they make me sound like a sour recluse who is too demanding to be satisfied with any male. That isn’t true. I’ve been on several dates where I had a lot of fun. And I would have been happy to continue seeing the guy, as long as it was on a casual basis. I’m just not interested in a serious relationship. They make me feel…smothered. Being in love with a partner you can respect and enjoy spending time with is wonderful. But I’m not a half-ofa-whole sort of woman. I’m whole all by myself.”
He tapped the tip of his forefinger on the leather seat, as if he was analyzing her words. Or perhaps he was trying to decide if she was playing hard to get. He wouldn’t be the first male to assume her lack of interest was some sort of game.
“You need your independence,” he said at last, something that might have been satisfaction in his voice.
“Yes. I want to be with my friends and concentrate on developing my powers.” She shrugged. “Or just have some me-time. Other women adore being the entire focus of their lover’s attention and that’s great. I’m too selfish to be anyone’s mate.”
“I would suggest you haven’t met the right male, but I have a feeling I would wake up with a rash and a fear of butterflies,” he murmured.
She narrowed her eyes. “You’re not wrong.”
“You intrigue me, Peri Sanguis.”
“I don’t mean to.”
A mysterious smile curved his mouth, the tips of his fangs peeking between his lips.
“I know.”
Chapter 20
Valen silently studied Peri’s defiant expression, wondering if she was attempting to squash his growing obsession with her. If so, she was bound to be disappointed. He wasn’t like many of his fellow vampires. He’d never been plagued with a desire to discover a mate who would depend on him for her happiness. Like Peri, he thoroughly enjoyed his independence and preferred a partner who had the strength to stand on their own.
Just like Peri…
Abruptly realizing they’d nearly reached their destination, he rapped on the dividing window. “Stop here,” he commanded.
The limo slid to a halt next to the curb and Valen was swiftly out of the vehicle to scan their surroundings.
The quiet cobblestone street was lined with Creole-style townhouses that were shrouded in darkness. It was still too early for humans to be stirring and most demons would be seeking their lairs. A perfect time for a little breaking and entering.
Waiting for Peri to join him, he gestured for the driver to wait for them there and headed around the corner to stand in front of a three-story brick building with a second-floor terrace framed with wrought-iron railings and fluted columns.
“This is the place,” he announced.
Peri frowned, studying the heavy green shutters that were closed over the windows and the sturdy padlock on the front door.
“You’re sure?”
Valen pulled out his phone and checked the website he’d searched for earlier.
“This is the address listed for the Masque Salon.”
“They have it boarded up as if they’re expecting a hurricane.”
He sent her a wry glance. “Or maybe they feared a mage with anger issues was headed their way.”
The air prickled with her ready temper. “Excuse me? If anyone here has anger issues, it’s not me.”
With a low chuckle, he walked down the sidewalk. “Let’s go through the back.”
