I walked robotically, one foot in front of the other, staring straight ahead. My mind, though, raced, trying to come up with a deflection, a way to avoid having to give the proof that Nikki had mentioned. Being a blood donor to a vampire was at the bottom of my list of things to do tonight. Dying was right above that.
“Take ease, Matthew. We are here to enjoy the evening. Remember that this is a social place. Rigid pace and a stony face will make people suspicious.
I took a breath and relaxed my face and gait. I couldn’t will away the churning stomach, but she was right. If I acted suspiciously, then they would demand such proof.
I turned my head and whispered up into her ear. “If I’m a boytoy, then we shouldn’t be so proper in public.”
I wrapped my arm around her hip and kissed her on the neck. My lips met cold flesh, which did nothing to settle my stomach, but I was prepared for it. Vampires were cold-blooded, in more ways than one.
“Spank me and waggle your finger at me. I’ve been a bad boy,” I whispered so low that only she could hear it.
She stopped, turned to me, swatted my rear with a gloved hand, and waggled her finger in face. “Matthew, do not be so forward. Only when I give you permission.”
“I’m sorry,” I said, frowning down at her feet, sufficiently abashed at being scolded.
She lifted my chin with two fingers. “Now, now, I can hardly stay mad at you for your adoration of me. Be good and I shall give you a reward.”
I put on a child-like smile and nodded.
She leaned in to kiss me on the mouth. “Very good, Matthew. They shall certainly underestimate you if all of your attention is perceived to be amorous.”
I could live with underestimated. It was a big part of how I had managed to stay alive so long.