“That was you?” Breanna said. “I pass it on the way to my lab(oratory)—room.”

That particular suite bordered the restricted area of The Grand and the wing open to the general public. The goddess chosen was not by accident, it detailed the purpose of the room. Other than drinking to excess and orgies.

“I’m glad it caught your eye,” Evelyn said.

There was a suggestive smile on Evelyn’s lips which persisted even as Cecil approached quietly and left the bill of fare on the table.

“You forgot to add a dick swinging between their legs.”

“What have you done so far?” Breanna said while trying to keep her cheeks from turning bright red. She’s positively scrumptious when she’s being herself.

“The statue of Artemis, tall and lithe goddess holding a bow pointed towards the sky.”

Those eyes appeared to bulge as those lips puckered. Breanna’s face was refreshingly emotive, and one of the reasons why she loved to form bonds with her prey. You rarely have an idea what our kind is truly thinking.

Male vampires must have tried to slip the woman a drop of blood or two. Others before her would have tried using their voice to nudge or outright control the Georgian.

That’s why Evelyn was speaking normally, and avoiding acting like a vampire. This was one of the few times that breathing and having a pulse gave her an edge.

“I’m the resident artist,” Evelyn said while motioning to Cecil that she wanted a menu brought over. “I paint, sculpt, and even work with bronze.”

“You?” Breanna took on a sharp breath once she realized her tone. “Sorry, I was expecting someone with muscles, and overalls.”

“You forgot to add a dick swinging between their legs.”

“You seem to be a regular?” Breanna asked after regaining a semblance of composure.

“Hmmm,” Evelyn said. “Three months now. How did you know?”

“You can’t dress like that and be a maid,” Breanna observed.

Evelyn smirked, enjoying the tiny tells that were giving her a clearer picture of who Breanna was. The notebook was work related, and she focused on it exclusively until Evelyn distracted her. Still, a part of Breanna was bored, yearning for something, but had no time to explore her interests.

The Georgian also had an eye for detail. Evelyn even suspected that Breanna already knew her name from passing conversations. I have to assume that blood or using my voice will have no effect.

“He’s a dark one…” the Georgian. “I’m game, miss?”

“Evelyn,” she replied. “Who do I have the pleasure of sharing a meal with?”

“Breanna,” the Georgian replied.

“Quite a fitting name,” Evelyn shot back before sitting on the opposing side of the circular booth.

Even the hint of a compliment made those cheeks flush with blood. I wonder if she’s aware of her sapphic inclinations.

That led to a further round of laughter to the point of bringing tears to their eyes. This gave Evelyn the opportunity to slip into the next part of her plan.

“Say,” Evelyn said after hiring her lower lip. “Have you eaten?”

On the table there were two bottles of that orange soft drink. The first was empty and the second was still mostly full, but humidity no longer clung to the surface.

“No,” the Georgian replied. “Weren’t you leaving?”

“That bartender gives me the heebie jeebies…” Evelyn said. “If I were with you, we could fend off the fellas and enjoy our meal.”

“Why must we suffer for our beauty?” Evelyn asked.

The Georgian huffed, as this was clearly a sore point for the lass. Evelyn had to be careful here, and was ready to pivot if this went nowhere.

“We both know the reason,” The Georgian replied.

Evelyn giggled, every sound rolling off her tongue as though it was a musical instrument. It proved to be infectious as the lass soon joined in.

When Evelyn began to make a M sound the other joined in.

“Men!” They said in unison.

She then angled her head to the side and cocked the opposing eyebrow for effect.

“Not quite understandable?” Evelyn asked. “If I offended you in—(any way.)”

Those big blue eyes increased in size exponentially. Evelyn knew it was not a slip of the tongue, but this was a wonderful way to throw the Georgian off.

“No,” the Georgian exclaimed. “I meant that I sympathize.”

Evelyn’s eyes came a glow while remaining locked on the Georgian’s eyes.

“Why must we suffer for our beauty?” Evelyn asked.

“Oui,” Evelyn replied after sending a puff of air to clear out a strand of stray hair. (Yes.) “I’m sorry, have I disturbed you?”

If there was one thing vampires excelled at, it was selling a lie. Evelyn also has the added advantage of being able to quicken her breathing and heart rate to match.

The Georgian looked down at her notebook and groaned. While focused on it at the exclusion of everything else, it seemed that she had little interest in it.

“It’s not—(thing.) quite understandable,” the Georgian replied.

Evelyn smiled as only she could. It was a smile that promised the world of only one surrendered to her entirely. It originated in life as a courtesan and she improved upon it through centuries and confidence.

The redhead eyes transitioned from what appeared to be a notebook and moved onto the dark haired beauty. The transition from surprise, annoyance, and settling on surprise was quick and honest. Whatever she was doing it was her world until I walked by.

“Everything okay?” the Georgian asked.

Evelyn took a moment to remove her broken shoe followed closely by the other. The carpeting is surprisingly plush.

“Oui,” Evelyn replied after sending a puff of air to clear out a strand of stray hair. (Yes.) “I’m sorry, have I disturbed you?”