But Brandon wasn't a doormat like the rest of the vampires. He didn't hide his passion for mortals from others. I do. He didn't. And that's what I admired about him. That openness. This insane disregard for others, their beliefs, their views. Our beliefs. I hope I'll be like that. One day.

– He is weirdo! – I said quietly, and then I stared at Markus's face again. – The woman he's in love with. Do you know her? Who is she?

– You won't believe this, but I have no idea. – Markus sighed heavily. For a moment his face became very serious. – I wish I knew…

– What the hell is going on with that bastard? – The mystery surrounding Brandon Grayson tugged at me like a Siren. Why would I want to know? What do I care?

Let it go, Maria. Let it go now.

– I'm not sure what I'm guessing, but I'm getting the idea that Brandon isn't in love with sex with mortals, but with his power over them," Markus suddenly changed the subject.

– Well, that sounds like the Brandon I know," I chuckled. – Still, I'd like to know which one of us was unlucky enough to be the object of his lust. No, wait… The object of his affection. Ha ha! That sounds so ridiculous, knowing we're talking about him!

I wanted it so badly. To the point of a mind spasm.

– He's not as bad as he seems," Markus said in a cool tone, as if defending his best friend's honour.

– I'm not saying he's bad. I'm saying it's hard to believe this amazing event. He's fallen in love! Ha! – I parried.

But I wasn't actually amused. I was sorry.

– Okay, let's leave the poor guy alone, okay? – Markus asked in a strained tone, turning his car sharply to the right. It was only now that I noticed that we were making our way through a dense line of cars, as if frozen in a traffic jam.

– Shit… Where do all these idiots go? – Markus cursed softly as he pulled up behind a large white SUV. – Stop honking, donkeys, it won't help!

But his words were said in vain: the other drivers, the mortals, honked as often and loudly as if they hoped to clear the traffic jam with their incredible inappropriate noise. Hoping that the traffic jam would dissipate on its own if they pressed the signal button every fraction of a second.

Idiots. The most appropriate word for such mortals.

– So are we going to the airport? – I asked only now.

– Yes, to Vaclav Havel," I replied, looking in the rear-view mirror as if searching for ways to escape from the chaos surrounding us.

– And what did you forget there? – I wondered.

– Not what, but who. Brandon.

I sighed unhappily. I did not, did not want to see that vampire! Ever!

– Are you bringing him to the castle? – I asked, hoping for a no.

– No. It's just that he's gone and left his iPad at the castle.

– Are you saying we're going to Vaclav Havel just because of that little thing?

– For him, losing his iPad is not nothing.

– Oh, yeah, I forgot. He's a famous philanthropist and businessman. – I let out a chuckle.

Brandon Grayson. Philanthropist. Hypocrite.

– Exactly. There he was! – Markus nodded towards the airport exit.

Damn it! Why did I waste all that time interrogating Markus? I should have jumped out of the car and run!

– You know what, I think I'm gonna make my way to the nearest shopping centre. I just remembered I forgot to bring my favourite perfume. – And without waiting for a reply or Markus' surprised remark, I hurriedly left the car and walked away along the narrow line between the rows of colourful cars.

To buy perfume. What an abominable reason. But I couldn't think of anything else. I had to escape, and I did.

– Pick you up? – I suddenly heard Markus' voice.

– Yes, I suppose so. I'll be at the Palladium," I replied. My heels clicked against the pavement. – You'll find me there.

– Great, I hope you won't get lost in the ocean of perfume bottles… Hi, it's good to see you again," I heard my brother-in-law's voice again.

– It's good to see you again. Thanks for coming. – It was Brandon Grayson's voice. It was beautiful. Low. Sexy.

Beyond my will, I turned around. My body betrayed me.

Brandon was standing outside Markus's car, leaning slightly against the window. A smile played on his lips. A charming one. Like himself. Black suit. Black leather gloves. Black sunglasses. Elegance in the flesh.

I stared at him without breathing.

Bastard. Hypocrite. I hated him.

Turning sharply, I continued on my way, desperately hoping he wouldn't notice my unspoken presence.

He didn't.

Quite quickly I reached the shopping centre and wrapped myself in the first perfume shop, bought a bottle of my favourite perfume, found a lonely table in a small but cosy cafe, ordered a cup of expensive coffee for the sake of appearances, and sank into my thoughts. It was a miracle I'd managed to bring my purse with my credit cards.