“It turned out better than I expected,” she admitted.
“Don't tell me you enjoyed Lord Adrogans’ company.” One of his brows raised in confusion, nearly rebuke.
“I was indeed pretty comfortable in his presence. We had quite a delightful conversation,” she proudly stated.
She liked when Dante was proved wrong and this was exactly a moment like this. Especially since she was completely sincere – she wouldn't say the company of Lord Adrogans was bothering her or caused her any negativity at all. His desire for knowledge of magic was inspiring and deserved respect. He was polite and genial, however it might be just his upbringing. She wasn't sure if he would talk with her if she wasn't a duchess or a guest from far away magic lands, but she wasn't really thinking about itmuch. He was confident and had pride for sure, but she saw only a young man who wanted her recognition and deference. In truth, it felt exciting and heartwarming to know he wanted her attention. It brought her decent elation, even if it was counterfeit.
Dante prudently eyed her from head to toe.
“Really?” The only word that left his lips as he peered at Violette. His fingers touched his temple as he adjusted his jaw between his forefinger and his thumb.
She nodded affirmatively. “I enjoyed his company actually. He is not as selfish and bad as you described.”
“That rich snob?”
“He is not a snob,” she chided.
“You talked with him for a few hours and think you know him already?”
“No, but for this short time he made himself more likable in my eyes than you for more than a week.”
“It's because I didn't try to,” he smirked. “If I wanted to charm you – I'd do it without much effort.”
She chuckled, rolling her eyes.
“Think I couldn't enchant you?” The confidence beamed in his voice, even if his smile loosened.
“That’s exactly what I'm thinking.” The corners of her mouth lifted in a vicious smirk. “You might have a pretty face but it's not enough to charm. Not with your character.”
“Oh. You're saying I have a pretty face, it's enough for me to make an assumption I'm already half the way.”
“I saidmight. I didn't see all of your face,” she drawled slyly.
“We both know you still find me attractive.”
“I do not,” she carelessly said with a winsome smile.
“We both know that's a lie,” Dante stretched, “To be precise, a second lie for one evening. You are gaining boldness, Little Witch.”
“Did someone ever tell you how unbearable you are?” she snickered.
“Yes, there was one witch. What was her name? It started with a V letter – Va…Vi…Something related to the color.” Spreading his palms to the sides, his mouth twitched upwards.
The joyful laughter left Violette's throat. She might have wanted to say something else but before the words escaped past her lips the carriage stopped and made her nearly fall down.
The question quickly fled off her mouth, “Why did we stop?”
Dante's face turned dismayed in a snap. “I'll check. Don't leave the carriage.”
A few moments in silence and he was back. Violette’s chest clenched, she had a presentiment ofsomething bad coming and Dante's look only confirmed it.
His eyes were cold, voice sounded uptight, “The coachman is lured. We should get out immediately.”
Violette's lashes batted as Dante opened the door of the carriage and reached his hand to her.
She wondered at how bizarre it was. Why would vampires stop them and what did they want?
As they were moving away from the carriage in the forest she blurted out, “Who do you think it is?”
