I fight an urge to make him feel better. It’s not like this is their fault—they didn’t cause it. But a truth too terrible to entertain comes to me anyway. This wouldn’t have happened if I hadn’t met Jo. But Jo is not to blame for her father’s actions. No one is. I can’t hold these vampire responsible for the actions of a few. They have been nothing but good to me. It’s not their fault I’m so weak and vulnerable.
I pull away and Jo lets me go. Raising on my tiptoes, I cup her face and kiss her, keeping my eyes on hers. Releasing her, I take one of her hands and turn to Beatrice. “Thank you for looking out for me. Again.” She nods, her face impassive again. I shift back to Jo. “Can we talk in private?”
“Of course, chérie. We will go up to my suite.” Jo looks at Louis, and he holds up a han
