– 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 Václav 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 café, 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.

I was woozy to the core. Why the hell had I flown here? Hadn't seen my parents, my brothers and sisters? Did I want to meet my nephew? Finally get to spend some time with Misha? What am I doing here? Sitting in this stupid cafe, hiding like a rat. From who? Who is the person I'm hiding from like a lowlife?

It's me.

I'm the one sitting here amongst the clamouring, foul-smelling, death-smelling people. This is me sitting here in my short holiday dress. This is me all alone. Without a phone. Without common sense. Me and my thoughts.