Possessed hearts - стр. 27

"Is that how much I need this exhibition? I can break the contract at any time, especially since no action from the performer has yet begun," I pondered. – He needs my work. He loves aesthetics. What aesthetics did he find in that photograph? He'll come for it… I should have just sent all the files by courier! I don't need this meeting. What the hell am I going to do, pretend to be indifferent to his presence again? He's ruined my whole life. Shit, Maria, you're acting like a white bunny trying to hide from a sly fox. What's wrong with you? Have you gone soft? Are you spoilt? It's just another business meeting and you'll be as calm as Everest. You'll chat about nothing…"

– Miss!

The driver's loud voice took me by surprise.

– Are we there? – I asked tiredly, opening my bag and looking for cash.

– Yes. Your hotel, as requested. The Laslett.

I glanced at the taximeter and paid silently, leaving a good tip, which caused the cabbie to change the scowl on his face into a friendly, barely perceptible grin. Grabbing my cardigan, I got out of the car, but suddenly, against my better judgement, I knocked on the window of the taxi that hadn't left yet. The driver rolled down the window. I leaned forward.

– What time do the nearest nightclubs open?

My question caused the cabbie's face to flush with displeasure.

– The nearest one opens at eleven. But it's rubbish, miss, even though it's close to such an expensive hotel.

– Thank you. What's your name, nice man?

– Erm, Harvey.

– Here, Harvey. – I took out another of my big wallets – a twenty, the first one I could find. – Buy yourself some tea.

– Miss, have you already…

– Take it. That's for tea. You can spend that money on something else," I said insistently, and handed the taxi driver the note.

– Erm… Much obliged, Miss. Have a nice evening! – Harvey took the twenty and smiled.

– You too.

I waved him off and headed for the hotel.

In fact, I knew what time nightclubs opened without Harvey. My favourite club in London was near my hotel. That was the reason I always stayed here – to bring another victim with me. Use it. Throw it away. To forget. Forget the real thing. At least for a couple of hours.

Of all the people who come to the club, I always pick the prettiest. By human standards. When it comes to female visitors, no one compares to me, and I rule the ball. I just walk up to my victim and say, "Hi. "I'm bored. Would you like to walk with me to my hotel?" Works like a charm. It works most of the time, but sometimes I like to act out a whole story, a tragicomedy, for fun. But not tonight. I don't have time for that. All I want is to get through the next night without thinking about Brandon.

We're going to the hotel. Me and Adam. Adam is a young vet, I think he said he was 26. His eyes shine with admiration for my beauty. My short black dress proves to be a wonderful lure. Tall, slim, handsome, dark-haired Adam. Loves dogs. Excellent quality. Even though I don't like dogs. Or cats. I'm indifferent to animals in general.

– Do you like being a vet? Sewing on tails and whiskers, putting the sick and old to sleep, sewing up wounds? – I asked, looking into my victim's face.

My heels distinctly ticking off my every step. In five minutes, we'll be in my hotel room.