The second floor of the Last Round bar was often empty, but Val settled down at the farthest table anyway. The melodic sounds of "I don't want to miss a thing" by Aerosmith came from the radio.
Footsteps were heard from the side of the bar.
- Val, is everything okay?
Nines stopped, looking at Valencia from the side.
- Yes, turning her head to the voice, Val answered and added, - almost.
- Almost?
Valencia stood up, folding her arms across her chest. Even a conversation with the Baron of Los Angeles could not distract her from her thoughts.
- It's okay. I came back from Carmilla's apartment. I know, I've been there a hundred times... But, today... Val didn't say anything, as if she was trying to find the right words. Nines came closer and took Valencia firmly by the shoulders.
"Did you find something?" Baby, what are you up to? - the man said softly, it's so unusual to hear his voice so surprised and to some extent confused. The perpetually frowning gaze of gray eyes looked at Valencia suspiciously, as if trying to solve a difficult riddle.
- Send me to London. An ambassador.
- what? It sounded like an objection, not a question. - No! It's too dangerous, especially now.
"Dangerous?" Val waved it off, mentally recalling the shit she went through three years ago. Nines understood and didn't say a word.
"We have to come to a conclusion, Nines. Interrogations of Camarilla spies will yield nothing. We need to act. I'll be able to solve something in London. If it doesn't work out with the general problem, then I'll deal with my own.
You can't leave Los Angeles for long. Especially since you have to meet Eric Cranford.
- Damn it! I hate it when you're right! Nines said fiercely, but without hatred.
"It happens sometimes," Val said ironically and jumped on the table. - I will return as soon as I achieve my goals. You know, Nines, I'm not the girl you saved from the Coven and werewolves anymore.
"I know," Nines replied, and he walked up to Val and carefully removed a lock of hair from her face. - But I haven't let you go anywhere yet. Tell me," these words sounded like an order and a plea at the same time.
"You know I have nothing to hide from you," Valencia said languidly. She reached for his lips, and he pulled her closer to him.