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took it in his, bloodied and all. When he was back on his feet, he gave Mercutio a heartfelt smile.
    â€œMercutio, I owe you my life,” he said.
    â€œRomeo, I am your friend. You owe me nothing.” Mercutio placed a hand on Romeo’s shoulder and grinned. “Now come on. You have a half-breed to woo.”
    Romeo smiled and shook his head, then followed Mercutio down into the secret tunnel.

CHAPTER FIVE
    T he life had practically been squeezed out of Juliet’s hand when her mother finally let go. Lady Capulet had dragged her to the edge of the dance floor, where an older, impeccably dressed vampire floated at attention before her. As Juliet shook out her pink fingers, hoping to revive them, she became distracted by all the graceful couples who moved in choreographed unison to the music. But when she felt Lady Capulet nudge her forcefully in the shoulder, Juliet’s eyes shot back to the man who her mother obviously wanted her to meet.
    â€œI apologize for our tardiness, my lord,” Lady Capulet said with a dutiful curtsy. “Welcoming the prince took longer than expected.”
    â€œOh, an apology is unnecessary,” the vampire replied as he stared intently at Juliet. “Although I’msetting eyes on her for the first time, I can already tell that meeting your daughter has been worth the wait.”
    Juliet stifled a laugh. The vampire’s charm was so uninspired and clichéd, it was comical.
    â€œJuliet, this is Count Paris. He has come a long way to see you,” her mother said eagerly.
    A flash of prickly heat was quickly visible upon Juliet’s cheeks. This was certainly the same Count Paris who had written to her.
    â€œHello, sir,” she muttered, and bowed her head in respect.
    The count raised an expectant eyebrow and smirked. “Would you care to dance, Miss Juliet?”
    â€œShe would love to,” Lady Capulet answered, gently pushing her daughter toward Count Paris.
    Almost instantly, Juliet was swept away by the count for a saltarello, a courtly dance that included box steps, twirls, and promenades. Count Paris stood next to Juliet, then reached behind her and put his right hand on her waist. As Juliet extended her left arm out to the side, he took her left hand in his.
    â€œI haven’t danced in ages. This will be great fun,” he said cheerfully.
    Juliet gave him a faint smile. Somehow she felt that dancing with him would be quite the opposite.
    And she was absolutely right. With each step, the count’s grip on her waist became tighter and tighter. Sometimes, she swore that she could feel his nailsclawing through the lace panels of her dress. But regardless of how uncomfortable she was, she managed to keep an airy expression on her face, because everyone at the ball—including a delighted Lady Capulet—was gawking at her as she danced in his arms.
    â€œThis music reminds me of my childhood in Bulgaria. My mother loves the sound of the panflute,” Count Paris said in an attempt to make small talk. “Have you ever been there?”
    â€œNo, my lord. I’m afraid I haven’t traveled much outside of Wallachia,” she replied.
    Count Paris ran his hand down her back. “I have a strong feeling that is all about to change.”
    Juliet glanced over at the performer who was currently blowing into the panflute, willing him to cease playing so that she could excuse herself from this awkward encounter. But from the way Count Paris was breathing heavily in her ear, she could tell that her partner wanted the music to last until the first hint of morning light.
    â€œYour parents never mentioned how beautiful you are,” the count murmured as he spun Juliet out to his left side and then back again.
    She tried not to roll her eyes. “I suppose Lord and Lady Capulet do not like to boast.”
    Juliet did not have the heart to tell Count Paris that she knew little about him, other than what he’drevealed