Authors: Alexandra Ivy
My Lord Vampire (8 page)
The dark gaze abruptly rose. “Clearly you have a fortune to lavish upon yourself. Why would you choose to sew your gowns as if you were a pauper?”
Simone determinedly kept her features expressionless. She had managed to keep her lack of a modiste a secret since coming to London. She could not allow all her efforts to be ruined now.
“It is a task I enjoy.”
He dismissed her words with an elegant wave of his hand. “I do not doubt you enjoy the task, you are very talented, but that does not explain why you would willingly perform such a menial chore. Ladies such as yourself are very careful to maintain the image of utter leisure.”
Her jaw set at his unwelcome probing. Unlike most decent people she encountered he would not be bound by common manners. She was uncertain that he possessed any manners, common or otherwise.
“What I do with my own time is no one’s concern but my own, surely?”
“What is it you hide, Simone?” he demanded softly.
“Hide? I have nothing to hide.” She regarded him with a challenging gaze. “You are the one who wraps yourself in mystery.”
He regarded her for a long moment before his gaze deliberately narrowed.
“I will have the truth from you eventually.”
Simone refused to acknowledge the faint shiver of warning that feathered over her skin. Nothing short of death would ever make her confess her past. Nothing.
“Why are you here?” she said in clipped tones.
As if sensing she had firmly dug in her heels, Gideon favored her with a lift of his brows, but thankfully followed her lead.
“I wished to make amends.”
Simone couldn’t prevent her startled blink. He wished to apologize? She would have thought the sun would tumble from the sky first.
“For what precisely?” she demanded. “Intruding into my home without warning? Attempting to terrify me with vague threats of danger only you can protect me from? Or arrogantly presuming I desire you?”
Not surprisingly her taunts made not the slightest impression in his cool composure. She was uncertain what it would possibly take to actually ruffle this man.
Absently toying with the heavy gold ring he wore upon a slender finger, he strolled toward her.
“I do not consider my occasional visits as intrusions and I assure you that the danger that surrounds you is very real. And as for my arrogance”—he gave a lift of one broad shoulder—“there is nothing arrogant in the truth.”
She rolled her eyes heavenward. “You are impossible.”
“Ah, but I have not yet finished. I do regret leaving you so abruptly at the ball and again last evening. It was most inconsiderate of me.”
Simone opened her mouth to readily agree he had been inconsiderate. She was unaccustomed to gentlemen who willingly abandoned her with such disregard. Then, the realization that she would be revealing the fact that she had been injured by his careless manner halted the impulsive words. Instead she forced a bland smile to her lips.
“Did you leave abruptly? How odd. To be honest, I hardly noticed.”
“You did not notice?” An unmistakable hint of amusement smoldered in the dark eyes.
“No.” She paused before curiosity overcame her pride. “Although I am intrigued of this duty you spoke of. I suppose it is dreadfully important?”
“A tedious business that would not interest you. Besides, at the moment, my only duty is devoting a few hours to a beautiful woman,” he retorted with smooth charm.
Her lips thinned. She wondered if she would ever learn anything of the man beneath his cool sophistication.
Or why it was so important that she should.
“That is no answer.”
He glanced toward the forgotten ball gown upon the table. “It is as good an answer as why you choose to make your own gowns.”
The thrust slid home with annoying ease.
He did not have to say he was not about to reveal any more of himself than she was prepared to do.
She gave an annoyed shake of her head. He was like fencing with a master.
“You have offered your apology and I accept. Is that all?”
He mildly regarded her frown. “Actually, I had hoped you would agree to join me for a short drive.”
Once again he managed to catch her off guard. “Now?”
“Unless you have other plans?”
She hesitated. The man annoyed her, mocked her, and if she were perfectly honest, rather frightened her. But the lure of spending more time in his company was undeniable.
Hadn’t she promised herself to bring him to heel?
She could hardly do so if she were cowardly avoiding his company.
Sucking in a calming breath she managed an offhand shrug. “No, I have no other plans.”
“Good.” He moved to hold out his arm. “Shall we go?”
Silently branding herself an idiot, Simone allowed herself to be led from the back room toward the foyer. It took a moment for a maid to fetch her gloves and parasol that she chose in favor of a bonnet. Then, ignoring the urge to rush upstairs and change into something a bit more dashing than the plain jade gown, she consented to take Gideon’s arm once again as he escorted her out of the house and into the startling white and gold carriage, pulled by perfectly matched gray horses.
Although it was still May the heat of the sun made it feel surprisingly warm. Arranging herself on the leather seat of the carriage, Simone quickly raised her parasol, relieved when Gideon set the grays into motion, stirring a pleasant breeze.
Her relief was short-lived, however, when she realized they were not headed in the direction of the park as she had expected, but instead toward the less populated outskirts of London.
With a frown she glanced about the thinning houses, wondering what she had managed to get herself into now.
With her face adverted she failed to note the manner his dark gaze scrutinized her tense features and the unmistakable shadows that marred the skin beneath her eyes.
“You look pale,” he abruptly broke the silence. “Did you not sleep well?”
Simone shifted upon the leather seat, suddenly aware of the scent of warm spices that clung to his warm body.
“I was rather restless.”
“Did Mr. Soltern’s visit bother you?”
She grimaced, unable to deny that the gentleman had set her nerves on edge. Even the mention of him was enough to make a ball of ice form in the pit of her stomach.
“I must admit I do not care for the gentleman. There is something very cold and rather inhuman about him.”
The dark eyes flashed with surprise at her words. Almost as if he were startled she had managed to see through the shallow charm Mr. Soltern possessed in such abundance.
“Yes,” he at last murmured. “He is quite ruthless.”
She tilted her head to one side, no longer concerning herself as to where they were headed. Whatever her fears in regard to this gentleman she did not believe he would ever attempt to harm her.
“He hates you. Why?” she demanded bluntly.
He abruptly turned to regard the wide street, although there was little traffic to disturb them.
“We are old enemies.”
“That much I had presumed,” she retorted dryly. The air between them last evening had nearly crackled with danger.
“He seeks power and I stand in his path.”
She frowned at the vague words, knowing it would be impossible to demand more information than he was willing to give.
“Do you believe that he would harm you?”
The pale features hardened until he appeared like a perilous warrior of old.
“Yes,” he acknowledged in clipped tones. “I have warned you that he is dangerous.”
“And yet you followed him last evening?”
Surprisingly he grimaced at her chiding. Simone wondered what occurred after they had left her house. Obviously something that had managed to leave a sour taste in Gideon’s mouth.
“We have unfinished business between us.”
She heaved a frustrated sigh. “Which means that you do not intend to tell me what this business is.”
He swiftly glanced over her tight countenance before turning his attention to the road.
“There is still too little trust between us, my dear. It seems that for now we will both harbor our secrets.”
She set back against the seat with a decided flounce. “Impossible man.”
Rather than taunting her for her obvious ill humor, Gideon tightened his hands on the reins, his profile carved in granite.
“Tristan is a danger to you as well, Simone.”
There was no mistaking the dark warning in his voice, and Simone shivered. After last evening she could no longer deny that Mr. Soltern was indeed determined to seek her out. Even going so far as to force his way into her home. She could still feel the repulsive gaze as it had lingered with open hunger upon her necklace.
Instinctively her hand rose to clutch the gold trinket that lay warmly against her skin.
“For my amulet?” she demanded.
Gideon stilled before giving a nod of his head. “Among other things.”
She shivered, feeling as if she were stumbling in the dark. She was no stranger to fear. Still, in the past she at least had known her enemies and why they hated her. Now she was simply being thrust into danger with no understanding of why or when it might strike.
Very frustrating for a woman who had sacrificed everything to live a life of peace.
“None of this makes sense,” she muttered.
He shrugged. “It is best that you avoid him altogether.”
She offered him a jaundiced frown. “That is rather difficult considering that London society is quite small. We are bound to be tripping over one another constantly. And like you, he possesses the belief he is welcome to thrust his way into my home whenever it pleases him.”
He gave a slow nod at her accusation. “So I have noted. I shall have to take means to prevent his unexpected calls.”
“You believe you can?” she demanded.
“With some help.”
The arrogance was back in his voice and her frown deepened. Really, he seemed to believe himself omnipotent.
“And your own unexpected calls?” she asked in overly sweet tones.
His features abruptly softened with mild amusement. “Those will continue, of course.”
“Of course.”
His brows rose in a taunting manner. “How else could you attempt to seduce me?”
Although the unusual heat continued to blanket London, there was a pleasant breeze to be discovered in the lovely meadow that Gideon had discovered well outside of the city. There was also a welcome peace that could not be found among the bustle and noise of London streets.
Seated upon the blanket, Gideon lazily watched Simone gingerly taste of the numerous dishes he had requested be prepared for her approval. She appeared lovely, of course. Attired in a brilliant lavender gown with her hair appearing like spun gold as it tumbled down her back, she would have halted the heart of any man. But to Gideon’s close scrutiny there were signs of strain in the shadows that lay beneath her eyes and the unmistakable realization that she had lost weight.
A strain that was no less for himself, he acknowledged grimly.
It had been nearly a week since he had last caught sight of Tristan. The vampire had efficiently disappeared, even from society, and if not for the two golden-haired prostitutes that had been discovered in the Rookery he might have feared that the man had quit London altogether.
It was beyond infuriating to know that his prey silently stalked through the streets, and yet not even his large band of urchins had been able to so much as catch a glimpse of him. Night after night he haunted the poorer districts of London searching for even the faintest trail of the vampire, only to return to his home bested yet again.
What was Tristan plotting?
Had he hoped that Gideon would tire of protecting Simone and return to the Veil? Or was he concocting some evil plot to lure her into a trap?
Not knowing what was going through the mind of Tristan was far worse than any open battle could possibly be.
At least he had managed to ward Simone’s house to warn him if the traitor attempted to enter, he consoled himself. He had been forced to call upon the help of the Great Council, but with their added power he had managed to lay the invisible web about the home. It had come as rather a surprise when Valkier had actually arrived to help him. The ancient, always aloof vampire more often than not secluded himself from the other vampires, preferring to study alone; but Gideon could only presume the dire need had forced him to realize that he was as much at risk as the others. He had even taken interest in Simone, asking a number of questions as to how the amulet had been bound to the woman and whether she was still in contact with Nefri. Gideon had answered the questions as best he could, unsurprised when the man had simply disappeared when he realized that Gideon did not possess the information he desired. He was not alone in claiming arrogance among the vampires.
With a shake of his head he returned his attention to the woman at his side. Although he was angered by his inability to lay his hands upon Tristan, he could not deny he had enjoyed keeping a close guard on Simone. During the past week he had devoted at least some portion of each day with her, whether it was dining at her house or taking her to the museum or simply enjoying a drive.
Of course, such constant contact carried its own share of danger,
he thought with a faint sigh.
he thought with a faint sigh.
It was certainly understandable that his newly discovered passions would be aroused by such a delectable female. She was far too tempting to ignore. But the vast amount of time they were spending together only made him more aware of her swift intelligence, her undoubted courage and the inner vulnerability that she struggled so hard to hide. She was slowly but firmly entrenching herself within his life, to the point that he wondered what would occur when it was time to return to the Veil.
He gave a sharp shake of his head, not at all willing to brood upon the disturbing thought. For now the safety of the Medallion was all that mattered.
“Well?” he prompted, hoping to divert the alarms that raced through the back of his mind.
Lifting her head, Simone smiled as she daintily wiped her fingers. Over the past week she had bounced between playing the alluring temptress and aggravated maiden at the knowledge he would not be tamed. He found her confusion a delight and readily teased her fiery temper. No doubt it would have been best had she turned out to be a milk-and-toast miss who eagerly allowed herself to be led by his stronger will. But, he could not deny a decided pleasure in her vibrant spirit.
“It is unusual,” she admitted as she set the now empty plate aside, “but tasty.”
“It is a dish from China.”
Her gaze widened in surprise. “Really? Have you traveled there?”
His lips twitched. He had indeed traveled through China, but it had been nearly four hundred years ago.
“Yes, but not for some time.”
Her eyes abruptly glowed with interest. “Where else have you been?”
He shrugged. “I have traveled most of the world.”
“How fortunate you are.” She smiled rather sadly. “I should like to travel someday.”
Gideon found himself startled by her revelation. Travel for humans was a grueling, usually tedious task. He could not imagine Simone without her comforts.
“I thought you were a creature of London.”
“Not at all.” She leaned back on her hands, making him fiercely aware of the thrust of her nicely curved bosom. “I lived very quietly in Devonshire for most of my life. I have never had the opportunity to see the world. And with Napoleon ravaging Europe it appears I shall have to wait.”
Taming the urge to lean forward and explore the vast amount of skin revealed by her low-cut neckline, Gideon regarded her with a raised brow.
“There are other places beyond Europe.”
“You mean India?”
“It is certainly an intriguing country,” Gideon agreed. “There is also the Orient, Russia and the West Indies.”
An unmistakable longing rippled over her countenance before she gave a grimace. “I am not certain I am so daring as to travel so far alone.”
Gideon experienced a stab of regret that he could not show this woman the world. How he would enjoy watching her eyes widen with wonder at the beauty of China and the wild, untamed lands of the Americas.
“A beautiful woman need never be alone unless she chooses to be,” he instead forced himself to point out. “Besides which, you do not strike me as a woman afraid to dare anything. You are very bold.”
She gave a low chuckle. “Is that a compliment or an insult?”
His own lips curved at her teasing. “I suppose there are gentlemen who would consider you to be too much a challenge. I, however, am not one of them.”
A sudden glow of satisfaction warmed her eyes. “Ah, so you admit that you find me enticing.”
The passions within him flared with a shimmering heat at her provocative words. Enticing? He found her captivating, seductive and utterly irresistible. Had it not been for Tristan he would already have given in to his dark urgings and made her emphatically his own.
Still, he could not ignore the dangers of allowing himself to be distracted by lust. To lose himself in the pleasures of the flesh might satisfy him, but it would also divert him from the reason he had traveled to London.
Until he had the vampire returned to the Veil, or dead, he would have to hold his desire in check.
“Perhaps I do find you reasonably enticing, but then, London is filled with delectable ladies. I am in the fortunate position of being exquisitely selective.”
Predictably, a lovely flush stained her cheeks. “Is that so? Well, I ...”
Her words abruptly trailed away, and instantly on alert, Gideon flowed to his feet. At the same moment his hand reached beneath his jacket to grasp the dagger beneath.
“What is it?” he demanded as his sensitive gaze scanned the empty field for sign of any danger.
“Nothing.” Oddly she raised her hands to press them to her cheeks in embarrassment. “It is absurd.”
He turned to regard her with a frown. She was certainly not a woman to jump at shadows.
“Tell me.”
“I ... you will think I am mad.”
His frown deepened with concern. “I would never think such a thing. What is bothering you?”
She gnawed her bottom lip, a sure sign she was uneasy, before giving an unconscious shake of her head.
“It is just that lately I have begun to notice ... things much more intensely.”
“Things?” he prodded.
She straightened, her hands clenching in her lap. “It is difficult to explain,” she muttered. “I can smell the wildflowers, but it is more than that. I can smell each flower as if it were being waved beneath my nose. And just now I sensed there was a fox in those bushes before it even scurried toward the trees.”
Gideon slowly removed his hand from the dagger, his gaze narrowed with shock. Was it possible that the Medallion was somehow affecting Simone? To his knowledge a mortal had never been in contact with the artifact. Could it be that the power had brought her a small portion of the talents given only to vampires?
It would certainly explain her heightened senses and the ability to detect the spirit of life.
“Have you noticed any other odd changes?”
If anything she appeared more embarrassed as she shifted uneasily beneath his piercing gaze.
“Nothing beyond the feeling that I am being constantly watched.” Her lips abruptly twisted. “Do not bother to tell me that I am losing my wits. I am well aware I must sound like a madwoman.”
He carefully considered his response. Without being able to reveal the truth, he must somehow convince her that she was not merely imagining the changes within her. Nor the hope that such changes might very well protect her from danger.
“Do not be so swift to dismiss your instincts, Simone. Any soldier will assure you that he has depended upon them more than once to avoid danger,” he said in low tones. “They might very well save you one day.”
“Save me from what?” she swiftly pounced.
His lips twitched with approval at her ready response. She possessed more courage and spirit than he had ever before encountered in a human.
“A savage fox,” he replied as he reached down to pull her to her feet. “It is time for us to return.”
She shot him a sour glance at his taunting but rather than pouting she readily helped to clear the blanket and basket so that Gideon could store them in the back of the carriage. Then allowing herself to be helped onto the leather seat she calmly waited for him to join her and set the horses into motion.
It was not until they were on the narrow path that led back to London that she deigned to break the silence.
“Tell me of China.”
“As I said, I was there long ago,” he replied, wishing he could share his delight of the exotic country. She would no doubt be dazzled by the beauty. “I fear that it has changed a great deal since I last visited.”
“It could not have been so terribly long ago,” she argued. “You cannot be more than thirty.”
He battled the urge to laugh. As an Immortal, age and time had no meaning to him.
“You would be surprised.”
She heaved an exasperated sigh. “More mystery?”
“But of course, it is part of my charm.”
“Charm?” With a sniff she turned to regard the passing scenery. “Is that what you choose to call it?”
He chuckled softly. “Sheathe your claws, my beauty. No gentleman is willing to admit his advanced years.”
“Your years are not advanced, sir. Besides which, it is not only your age you will not discuss. I have no knowledge of your past, or home or family. I have yet to even encounter your cousins.”
Gideon briefly considered the two vampires who had journeyed with him to London. They had agreed to meet only in dire emergency since they would all be fully occupied with guarding their particular piece of the Medallion. He wondered if they were having any better luck than he.
“They are rather occupied with their own troubles,” he said in dry tones. “Still, I am certain I could arrange a meeting if you wish.”
“Are they anything like you?” she demanded with a pointed glance.
“Not at all,” he assured her. “Lucien is an incurable rake who is no doubt fully indulging in all the pleasures London has to offer, while Sebastian is a scholar who has always preferred a book to people.”
“Do they possess your arrogance?”
He pretended to consider her question before allowing a smile to curve his lips.
“Now that you mention it, I believe that they do. It is rather a family trait.”
“Now that I believe,” she retorted in tart tones.
“Is all your family so stubborn and sharp tongued?” he demanded in return.
Without warning her features lost their vivid expression as her eyes dulled with remembered pain.
“I no longer have a family.”
Gideon frowned at the simple words. It seemed impossible. As a vampire, all those behind the Veil were his family, some closer than others, but all willing to stand together. He could not begin to imagine being completely abandoned.
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