Chapter Four

Portia noticed that her face was losing blood.

She exhaled, her fingers digging into the smooth velvet of her reticule. "So it's true," she said.

That I am an assassin? that in order for me to survive, I have taken human life? I'm sorry to break the last of your childhood fantasies about me, but in that regard, I'm just like any other soldier in His Majesty's Army.

She took a long breath in to control her voice. "I wasn't discussing a fight. I was referring to the women in Whitechapel and Charing Cross.

His eyes lost their amusement glint. He squinted. What females?”

"The four women that have passed away since you arrived in London. The four women who were mercilessly drained of all of their blood by a demon."

Julian scowled even more. With his back to her, he turned to face the brick fireplace. "Exactly when did these murders occur?”

"The first occurred two weeks ago, right before Adrian learned you had been spotted in London. The following two came shortly after. Three nights ago, a fourth woman was discovered with her corpse still warm in an alleyway behind the Blessed Mary chapel.

He locked his hands behind his back as he stared into the chilly fireplace. Are you positive a vampire was responsible for their death?”

Portia said him, "Beyond any shadow of a doubt," her voice quivering with restrained emotion. "And I can guarantee that these women weren't eagerly willing prey ready to submit to the vampire's kiss. They had torn fingernails and bleeding hands. She knew it was folly, but she could not seem to stop herself from edging closer to him. They were all fighting quite fiercely and bravely for their lives. Julian, did you do it? Did you kill those poor, defenceless animals?”

He turned and looked at her with thick lashes. You sought me out tonight and you think I'm capable of committing such a crime? Why are you like that?

foolhardy?”

How could she justify her unwavering confidence in him? Her steadfast confidence that he wouldn't hurt her? Not even when she was fully aware of his potential. "I didn't think you would hurt me," she said.

His heavy-lidded gaze went to her throat, avoiding her eyes, "I've already hurt you." "You still have the scars to show it," she said.

Portia wished she had never given up her choker on the gambling table as she stroked the worn marks with her fingers to stop their tingling. She felt exposed without it. Naked.

She compelled herself to droop her hand and elevate her chin as she bravely looked into his eyes. "I arrived here tonight to make sure you didn't murder those women. I am the one who kept you alive all those years ago in that crypt. I'm just as accountable as you are if you now kill an innocent life.

As he moved closer, his shadow covered her. His voice was a husky lullaby, just the right pitch to beguile a woman into happiness or doom. What if I actually did kill them? What if I followed them about all night, followed their every move, and waited for them to falter or hesitate so I could claim them as mine?He dipped his head and brushed his face against hers while bracing himself against the window frame behind her. He should have had chilly flesh, but instead it was warm and blazing with an inhuman fever that threatened to smoulder her defences. A primordial shiver that had little to do with dread swept through her as his parted lips caressed the downy flesh behind her ear. What would stop me from treating you the same way?”

"This," she said softly, putting the stake's tip on his heart that she had just pulled from her reticule.

He became as immovable as a statue. She anticipated him jerking away from her so she could start to consider breathing once more. His smile, though, was just as deadly a weapon as the stake in her palm, and he merely spread his arms in submission. "Let's finish this, shall we, since you've come here to finish me off. Bright Eyes, you are well aware that my heart has always been open to you. also the staking.

Portia wanted to believe him, but she had a sneaking suspicion that he had given that same heart to many different people, just to take it away from them as soon as they took it.

Or the morning after they had awakened in his bed the previous night, confused from blood loss but content beyond their wildest fantasies.

She retorted, "If you were as eager for oblivion as you'd like me to believe, you'd just go for a morning stroll in the sunshine."

Julian's smile was crooked, yet his eyes had an unusual somberness. Would you grieve for me if I passed away? Would you waste your youth crying over my grave and despise every man who attempted to win your heart?”

"No," she answered kindly, "but if one of my more ardent suitors should ever give me a cat, I might consider naming it after you."

He moved even closer, ignoring the pressure of the stake on his delicate breastbone, "Perhaps I should leave you with something else to remember me by."

Portia felt her lips part and her eyes start to flutter close against her will as the alluring aromas of port and spice soap and tobacco surrounded her. Julian only needed that one diversion. She was left without anything after a dizzying blur of action left him holding both the stake and her reticule.

Portia leaned back against the ledge and blew a stray hair out of her eyes as he backed away from her, carrying his alluring scent with him. "Don't you think that was a little bit unsportsmanlike of you?”

He held out the stake while looking at her with disbelief. What would be more disrespectful than you threatening to impale me with a sharp object?”

Her delicate nose was less than contrite as she shrugged. "A woman has every right to protect herself from unwanted advances. and nocturnal creatures.

He didn't seem to have an argument for that because he just set the stake and reticule down on the table and started digging around in the stuffed wallet. One of the exquisite smell bottles that had become so well-liked by the young girls was in his palm when he first appeared.

Portia quickly said, "Oh, I wouldn't bother with that," and pulled out the stopper, bringing the bottle to his nose. Just my lavender, I'm sorry.

He backed away from its contents, exposing his teeth in an unintentional grin that made her flinch.

grimace.

He gave her an angry stare as he forced the stopper back into the bottle. Nothing can pique a young man's interest like a dab of holy water behind the ears.

Before reentering the reticule, he carefully laid the bottle aside. A sheathed knife, three leather garrotes of different lengths, a small stake little bigger than a quill pen, and a stylish pearl-handled flintlock pistol only big enough to contain one pistol ball were the rewards for his repeated journeys into its velvety core.

Julian shook his head as he looked at the table's little armoury. You're ready for anything, aren't you, my love?”

Portia made no effort to conceal her smirk. "Watch what I can do with a hatpin," I said.

"My cat, you sure are full of surprises.His puzzled glance drifted from the snug neckline of her dress to her delicate little baby boots. What other weapons do you have hidden down there, exactly?”

"Don't worry about finding out; just keep your distance."

"Am I to believe that you have been chosen by my brother to join his vampire-hunting operation?”

Her eyes were dropped. "Not quite. At least not yet, she clarified. However, I think it will only be a matter of time until he sees how useful I may be.

He grudgingly observed her while admiring her. And to think I was afraid of what those criminals at the gaming hell would do to you. He traced his palm down the length of the stake, "I should have been concerned about what you might do to them. Alternatively, "or what you might do to me."

Portia flushed to the roots of her hair as she dragged her sight away from the long, graceful fingers encircling the smooth shaft of wood. "You'd already be dust if I had come here tonight to stake you."

The mocking sparkle in his eyes made it impossible to determine if he was teasing her or threatening her. "Or I'd have had some dinner to go along with my wine."

She grinned brightly at him. I'd be more than happy to rush down to the closest butcher store and bring you some rare roast beef or a lovely kidney pie if you're hungry.

His gaze again played with her throat, "I had something a little fresher in mind." Something more sweet.

Her grin dwindled. Was that your motivation when you killed those women?”

"Do you really believe that?”

She turned back to the window and said, "I don't know," ducking under the pancake to avoid his piercing look.

In the alley below, a lone man was emerging from the darkness.

Oh no, she said. No, he can't be it. He promised he wouldn't arrive till the morning.

"What's that?As soon as she became aware, Julian slid up behind her, causing the little hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end.

He looked over her shoulder as they both slightly leaned back from the window to avoid being seen from the alley below. The intruder's greatcoat had multiple capes over its towering shoulders, which were as unmistakable as the walking staff in his strong palm. a walking stick that, with a quick flick of the wrist, could be turned into a deadly stake.

With his smokey voice extremely close to her ear, Julian mumbled, "My brother is nothing if not predictable. "I knew it was only a matter of time before he called," the speaker said.

As the long, lanky, and horrifyingly recognisable shadow of a second guy joined Adrian, Portia speculated, "This might not be a social call."

Former police officer and Adrian's best buddy at Oxford, Alastair Larkin. When Caroline entered their lives and brought the two men together to exact revenge on Victor Duvalier, the vampire who had not only stolen Julian's soul but also killed Adrian's first love, the two men had been separated from one another for years.

Markham, Eloise. Larkin also happened to be Portia's other brother-in-law, the adoring father of her twin nephews, and Adrian's partner in their vampire hunt.

Portia turned around to face Julian and flattened a hand against his chest as the two men exchanged a quick word before walking towards the building. Time is of the essence. Right away, we need to get you out of here!”

He took her hand in his own, obviously perplexed by her haste. Although I appreciate your care, dear, I don't think such high drama is necessary. Adrian is going to do what? Give me a severe reprimand for not writing? He is aware of how terrible a correspondent I have always been.

She sadly told him, "I'm afraid he's not coming here to lecture you.

What will he do then—disown me? Leave me out of your inheritance? You can almost hear him say, "You're no longer my brother," as he marches in furiously. To me, you have died!’?”

He became quite silent when Portia didn't even grin at his joke. His crooked smile persisted, but it could no longer penetrate the glittering depths of his eyes. He lifted one shoulder in a nonchalant shrug, "So my brother's common sense has finally overcome his sentimental devotion to brotherly duty." I mean, it's hard for me to blame him. When Duvalier first kidnapped my soul all those years ago, he ought to have put a stake through my dark heart. It would have prevented a tremendous deal of hassle for both of us.

Portia attempted to pull him away from the window by grabbing his arm. "Are you blind? We must leave now! earlier than later!”

He appeared to be about to adjust her nose. "Sweeting, it's already too late for me. So why don't you leave now before Adrian gives you a lecture as well? You don't need to worry about me. This is not the first torch-carrying mob I have encountered.

Portia returned to the window and raised the pancake once again after hearing some new commotion. She pointed in the direction of the other end of the alley and remarked, "I think that would be the torch-bearing mob."

At least a half-dozen scruffy-looking henchmen, some of whom were actually carrying torches, had just entered the alley behind a tall man with a narrow nose and an upper lip that was permanently curled into a scowl.

“Wallingford!As his brother and Larkin went to stop the newcomers, Julian yelled, adding an oath. "I had hoped the bastard would give me at least one more night of freedom before he cast me into debtor's prison."

She pulled again hard on his arm. Maybe he would have been more forgiving if he hadn't seen you making out with his fiancée at their betrothal dinner.

She now came under Julian's angry eye. "This morning, weren't you in the park? He pulled a coil of hair from the mound of curls piled on top of her head and brought it to his nose, saying, "I knew I smelled you. His nostrils flared, seemingly taking in some mysterious aroma once more.

the aroma of his victim.

The soldiers down below abandoned all pretence of secrecy as muffled yelling rose from the lane. Julian walked up to the wing chair, much to her surprise, and sat down, crossing his long legs at the ankles as if he had no intention of moving for the next century or so.

What are you planning to do?", she insisted. Just wait for Adrian to march up here and stake you, then sit there.”

On the cuff of his shirt, he buff his fingernails. And in the event that Wallingford approaches you first?”

"Debtor's prison won't be so bad," he chuckled. There ought to be lots of food and it's always dark.

Eventually, Portia's exasperation gave way to rage. "Is this the reason you came back to London? because you're sick of being provoked into duels by men who can't kill you? because you were aware that Adrian would ultimately locate you and take the action you lack the guts to take?”

In response, he merely continued to stare at her with the same unblinking focus as an owl or another, far more powerful bird.

untrustworthy nocturnal predator.

"Have you considered what would occur to me if you stayed?"She enquired. "You might be destroyed, but I'll also be ruined."

His eyes flashed with a tinge of uneasiness. "What are you discussing?”

She retorted, daring to cast a seductive glance at the unkempt bed, "My reputation will never survive if I'm found here in this leased flat with you.

His pupils shrank. "When you strolled into that gambling hell just a little while ago, you didn't seem to give a flying fig about your reputation."

"I was an unknown there. The marquess of Wallingford, however, is a man of great might and influence. As soon as he begins circulating the rumour that Viscount Trevelyan's sister-in-law has been having affairs with the viscount's own brother, a sleazy no-gooder and a notorious libertine—"

He chimed in, "You forget bloodsucking fiend."

She carried on as if he hadn't said anything. —no rich viscounts or earls will be lining up to ask for my hand. She sighed, exuding the same melancholy resignation she had once used to convince Caroline to purchase her a gorgeous length of ribbon they couldn't really afford. "Or any half dozen babies to keep me in the nursery." I think my only option will be to offer to be a mistress to a man similar to Wallingford. He will undoubtedly be a harsh and demanding master, but maybe with time I might learn to please him.

Julian grabbed her by the hand as he swiftly crossed the room. He sent her a scorching glare over his shoulder as he yanked her in the direction of the door. I'll be damned if I allow you to be punished for a crime I didn't have the pleasure of committing tonight, but I'm fully happy to account to God for my misdeeds.

Portia found it difficult to keep up with Julian as he descended the dimly lit stairway while firmly holding her hand. A huge thump could be heard below them before they made it to the first landing. Before she could crash into him, he came to a sudden stop and reached back to stabilise her. The distinct clatter of booted feet on the stairs could be heard above the frantic rasp of her respiration. They had also dallied.

long. Their sole means of escape had been blocked.

Julian turned around and almost literally dragged the woman past the door of his leased room and back up the steep, winding stairs. They continued climbing up and up until they eventually broke through a sagging wooden door and reached the roof.

Portia was reminded by a gust of frigid air that she had left her pelisse, bonnet, and all of her weapons in Julian's room, leaving her defenceless against the weather and vulnerable to him. But a peculiar sensation of joy instead of terror rushed through her body.

The gable ends and chimney pots were covered with a thin layer of snow. Sparkling flakes were thrown about by the wind and danced in the sporadic moonlight. Despite her assurance to him that she had abandoned all of her childhood fantasies, Portia couldn't help but feel as though she had stumbled across a magical country that was both lovely and dangerous.

When she was younger, she had imagined that such a country would be ruled by a prince with golden hair who would protect her from all dangers. Yet here she was running through the night hand in hand with a dark prince who might just as easily bring about disaster as he could deliverance.

At the very edge of the roof, they came to a halt stumbling. The city spread out before them like the frozen parapets of a huge castle as the snow covered the dirt and soot, making the next rooftop appear impossibly far away.

The thunder of footsteps and the yells of rage increased. They would be surrounded by Julian's assailants in a matter of seconds.

A frightened chuckle erupted in Portia's throat as she teetered in his arms on the brink of that gaping chasm. "Adrian had heard tales of vampires with the mental fortitude to transform into bats for years. Shame on you for not being one of them.

Julian grabbed her into his arms and shielded her from the wind while she shivered helplessly. His eyes were angry as he moved her hair out of her eyes. "Tell them you looked for me, but I left before you came. I left London to escape Wallingford's anger, and I won't bother any of them again. Inform them that you came here to persuade me to return home. because you were aware of the effects my break with Adrian was having on your sister and the rest of the family.

Adrian won't fall for it, but Wallingford will be convinced. When you want to be, you may be a very convincing little actress.

Portia started to object but quickly realised there was no point and shut her mouth. But where are you going?" She stumbled and pointed at the starry expanse of the night sky.

He grinned ruefully as the corner of his mouth jerked upward. Duvalier provided me with one wise bit of advise before Adrian destroyed him. I'd be a fool, he said, if I didn't embrace my dark gifts.

He bowed his head to hers as though to share the darkest and most priceless of those gifts. He kissed her there as disaster descended upon them on booted feet, the snow and starlight swirling around them.

This wasn't a cunningly planned alluring escapade to maximise her pleasure. This time, he took what he desired and was in need of. Her mouth was washed by his tongue as he passionately and violently threatened to pull her soul from her body, demanding it and claiming her. She would not have been able to protect herself from such an onslaught of passion even if she had been holding a stake in one hand and a gun in the other. She wouldn't have wanted to, either.

She grabbed to the front of Julian's waistcoat and responded to his groan with a deep-throated groan that she no longer recognised as her own. As he pulled his mouth away from hers and slowly moved her away from him, that groan changed to one of hopeless horror.

Just in time for him to turn and leap over the side of the roof, her eyes fluttered open. He had disappeared into thin air before she could release the scream that had caught in her throat. A shadowy figure shot through the ceiling and into the darkness. Portia watched as it spun gracefully in a circle before flying off towards the sickle-shaped crescent of the moon while keeping her mouth wide.

Don't eat anyone! she said as she cupped her hands across her lips after shaking off her disbelief.”

She might have heard Julian's deep baritone return to her on a note ripe with laughter, but it could have just been a wind-related illusion. "Don't bug me!”

She was forced to turn around and face the torch-wielding mob and her brother-in-law's thundering brow when the door behind her burst open suddenly.