Julian was standing just inside the French doors at the far end of the ballroom when Portia gently turned to look. He was dressed entirely in black. He was dressed in tall leather boots, a black shirt with a classy fall of midnight lace at the collar and cuffs, and black breeches. Never before did he appear more like a prince of the night.He added, his icy, mocking stare sweeping over her like a very beautiful but deadly blade, "Had I known Miss Cabot was going to deliver one of her impassioned speeches on the sentimental nature of true love, I would have tucked an extra handkerchief in my pocket."Valentine laughed bitterly before Portia could realize how much damage that had done to her heart. "I knew you couldn't be far behind if she was here. The way you follow her around like a stag in a rut is extremely bothersome."Angel, don't flatter the chit. You are aware that I trot after the heels of all attractive women, especially yours.Now that she was starting to wriggle seriously,
The women were sobbing.Eloisa was sitting between Caroline and Vivienne on the hard wooden pew, nibbling on a thread of her mother's pearls. In an effort to reassure Vivienne, Larkin sat across from her and squeezed her hand."Did you ever think this day would arrive?," I asked. The monogrammed handkerchief Caroline always carries in her bodice was used to dab at her pink nose as she begged her sister.Vivienne shook her head, tears welling up in her huge blue eyes. The only solace I can find is in the knowledge that we will be here for her in her time of need, providing support and direction as well as solace.She was stroked on the hand by Caroline. "Letting go of someone you love is never easy."Vivienne gave a nod. particularly someone so amazing.Eloisa moved around the pew and stood up as her agitation increased minute by minute. After spitting out the pearls, she looked gravely at the serious faces of the adults seated behind her in the pews.Up until a man, his tall, slender
Snowflakes floated out of the dawn sky and covered the park meadow in white. Julian Kane could easily picture how that spotless counterpane would look splattered with his blood.His yell of laughing desecrated the stillness of the snowflakes falling. “Cubby, what do you say, my man? Should we belt out a few verses of “The Girl I Left Behind Me” to inspire us to greatness? He lost his balance as a sharp bump caught his foot, forcing him to lean even more heavily on his friend’s broad shoulders. Maybe “Blow the Man Down” would be a better choice.Cuthbert wobbled to the right, trying to hold Julian and the mahogany box under his free arm in place. Jules, I’d rather not. There is a severe pain in my head. I can’t believe I succumbed to your persuasiveness. What kind of second lets his first spend the entire night drinking and getting foxed before a duel? While there was still time, you ought to have allowed me to take you back to the Continent on that ferry.He received a scolding finger
Do you truly have a mental illness?”A more frail spirit would have cowered in fear at being asked such a question by such an extraordinary specimen of a man in a near-roar, but Portia refused to take offense. After all, her brother-in-law didn’t really doubt her sanity on a regular basis. He had only ever done it once. She once trapped a hissing 600-year-old vampire at Lady Quattlebaum’s midsummer musicale during the bassoon interlude and kept him at bay with a violin bow until Adrian showed there with his crossbow. She also turned down two wealthy, attractive young noblemen who had just expressed an interest in marrying her.If he had been yelling at her out of resentment rather than concern, Portia might have been more concerned. Nevertheless, she was convinced that Adrian would have loved her even more if she had been his sister rather than his wife’s child.She was able to calmly glance up at him from the wing chair in front of the fireplace as he traversed the drawing room of hi
He was unaware of her.With the same searing, black eyes that had been a nightmare for her for the previous five years, Julian Kane had directly gazed at her, showing only the tiniest hint of curiosity. Or was it irritation?He seemed to have forgotten much of her because their time together had apparently meant so little to him. Why should he, too? Portia pondered. He had surely had dozens, no, hordes of other women willing to help him forget her in the years since he had left—she sneaked a bitter glance at the blowsy brunette still clutching to his hand. Why should he recall the awkward seventeen-year-old girl who almost threw herself at him every time he waltzed into a room, flushed, stammered, and entered?Portia had to resist the impulse to erupt into a towering wrath as soon as the initial wave of pain subsided. She wanted nothing more than tossing her magnificent bonnet on the ground and jumping up and down on it, despite bragging to Adrian that she was no longer a child.Brill
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,
What must I do to protect you from him? Why not confine you to a convent? Adrian was once more wearing a brand-new trail in the magnificent Aubusson carpet that stretched the length of his drawing room. At least he wouldn't be able to step foot on sacred ground. He didn't appear to have slept a wink since taking Portia home, judging by the shadows under his eyes and the fact that he was still sporting his rumpled pants, shirt, and waistcoat from the previous evening.Caroline suggested, "Perhaps we should see if Cousin Cecil is still in the market for a bride," referring to the toadlike lech who had once offered to knock the spirit out of Portia with his fists.Portia and Adrian both turned to stare in astonishment at her. Then she added, "Or Aunt Marietta might be in need of a companion," blinking innocently at them, and they understood she was joking. Eloisa was perched on her knee as she sat on the brocaded sofa. The outrageously expensive pearls Adrian had given Caroline for their
The soggy cobblestones sprouted misty tendrils. The streets had earlier in the day been left glittering beneath the sombre glow of the streetlamps after a chilling rain had washed the rest of the snow from them. The city's chimneys and rooftops were still covered in low-lying clouds, creating a moonless night that was ideal for hunting.A woman and two men were flanked by three figures that emerged from the fog. A casual observer may have thought the woman to be the most threatening of the three despite her small stature and the fact that each of her friends towered over her by about a foot. And they would have been correct at that precise moment.Her dove grey cloak's hood revealed dark blue eyes that sparkled with resolve. With each step, her slender hips rolled dangerously close to a swagger. Her head was cocked slightly, conveying both assurance and intent. She could be prepared to play the victim, but anyone gullible enough to fall for her trap would be clearly trespassing at the
The women were sobbing.Eloisa was sitting between Caroline and Vivienne on the hard wooden pew, nibbling on a thread of her mother's pearls. In an effort to reassure Vivienne, Larkin sat across from her and squeezed her hand."Did you ever think this day would arrive?," I asked. The monogrammed handkerchief Caroline always carries in her bodice was used to dab at her pink nose as she begged her sister.Vivienne shook her head, tears welling up in her huge blue eyes. The only solace I can find is in the knowledge that we will be here for her in her time of need, providing support and direction as well as solace.She was stroked on the hand by Caroline. "Letting go of someone you love is never easy."Vivienne gave a nod. particularly someone so amazing.Eloisa moved around the pew and stood up as her agitation increased minute by minute. After spitting out the pearls, she looked gravely at the serious faces of the adults seated behind her in the pews.Up until a man, his tall, slender
Julian was standing just inside the French doors at the far end of the ballroom when Portia gently turned to look. He was dressed entirely in black. He was dressed in tall leather boots, a black shirt with a classy fall of midnight lace at the collar and cuffs, and black breeches. Never before did he appear more like a prince of the night.He added, his icy, mocking stare sweeping over her like a very beautiful but deadly blade, "Had I known Miss Cabot was going to deliver one of her impassioned speeches on the sentimental nature of true love, I would have tucked an extra handkerchief in my pocket."Valentine laughed bitterly before Portia could realize how much damage that had done to her heart. "I knew you couldn't be far behind if she was here. The way you follow her around like a stag in a rut is extremely bothersome."Angel, don't flatter the chit. You are aware that I trot after the heels of all attractive women, especially yours.Now that she was starting to wriggle seriously,
Torn between fear and relief, Portia scrambled to see her niece's face beneath the tumbling crown of honey-colored locks. Eloisa's small mouth was perfectly pursed into a rosebud, and her cheeks were softly suffused with pink. Under the ruffled bodice of her nightgown, her breast rose and fell smoothly, and her throat was unblemished. She seemed alive, and she looked uninjured.When Portia realized Valentine must have come from the one room neither she nor Adrian had looked in, she wanted to slap herself. The area had filthy stains all over the floor and empty chains hanging from the wall that could be pulled or bent to disclose a hidden room or corridor.Her finger gently touched the crossbow's trigger. As long as she was using Eloisa as a human shield, she knew she had no chance of obtaining a clear shot at Valentine's heart.Although the vampire's pale, slender arms showed no signs of exertion, Ellie was as strong as a small pony. She could certainly carry the child for hours witho
Cuthbert sighed contentedly as he snuggled down even more on his bed. He was looking forward to a long, warm slumber on this chilly winter night, with a hot brick wrapped in flannel to keep his toes warm and the fiery plum pudding he had eaten for supper still warming his belly.When someone started tapping on the window of his bedroom, he was almost asleep. He must have seen the snow turn to sleet, he drowsily reasoned as he rolled over and pulled the blankets up to his chin. The tapping persisted and had an odd beat as well as being persistent.He abruptly sat up in bed, his nightcap's tassel falling over one eye. Perhaps a limb had just broken under the weight of the snow and started banging against his windowpane. He hesitantly tore open the drapes on the bed and slid his feet onto the chilly hardwood floor knowing there was only one way to find out.He crept toward the window as his heart began to beat in an unpleasant rhythm. Even the familiar shapes of the wardrobe and washstan
Snow was falling, but it was tainted by ash and cinder clouds that were drifting through the air. The burning remnants of the home were surrounded by the smell of burned wood. There were still smoke plumes coming from the destroyed walls and fallen beams here and there, rising like ghosts. In the ruins, a rocking horse with brightly colored paint that had blistered and peeled lay on its side. The grand pianoforte was buried beneath the second story stairs while Portia gazed in dumb horror as it collapsed in a hail of sparks.In front of the home, a little patch of burnt grass was covered in overturned buckets. Evidence that the fire crew had either come too late or given up too soon was a cart with an abandoned hand pump slumped near the street corner, its leather hose twisted up like a defeated snake.On the other side of the street, a group of weeping servants and Adrian's neighbors gathered, some of them still wearing nightgowns and dressing gowns. Portia could feel the pain of the
Soon after, Portia mumbled, "Well, that was certainly tolerable," squeezing closer into Julian's arms and laying her cheek against his chest. Their intertwined limbs were bathed in a glittering haze as moonlight seeped across the bed.She could hear the sneer in his voice as he softly rubbed his hands over the fresh puncture wounds on her throat, "You might find it even more tolerable if you'd stop bullying me into biting you." "The following time, I'll chain you up."She responded, knowing full well that he already had her at his mercy, "I shudder to think what wicked things you'd do to me if you had me at your mercy."His rich chuckle sent a wonderful ripple of gooseflesh racing across her bare skin. "Oh, you'd shudder all right," he assured. "The entire night.""I'm not sure why you seem so worried. I only feel slightly drunk; I don't even feel weak.He paused and said, "That's because I took just enough blood to keep me going until we can get back to London and I can find a butche
Julian tightened his grip on the chair's arms, his entire body going into rigidity.The blanket spilled to the tick when Portia shrugged and lifted one beautiful shoulder. "Oh, I've really tried not to love you. After you went off the first time, I despised you intensely for about a week. Ever since I learned about Valentine, I've even been somewhat successful in loathing you. But I'm afraid old habits persist, especially those that are entrenched in a young girl's soft heart. I made the decision that I wasn't going to give up so easy when Valentine claimed claim to you tonight. I was prepared to fight for you if she was.She slid off the bed and to her feet by uncurling her long, slender legs from beneath her. The candlelight danced over the translucent folds of the chemise as she floated towards him like a vision from one of his sweetest and darkest nightmares, bringing to life a rosy hint of breast and an alluring web of shadow between her shapely thighs.He stood up on his own, mo
When Portia opened her eyes, she was greeted by a beautiful choir of cherubs. They were playing the strings of golden lyres while sitting on fluffy white clouds in a beautiful blue sky.She mumbled, "Oh, dear Lord." "I'm gone,"With one hand, she covered her mouth. It might not be the best idea to begin blaspheming at this moment.The dimples on the cherubs' beautiful cheeks became deeper as they grinned down at her. Her body was most likely lying in a tangle of twisted and broken limbs in the midst of some weed-choked courtyard at Chillingsworth Manor, yet her spirit might be residing on its own cloud in this radiant little bit of paradise. She sighed wistfully, thinking that at least Julian wasn't vulnerable to the bleak finality of death. He probably got to his feet after sending her tumbling to her death, dusted off his coat, and went back to London for a new bottle of port and another round of brag.She snatched her gaze away from the cherubs because she was suddenly irritated by
Valentine descended the steps like an angel, her silvery-blond hair piled high on her head and the train of her snow-white gown flowing behind her. Julian exhaled, "Bloody hell," as she did so.Well, we did want to track her down, didn't we? Weakly whispering, Portia.Not if we're outnumbered and in her territory, I say. He counted the stairs to the entrance as he cast a glimpse behind them. I must get you out of here, you idiot."The other dancers were split apart by Valentine's royal presence like an icy ice floe. Portia had made an effort to block out the woman's stunning beauty, but as she glided towards them with her jewel-encrusted slippers barely touching the marble floor, Portia felt herself contracting into a small, ungainly troll.Valentine came to a stop in front of them, her feline eyes flitting back and forth between the chain and collar. She asked, her disapproving eyes sweeping over Portia, "And what's this, mon cher?" "A peace sacrifice? Have the kitten's charms alread