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Frilly, impractical undergarments that he wanted to take off as soon as she put them on. A loose silk dress that only hinted at her delicate curves. Complicated twists and turns with her hair. Just how many pins did she use? He’d have to pull them all out and count later.
“We play it as it is. We were on our honeymoon and were attacked unexpectedly. Who do you think will be there?”
“I’m vacillating between one of her envoys who was in London—”
“That Guillermo chap?”
“Mmhmm. Either him or someone pulling his strings. There were five sent to us. More than necessary for a simple trade negotiation. I’m wondering if Leonor sent three and whoever orchestrated this sent the rest.”
“For what purpose?” He had his own ideas but wanted to know what she was thinking.
“She’s being felt out, but by who? Is it someone from outside her organization who’s using one of her people? Or is this internal? I suppose we’ll find out tonight. Have you called London yet?”
“As soon as we get into town.”
“Do you think Leonor knows?”
“About someone trying to cause problems? I’d be shocked if she didn’t. She doesn’t trust anyone, even her own children.”
“It will be interesting to see how she plays this. She knew we were coming?”
“I sent a message when I decided to bring you here. Thought I’d combine a little business with pleasure. Plus, Leonor’s always fun for a visit.”
“She is. I’m looking forward to spending some time with her after we clear up this unpleasantness.”
Terry grinned. Leave it to Gemma to see the big picture. Wipe out enemies at nightfall, then enjoy a drink with friends at midnight. She’d probably try to fit in a bit of shopping if the boutiques hadn’t all closed.
By the time he rose, she was putting on a touch of makeup. She didn’t need much. She’d been turned quite young and her complexion was a pale cream with just a touch of roses in her cheeks from her bloody feast two nights before.
And his blood.
He hardened just at the thought. He could feel himself in her blood. A new awareness of her, along with the new feelings. It was subtle, a connection that would only grow with years, but it was there. A living, pulsing reminder of her in him, and him in her. Thank God they had eternity. He’d never get enough.
He bent down and nipped at her neck before he began to dress. “Let’s get this over with. We have far more pleasurable things to do.”
She gave him a smile, fangs long and gleaming in her mouth. “As you wish, my lord.”
Forget her careful preparations; he tackled her. “Bloody hell, Gem. We’re never going to leave this room if you keep saying things like that.”
He could hear their “guest” as soon as he turned onto the road leading to their house. There was only one vampire in the library—a smart move if he wanted Terry and Gemma to hold off attack. Terry heard their housekeeper, Luisa, offering him a drink.
“It’s Guillermo,” Gemma murmured.
“The ambassador?” Well, Terry grimaced, that explained how they found Carl. “Do you hear anyone else?” Her senses were stronger than his.
“There’s another vampire down by the dock. Two behind the house. And... a human sitting in the entry hall.”
“That’s all?”
“Yes.”
Terry nodded. Between him, Gemma, and Luisa, they could easily take care of the threat, but Guillermo would know that, too. Still, he’d come, so he must have wanted to talk. Terry felt Gemma slide her hand in his.
“What night was Leonor expecting us?”
“Probably not till tomorrow, but...”
He didn’t need to say it. They were in the Rias. Very little went on unobserved. It was both a threat and a protection. Everyone had spies, which made it nearly impossible to hide, but also very difficult to catch someone by surprise. If Guillermo knew they were there, then Leonor did, too.
Terry and Gemma strode up the front steps of their Spanish home, buzzing through the entry so they came face to face with their guest, who was sipping brandy from a cut crystal glass.
“Buenas noches, Señor y Señora.”
“And a good evening to you,” Terry said as he sat, pulling Gemma down to his side on the silk-covered chaise. “Luisa, please get Gemma and I our usual drinks.”
“Si, Señor Ramsay.” Luisa slipped from the room, a tiny figure in an unobtrusive grey dress. She was a fairly young, but terribly efficient, vampire who ran their home in Muros year-round. Luisa’s looks were more than deceiving. And so far, she had proven loyal.
“So, Guillermo, how can we help you this evening? You’re looking well since we left you in London.” Gemma’s voice was carefully neutral as Terry sized up his prey. The other vampire looked studiously calm, dressed in a pale linen suit that matched Terry’s. It was the standard uniform for immortals vacationing in the Rias.
“I had heard that you sailed into complications while coming from England. I am happy to see you safe in your home, Señora Melcombe.”
“Oh?” Gemma was all innocence. “How did you hear of our excitement, Guillermo? Surely only the one who had given out our information would know of the unsuccessful attack.”
Terry grinned. No beating around the bush for his girl.
Guillermo didn’t lose a beat. “Unfortunately, I had the information too late to warn you. When I heard of the order from Leonor, I was shocked, naturally. But I was not supposed to know of it. She knew I thought of you and Señor Ramsay as reliable allies for Spain. Wonderful trading partners worthy of closer alliance. It grieved me that Leonor had taken such a step to remove you from power, but I am relieved to know she failed in her attempt. Your loss would be felt through all of Europe. Indeed, the entire immortal world.”