Entwined With the Dark (35 page)

"Is that so?" he said in an ominously quiet voice. I blinked slowly, but didn't answer. I'd said more than enough. I tightened my hold on my coffee cup, trying to stop any evidence of my disquiet.

It's not that I am afraid of Michel, not at all. He would never hurt me. But, he can be very persuasive if he wants something and right now I was getting the impression he wanted my plans changed. I didn't want to be brow-beaten into a different path. I was more than capable of taking care of myself and I felt I deserved the opportunity to do this my way first. It's not as though it was the Champion I was facing and our future together was on the cards. This was merely a fishing expedition. We simply wanted to know who was behind Amun.

"May I make a suggestion?" Michel asked, surprising me. Normally he'd just make a decree. I nodded my head slowly, trying to keep a neutral mask on my face. Michel's face hadn't changed at all. The politician sitting before me, not the man. "Take Nataliya and Marcus with you, leave Sergei and Matthias outside."

The air left my lungs in a quiet rush. Had he just condoned my plan? But why the break-up of the teams?

"Why?" I said, mentally cringing at my lack of brain-mouth filtering.

During this entire exchange the other vampires in the room had remained silent, not that preternatural still they do, they were quite alive and avidly watching. But they hadn't moved a muscle, just content to watch the scene unfold. None of them seemed surprised with Michel's suggestion. But I also noticed, they weren't caught off guard by my question either. They knew us both well.

"Marcus and Nataliya have already established themselves as a couple in the club, their apparent lack of attention to you can be easily dismissed." Wow, that made complete sense, if not a little unnerving. Seeing them together intimately just made me shudder. I have no idea why. But Michel hadn't finished. "Also, I will be kept abreast of what is happening through my connection with Marcus. If both my vampyres are outside, then I only have your connection to rely on. And quite frankly,
ma douce
, you can be a little biased."

There was a snort from one of the vampires, I was thinking Marcus, but my attention was consumed with Michel. "What?" I said a little incredulously and watched as Michel started to smile. It was his knowing smile, his teasing one. The smile he used when he was having a little fun. At my expense.

He stood up and glided towards me, using every bit of his allure to reel me in. The smile had taken the edge off my anger, the walk towards me had made me forget. I shook my head as I realised I was staring, trapped in the vision of Michel. He leaned down before me, his hand wrapping around the back of my neck. Then without exerting an ounce of pressure, he simply guided me to my feet. I stood mere inches from him, his hand caressing the skin at the base of my head.

"I have complete faith you can play Amun,
ma belle
," he murmured, his eyes finally showing how he felt. Magenta, amethyst and indigo fighting for the right to dominate the hue within. He leaned in and kissed the skin beneath my ear and then whispered, "You did not think I would not want to watch?"

The way he said it made a bubble of laughter escape my mouth. I hadn't intended to laugh, but his tone was so sexy, so husky, so suggestive, that I had no choice. Michel would never share me like
that
, he was trying to make me relax. Laughter was his method of choice. But I also wasn't fooled one little bit. Michel hadn't liked my plan tonight; the thought that I would be without my full contingency of guards. But rather than throw his weight around and undermine my confidence, he had found a compromise that allowed him some control. He could be privy to what was happening and order the outside guards to move closer without my consent.

"You're a control freak," I said softly, as his lips made their way to my mouth.

"Mm-hmm," he answered, then kissed me soundly. Pulling back after several seconds, he said, "Would you have me any other way?"

And no, I wouldn't. Michel was strong and powerful, a natural leader, a decision maker. He could sometimes be authoritarian, his opinion was often the only one of worth. But he was also the one person I felt safest with. The one person I could rely on to save me when things got tough. I was more than capable of holding my own in most things, but my life was not like most. I had learned the hard way that things didn't always go to plan. But with Michel at my side, I could live with that thought. Michel wasn't just my husband, the lover who held my heart. He was also my saviour, my protector, my provider of all that I needed and desired. To have that I had to accept his dominant side.

And to be honest, who doesn't get turned on by a man who is completely in control of his world?

He smiled, that beautiful young boy smile, the one that made my heart stop beating and just swoon. His thumb ran along the edge of my jaw and he sighed.

"You know me," he said simply and it was a statement that meant more than just words. It was as though it gave him comfort, let him be who he was without guilt. Yes I knew this man and I loved him because of it, not despite it.

I was also aware, that Michel knew me too. Better than even myself.

And there was comfort to be had in that, as well.

Night came too quickly and before I knew it, Michel had gone. We didn't drag out the good-bye. We didn't linger in each other's arms. We both had a job to do tonight, his more precarious than mine and the weight of the outcome from his impending meeting with the Champion, carried more significance too.

Not that my mind wasn't on high alert as we approached the Vibe in Trafalgar Square. Sergei and Matthias following, but not visible. Nataliya and Marcus with me in my car. It was good to have the opportunity to drive my Mini again, but it wasn't exactly the most ideal environment to enjoy. The impending confrontation with Amun and my role in getting him to divulge his secrets occupied my mind. But also, I couldn't help being distracted by Marcus and Nataliya's familiarity.

Why did it bother me so much? I couldn't help thinking I was being judgemental, I wasn't even sure if they were still acting or not. Maybe it was all still a show and my unease at their closeness was misplaced. But something made me jumpy as they bantered in the car. Their innuendo and poor choice of jokes setting my teeth on edge. By the time we parked the car in the Trafalgar Square carpark, I'd just about had enough. I was glad that I'd be abandoning them as soon as we entered the club. Not that they'd be abandoning me in theory, just appearing as if they had.

We crossed the square in silence, they'd even stopped draping their arms around each other for the walk. They were still shoulder to shoulder behind me, but their attention was all for the surroundings and any threat that lay hidden there. Their return to familiar protection squad antics made it a little easier to breathe and I tried to use that sensation to relax my rigid and tense frame. I rolled my head on my shoulders and took in a few deep breaths of air.

"Are you all right, mistress?" Nataliya asked behind me in a low voice only we could hear.

"I'll be fine when this is all over," I said, meaning more than just the evening in the Vibe ahead.

"You will be our main focus, even if we don't appear as though we are on guard," she offered and I realised it was exactly what I had needed to hear.

They were still very much my guards despite a relationship beginning between them or not.

"Thanks," I muttered as we drew closer to the bouncer on the door.

The Norms in the queue complained loudly as the bouncer nodded in recognition and let us in. He growled at them, not displaying any fangs, but just as intimidating as if he had. They really should have been used to it, there were always VIPs who entered first. If they were regulars at the Vibe, they would have known this. Which made me wonder if this was 'fresh meat' on the pavement or not.

The white room was ablaze with coloured lights, a dizzying display of electronics making my eyes blink rapidly and my stomach lurch. I sincerely hoped epileptics chose a different bar to attend. Even I was having spasms, trying to accept the speed in which the lights flashed. Nataliya yelled something about grabbing a drink and taking Marcus's hand headed towards the bar. Leaving me standing alone a few feet inside the venue and unsure of what to do next.

No one approached me and I had visions of waiting hours like we had last night. I wasn't in the mood for Amun's games, but I had absolutely no choice in the matter. If he wanted to toy with me before approaching, he would. I'm not one to wait patiently, I'm more of an act now think later kind of girl. I am working on that. It appears politics is the exact reverse. Think, think, think, before you make your next move.

It brought a smile to my face. Michel was definitely a thinker, but then he was particularly good at
doing
too. I decided I wouldn't stand around like a lonely statue and headed towards the dance floor. There was a large group of people dancing with each other, so I was sure I could join in with the crowd and not cause too much of a stir. I'd worn better shoes tonight, my flats, not a heel in sight. I was quite prepared for a lengthy dance session, knowing Amun would be watching, but my intention wasn't to give him a good show. It was to appear quite happy with what I was doing; no need to rush, I'm having fun.

I'd been dancing for several minutes, a young human guy had broken off from the pack not long after I arrived. I'd smiled, but not responded to his overtures, just closed my eyes and given myself
over to the rhythm and
vibe
. I thought it was his hands on my hips when I felt them. His courage had surprised me, as the hands coasted around my waist, pulling me firmly against a broad chest at my back. My eyes sprang open and caught the disappointed look on the young guy's face as he returned to his mates instead.

I quickly determined it wasn't a vampire at my back, so not Amun making his entrance just yet, but I wasn't in the dark for long, when hot breath washed my cheeks and the man purred, "Hello, lass. You can certainly dance."

"Sebastian," I said allowing him to move us to the music, a gentle sway of both our hips. "What do you want?"

"Can't I just be after a dance?"

"I don't know what you are after, Sebastian, but it's not a dance," I said with feeling, turning to face him, but still wrapped in his arms.

"I'm keeping an eye on you for the Champion, Lucinda. You know this."

I was momentarily surprised he was being so open, but then, like he said, it wasn't news.

"Is that the only reason you're here?" I asked, wondering just whose side he was really on.

He just shrugged. "Can't a friend dance with a friend?"

"We're not friends, you and I," I replied automatically, but it was definitely the truth.

"I killed your fairy for you, that should make us friends."

"I have no idea why you did that, but it wasn't for me."

We stared at each other for a moment, neither giving the other an inch. I didn't know what game the
Ceannard
was playing and I certainly didn't know on whose side. But he wasn't the reason why I was here, I needed Amun to make his appearance. But, despite me dancing with a rather dashing
Nathair-Sgiathach,
he hadn't shown up yet. I needed to force his hand and if I didn't want to be twiddling my thumbs all night waiting, then maybe I could use Sebastian's presence.

"Fine," I said with a lift of my shoulder. "Let's dance."

He looked slightly surprised by my acquiescence and then quickly he smiled his lazy smile.

"Now, you're talking, lass." He spun me around a few times, then made a show of dipping me low over his arm. I couldn't help my smile at his over-the-top dancing style. He grinned winningly back and pulled me close to his chest. The music changed to a different beat and he started to move me in a jarring fashion.

"We're doing the Tango?" I asked as he spun me with force one way and then the next, then abruptly brought me against his side. His feet were moving in intricate steps, but his guidance meant I didn't look like I was being left behind.

"A dance for lovers," he purred in my ear as he brought me back, chest to chest.

"We're not..." I didn't get to finish that, as he spun me around dramatically and lowered me in final dip as he went down on one knee. My hair touched the floor behind me, my head unable to do anything but roll further back.

It was from this angle that I saw Amun, walking towards us through a parted crowd, slowly clapping his hands. My hold on Sebastian’s shoulder's tightened, my nails digging in to his shirt. I was not happy to be facing the Master of London City upside down. Sebastian spun me to my feet, his eyes catching mine briefly. He twirled me in his arms to face Amun, one hand still on my hip, the other across my waist. He didn't let go, although he would have felt the tension in my stance.

"Lucinda, what a delightful show you have put on." Amun's eyes ran over my outfit, lingering slightly on where Sebastian had his arm. He flicked his gaze back up to the shifter. "Sebastian, you are enjoying my club?"

I wasn't surprised that they knew each other. Sebastian as the leader of the local shifters would have had to meet with Amun more than once. But I did wonder just how well they knew each other and what that would mean for me.

"As usual, Amun," Sebastian drawled in his Scottish accent, "It has been fun."

Amun nodded slowly. "You should not monopolise the Emissary's wife."

It was interesting that Amun had not called me by any of
my
titles, but had chosen to address me as Michel's wife. It said more than he realised. Michel was the one with the accord with him, not me, but I think Amun was a little sexist and that would play perfectly into my plan.

"I wouldn't dream of it," Sebastian answered. "But I could hardly resist the opportunity either, now could I?"

"No," Amun conceded good naturedly. "She is a prize to be seen with, I agree."

I forced myself not to react, being discussed as though I was property was never a nice thing.

"However, I am sure you have more pressing things to deal with," Amun offered, stepping a little closer to us both.

Sebastian slowly withdrew his arm from around my waist and stepped away. The lack of his body warmth, whilst being stared at by Amun was shocking. I felt a little naked under that hungry gaze. I was not Sebastian's problem to protect though and I would hardly start relying on the shifter for that sort of thing now. I turned a dazzling smile on Sebastian, taking a half step towards the Master of the City, placing me within his reach. It went against every hunter instinct in me, but I kept telling myself it was just a game.

"Thanks, Seb," I said with false cheerfulness. He rolled his eyes at my new nick-name for him, but offered a bow from the waist.

"A pleasure, lass." He nodded to Amun and then melted away into the throng on the dance floor. Within seconds I couldn't see him and I had to physically force myself to return my attention to the vampire at my side. Amun's hand came up to brush a strand of my hair away from my face, he was so much closer than he'd been a second ago. I reminded myself to keep a better awareness of my surroundings. It was time to concentrate and play the game again.

"May I have this dance?" Amun asked pleasantly, but as though it should have been a surprise.

"Of course," I murmured, taking his hand and letting him lead me wherever he liked. I didn't fight him, I didn't resist in any way, I wanted him to believe he was in control. He was the one who led not only in the dance, but in our conversation. It was essential he believed that
he
was in control.

"Do you know the
Nathair-Sgiathach
well?" he asked after some time, as we moved smoothly around the room.

"No, not really, but Michel thinks I should get to know him better." The lie fell off my lips with surprising ease.

"Why would he want that?" Amun murmured, leaning his mouth too close to my ear. I remembered to keep breathing normally and didn't pull away.

"Oh, he wouldn't tell
me
why." I said it with a shrug of my shoulders, an indication that that was just the way of things.

Amun was silent for a moment, but his hold had tightened marginally.

"Do you enjoy it here, my dear. In my club?"

I pulled back and looked around the room, using the opportunity to spot my guards on the edge of the crowd, but making a show of looking everywhere.

"I like the lights," I said, returning myself without prompting to his chest. I felt him suck in a breath.

"And the company?" he said, but his words were just a breathy whisper making me strain to understand.

A million voices rang out in warning in my mind. I was so far out of my depth and not even Michel was here to encourage me. I wasn't sure if he was even paying attention to Marcus, but he definitely wasn't in
my
mind. Was he already before the Champion? How were things going for him?
I
was in danger of spoiling everything here, with my reluctance to pretend.

I struggled to form the words with some sort of normality. Straining to make them sound natural and not forced. "It's getting better with each visit." I wasn't sure if I succeeded, so I pretended to trip over my feet in order to distract, making Amun have to catch me before I fell.

He lifted me back up from my half fallen position, wrapping an arm securely around my waist in a more familiar motion than before. His face was inches from mine, I could feel his hot breath across my cheek. My heart rate had already leapt as I forced out the lie, but he seemed to think it was the intimate contact that had done the deed. The irony of my situation hadn't been lost on me. I was scared witless, but not because he held me flush against his body like a lover, but because I was living a lie, my worst nightmare come to life. Schmoozing a politician when I hated politics so very, very much.

"Are you all right?" he asked, his voice lower than before.

I blinked slowly, trying to focus on what I needed from this man, but fear had made my head begin to pound. I knew he'd want to continue to dance and show me off, but this proximity was making it difficult to play my part at all.

"I think I need to sit down," I said slowly.

"Did you hurt yourself?" He sounded genuinely concerned.