Page 40 of Blood and Roses

"I never would've picked you as a Shostakovich fan," he said from behind her. She tipped her head backward and smiled crookedly up at him.

"What you don't know about me, Balthasar Vane, could fill one of those fancy notebooks of yours," she replied.

"I have no doubt," he said, his hand burning to touch her loose curls.

"Be careful where you step because I have everything exactly where I need it," she warned as he moved about to face her.

"What are you up to?"

"Making very badly styled wreaths. I think Cecily doesn't want me in the way and is trying her best not to treat me like I'm made of glass."

"How is the leg?"

"Still attached and sore, but I'll live. Mind you, I look like a beaten housewife with this," she pulled back her hair to show him the yellowing bruise on her forehead.

"Considering it needed stitches last night, I believe it's looking rather good."

"I wasn't complaining. Stop taking everything so seriously all the time."

"It's a character flaw."

Rosa looked him over with intense female appraisal, causing Balthasar to straighten his jacket sleeves under the scrutiny. "It's nice to know you havesomeflaws under all those expensive bespoke suits of yours."

"I believe you pointed out all my flaws when you were drunk."

"Not all of them surely," she said, looking back at the wreath in her hands. "Eli paid me a call this morning."

"Really? I had wondered where he disappeared. Anything of interest?"

"He wanted to know all about the dashing rescue. He also may have mentioned you were going to rip Pearl's head off last night?"

"Yes."

"So that's why he has taken everyone to London. It's to get away from you and your temper." Rosa pointed a leaf at him. "Just so we are clear, even though Eli left you in charge doesn't mean you can boss me around, okay?"

"Can anyone boss you around? I don't think a creature exists that could exude any authority over you."

"Look at that, you can make a joke." Rosa screwed up her nose. "Sort of."

Balthasar opened his mouth to reply, but they were interrupted by Goode and an ancient man dressed in tweed. "Excuse me, sir, the tailor is here for your afternoon appointment."

"Thank you. I'll be right there," Balthasar said before looking down at Rosa. "Enjoy your decorating."

"Enjoy getting your inner seam measured by an old guy with shaky hands," came her quick reply as she began twisting vine with intense concentration. "Goodbye, Mr. Vane."

Balthasar shook his head, unable to think of a reply before hurrying out.

Two hours later,Rosa had made twenty-seven wreaths. Cecily brought people in to take piles of them away and to start hanging them about the house. She looked at Rosa's berry crown with affection.

"I like it," she said, pulling on one of Rosa's curls. "We have finished the main entrance hall, but I was looking for Balthasar to get his approval. Have you seen him anywhere?"

"Not for hours. Do you want me to go and find him? He's probably off doing something very important looking by now."

"Your sarcasm is holding a little less spite these days." Cecily smiled approvingly. "I told you they aren't all bad."

"When someone finds you out in the middle of the forest, bleeding like wolf bait, you tend to warm up to them a little."

"Good. In that case, you won't mind going to find Mr. Balthasar for me. I have to ring up and order some more decorations and more lights."

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