Page 34 of Seduction in Blood
"Ah, so those blue spikes of hair on Gruber was a ploy and not a sign of a bad hairstylist?"
He smiled. "I'm not sure."
She snorted and sipped water. "What's with this Margo?"
"Be careful of her. Our history is complicated, and if you must know, I can give you the highlights when we're home. There are too many ears here."
She scanned the room, her gaze darting to the ceiling before returning to the crowd. "And eyes." She resumed eating as if she'd merely been looking for someone.
"I've seen a camera in each room, but I don't know if they can pick up sound." Devon assumed they did but was curious what his new cat burglar saw.
"Based on the security panel at the front door, I'd say they're using a Gibson 5000 system. Top of the line. The cameras can zoom and are most definitely wired for sound, but with this crowd…" she waved a fork at the room, "even the Gibson wouldn't be able to narrow in on any particular conversation more than ten feet away. In a room with only one or two people speaking, it could probably pick up a growling stomach from across the ballroom."
Devon leaned back. "You noticed the security panel and could determine the system based on that?"
She shrugged before stuffing a crab-filled mushroom in her mouth. Her tongue slid out to lick her lips, and the dream flashed again. Devon felt a stirring in his lower regions that he'd been fighting all night. Did she have any idea the effect she had on him? He hoped not.
"I can't help but notice the security system when I walk into any house, even yours. It comes with the job. The high-end systems add their own modifications to the panel that makes them distinct. And, in reality, there are only a handful of vendors on the market worth their salt." She drank half her glass of water and nodded to one of the far corners of the ballroom where the banquet tables had been set up. "This room and two of the larger sitting rooms have two cameras." She gave him a dazzling smile. "Did I pass your test?"
"I admit I'm impressed." She had surpassed his expectations and appeared to be taking the job seriously.
She gave a half shrug but couldn't hide the soft rose that stained her cheeks. "Can I ask why everyone seems surprised to see you? And they were shocked when you introduced me as your Blood Ward."
Devon dropped his gaze and picked at his food.
"Something else to discuss in a different setting?" She snorted. "Always a mystery."
Before he could respond, someone called his name from several tables away. "Devon Trelane. How good to see you after such a long time. Are you still hiding in that dreadfully dour house?"
Devon's muscles tensed when he recognized the voice—Lorenzo. They'd just seen each other a day ago. But this was a public venue where Lorenzo could show how outgoing he was while hiding the animosity. Cressa must have sensed his tension because she laid a hand on his arm and gave it a light squeeze. Was she concerned for him or worried he'd vamp out? He gave her a tight smile, surprised to see a worry line on her forehead.
"And who have you been hiding from us?" Lorenzo strode up to the table, his eyes laser focused on Cressa. "Are the rumors true that you have a Blood Ward? And after the last one failed so miserably." His gaze devoured Cressa, who gave him a pleasant smile before dropping her gaze to review her plate, moving her fork around as if unable to decide which appetizer to select.
"I didn't know you enjoyed these types of parties." Devon attempted an even tone, but it was hard not to wipe the smirk off the man's face.Ignore him. This was all part of the plan.
"They've been rather dull of late, but now I'm glad I came. I could always use another female in my house."
Devon felt Cressa tense through the leg she'd leaned against his, but somehow she managed to pick up her champagne glass and appear nothing more than a timid companion as she sipped. He half expected her to toss the drink in Lorenzo's face.
"You're not looking for business partners here, are you?" Lorenzo asked. A sneer that could be mistaken for a bland smile crossed his face. "I'm sure I don't have to remind you of the censure laws."
Devon winced, wishing Cressa hadn't heard that. But what did he expect bringing her to these events? Someone was constantly rubbing his face in it. "I'm quite aware of the laws, as I'm sure you know."
Lorenzo smiled and refocused on Cressa. "I'm surprised anyone would want to be a Blood Ward to an outcast, but maybe she knows her beauty will be enough to place her in a more noble house."
If Cressa was paying attention, which Devon had no doubt she was, it would be impossible for others to tell. She nibbled the last of a sauteed shrimp, her tongue licking her lip before she swallowed. Then she ran a hand over his arm before sliding it below the table, resting it on his leg. Devon couldn't help but smile at Lorenzo.
"Was there something in particular you wanted?" Devon wanted the man to go away before Lorenzo said anything else he'd have to explain. But he enjoyed Lorenzo's annoyance at Cressa's attentiveness.
"Isabella noticed you were here and has called an informal meeting in the library. For some reason, she wants you there. Perhaps she's finally caught you at something. But never fear, if she has you hauled away, I'll be happy to ensure your Blood Ward finds her way home." His gaze sparkled with insincerity.
Devon wasn't concerned about Isabella. If she'd had an issue with him, he would never have left the council chambers the day before. It was more likely she wanted to remind everyone of the rules that Lorenzo tended to ignore. One thing was certain, Cressa would learn to use a dagger and carry it with her whether she liked it or not.
He glanced at her, momentarily lost in her adoring eyes. He gave her hand a squeeze, pleased with how well she played the game. Was that Anna's doing, or was Cressa a natural? He leaned in to whisper in her ear. "You're doing well. But I can't avoid this meeting."
She ran a hand down his cheek and drew closer. "I'll stay out of trouble. No staring if someone touches." Then she kissed his cheek before kissing his lips with the gentlest of touches, and he felt his cock stir. The minx.
ChapterSeventeen
