Page 31 of Lucas
Once Romero was safely in his lounge, the bodyguards could take a break. Not that they ever took a real break, but with the in-house security and privacy of the lounges, Romero encouraged them to have a few drinks and bring in women if they chose.
That evening, Romero chased the other two bodyguards out, suggesting they find someone to dance with. “I love coming to the club to watch the crowd enjoy themselves without actually having to be included.”
“It’s probably the closest you can get to being among others while letting your guard down. So to speak.” Lucas sat back, accepting the glass of scotch the attendant handed him before exiting.
Romero chuckled. “Exactly. Now, why don’t you try that?”
Lucas shifted uncomfortably, which made Romero’s smile widen as he shook his head.
“I asked the others to leave because I wanted to speak with you privately.”
Lucas hadn’t been with the House long enough to know whether he should be worried, so he just nodded.
“You’ve only been in my service for a few short months, but I’m quite impressed with you.” He waved his hand before Lucas could respond. “I’m aware of the House you were born into, but I take Lafitte’s recommendations quite seriously. You’ve risen above the difficulties one faces being the youngest male in a House. I gave you the assignment to study vampiric law not just to assist in House matters, but to strengthen your assets.”
“I appreciate the opportunity.”
“We’ll also increase your training in martial arts. You’ve developed excellent fighting skills, especially in hand-to-hand, but I think they can be improved.”
“I agree. Not many of Lafitte’s guard has that skill.”
“I’ll introduce you to the Baron. He’s a master black belt in several disciplines. He’s out of town a great deal, so scheduling will be difficult, but you might find me a worthy opponent in the training room.”
Lucas lifted a brow. “Now I’m intrigued.”
“Excellent.”
A knock at the door made them both turn, and Lucas gripped the arms of his chair in anticipation of defending Romero. The in-house security man stationed at the door popped his head in. “Sorry to disturb you, sir. There’s a Devon Trelane asking to join you.”
Romero jumped up. “Yes, yes, let him in.”
Lucas stood, unaware of the vampire. Trelane strode in and quickly scanned the room before grinning widely at Romero. The two vampires hugged, slapping each other on the back.Romero grasped Trelane’s forearms while giving him a long appraisal.
“You’re looking good. What brings you to the South?”
“A small matter for a friend. I head back home in the morning, but since I was close to New Orleans, I had to stop by.”
“Of course. I would have been hurt otherwise. Have you seen Lafitte?”
“I had dinner with him.”
“Excellent. And how is it assuming leadership of the House again?”
“More difficult than I imagined.”
Romero chuckled. “As you should have expected.”
Trelane shook his head. “I did, but I’d hoped my father’s legacy and my alliances before my…shall we call it a detour…would have been enough of a foundation. But, House by House, the meetings are becoming friendlier.”
“Gossip spreads quicker through the Houses than the scent of jasmine through New Orleans.”
Trelane slapped Romero on the arm. “And this time, it’s an added benefit to my long list of atonements.”
Romero turned to Lucas. “My apologies. Let me introduce you to my newest bodyguard, Lucas Maynard. Lucas, this is Devon Trelane, leader of House Trelane.”
The name clicked. “Guildford Trelane’s son?”
Trelane smiled and held out his hand. “The same. And I believe you’re one of Magnus’s sons.”
