Page 23 of Betrayed in Blood
Something didn’t seem right, and he glanced out the window on the other side of the plane. “That’s strange.”
“What’s that?” She never looked up from the magazine.
The sun was moving toward the horizon to their right. “It seems that we’re flying south. We should be flying toward the sun.”
She didn’t say anything for a moment, then set the magazine aside. “We’re not going home. At least not immediately.”
“What are you talking about?” He must have drunk more vodka than he thought.
She turned in her seat, bringing her legs up to sit cross-legged. “You were pretty out of it yesterday when you found out about the baby vamps.”
His brow lifted. “Baby vamps?”
She shrugged with an infectious smile that tugged at his heart. “I checked in with Simone while you slept to see if Lucas and Ginger were home yet.”
“You mean when you drugged me?”
She ignored his comment. “It will be another three or four days before they return, and you need time to consider everything we’ve learned at El Recinto. I thought it would be best if you did it someplace where you could relax and not worry over House business.” She held up her hand. “Simone knows where we’ll be and promised to call if anything important comes up. For now, all the orders you left with her are underway, and they’ve made excellent progress on the safe houses. Colantha and Hamilton returned to New Orleans, but she promised to come back once we’re home.”
A flare of irritation hit him at someone making all the decisions for him, but it dissipated as quickly as it came. He admitted to himself that the discovery of the children had thrown him. After his readdiction and recovery from the Poppy, the dreadful episode had taught him one thing. If he was going to survive the war, he had to pay attention to his health—both physical and mental.
Baby vamps. He held back a snort, wondering what Simone would think of that moniker. Or any of his cadre, for that matter.
He wanted to be home, but Cressa was right. It would be a distraction. The news of House Aramburu having no fertility problems was a major development and required time to reconsider his next move. He had gained Gregor’s agreement that Devon could share the information with only his most trusted cadre and The Wolf.
“Where are we going?”
“Simone found us a private house in Cádiz. Sand, surf, an infinity pool, and plenty of wine.” She smiled and reached for his hand, glancing over her shoulder before lowering her voice, apparently in case the flight attendant returned. “And hours and hours of sex.”
He grinned. “You should have led with that.”
ChapterSeven
I heardthe squeal of Ginger’s voice the minute I stepped into the manor.
“You’re home!” Ginger raced down the stairs and practically flew across the foyer.
I dropped my bag to steady myself as she flung her arms around me. I laughed. “Apparently, so are you.” I hugged her back and whispered, “I’m so glad you made it back. It must have been hard.”
Ginger pulled back and wiped an eye. “It’s all okay now.”
She didn’t fool me, but this wasn’t the time or place. That would be later with a bottle of wine.
Devon put an arm around Ginger and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for a successful mission. I hear we have you to thank for House Bertrand’s support.”
She blushed and glanced down at the cooler he was holding. I was impressed by her blank expression when I knew she was dying to know what was inside. Devon wouldn’t be carrying around a six-pack. She smiled at him. “That was all Lucas. It’s his sister’s House, after all.”
“But it was Mason’s decision as House leader, and you’re the one who encouraged the visit. I know the intent was for Lucas to reunite with his sister, but that act was important to Lucas and, as such, to this House. So, thank you.”
She blushed and played with the deep-lavender silk scarf wrapped around her neck, the only color in her black leggings and shirt ensemble. “Any time.”
“I’ll need both of you to join us in an hour. I’m sure the two of you have a lot to catch up on.” He kissed my cheek then headed toward his office.
“You’re late.”
I twirled around to find Simone glaring at us with her hands fisted on her hips. Her signature Wonder Woman pose. “I missed you, too.”
Her lips twitched. “We expected you yesterday.”
