Page 58 of Bite at First Sight

His already dark features twisted into a harsh mask. “It wasn’t Lord Villar, was it?”

“No!” She shook her head fervently, wishing she had the strength to rise. “It was Clayton Edmondson, his second-in-command.”

“On Villar’s command?” he inquired sardonically.

Frustrated with his insistence on twisting her words, Lenore slammed her fists on the mattress. “Certainly not! Clayton had rogues abduct me, and then he held me captive as part of his plan to discredit Lord Villar.”

Rochester raised a brow, his gaze rife with scornful disbelief. “Why does he want to discredit him? And why bring rogues into the mix?”

Lenore fought to maintain composure under the intimidating force of his presence as she explained everything she’d overheard during her nightmarish imprisonment. “His ultimate plan is to overthrow the Lord of London and take his place.”

“Ah, so there is to be a revolution in our esteemed capital,” the vampire mused aloud, running a hand through his long, dark curly hair.

She nodded solemnly. At least he believed her. A small light of hope illuminated her consciousness. Perhaps he could help. Rochester was certainly a powerful vampire, and Lord Villar could use all the help he could muster.

“Clayton is like a deadly spider, spinning a web of deception around London’s vampires. Nearly half the lot have fallen for his lies.” Lenore shuddered in fear and disgust as vivid memories of her cruel treatment under his care haunted her like malicious phantoms. “He plans to challenge Lord Villar soon.”

“I do not see why this should concern me,” Rochester said coldly. “I have always been neutral. Aside from that, Villar and I have never been on agreeable terms. Frankly, it would surprise me if he was amicable with anyone. He’s such a prickly fellow.”

“I think it very well should concern you.” Lenore used all of her strength and courage to sit up and face him boldly. It was time to stop cringing. “If London comes under Clayton’s control, countless vampires will suffer as I have. That is something that should concern all of our kind. And if he can allow rogues into his territory and abduct vampires, what is to stop him from meddling with your people?” She softened her tone. “Please, my lord, help Lord Villar stop this insurrection.”

“You plead a pretty case, my dear.” Rochester’s thin lips curved in a patronizingly indulgent smile. “However, it has never been my policy to become involved with the struggles of others. Now, enough about me. There is something else that has me curious. Why is it that you came here instead of running to your own lord for protection?”

Lenore sighed. She’d anticipated this question, knowing that on the surface her actions didn’t reflect well on her lord. “Clayton and the rogues he set to pursue me blocked all routes to Lord Villar’s abode. If I had tried to go there, they would have caught me for certain.” Chills ran over her flesh at the vivid memory of that harrowing chase. “Once I had left the city, a better plan came to mind.”

“And what would that be, youngling?” His voice was tinged with mockery.

Refusing to be daunted, she told him.

For an endless moment, he stared in thunderstruck silence.

Finally, he threw back his head and laughed. Lenore shivered at the rich, decadent sound. When he recovered, he eyed her with the first genuine smile she’d seen on his cynical countenance. Something warm and unfamiliar fluttered in her belly.

“That is the most reckless and hazardous plan you could possibly conjure up. Also, the boldest. I toast your courage, little one.” His black eyes glittered with amusement. “Yet I must ask: How did you expect to reach your destination on time in your weak and malnourished condition?”

Her shoulders slumped as the bleak logic in his words sank in. “I do not know.”

With unbelievable gentleness, he ran a hand through her tangled hair. “Very well, I shall tell you. You will stay here another day and recover your strength. Then I shall see about securing your passage on a ship.”

“Thank you, Lord Rochester. I will never forget your kindness.” Overwhelmed with gratitude, she placed her hand on his.

Rochester blinked as if surprised at her touch. Slowly, he took her hand and squeezed it gently before firmly moving it away. “Oh, I would not say I am helping you out of kindness. You will owe me a favor for this, Lenore, as will Lord Villar. And I always collect my debts.”

Eighteen

25 October 1823

Rafe studied Cassandra’s lips as he moved his rook across the chessboard. They were red and puffy from his kisses. He could not wait to kiss her again. He licked his fangs, eyeing the mark on her neck from his bite. He couldn’t wait to taste her again as well.

Last night had been a revelation. It had been more than achieving long-denied physical gratification, more than reveling in the joy that he could once more elicit cries of pleasure from a beautiful woman. It had even been more than having the ability to use both of his arms for such a delightful experience.

Last night had been everything because it was with her.

“Check,” she announced, not even bothering to hide her triumph.

Rafe smiled at her enthusiasm. He’d had centuries to perfect the game. Thus far no mortal had beaten him, and very few vampires for that matter. The Lord of Cornwall, however, trounced him regularly.

“It is only because I am distracted, Querida,” he argued gently.

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