Surprisingly the smile faded at his command, as if the boy feared he meant to harm the old woman.
“She seems harmless enough to me.”
Gideon did not even bother attempting to smother his sudden chuckle at the innocent words.
The urchin had no notion he had been in the presence of the oldest, most powerful vampire ever to walk the world.
“Never allow appearances to deceive you,” he warned.
“She’s dangerous?”
“More dangerous than you will ever know.”
With a nod of his head Gideon turned to leave the garden through the mews. There was still the faintest trace of Nefri’s presence, but Gideon did not attempt to follow the trail.
If the vampire wished to speak with him, she would seek his company.
Until then he would have to do the best he could to ensure that disaster did not occur.
A pity he did not feel nearly so confident in his ability as he had before leaving the Veil.
With a last glance toward the town house, Gideon disappeared into the short alley.
Chapter 9
Gideon waited two days before he at last sought out Simone.
He hoped that the time apart would give her the opportunity to still her fears and perhaps even come to terms with her suspicion that he was far more than just another London dandy.
Surprisingly he had discovered it more than a little difficult to keep himself from seeking out her companionship.
He found himself brooding upon whether she was taking proper care of herself, if Tristan was even now intending to harm her, and, absurdly, if she was entertaining other gentlemen while he stewed alone in his chambers.
The realization he was behaving more like a foolish human than a sophisticated vampire did not soothe his ruffled emotions.
Was he a victim of his own passions? If so, he had only to step from his home to discover a woman anxious to become his lover. Even without the use of Compulsion. But he did not make the slightest effort to do so.
It was not passions that troubled him, he at last conceded.
But passion for one particular woman. And the oddest desire to have her near where he could be certain she was safe at every moment.
A weakness that he should sear from his soul before it could destroy him.
The proud thought made him smile.
He feared that it was already far too late.
The weakness would not be dismissed no matter how he might try. It had become as much a part of him as his arms or legs.
At last accepting that he could no longer resist the unmistakable tug of Simone, Gideon attired himself in a black coat and breeches and called for his carriage.
He tried to tell himself he was being absurd, but the need to see her was nearly unbearable as he rattled closer and closer to her town house. In truth, a decided chill of unease was settled in the pit of his stomach by the time he had walked up the stairs and was greeted by the butler.
“Good day, Bartson. I am here to see Lady Gilbert,” he said in abrupt tones.
That unease only deepened when the butler gave a regretful shake of his head.
“I fear, sir, that Lady Gilbert is still making her morning visits.”
Gideon glanced toward the clock set upon an ebony-and ivory-inlaid table. “At this hour?”
“I am certain she will not be long. If you will step into the front parlor I will let her know you are waiting the moment she returns.”
Feeling far too restless to meekly await Simone, Gideon nevertheless forced himself to give a nod of his head. What good would it be to dash about London in search of the stubborn woman? She could be anywhere, from Mayfair to Bond Street.
Far better to wait here.
“Very well.”
At his grudging acceptance Bartson led him up the stairs to the front parlor. He entered the large room, but did not even glance toward the numerous chairs and sofas scattered over the carpet.
“Shall I have tea served?” the servant demanded.
“No, I thank you.”
“There is brandy on the side table. Just ring if you need anything.”
“Yes, I will,” Gideon promised, pacing toward the large window that overlooked the street.
