Caught off guard by the realization that the woman had somehow heard the words he had spoken to Simone only last evening, Gideon spun about to confront her, only to discover the room was once again empty.
He released his breath with a loud hiss.
Since coming to London he had hoped that Nefri would seek him out. Not only because she was a legend among vampires, but because he had presumed she could help him to discover some means of luring Tristan back to the Veil without forcing him into a battle.
Now he wished that she had never appeared.
It was obvious she was warning him that he must confess the truth to Simone. And that without her trust he would somehow fail.
The mere thought made a shudder race through his body.
There was a discreet knock on the door before a footman stepped into the room.
“Sir, your carriage is waiting to take you to the boot maker.”
Gideon clenched his hands at his sides. Nefri had claimed that Tristan was once again in London. He could not put off the evil hour, no matter how much he might wish to. There was no telling when the desperate traitor might strike.
“There has been a change in my schedule,” he said briskly. “Inform the coachman that we will be calling upon Lady Gilbert this morning.”
“Very good, sir.” With a bow the footman turned to leave the room.
Once alone Gideon reached for a ribbon to tie back his hair.
Only weeks ago he would have scoffed at the mere thought of feeling uneasy at confronting a mortal. He was a vampire. A gentleman far above lesser humans. What did he care if a woman was frightened or horrified by his presence?
His arrogance, however, had been thoroughly punctured by a golden-haired temptress who had managed to capture his heart in a manner he had never before experienced.
He could not lose her, not now.
With a final tug upon his cuffs, Gideon forced himself to leave his chambers.
It was time that Simone discover that the gentleman she had shared a bed with last evening was a creature out of her worst nightmare.
With a practiced skill Simone lightly sketched the outline of a walking dress with a hint of military crispness in the tailored skirt and square neckline.
Putting aside the last of the material she had neatly folded and stacked on the table in the back drawing room, Daisy moved behind Simone and heaved a sigh of appreciation.
“Oh, my lady, ’tis perfect for the dark blue satin,” she said.
“Yes, with a touch of gold braiding upon the bodice and sleeves,” Simone replied absently, her pencil still moving over the sketchpad.
“It will be lovely.”
Simone had to agree. Although she had returned from Gideon’s determined to sleep the day through, she had discovered herself far too restless to seek her bed.
Dear heavens, how could she possibly sleep, no matter how weary she might be?
It had been bad enough to be roughly kidnapped by those mindless creatures, and then to fear that Gideon had been murdered before her very eyes. But to have been at his side and watch as his wounds had healed ...
It should have been terrifying.
She should have fled from his home and refused to ever see him again.
After all, she could no longer deny that Gideon was something other than human.
Instead she had remained, locked in his arms and inwardly wishing that she had the right to remain there for an eternity.
Never had she felt so safe, so utterly at peace.
And it was only the knowledge that her reputation would be in utter ruins if she did not slip away before the servants stirred that had at last sent her scurrying to her own home.
Her fingers trembled and she hastily set aside the pad and pencil.
What was happening to her?
Had Gideon bewitched her? Was she under some mysterious spell that took away all logic and left her vulnerable to emotions she had thought buried long ago?
Her thoughts were still in chaos when the butler stepped into the room and offered a bow.
“Pardon me, my lady, but Mr. Ravel has called.”
Simone shakily rose to her feet, briefly considering having him sent away before she dismissed the absurd notion. Gideon had proved time and time again that he would not be halted if he wished to see her.
Besides, if she were to be perfectly honest with herself she could not deny that a part of her wished to be with Gideon. No matter what the mystery that surrounded him, no matter if she felt as if she were going mad.
He had entangled himself in her heart, and she very much feared that she would never be free of her feelings for him.
“Thank you.” She somehow forced a smile to her stiff lips. The staff had already developed a great fondness for
