She tugged on his hand, pulling him to her. He knelt next to her chair, and she placed her hands on his face. She kissed him. It was soft and tender, and she pulled back slightly before he’d even had a chance to respond.
“You could return the gesture,” she said against his lips.
“You could be patient and give me a moment.” He straightened up on his knees and wrapped both arms around her, pulling her close.
She smiled, her hands still on either side of his face, and kissed him again. She moved her hands and wrapped her arms around his neck, burying her fingers in his hair and sighing as he deepened the kiss. She wished the world would melt away, that they could go someplace safe and alone, no threats, no enemies, no danger. She reveled in the fact that he kissed her because he loved her, because he wanted her—her, not her beautiful sister or someone less complicated who respected convention and always followed the rules.
The door to the corridor rattled. Oliver tensed, and they both looked at it. Before they could move, a key turned in the lock, and the door swung open. It was Gus, wide-eyed and breathless, one hand braced on the doorframe, the other against his chest.
Oliver’s hands still rested on Emme’s waist, her arms still around his shoulders. “I didn’t realize a vampire could become winded,” Emme said.
“I suppose the level of prowess is commensurate with prior abilities.” Oliver sighed quietly and rose, and Emme grasped his hand to pull herself up. He retained hold of her fingers, intertwining them with his.
“Apologies,” Gus said, “but I bear distressing news.”
“What is it?” she asked.
“Your brother,” Gus said to Oliver.
“Lawrence?” Oliver’s features froze. “What of him?”
“He is here.”
Emme stared at Gus, uncertain how to process what he’d said.
Oliver tensed, and his fingers tightened on hers. “Where? When?” he barked at Gus.
“Outside the hotel. I saw him through the window. I crept out for a look but didn’t see him. I did catch his scent.” He swallowed. “I did not search long or far, however.”
Oliver ran his hand through his hair. “I would not expect you to, Gus. Thank you for even this much. We do not know what he’s capable of.”
“I do know what he’s capable of,” Gus murmured. “Sir, I have not spread the word that you wish to speak with him. It is possible he is here to spy on the Summit meeting attendees; perhaps this has nothing to do with you or Miss O’Shea.”
“Regardless of his aims, it is time I met with him. I must learn his game, once and for all.”
Gus moved forward. “I am a very good tracker, sir. When I was an ordinary human, I was known for my exceptional culinary skills, especially as it concerned herbs and spices. Now that I am, er, enhanced, my sense of smell is exceptional. That is what I meant earlier when I said I smelled Mr. Reed—Lawrence, that is. I can help you track him, if you wish.”
Oliver shook his head. He released Emme’s hand and paced the length of the room. Emme’s anxiety rose, and she felt as though the walls were closing in. She had only two days until she was to speak to the council that would meet before the midnight vote, and she couldn’t believe another block had been tossed in their path.
Oliver stopped pacing. “Gus, I will do a quick search of the grounds around the hotel. If Lawrence is here to see me, he will know I’m there. You must remain with Emmeline.”
She shook her head. “Oliver, that seems rash. Why not wait to see if he contacts you?”
“I would rather draw him as far away from you as possible. That is why Gus must remain with you.” He turned to Gus and pinned him with a stern look. “At all times. You understand?”
Gus swallowed and straightened his spine. “Indeed, sir.”
Emme rubbed her forehead. Everything was moving too quickly, and she wasn’t settled with any of it.
Oliver grasped her shoulders and turned her toward him. “I will find Lawrence, ascertain his intentions, and return quickly. I’ll not even interact, if possible.”
“He will know your scent! Oliver, I do not feel right about any of this.”
He sighed, still holding her shoulders. He was quiet for a moment, thinking, and then shook his head. “We’ve no choice. I’d rather end it now.”
He released her and retrieved his cuff links and jacket, his expression a thundercloud. “I ought to have known,” he muttered, shaking his head. “I should have become familiar with his life and dealings long before now. It is so very typical of him. A showman. Manipulative. Plays games and fancies himself cleverer than the rest of the world.”
Gus nodded. “An amazingly accurate assessment.”
Oliver adjusted his collar. “Emmeline, do not leave your room. Do not leave Gus.” He looked at her, eyes fierce. “I promise—”
“Go, find your brother, and for heaven’s sake, take someone with you—not Miles, of course, but Daniel or Sam. You have a silver knife?”
He pointed at his boot. “If Madeline ever returns your message, ask her if Crowe mentioned anything to her, anything at all. I’ve not heard from him since last evening.”
She nodded, her worry about Madeline growing afresh. Her concern that Lysette was dangerous to her twin was real. With the family keeping company with Committee members, Madeline was sitting in a viper pit.
Oliver turned around from the bed where he was pocketing his police-issue ray gun in his holster. “Gus, do not leave her. And bite anyone who threatens.”
Emme blinked. “I do not know that I want such extremes on my conscience.”
“Bite,” Oliver repeated, looking at Gus.
Gus nodded. “Sir.”
Oliver grasped Emme’s shoulders again, pulled her forward, and placed a firm kiss on her lips. “I’ll not be long.”
“I do not like it.”
“Remain. Here.”
She scowled. “Go, Oliver, and
