No, he wouldn’t hurt Angelica. But he would have her.
And he wouldn’t wait much longer.
***
Dimitri was tired and annoyed. Not particularly in that order. Definitely not in that order.
In fact, annoyed wasn’t a strong enough word for how he was feeling. Livid. That was it.
He glared down at the figure standing between him and his only chance at a modicum of relief. No.
He felt murderous.
“What is it, Miss Woodmore?” he asked. It was clear the eldest of his new charges wasn’t going to allow him to pass to his study unless she spoke to him. And, from the looks of her stubborn expression, at great length.
She had obviously found the time to change from last night’s appalling Hatshepsut costume, and, presumably, to rest a bit. At least, that was what her maid had reported, via Dimitri’s valet. Once assured Angelica was not only safe, but would be returning to Blackmont Hall later that morning, Miss Woodmore had felt able to take a bit of repose. Perhaps even a bath, if the spicy floral scent emanating from her hair was any indication.
But Dimitri had spent the last hours of the night and well into the day (for it was now several hours past noon) attending to everything from Belial and his footpads—and their vain attempt to breach Blackmont Hall—to ensuring the real story of what happened at the masquerade ball was obscured and stifled. A few hints dropped about a bit of playacting at the masquerade gone awry, a few twists of facts into something believable along with the altering of a number of stubborn memories, and several visits to men’s clubs to blank out more memories—and all was taken care of.
And now here stood Miss Woodmore, fresh-faced and accusing.
“It’s nearly four o’clock, Corvindale. I would like you to tell me precisely where Angelica is,” she announced. “And when she is going to arrive here. But most of all, I require assurance that she is safe.”
How could this slip of a woman who smelled like spicy flowers manage to fill the entire corridor? He hadn’t a prayer of brushing past and ignoring her insulting insinuations.
No, Miss Woodmore would not be ignored.
“Your sister will return to Blackmont Hall when I am convinced it is safe for her to do so,” he told Miss Woodmore. And when he located the chit and her abductor.
He steeled himself against the rush of anger. He had a variety of reasons for disliking and mistrusting Voss. But now he had reason to kill the man.
Lucifer be damned.
The irony of that thought was not lost on him, but Dimitri had no inclination toward amusement at the moment. He had too many distractions to which he must attend, not to mention he expected Giordan Cale to arrive at any moment.
“Is that all?” he asked, managing to keep the hope from his voice.
She lifted her pointed little chin and gave him a definite glare. “No, it is not. In fact, I wished to speak with you in regard to your conduct last evening.” He realized with a start she was taller than he’d realized, her head nearly reaching to his chin.
“My conduct?” Dimitri was fully aware that the tone of his voice was such that a less insistent individual would turn tail and run. His head had begun to pound and, on top of that, he noticed a shaft of sunlight pouring into the corridor beyond. Someone had uncovered the windows, blast it.
“Not only was it abhorrent and crude, but you didn’t even take the moment to explain or apologize before shoving Mirabella and myself into a carriage and sending us off.”
“Indeed.”
“There was simply no reason for you to put your hands on me”—her voice dipped a bit as if she were infuriated or overcome—“and toss me out onto the balcony like some sort of—”
“In fact, I had sufficient reason for doing so. The least of which was the fact that you would not have obeyed me.”
“If you had simply explained—”
“There was no time for explanations, even if I had believed you might have heeded them, Miss Woodmore. You would have ignored them just as you have everything else since arriving here, including keeping the windows in this house shrouded, my library in order, and my preference not to be bothered.”
She didn’t step back, despite the fact that his voice had risen to a near-bellow. “If you had simply explained we were in danger and there was no time for discussion, I would have heeded your warning.”
Dimitri didn’t bother to hide his irritation and considered simply walking away, pushing past her and finding sanctuary. But before he could respond, she drew in a deep breath and continued, unfortunately along a vein he would have preferred to avoid.
“In addition to an apology, I believe it isn’t asking overly much to request an explanation for what happened last evening. I understand Angelica and I were in danger, but I would like to know why and from whom or what. And how it happened that you arrived in time to prevent whatever the outcome might have been…regardless of the clumsy manner in which you executed it.”
Dimitri relaxed slightly. Then she hadn’t realized he’d been there all along. He’d taken pains not to be noticed, of course, except for that one foolish indulgence on the dance floor…and after. He swallowed hard. “Clumsy manner?” he repeated, aggravation superseding his relief.
She made an exasperated sound and an elegant feminine gesture with her gloved hand. She had a very delicate wrist. “You pushed me out onto the balcony, wrapped up in curtains. Can you not give me the courtesy of telling me why?”
“Because there were some very bad men who wanted to take you away,” Dimitri told her without moving his jaw. “That is why your blasted brother snared me into being your guardian. Because he knew there was no one else who could keep you safe.”
“Please, my lord, you sound like a character in one of those Gothic novels by Mrs. Radcliffe, making all sorts of Byzantine comments and cryptic warnings. If you would cease these ambiguous statements and simply tell me what is happening—”
“What then? You would accept my explanations and my orders without question?”
For a moment he thought her lips quivered—either from humor or, Fate forbid it, from some other emotion. “Certainly not. But at least you wouldn’t feel the necessity to wrap me up and throw me onto the balcony.”
Would the chit never stop screeching about it?
Dimitri crossed his arms over his sagging, stained waistcoat and glared down at her. “The truth is, Miss Woodmore, your brother has gotten himself into serious danger with a society of ruthless men. By disappearing with the sister of one of them, he has not only put himself in a most injurious position, but also you and your sisters—for they would like nothing better than to use one or any of you to get to Chas.”
“Then they are after us as hostages? Ransom?” Her dark blue eyes narrowed as if she were in thought. “But then that must mean Chas is still alive and hidden somewhere if they are trying to abduct us.” Relief washed over her face, and for a moment, Dimitri was struck by the beauty and intelligence in that stubborn countenance. “He must still be alive. And safe.”
He bowed his head. “Your brother is very cunning and able, and you are likely correct. I’m confident he can take care of himself. But you and your sister must not leave this house or see anyone without my permission. You are completely safe whilst in my custody, but Cezar Moldavi is not only ruthless but also very intelligent. And your brother has betrayed him in a most egregious manner. He will not give up easily.”
“Cezar Moldavi?” Her eyes widened.
Now it was Dimitri’s turn to be surprised. “You recognize that name, then?” Woodmore must have been much more forthcoming with his sisters than he’d thought—and more than was prudent.
“Rather like yourself, Corvindale, I’m familiar with the name but I have never met the man.” She fluttered her hands, this time in more agitation. “I mean to say, now that I’ve met you—”
Dimitri shifted impatiently. “Yes, yes, Miss Woodmore. Please refrain from stating the obvious. Now, I am expecti
ng Mr. Cale any moment now. What other items must you drag forth and force me to ponder?”
“You still have not tendered an apology,” she replied primly, and, he thought, with great bravery. “I have never been handled so—”
“Miss Woodmore,” he interrupted. “Do you mean to say that should a man push you from the path of an oncoming carriage he should bow and scrape at your feet in apology for mussing your skirts? Or should he ask permission first, before doing so?”
“Well, I do believe—” She stopped herself this time and pressed her full lips together. Then she took a deep breath and squared her shoulders. “I did not realize we were in some sort of danger. You made no effort to impress that fact upon me—a fact which you obviously well knew. Perhaps in the future, Lord Corvindale, you might be a bit more forthcoming. Particularly about things that apply to me and my sisters.”
“Perhaps,” he conceded. Simply to shut her up.
She had the temerity to step closer, followed by a stronger waft of spiced flowers. “There is one more thing, my lord. I require your assurances that my sister’s reputation will be intact when she is returned here to your custody—or that you will take the appropriate steps to correct any problems thereof.”
Dimitri pressed his lips together. If he ever saw Chas Woodmore alive again, he would kill him for visiting this mess upon him. He and Chas were associates—one could almost consider them friends, as odd as it might be for a Dracule to be friends with a vampire hunter. But this situation with the sisters went beyond the boundaries of friendship and strained the slender bit of honor that Dimitri possessed.
“You have my assurances I will do my utmost to protect your sister’s reputation, Miss Woodmore,” he replied stiffly. “No one—other than perhaps yourself and Chas—is more concerned about it than I am. But you haven’t any reason to worry. She is safe from Moldavi and in unblemished company.”
Miss Woodmore held his gaze for a bit too long, but Dimitri managed to hide the fact that he was lying from behind his incisors.
Voss was going to be dead the moment Dimitri found him and slammed a stake through his heart. Lucifer could bugger himself. And then maybe he’d be fortunate enough that the devil would be furious enough to kill Dimitri in retaliation.
That was a compelling possibility.
And then Angelica would have to be married off to someone who would keep his mouth shut, quickly and quietly—
At that moment, he was saved from any further interaction with this woman who seemed to be fearless in his presence and who seemed to have no qualms about making demands that any prudent man would be.
“My lord.” Vigniers, his butler, appeared in the corridor. “Mr. Giordan Cale has arrived.”
Cale, of course, was right on Vigniers’s heels, his hat in hand, his strides confident and unrushed. But his face was haggard and weary, and for a moment, Dimitri feared the worst news about Narcise Moldavi.
“Dimitri,” Cale said by way of greeting. And then, “Miss Woodmore.” He gave a quick bow as she, ever the proper miss, curtsied. Her chestnut hair gleamed with shots of gold and copper as she did so.
It occurred to Dimitri at that moment she’d not curtsied to him at their first official meeting. He frowned. “If you’ll excuse us,” he said to the infuriating woman. Then he looked at Cale and gestured down the corridor. “My study.”
Cale bowed again to the woman then brushed past her, seemingly without hesitation or even without stirring her skirts.
Dimitri could do nothing but follow him, and was absurdly pleased when Miss Woodmore took the hint and shifted out of the way, spicy essence and elegant wrists and all, as he strode past her into the sanctuary of his study. At last.
CHAPTER 7
WHEREIN OUR HEROINE’S HORIZONS ARE GREATLY BROADENED
Angelica opened her eyes.
Sun shone through the window of an unfamiliar room, cascading onto the bed where she slept. The chamber clearly belonged to a woman, for it had floral paper on the wall and little glass bottles on the dressing table. Lace-trimmed curtains hung at the open window and in front of what appeared to be a large dressing room.
It took only a glance over at the blue-lined cloak and the pile of her black Greek gown on a bepillowed chair for her to remember.
All the blood. All the violence.
Angelica sat up and the coverlet fell away, leaving her to see she’d been dressed in a night rail. Her hair fell around her shoulders, loose and heavy. She was cold, despite the warmth of late afternoon sun pouring into the chamber.
Voss. She looked around, as if he might be lurking in the corner—which of course he wasn’t. And which would be outside of unseemly.
But his presence lingered—there, in the cloak he’d draped over her shoulders. In the clean comfort of the room and even, faintly, in the air.
Before she could decide what to do, a firm knock came at the door and it cracked open.
“Ah, you’re awake.” The woman came in before Angelica bade her to do so. Her clothing, her demeanor, even her opening the door immediately after the knock, indicated she wasn’t a servant.
“Good morning,” Angelica said, examining the new arrival.
She was older, perhaps in her late thirties. Her frock, a day dress that showed enough bosom to qualify for an evening gown, was nevertheless made of good lawn and was at the height of fashion. Large, bright scarlet roses patterned the fabric and wide pink ribbon trimmed the sleeves and hem. Although she didn’t wear gloves, her strawberry-blond hair was dressed in a proper chignon and a bit of curl flattered her striking face. One wouldn’t consider her beautiful, but she had a pleasing, if not shrewd, countenance with high cheekbones and good skin.
“I’m Rubey,” she told Angelica, and then turned to make an abrupt gesture behind.
Another woman, younger and clearly a servant, came in carrying a tray with food and tea, and Angelica instantly realized she was hungry.
“Thank you,” she said as the tray was deposited on the bed next to her. The servant left and the two women were alone.
“And I can see you’ve slept well,” Rubey said as she poured tea. It was a statement rather than a question. “After a frightening night.”
Angelica swallowed a delicious bite of orange scone and immediately wanted another. “Where am I? Lord Dewhurst brought me here.”
Rubey nodded and settled into a chair in the corner. Perhaps to watch her eat? “Voss is still abed.” Her eyes seemed to glint with humor. “He was in need of a bit of…rest…after the events of the night and into the morn. I believe he intends to speak with you shortly.” Although her expression wasn’t unkind, it and Rubey’s demeanor gave Angelica the impression she was missing some important information.
“You haven’t told me where I am.”
“You’re safe. That’s all you need to know for now.”
“I need to get a message to my sister,” Angelica said. “She’ll be frantic by now. There’s no clock in here. Do you know what time it is?”
“It’s nearly four o’clock.”
Angelica’s eyes widened in surprise. She’d been vaguely aware of their arrival here, and that the sun was just beginning to rise, but she could hardly credit having slept so long. Usually, even after a late night of dancing and revelry, she woke before noon.
But last night had been different…in more ways than one.
Rubey continued, “And as for the message, I’m certain Voss has seen to that. But you’ll have to ask him.”
“Only one of many questions, I’m certain,” came a deep voice.
Angelica hadn’t noticed the door opening, but then she’d been rather involved with her tea and the plate of cheese and scones. The sight of his figure, well illuminated by the splash of light in her room, made her heartbeat kick and her belly flutter, chasing all thoughts of orange-glazed biscuits from her mind.
In surprising dishabille, he wore no coat over his shirt, trousers and waistcoat, and a neckcloth sagged casually around his n
eck. She couldn’t remember ever seeing a man so handsome, so golden and striking and delicious. And whose lips were so full and soft and warm… Her cheeks flushed at the memory and she quickly lifted her teacup to drink. Perhaps to hide her face.
“How do you feel today, Miss Woodmore?” he asked in that same smooth voice, standing in the doorway. He glanced at Rubey, who rose from her seat. “Well rested, I trust?”
“Yes, and also well fed,” she replied, gesturing to the remains of her scone. “I’m certain I have you to thank.”
Voss inclined his head in polite acknowledgment and stepped just inside the door, leaving it ajar next to him. “In addition, I had already anticipated your need to be in contact with the eldest Miss Woodmore and thus I have sent word to Corvindale that you are with me, and to pledge your continued safety. So you need not worry your sister is needlessly worried.”
Rubey had moved to the window. She left the curtains and windowpane open wide, but closed the shutters, leaving only a fraction of the sunshine sliding through the top half of the opening. The room was still well illuminated by the day, but the warmth was gone.
“Oh,” Angelica said in dismay, her attention turning to the other woman. “Why did you do that?”
“It’s safer,” Voss replied, stepping farther into the chamber. “We must take no chances Moldavi’s men might glimpse you through the window.”
A spike of fear jolted her. “Do you think they’ve followed us? Or know where you’ve taken me?”
“I suspect they haven’t, for they didn’t know you were with me when we left Sterlinghouse last evening. But I intend to take no chances with you and your safety, Miss Woodmore.” His eyes settled on her as he smiled slowly. “Not at all.”
Standing by the window, Rubey made a soft sound that could have been mistaken for a snort, but Angelica wasn’t certain. The woman eyed Voss with a raised brow, and he merely turned his charming smile onto her. “Now, Rubey,” he said. There was affection in his voice—something that Angelica hadn’t noticed when he spoke to her—and also a bit of warning. “You give me too little credit.”
Bad Boys of the Night: Eight Sizzling Paranormal Romances: Paranormal Romance Boxed Set Page 79