She snorted. “We’re hardly ones to talk, Raven.”
“Good point. Christian might not make it through the night after that bowl of chili.”
Her eyebrows drew down in a slant. “I thought he didn’t like to eat.”
“I think he was trying to impress me.”
“Serves him right.”
We branched apart, and I headed out. Sometimes I liked to take a stroll and admire the grandeur of it all. Keystone didn’t have opulent chandeliers or garish décor. It was designed like a river—the hallways flowing into each other, the steps cascading down the winding staircases in an architectural waterfall. Archways framed the hallways and entrances to rooms, and most of the doors were hand carved. Well, except for the soundproof ones made of steel. We used three main stairways, each located in a different section of the mansion. I went up the central one, and when I reached the third floor, I headed toward the interior balcony. We used to keep the doors unlocked, but after Gem’s recent abduction, Viktor was still keeping them locked at night.
“What are you doing out here? I thought you had work to do.”
Christian didn’t move from the stone railing, which overlooked the front property. We had a clear view of the road that led to the circular driveway. But mainly the balcony provided a stunning view of the surrounding meadows and distant trees. Foggy mornings were especially breathtaking.
“What were you two talking about down there?”
I hopped onto the flat railing and leaned against the archway, my right leg higher than my left. “Girl talk.”
He flashed me a look of reproach.
“If you heard everything, why should I repeat it?”
“Maybe I wasn’t listening.”
I bit back a laugh. “Oh really?”
When he looked at me, his eyes got all serious and a crease appeared between his eyebrows. “You told me more than once that you didn’t care for my eavesdropping on your private conversations. I never made you that promise, but I’m trying, Raven. I’m trying real hard to be the man you deserve.”
I found it hard to believe he’d resisted that kind of temptation. Especially when it came to Lenore the—
“Can you not tell me? I’m only making conversation.”
I sighed and searched the darkness. “She talked about charity and finding a passion. I brought up her calling me weak and all the shitty things she said to me at that auction.”
“Jaysus.You shouldn’t make an enemy of that woman. Did you tell her you know about her past?”
“Do I look like an idiot? Besides, you haven’t really told me anything she’s done. Not specifically. Just all the thingsyou’vedone.”
“Better that way.”
I reclined my head against the wall and closed my eyes. Christian eased between my legs and put his hands on my hips.
“I’ll not have her get between us,” he said, placing a hungry kiss on my neck.
“I don’t think it’s us you have to worry about anymore.”
He leaned back and studied me for a beat.
I dipped my chin and threw him a skeptical look. “You didn’t notice the way she was all over Viktor?”
“He’s not her type.”
“Viktor’s charming. He’s a silver fox with a big heart, connections, and lots of money. He’s everyone’s type.”
“And Lenore is a Vampire.”
“Yes, but that aside, she’s stunning. Maybe a little small on top, but men prefer blondes.”
