Barrett cursed under his breath. Hands clenched at his sides, he stared at the vampire.
“What the devil are you doing here? How did you get in?”
“I was invited when last I came.”
“Be assured that invitation will be revoked when you leave. State your business.”
“I am in love with your daughter,” Stefan said. “I had hoped to win her heart and make her my wife.”
“I’ll see you burn in hell before that happens.”
Stefan looked up at the sound of familiar footsteps.
Bryony paused halfway down the stairs, one hand pressed to her heart. “Stefan! What are you doing here?”
“I came seeking your father’s permission to court you but since he knows what I am, I fear there is little hope of that now.”
Never taking his gaze from Stefan, Barrett said, “Bryony, go back to your room immediately.”
“No.” With her hand on the banister, Bryony hurried down the stairs and into the room. She glanced from her father to Stefan and took a place between them.
Her father glared at her.
Stefan smiled at her. “I have missed you, fair Bryony.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
“Daughter, you don’t know what you’re saying,” Barrett exclaimed. “This man, this creature, is a vampire.”
“Yes. I know.”
“You know?” Barrett stared at her as if he had never seen her before.
“I care for him,” she said. “I might even be in love with him.”
“Love? Merciful heavens! Have you taken leave of your senses?”
“You promised I could marry anyone I wished if I promised never to run away again. What if I wish to marry Stefan?”
Barrett stared at his daughter, his face mottled with rage. “I assumed you would choose a man, not a bloodthirsty monster.”
“Stefan said he wants to court me. I want you to give him your permission to do so.”
“And if I refuse?”
Bryony glanced pointedly at the ornate front door and shrugged. “I want your promise that you will inform Lord Bloodworth that our engagement is off.”
Barrett paced the floor, sputtering incoherently as he glowered at Stefan. After several minutes, he sank down on the couch, his head cradled in his hands. If he continued to object to the relationship between Bryony and the vampire, she might very well sneak off with him and stay away for good this time. On the other hand, if he went along with it, at least temporarily, it would give him time. Time to find a way to get rid of the vampire once and for all. “Very well. I will speak to Bloodworth. And Stefan has my permission to court you,” he said. “But I want your promise, daughter, that you will not marry that damn vampire without my blessing.”
Bryony nodded, although reluctantly.
Barrett took a deep breath. Pinning Stefan with his gaze, he said, “I meant what I said the last time we spoke, vampire. Bear that in mind while you…you court my daughter.”
Stefan nodded. Turning to face Bryony, he said, “Will you walk with me?”
She glanced at her father, who gave the faintest nod of approval.
“Just let me get my wrap,” she said, and hurried up the stairs.
