His voice was exasperated and…fond?
Lucian walked to the table. He couldn’t be much older than I was—might in fact be younger, it was hard to say. But it was immediately apparent who he was. They had the samecheekbones, though Lucian’s features were rounder and more open. Devastatingly attractive as well, but Lucian was more of a charming, boyish scoundrel, whereas Noble embodied a dark, sexual demon.
Lucian plunked down so that we formed an off-center triangle and smiled at me—lips a little crooked, but all the more charming for it. “Lucian Noble, at your very lovely service.”
I smiled back. It would be easy to be captivated by such a man. “Pleasure to meet you, Lucian Noble. I’m Marietta Winters.”
“Of the Vein Ripper Winters?”
My smile tightened. “One and the same.”
Lucian let out a low whistle and turned to his brother. “Thought you could keep me ignorant of this one, I see.”
“No.” Noble did not look up. “I thought you should finish your last year at Faversound. Why are you here, Lucian?”
“Charlie told me you were here working on a new case. Thought I would drop by and see if you needed help.”
Noble finally looked up, the same exasperation and fondness present on his face. Transformed into a human instead of something otherworldly and untouchable. “No. Now go back to school.”
“We’re on break.” Lucian happily cut a piece of bread, smile never dimming.
“So go bother your friends and get in trouble in Ember Square.”
“Done that plenty. I’m here to help you now.”
“I don’t need your help.” Eyes narrowed and the Noble I knew once more sat at the table. “Gohomefor break.”
I shivered, but Lucian’s smile didn’t waver. He glanced at me. “Do you fall for that? All bark, he is.” He swiped the bread through his soup. “Why would I go home? The food’s better here.”
“Can’t you get Mistress Rosaire to cook for you there?” I asked, interrupting his banter.
He blinked at me for a second, then a slow smile crossed his face. It was just like his brother’s, but whereas Noble’s devastated me, Lucian’s just made me feel like a co-conspirator. “Is that what—”
Noble made a sharp motion with his free hand and continued writing. Lucian just looked amused.
“Is that what...?” I asked.
Lucian shook his head. “So, Lady Second Winters, yes? May I call you Marietta?”
My eyebrows shot straight up. So earnest looking and compelling—these two were both trouble. I shuddered to imagine them together against an opponent. “Yes.”
“Excellent. Please call me Lucian.”
“Now that introductions are out of the way, be on yours, Lucian,” Noble said. I wondered what he was writing.
“Not a chance. This looks like far too much fun.”
Noble gripped his pen a fraction tighter. “We are going to Alcroft’s tonight. Another masquerade. You have an invitation. After that I expect only to see you at home.”
“I got straight marks this term.”
A smile tugged Noble’s mouth, but when he looked up his expression was impassive. “I expected no less, now be off.”
Lucian smiled and gave me a wave. “See you tonight.”
I waited until Lucian’s footsteps receded. “I didn’t know you had a brother.”
“Now you do.” He continued writing.
