“Wonderful.”
“Since you’re here, I’m happy to inform you that your room is in fact cleaned, and the investigation has completed.”
My heart jolted again. “It has?”
Matthias registered surprised at this revelation. Clearly, they hadn’t gotten around to discussing it in the five-minute conversation my father allowed before coming to hunt me down.
“Jupiter was indeed in the room where Lord Murrad was so tragically slain. It appears the two were in something of a romantic relationship and had stolen off for a private moment in your chambers,” my father replied dryly. “However, Kimber found no traces of forced entry into your room, so whoever attacked them would have had to follow them inside.”
“Kimber?” Matthisas asked.
“She’s a witch. One of the few friends to House Vaughn who don’t have a pair of flashy fangs,” I provided.
Matthias nodded.
“Is it true Kimber discerned Jupiter’s blood at the scene?” I asked my father, dreading the answer.
My father lowered his chin. “I’m afraid so. Though, she was not able to tell how much.”
My stomach flipped inside out, threatening to toss what little remained of my breakfast.
“There are no clues as to what the motivation was behind the attack or where the assailant went afterward. However, you’ll be pleased to know that I’ve put up a reward to anyone who has information about her whereabouts. Is that satisfactory to you, darling?”
“No!”
“What else would you have me do?”
My fangs tingled, a surge of frustration and anger pulling on me to fight. But what would be my target? Despite my doubts, my father had indeed followed through on his end of the bargain. I wanted to rail, to make threats and demands, but without a trail of clues to follow, what could I honestly expect anyone to do?
When I didn’t speak, my father turned away. “Matthias, thank you for keeping my little girl safe these past few days. I’m indebted to you. However, it appears that the danger has passed. The investigators have stated they don’t believe Lacey was the target of the attack. So, with that settled, I’ll have my guard bring her belongings back here before dawn.”
No.
No, no, no.
The bars were crashing down again, ready to pin me back in my cage.
“I don’t want some guard going through my things!” I burst out. It was weak, but it was the only objection I could make. “I’ll go back with Lord Hartford and pack my own belongings. Though, seeing as how I’m no longer in danger, I think I’d like to stay in the city one more night. My hair is in desperate need of a trim and I’d like to look my best before the tournament.”
Matthias glanced at me from the corner of his eye.
My father stared for a long moment, then looked back at Matthias. Something flickered in his eye. “I see. Well, I supposed that’s not an unreasonable request. Would you at least like to stay for a late dinner? I haven’t fed yet today.” Lord Vaughn asked, the wide grin on his face insinuating he had more than a bottle of faux in mind for the first course.
My skin crawled and I hurried to shake my head. “It’s a long drive back to the city.”
“As you wish,” he replied, turning away. He started back down the hall, pausing at the corner to call over his shoulder, “I’ll see you soon, darling. Very soon.”
Chapter 13
My eyes popped open on Friday afternoon and a bolt of terror shot through my system, bouncing off every organ and nerve, before escaping in a gasp. It took me a moment to right myself, remembering where I was. A faint blue light bounced off the walls around me, reflecting a soft shimmer in the lines of the wallpaper, and I remembered coming home the night before. I’d bought myself one last night of freedom after my father told me to come home, but then I’d run out of excuses.
Following my hair appointment, my father’s guard—and my temporary driver—had taken me back to Matthias’s building and waited for me at the curb. I’d already packed my things the night before, so when I walked in the door, Matthias called the front desk to have a small horde of assistants come haul it all down to the waiting car.
“I feel like I should give you a comments card to fill out,” Matthias had teased, his eyes soft.
I smiled and tossed my freshly trimmed locks over my shoulder. “I’m not sure I’d want to know what yours would say about me.”
“Uses a lot of towels, but overall, a great guest,” he replied, miming like he was writing on a piece of paper.
I laughed, even as I tried my best to look offended. “Well, I’m out of your hair now. You can get back to that rigorous training schedule your mother has lined up for you.”
Matthias laughed but some of the humor evaporated from behind his eyes. “They’re going to have to put me on the turbo-charged plan, I guess. Less than twenty-four hours till the first round.”
My smile faltered. “A little tip—if you’re going to throw your fight, you’re going to have to let the other guy land a really solid punch. Otherwise you’re going to spend the rest of your life getting called out for it. And, when you’re an immortal, that could get really annoying.”
He cocked his head. “Who said I was planning on throwing a fight?”
Startled, I stammered, tripping over my words. “Well—I—it’s just that you—well, you’ve made it clear you didn’t volunteer for this thing, so, I—”
He laughed softly, letting me off the hook. “Training or not, I’m not worried about my odds.”
Still flustered, I shook my head. “You do realize that if you win this thing, that means I’m going to be back here again. For a slightly longer stay.”
He grinned. “I guess we’d have to register somewhere that sells really nice towels.”
Without warning, my stomach flipped, going rogue along with my heart that insisted on slamming into my ribs like it was on an escape mission.
The room was suddenly too hot, and I backed away, heading for the front door. It was wide open, the last of my suitcases being hauled out by one of the well-dressed hotel employees. Matthias planted one hand on the doorframe and called out his thanks to the man’s back. He turned, offered a salute, and then ducked into the elevator. “Coming, Miss?” he called, leaning out to consult me.
I turned and held up a finger. “I’ll take the next one. Send it back up?”
The man nodded and disappeared back into the elevator. The doors slid shut and Matthias and I were alone.
His cologne wrapped me up and held me fixed in place, my face a few inches from his. “Thanks again,” I said. “For everything.”
His green eyes flashed as they found mine again. “Anytime.”
My eyelids felt heavy. They slid closed of their own volition as Matthias’s fingers moved to the soft spot under my chin. “Lacey, I should—”
Whatever he was about to say was shattered by the elevator dinging.
I almost growled, my eyes opening into thin slits.
Matthias spooked and went ramrod straight. His hands shot into the pockets of his slacks and he gave me a nervous smile. “There’s your ride.”
“Right,” I said, my heart stilling its frantic parade. “Uh, guess I better get going.”
He pushed off the doorframe and followed me to the elevator. I hitched my purse up a little higher on my shoulder, mostly to have something to do with my hands, and then pressed the button for the lobby. “I’ll see you tomorrow,” I told him, flashing a smile I didn’t fully feel.
“Tomorrow,” he repeated. The doors started to slide closed and he hurried to say, “Oh, and Lacey, I forgot to tell you, but your hair looks great. I like the new cut.”
“Thanks.”
The doors closed and I began my descent.