Page 20

And she would. Vivian had no doubt.

* * *

Liam stoodin Vivian’s foyer, waiting forMistressto make an appearance. His mood darkened by the minute.

Except for Alex, he couldn’t remember a time when he’d been at the beck and call of a female. So far, being a bodyguard seemed to entail a lot of standing around and waiting. And waiting. Followed by more—waiting. For the next two weeks, this would be his life since, apparently, this gig didn’t include any of the perks he’d imagined. Fine by him. If all Vivian wanted was his protection, then that’s what she would get.

He took a drag from his cigar, saying to the male next to him, “Kyrell set up at the front gate?”

Soren closed his freaky blue eyes,listeningto his twin. Both he and his brother were identical, with skin dark as midnight and intricate braids that coiled over their heads. Whereas Soren had eyes so crystal-blue they looked like shards of chipped sea glass, Kyrell’s were a girly lavender color. Something Liam took great pleasure in pointing out. Repeatedly.

“He says everything is in place.” Soren and Kyrell were vampires who shared a telepathic link, but only with each other. Some kind of weird we-shared-a-womb thing.

Again, Liam eyed the stairwell and puffed another drag of his cigar. He’d yet to even lay eyes on Vivian today. Hours ago, a trio of women in white lab coats had carried a multitude of suitcases up to her room. Left to his own devices, he’d taken the issue of her safety into his own hands. Made a few phone calls. Took care of business. In the five hours Vivian used to primp, polish, and dress, Soren and his brother had installed cameras along the entire exterior of her home.

Really? How fracking long did it take to slap on some war paint and an overpriced cocktail dress?

He turned from the stairwell to find Soren staring at him. “What?” Liam snapped.

The bastard’s lips spread into a shit-eating grin. “I cannot wait to meet the all-powerful enchantress who got you into a suit.”

“You tell anyone you saw me in this getup, and I’ll pop those shiny blue eyeballs out of your head and hammer them to the wall at Howlers.”

Soren’s deep chuckle echoed off the coffered ceiling. “Two weeks as a bodyguard, huh? Doesn’t seem like your style. Thought you were retired.”

“Just doing a favor for an old friend.” Liam flicked the end of his cigar, knocking ashes onto the marble floor. The lights flickered as though the house found his lack of manners offensive. His neck prickled with unease. It was the same kind of bullshit he experienced last night when he’d gone to his room with a raging hard-on and punched a hole in the wall. Within seconds, his ice-cold fireplace flared to life, and two of the lightbulbs exploded in their sockets.

Gods, but I need to finish this and go home.

Voices echoed down from the second floor.Finally.

It was Dove who came into view first. “Think I’ll make one of my infamous homemade pizzas for dinner tonight. Oh, and I lined up a movie for Armond and me to watch.”

“That sounds lovely. Don’t wait up. I imagine we’ll be out late.” Vivian trailed down the steps behind her Chosen, hand tucked into Armond’s elbow.

At the sight of her, Liam’s heart stuttered in his chest.

How she managed to walk in that tight-ass getup, he’d never know. The skirt hit just below her knees and clung to every curve along the way. Around her waist was a shiny belt so wide it could double as a corset. Lace sleeves covered her arms from shoulder to wrist. Her scalloped neckline showcased her tits like the gold-framed artwork she’d hung on her walls. Again, she’d incorporated snakes into her wardrobe. Only this time, instead of tiny heads for buckles, their golden serpentine bodies twisted around her slim ankles.

“This is yourold friend?” Soren muttered, watching Vivian’s careful progress down the steps.

Dove hit the floor, headed in the direction of the kitchen, then skidded to a stop. “Whoa,” she exclaimed, scanning Soren up and down. “Um, Vivian?” she called, eyes bugging out of her head.

“Yes, darling,” Vivian said absently, pausing at the bottom of the steps. “Zut alors. Armond, could you look at my hem? I believe there’s a loose thread.”

While Armond fussed with her skirt, Vivian bent over, breasts nearly spilling out of the confines of her dress.

Soren uttered a strangled sound, and Liam almost made good on that threat to pluck the male’s eyeballs from his skull.

“Got it.” Armond snapped a thread from her hem. “The stitching appears intact.” He straightened, tapping his chin. “Perhaps we should have gone with the Katrina Marie instead.”

“Vivian?” Dove repeated louder.

“Oui?” Vivian glanced up. As she took Soren’s measure, irritation darkened her polished face. She strode across the room, baring down on them, heels clicking. Damn, but she was a knockout when she was all fired up. Cheeks glowing, bosom heaving.

Once in front of Soren, she planted a hand on her generous hip. “Who are you, and what are you doing in my home?”

Soren extended his hand in greeting. When she accepted, he bowed slightly, kissing her fingertips.Smooth bastard. “Soren. At your service.”