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And you can kiss my ass.She remained dutifully quiet.And you can kiss my ass. The demure smile strained her cheek muscles.And you can kiss my ass… And especially you,Creepy Perv. Yeah, I see you checking out my cleavage.Jericho’s blast of anger confirmed it, and his low growl sent the sleazeball scurrying away with a mumbled apology. Alex lowered her eyes since it wouldn’t be veryChosen-liketo get caught laughing.

Jericho’s grip on her hand tightened as they approached an elegant gentleman who lingered on the periphery of the party. While sipping from his drink, he appraised the room in a proprietary manner like someone who owned it.

So, this was Lord Marcus Steele. She struggled not to stare. If she were to simply judge him on appearances, she could easily see him as the head of some nefarious drug cartel.

Unlike his uncle, Marcus had a thick head of dark wavy hair and piercing blue eyes. His fitted suit was classy and complemented his athletic build. Every inch of the flawless vampire was appealing. Even without using her ability, he projected some powerful vibes. While younger than some of the aristocrats she’d met, the confident way he handled himself showed Marcus Steele was, indeed, lord and master of his domain.

His intense gaze slanted their way, taking their measure. He extended his hand, a cool smile playing on his lips. “Jericho, it’s good to see you, though I can’t say I’m surprised.”

Jericho reciprocated with a firm handshake. “Victor asked me to extend his regrets. A pressing matter kept him from attending.”

“No doubt, something more pressing than rubbing elbows with this lot.” Marcus flicked a dismissive gesture to the crowd.

Ugh.She really didn’t want to do this, but there was no telling how much time they would have. Mundane small talk was a good place to start. It would give her a chance to get a general read on the guy before moving on to more serious concerns.

While the men exchanged pleasantries, Alex eased into Marcus’ emotions, using her connection with Jericho for balance. Her gentle probing met a layer of resistance that seemed more like his natural state than conscious blocking. The vampire was so self-contained it was difficult to get a read on him. Thanks to Victor, she had some experience with tight-assed vampires.

She pinned her gaze to a spot on the floor and exhaled, doubling her efforts. Finally, she broke through. What she discovered stunned her. The flavor of his emotions was rather mundane. Not the kind of sinister swill she’d expect from a drug lord or cult leader.

She bit back a snort. Perhaps Marcus had more in common with Victor than she initially thought. Despite the opulence surrounding them, the underworld casino owner was bored senseless. She imagined a vampire who appeared to have it all would be hard to impress.

The conversation stopped. She lifted her head and sucked in a sharp breath. Marcus Steele’s aquamarine gaze took her measure. Shit. Did he sense her examining his psyche?

“You’ve brought a guest. Interesting. I’ve never seen a member of Victor’s guard with a Chosen before.”

Some of her tension lessened when she sensed nothing more than mild curiosity.

Jericho’s friendly mask grew tight. “Victor granted me an exception when a close friend of mine was wounded.”

Anger blazed through their connection, drowning Marcus out. Alex squeezed Jericho’s fingers. The reminder that this man could have played a part in Liam’s shooting renewed her determination.

“Well then, Jericho’s Chosen, what do you think of my latest investment?”

Huh? Wait, was that question directed at her? Until now, she’d been treated as more of an accessory than an intelligent woman.

That’s me, the Kate Spade of the underworld.He truly must be bored if he was interested in a mere Chosen’s opinion.

She offered a benign smile. “It’s quite grand, and the artwork in the lobby is stunning.”

A woman’s brittle voice interrupted. “Yes, yes, it’s all quite lovely.” Sidling next to Marcus, she air-kissed his left and right cheek. “Hello, darling. I feared I’d never make it through that crush.”

The woman’s fitted dress echoed the tailored lines of Marcus’ suit, giving her a professional appearance while still managing to show off her curves. Her blonde hair was drawn into a tight chignon, making her pointed nose and cheekbones more pronounced.

When her attention shifted to Jericho, her eyes lit with interest. “I’d heard rumors that one of Victor’s fierce warriors was here. How titillating,” she purred, angling closer.

Alex’s jaw cracked. This woman had no concept of personal space.

“Jericho, you remember Helen, my good friend and CFO of Steele Industries.” Marcus’ introduction held an affectionate tone. The change in his emotions hinted at a long history between the two. Alex sensed camaraderie and respect but no desire. It was doubtful they were lovers. Or if they had been, it was long ago.

With an appreciative smile, Helen snaked her arm around Jericho’s forearm, skillfully withdrawing his hand from Alex’s grasp. Their connection severed.

Alex’s inner bitch reared up with anOh no, she didn’t.Curling her toes in her shoes, Alex took a deep breath. Heavy perfume assaulted her nostrils.Bleck. Big mistake. The woman was bathing in the stuff.

Helen straightened the lapel of Jericho’s jacket, crooning, “What Marcus means is he couldn’t find his way to his own desk without me.” Her manicured hand lingered on Jericho’s chest. “But no introductions are needed here, are they, Jericho?”

Menace rolled off the obnoxious woman in waves, interfering with Alex’s link to Marcus. When Helen turned, Alex was forced to back up or have a five-inch stiletto ground into her toes. A sharp curse hovered on her lips, but she swallowed it down. Must play nice with the CFO.

The blonde barracuda took Jericho’s elbow and stood at his side, a position Alex had been denied. Anger boiled low in her stomach as she contemplated her next move.Huh. I wonder if the bitch’s chignon is fake.Alex’s fingers curled. Only one way to be sure.