Page 81 of Vampire so Virtuous

“Do you know why they acted so?”

Gabriel shook his head dismissively. “It was never prudent to ask.”

“What of your other interactions with them?”

“Pomp, circumstance, a lot of public fawning and private conversations. Nothing more.”

“Mmm. So, a visit from the Curia could turn everything on its head.”

“Or be an excuse for a very awkward party.”

“We could so wish,” Antoine said. “Well, I am glad to have made an alliance this evening, and perhaps even a friendship.”

Gabriel inclined his head. “Turbulent times. We should’ve done this years ago, Antoine.”

“Yes, we should. I suppose the whole ‘loner’ thing comes with the territory, doesn’t it?” He rose from his chair.

Gabriel rose too, walking around the table. “You always kept to yourself. Ironic, though—of all the vampires in the city, you’re the easiest to talk to.” He held out his arm.

Antoine clasped it with his. “I’d say the same, Gabriel, but then I hardly ever speak to the others.”

“Call me Gabe,” he said, still gripping Antoine’s arm. “You’ll let me know if you hear anything from Minh?”

“As I said, if I catch wind of his plans, I’ll share,” Antoine replied, pulling his hand back. Gabe let go, but his fingertips trailed along the inside of Antoine’s arm.

“Good.”

The lingering touch was perplexing and distracting, and Antoine had to refocus. “Are you planning a takeover?”

Gabe regarded him cautiously. “The thought had crossed my mind.”

“Well,” Antoine said, “If he’s occupied with me—for the time being, anyway—now might be a good time. Strike swiftly, and consolidate before the Curia arrives.”

“And you would not block me?”

“If Minh’s making a move my way, it’d be poetic justice, don’t you think? A chance to improve relations with a new ally, and I have no plans to expand.”

So long as you don’t seek to move in on me.

“Grand. I’ll give it some thought. And if you were to turn a blind eye, perhaps I might forget that the Antoine I met of old, and the one before me tonight, have quite different power levels.”

Antoine chuckled diffidently. “Has it really been so long? You flatter me.”

“Mmm, perhaps. Or perhaps when I move in on Minh’s territory, you will be occupying him and his thralls, and I will find little in the way of opposition.”

“Then we both win, don’t we?”

Twenty – Antoine

The bedroom door opened.

“I apologize for disturbing you, sir, but you have a guest.”

Antoine stretched, then checked the clock on the mantlepiece. A little after two—even earlier than yesterday—yet he felt rested enough.

Marcel was waiting for a response.

“Who is it?” Surely the Curia hadn’t come early, and started visiting during daylight?