Read Online My Lord Vampire by Alexandra Ivy - Free Book Online Page B

in a warning.
    “A ... friend.”
    The cold gaze narrowed. “Perhaps you would direct me to this friend? I would be very interested in viewing any other jewelry the person might possess.”
    For reasons she could not put her finger upon Simone discovered herself unwilling to admit that she had been given the amulet by a mad old gypsy. In truth, she did not even wish to have the man staring at it in such an intense fashion. There was something decidedly hungry in that glittering gaze.
    “It was a passing acquaintance. I do not know how she could be located,” she retorted in all truth.
    “A pity.” His gaze lifted to stab deep into her eyes. “In that event, I would be willing to make an offer for that particular piece.”
    Her hand instinctively lifted to cover the amulet. “You wish to buy my necklace?”
    “As I said, it is most unusual. It would greatly enhance my collection.”
    “No, I thank you. I am fond of the amulet.”
    The gaunt countenance hardened at her refusal. “But you have not yet heard my offer. I am prepared to be quite generous.”
    Simone shifted uneasily as the air seemed to shimmer with a sudden danger. She was no coward, but there was something about this gentleman that warned her that he could be ruthless when angered.
    “I do not doubt your generosity. I simply have no desire to sell the necklace.”
    For a tense moment she wondered if he might actually take the necklace by force, then with an obvious effort, Mr. Soltern managed to replace that unnerving smile.
    “Understandable. You should, however, have it studied by an expert to determine if it is of historic value. It might very well be a Roman or even Egyptian artifact. I can have it delivered to the appropriate scholars.”
    Simone’s grasp upon the necklace tightened. He wanted the amulet. Wanted it with a craving that was nearly tangible.
    Was it perhaps an artifact that was worth a fortune? Or perhaps of historic value? Or was it something darker?
    “I will consider your offer,” she said cautiously.
    He stepped closer, his hands clenched at his side. “It is careless to wait... .”
    “Well, well, Tristan, what a delightful surprise,” a dark voice suddenly drawled from the doorway. “I did not expect to discover you here.”
    Mr. Soltern flowed with startling speed to confront the intruder. The dangerous prickles in the air became so thick that Simone shivered.
    It was a moment before she at last turned her gaze to encounter the familiar countenance of Gideon.
    For once she was not at all opposed to his ill mannered intrusion into her home. It occurred to her that he was perhaps the one gentleman in all of London who would not be easily intimidated by Mr. Soltern.
    “Gideon,” the older gentleman greeted in metallic tones. “A pleasure, as always.”
    Ignoring Simone completely, Gideon moved farther into the room, his lean form appearing reassuringly large in the silky black coat and pantaloons.
    “Is it?” With a lift of a midnight brow, Gideon peered down his thin nose. “I thought perhaps you were avoiding me. You have been very elusive.”
    “I have been rather occupied.” Mr. Soltern allowed a small silence to stretch before he curled the corner of his lips in a sneering smile. “I do trust you received the gift I left for you last evening?”
    Although Simone could detect no change upon Gideon’s aloof countenance, she sensed him bristle at the taunting words. She was also oddly certain that she did not wish to know what this “gift” might have been.
    “As predictably tedious as ever, Tristan. I would have hoped the years would teach you a measure of finesse if nothing else,” he murmured in silky insult.
    Mr. Soltern gave a low, nerve-rasping chuckle. “I am sorry you were disappointed. Still, you will perhaps prefer the trifling present I discovered for you earlier this evening. I assure you that I delighted in procuring it for you.”
    The dark eyes flared with loathing before Gideon managed to