Love at Stake (Entangled Covet)(34)

Not dating, she scolded herself. They had slept together and enjoyed each other’s company, nothing more. She had no claim on him beyond that. Hell, it was her job to practically find him a wife.

Lucian led her into the Great Hall, where hundreds of guests already milled about. Waiters weaved through the crush with trays laid out with glasses of what looked like red champagne. With a queasy feeling, Abbey realized what the liquid in those glasses must be. This was going to be an evening unlike any she’d ever experienced.

Everyone was dressed in grand style and she was thankful for Lucian’s thoughtful gift. If one didn’t count her humanity, she almost looked as if she fit into the crowd around them. Except she was missing one thing.

All the vampires wore masks. Some were small, barely there disguises that did nothing to hide their identity, and others were full-headed affairs that obscured all hint of the person underneath. But while faces were covered, their eyes were not. Abbey shivered as bloodred gazes fastened on her. Even those who did not have red eyes still looked elegantly deadly.

“Allow me, my dear.” Lucian’s voice broke her reverie. He turned her around and deftly tied a small black half-mask over her face. Then he tied an identical mask on himself. The black framed his eyes and made them look even more stunning. Stunning and lethal.

“Why the masks?” she whispered.

“Several reasons. In a gathering like this, we don’t want to take the chance of an intrepid reporter catching a shot they shouldn’t. This room is filled with vampires old enough to guard their secrecy well.”

“And the other reasons?”

A hard glint lit his eyes. “The entertainment grows more”—he hesitated—“extreme as the night goes on. There are those who wish to indulge without endangering their reputations. What happens at vampire gatherings, Abbey, stays at vampire gatherings.”

“Even with the masks, surely you can recognize one another.”

A slight smile curved his lips. “It is polite to pretend otherwise. Our society has functioned this way for centuries. Some traditions die hard even in our modern era.”

“Okay,” she said, touching her mask. “I’ll follow your rules tonight.”

He kissed her lips lightly. “Thank you.”

Abbey glanced around the crowded room. “So we just mingle and make pretty?”

“We can do whatever you like. Many of the exhibitions are open for private viewing.”

Her eyes widened. “Awesome.”

His smile was indulgent. “I also need to make my rounds through the room.” He pointed out a tastefully draped table by the far wall. “And make a donation to the cause.”

“You mean you really are raising money for cancer?”

“Why does that surprise you?” he asked, moving her deeper into the crush. “There is a lot of vampire money in health care research. After all, it is in our best interests to keep humans healthy.”

So they were never left scrambling for meals, she realized, feeling rather ambivalent about their generosity.

“Would you like to look at the art first or meet a few people?” he asked.

Before she could open her mouth, a voice cut in. “Will wonders never cease. Lucian Redgrave.”

A gorgeous woman walked up from behind them. A delicate lace mask did nothing to hide her beautiful face. Flaming red hair streamed loose around her shoulders and her emerald dress looked as if it’d been painted onto her slim form. Abbey felt almost underdressed next to her.

“Lisbeth,” Lucian said in greeting, “it has been a while.”

“Ages, darling, ages.” Her green eyes flickered to Abbey, assessing her. “How thoughtful of you to bring your own snacks.”

Abbey gasped in outrage.

“Careful, Lisbeth,” Lucian chastised. “Abbey is my guest this evening.”

The vampire flicked her hair over her shoulder. “How progressive of you.” Effectively ignoring Abbey, the vampire turned her full attention to Lucian. “Tell me, did Sasha insist you join our gathering?”

Lucian smiled. “I promised her to make an appearance.”

“And a donation, no doubt. I’ll let her know you’ve arrived, although she’s rather tied up greeting everyone at the moment.”

“We will enjoy ourselves, then, and try to catch up to her later.”

Lisbeth’s eyes strayed to Abbey again. “Yes, show your pretty mortal around. I wouldn’t recommend leaving her alone, though, darling. There are many tonight who would be more than willing to take advantage of such neglect.”

Abbey had no doubt the woman was among their numbers. “I can handle myself,” she said.