“Oh, yes. A kitten’s claws are so very dangerous.”
Lisbeth’s mocking laugh grated on Abbey’s nerves. “This kitten has liquid silver mace in her purse and a badass vampire on her arm. I think I’ll be fine.”
The woman’s eyes narrowed. “How is it a mortal is your date tonight, Lucian?”
“How is it any of your business?” Abbey answered before Lucian could speak up.
“We have quite a long history together,” Lisbeth said with a smile that was anything but pleasant.
“Ah, you must be one of the old ones then. That explains the wrinkles around your eyes.”
Lisbeth’s hand flew to her face.
“Good to see you again, Lisbeth,” Lucian cut in. “Perhaps we will catch up later.”
With a hand on the small of her back, he steered Abbey away from the scowling woman and deeper into the milling ballroom.
“Is everyone going to be as friendly as her?” Abbey asked, taking care to keep her voice quiet.
“You are a human among vampires. Try not to pick a fight with everyone you meet.”
“This doesn’t seem to be the type of crowd where it’s wise to be viewed as a victim,” she snapped.
Lucian glanced down at her and she saw the amusement in his eyes. “Correct as always. Still, I’d rather not have to fight my way free of this crowd to get you out in one piece.”
As if anyone here posed a credible threat to him, she thought. Still, she agreed. “I’ll be on my best behavior. Lisbeth just rubbed me the wrong way.”
“And what is the right way?” he purred in her ear.
“Stop that.” She pushed him away, blushing. “You need to be on your best behavior too.”
Lucian threw back his head and laughed, causing the guests around them to stare in amazement.
“You’re causing a scene,” she murmured, self-conscious.
“And we wouldn’t want that, would we?” He smiled down at her. “I knew bringing you would liven up an evening of tedium.”
“I’m not a dancing monkey trained for your convenience,” she grumbled.
“No.” He grazed his lips across her cheek. “You’re an enchanting companion who will take my mind off the double-talk and thinly veiled insults.”
“Are there any good vampires in this place?”
“I’m good,” he whispered. “So very, very good.”
His fingers brushed down her spine in a light caress, making her think of beds and naked skin.
His low chuckle filled her ears. “When we finish here, I’ll show you just how good I can be.”
“Not what I meant,” she said, trying not to let her arousal show.
“Looks like you two are enjoying yourselves.”
A familiar face grinned at them. “Melissa,” Abbey said, honestly pleased to see the other woman. “How nice to see you again.”
“I didn’t know you were coming tonight,” Lucian said, straightening.
Melissa’s smile grew brittle. “I don’t need your permission for everything.”
He sighed. “Of course not. I’m only interfering with Fated Match to save you from yourself. I swear, Melissa, you will thank me for it.”
“Really? Because it seems to be going rather well for you.” She shot Abbey a pointed look.
“It’s not…that is, we’re not…” She trailed off, casting Lucian a pleading look.
“Abbey is none of your concern,” he said. “And our relationship has nothing to do with Fated Match. She’s not my mate.”
Abbey nodded even as the words sliced her. Good enough to screw but not good enough to keep. She forced her smile to remain even and not give any hint of her dismay.
Melissa’s sharp gaze studied her from behind the black lace mask she wore. “Right,” she said, sounding less than convinced.
Deciding they needed a new topic immediately, Abbey changed the subject. “You must enjoy these kinds of events, Melissa. I read about you all the time in the human papers. You’re quite the trendsetter.”
“I like to keep busy,” she said. “When you live forever, it’s so easy to become set in your ways. Wouldn’t you agree, Lucian?”
Lucian rolled his eyes at his ward. “Point taken, pet. I am trying to modernize.”
“Yes.” Melissa looked over him with a critical eye. “I do believe Abbey has outdone herself. You look like a twenty-first-century man.”
“With a few old-fashioned ideas still intact,” he replied.
“Perhaps Abbey can cure you of those as well.” Melissa glanced into the crowd. “But I’m getting sidetracked. I came over to tell you the governor is here. I know you’ve been meaning to meet him and now’s your chance.”