“This organization seems foolish and unnecessary,” he said at last. “But Melissa is fond of telling me I need to update myself. Very well, Miss Sinclair. I will allow my charge to become part of your dating program on one condition.”
Hope swelled within her. She was going to land Melissa after all. Vivian would be ecstatic.
“Anything,” she agreed.
A slow smile curved his lips, one that told her in no uncertain terms she was in hot water.
“Excellent. Then you will sign me up first. If you can find my mate, I shall agree to Melissa joining your company. Time to prove what you claim, Miss Sinclair. If you can.”
Chapter Two
“What?” Abbey said.
“What?” Melissa echoed.
Both women exchanged a startled look. Lucian’s smile looked satisfied. “I will prove to you, Melissa, that this is a waste of time. Better me on the block than you.”
“This isn’t the nineteenth century anymore. I’m not a child you need to take care of!”
“I created you,” he said. “It’s my job to look out for your best interests. Forever.”
Melissa threw up her hands and paced away from the desk.
Those unnerving blue eyes returned to Abbey. “So, Miss Sinclair, shall we get started?”
“This isn’t a game,” she said. “The women we’d match you up with would be coming to meet you in good faith. You can’t play with their hopes.”
“On the contrary,” he replied. “I have been alone for the better part of a thousand years. If you manage to find my mate when all my searching has uncovered nothing, I will make a very generous donation to your organization and ensure that all my brethren know of your remarkable talents. You will be the most popular dating company in the country.”
Abbey could practically see money signs hanging over his head. It’d be one hell of a job, but Vivian had a great track record when it came to dealing with high-strung VIP clients. The siren could handle Lucian.
“All right,” she said slowly. “I think we can accommodate you.”
“One more thing,” Lucian said with an ease she didn’t trust. “I understand your organization assigns personal representatives to work with high-profile clients.”
“We do. In fact we have some of the country’s best matchmaking staff on hand. You will have your pick of our top people.”
“Perfect. I want all details and plans to go through you.”
Abbey blinked. “What?”
His Cheshire cat grin widened. “You heard me, Miss Sinclair. Or may I call you Abbey? It seems we will be seeing quite a bit of each other. Unless, of course, you’d like to refuse my offer?”
“I’m admin,” she tried. “I don’t handle VIPs.”
“Too bad.”
“You’re doing this on purpose,” she accused. “I’m not qualified for what you’re asking.”
“You’ll do fine. Especially if you want someone of Melissa’s influence in your network. Your choice.”
Abbey fisted her hands in her skirt. She didn’t like vampires. Had no desire to see more of this one despite his handsome face. But if she refused, she had no doubt Vivian would fire her. So that left her with one decision. Frying pan or fire?
“You will follow my advice,” she said, her voice tight. “You will adhere to our rules and you will show me the respect I deserve.”
His expression never changed. “I wouldn’t dream of anything else.”
Like hell he wouldn’t.
“No biting,” she said. “Not ever. I’m off-limits.”
This time there was no mistaking his amusement. She held still as his gaze dropped from her face and moved slowly to her body, stopping at her throat and again at the vee of her blouse.
“I believe I can restrain myself.”
He said nothing else, nothing more pointed or cutting, but even so Abbey felt like crawling under the desk. Of course this gorgeous man who’d lived for centuries was not going to fall on her with uncontrolled lust. Her cheeks heated with embarrassment.
“Good, then we should get started.”
Melissa rounded on them with her hands on her hips. “You have a month, Lucian,” she said. “One month, and then I am joining this group whether you want me to or not.” Turning on her heel, she stalked from the room.
Abbey wished the other woman had stayed longer. She didn’t like being alone with Lucian. The massive room suddenly felt too small, too intimate.
Be professional, she told herself.
“All right. Let’s start with the samples.” She stood and arranged her instruments on the mahogany desk. Slipping on latex gloves, she stepped around the desk. “First I need a swab from your cheek.”