Her lip began to curl in disdain. “So you mean to reject the support of my family and—”
“Your family would have supported me anyway, Ms. Melcombe. They have nothing I want or need.”
She didn’t miss his emphasis. He tried not to smile. In the chaos and grief of the past three nights, sparring with Gemma Melcombe was a bright spot of light.
“They don’t have anything you need?”
“Nothing that would tempt me to release Rene.” Let her think he’d been planning to kill the boy. He hadn’t decided one way or another until she’d showed up. Knowing the young vampire’s age and connections would have been enough to sway him, but then she’d started offering all sorts of bribes he hadn’t even planned on. He was curious what she’d offer next.
She took a cautious step forward, her eyes growing colder by the minute. “And what would tempt you?”
He smirked. “Lots of things, luv.”
“Is that so?”
She was so damn proper. But that fire behind her eyes… it drew him in. She may have been cold and impersonal on the outside, but Terry would bet she was a thing of beauty when riled. How much, exactly, would it take to rile her?
“Have anything on you, Gemma?” Bloody hell, her name tasted sweet in his mouth. He wanted to say it again. Wanted to shout it. Moan it. Tease his own name from her lips. “Anything that might tempt me?”
Faster than he could blink, she leaned forward, baring her fangs. “You foolish boy! I come here offering a fair bargain, and you throw it in my face? Who do you think you are?”
He stood, deliberately calm though the blood rushed in his veins. “I’m the vampire who holds your brother’s child. I’m the lord of this city now, and I’m the man who has a dozen vicious guards, human and vampire, within shouting distance.”
“That only works if you have a tongue to shout, impudent boy.”
Terry couldn’t hold back the shout of laughter. Oh, she was magnificent. He had to have her as a lover. But not just yet. He’d sneak up on her till she thought the whole plan had been her idea in the first place. Forget London, Gemma Melcombe would be his greatest conquest.
“Gemma?”
“What?” Her eyes were blazing. Her fangs were bared. Her hands curled into claws that were moments away from scratching his eyes out. And she could, he had no doubt.
“I’m not going to kill Rene.”
Oh, he loved throwing her off-balance. She actually took a small step back. “You’re not?”
“I only want one thing.” He slowly walked around the desk so that he was standing beside her. He was close enough to feel the warm hum of her skin. He even thought he saw her heart pulse once in the ivory skin of her neck.
“What do you want?” Her voice had dropped. Rough with anger and… desire? Just a hint, but it was there. He’d take it.
“A kiss.”
“You want a kiss?”
“One kiss from you, and the boy goes free.”
She slid a predatory gaze upward. “One kiss and Rene comes with me tonight? One kiss is all?”
“That’s all.” He was starting to regret this. One kiss wouldn’t be nearly enough.
“Fine.” Without warning, she rose and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. “Where’s Rene?”
He grinned as he slid an arm around her waist, pulling her into his chest as his mouth slowly descended. “That’s not a kiss, luv.”
As their lips met, a spark lit the air between them. Water and earth didn’t meet with a clash. His amnis slowly lapped up her skin, teasing and testing as his hands pulled her closer. Terry’s fangs descended, and he ran his tongue along her lower lip, begging for entry.
Gemma hesitated for only a moment before she gave in. Her lips softened. Her hands gripped the blood-stained collar of his jacket. He knew she could pull away at any moment. Knew her power eclipsed his. The fact that she didn’t was intoxicating.
She was so warm. He pulled away for only a second to fill his nose with the scent of her. Roses and jasmine. The earthy smell of fresh rain on grass. She smelled of all that and more. The rigid set of her shoulders relaxed as he held her. Her mouth was as greedy as his, and he groaned into it. She was clean and beautiful and light. She was—
“Enough!”
Gemma pushed him away with a sudden shove. Terry stepped back, as unbalanced as she appeared to be. That had been… far more than a kiss.
“Gemma.” His voice sounded like he’d been smoking all night.
“That’s enough. Where’s Rene?”
“That’s enough?” He gave a low chuckle. “That wasn’t nearly enough.”
“It was enough for our deal. I want my nephew.”
Terry eyed her for a moment, then nodded. “Roger?”
His lieutenant stepped through the door. “Yes, boss?”
“Take Ms. Melcombe to Mr. Dupont. He will be released into her custody before he leaves England.”
Roger nodded, then Terry spoke to Gemma. “He’s not welcome back. If I hear word of him in England while I rule here, I’ll kill him, Gemma. See to it he understands. He doesn’t get another chance.”
She nodded, all business. “Understood.”
“And give my respects to your father. His unreserved support is greatly appreciated by Francis Winthrop’s successor.”
Her eyes turned cold again, and she strode from the room. Terry let her go without another word. Let her take her brother’s boy back to him. Let her set up house again in his city. Let her slowly lower her guard. He’d be waiting. He’d be patient. After all, he had the time. And what he’d said to her was true. One kiss wasn’t nearly enough.