My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(16)

Her lips would be warm and satin-soft with the taste of innocence. They would gently part to invite a more intimate exploration as she arched to press her curves next to his aching body.

Sharp, dazzling heat raced through his blood, stirring the dark passions that had lain dormant for so long.

Thankfully, it was that very heat that abruptly brought him back to his sadly forgotten senses.

Sucking in a sudden breath, he surged to his feet. His body felt heavy and tight with an unfamiliar need. A need that he grimly ignored. He had to halt this foolishness. He could not allow himself to be distracted. No matter what the temptation.

"Perhaps we should return our attention to the reason you sought me out," he forced himself to murmur.

For a moment it appeared that she was finding it as difficult as he was to shake off the lingering awareness of what had happened between them. There was a bemused expression and a hint of fire deep in the midnight eyes. Then, with a stifled gasp, she was on her feet.

"William! Good heavens, I nearly forgot. What am I to do?"

He absently pushed his fingers through the hair he had left loose. "For the moment, I fear there is noth-ing to be done."

It was clearly not at all what she wished to hear.

"But what of Mr. Ryan? He is determined to speak with my brother."

"He has nothing more than a vague description of a large gentleman with dark hair. That could easily include half the gentlemen in London."

She wrapped her arms about her tiny waist. "Yes, but not half of the gentlemen in London were in the lane during the murder," she pointed out in worried tones. "Once he speaks to William, he might very well be convinced he is guilty. If only ..."

Her words trailed away, and Sebastian stepped forward as an odd expression crossed over her countenance. He experienced a decided chill. He already sensed that the expression could mean nothing but trouble.

"What?"

She nibbled her bottom lip as she considered her inner thoughts. "If only we, knew who did commit the murder, then William would be safe."

The chill struck again and Sebastian regarded her with a guarded expression. "You intend to reveal to Mr. Ryan that you saw a shadow kill the maiden?"

"Of course not. He would think me mad. And besides, I would have to confess I was not at home with William as I told him."

"Then what do you speak of?"

Her features hardened abruptly. "I will discover the truth of this shadow myself."

Although he had expected something ridiculous and carelessly imprudent, Sebastian still found himself caught off guard.

"No."

She flinched at his sharp refusal, her spine stiffening and her chin rising in an ominous manner.

"I beg your pardon?"

Sebastian was intelligent, even for a vampire. His mind was well honed and trained to seek the truth. He had even studied the philosophies of mortals so he could possess a greater understanding of their tumultuous existence.

The moment called for subtle manipulation, whispered the voice of reason in the back of his mind. A gentle hand upon her reins. To challenge her pride blatantly would make her more determined than ever to behave the fool.

His intelligence at the moment, however, was astonishingly absent as he regarded the stubborn female with rising annoyance. She would not be allowed to put herself, nor the Medallion, in peril.

Not for any reason.

"I have warned you of the danger," he retorted in clipped tones. "The creature that attacked that woman would kill you without mercy."

The dark eyes narrowed abruptly. "How do you know? What do you hide from me?"

"This is no harmless diversion, Amelia. Thus far it has been sheer luck that your reckless nature has not brought you sorrow. Such luck will not remain forever."

Her hands landed upon her hips in open defiance. "If you will not tell me the truth, then I must discover it for myself. I will not allow anyone to harm William."

Sebastian battled the urge to reach out and shake some sense into her. "You will risk death?"

The color drained from her at his stark question but she never faltered. "If I must."

"This is foolishness," he growled. "I forbid you even to consider such an absurd scheme."

"Forbid me?" The features hardened with a dangerous determination. "By what right?"

"The right of common sense," he retorted in exasperation. "If you wish to protect your brother, then return home and make sure he is not allowed to roam the streets."

"I do not need your consent, Mr. St. Ives. I am in command of my life and make my own decisions."

"Decisions fit only for a wayward child."

Even as the angry words flew from his lips, Sebastian realized his error. Nothing, nothing could have been more perfectly calculated to make her dig in her heels.

Visibly bristling in anger, Amelia drew in a shaky breath. "I believe you have said quite enough, sir. I will wish you a good day and assure you that I shall not trouble you further."

"Amelia . . ." He stepped forward, intending to make amends for his hasty words, but even as he held out a hand she was whirling on her heel and storming toward the door. He could follow, of course. She could not outrun him. She could not hide. But for the moment, he realized it would be futile. There was no doubt that she was being devilishly stubborn. And more than reckless.