My Lord Vampire (Immortal Rogues #1)(62)

“Well, you did ask,” he told her in unsteady tones.

She glared at him in exasperation. “This is all your fault. What are we to do with six boys from the street?”

“We could always send them back to the stews,” he suggested.

She tossed up her hands in defeat. “Oh, go inside and find my housekeeper. Tell her that I said she is to give each of you a bath and feed you.”

There was a loud cheer that utterly disturbed the peace of the garden.

“And mind your manners,” Gideon warned with a look that promised dire retributions if he were not obeyed.

“Right, guv.” The leader of the band of urchins offered a pert salute, then moving forward he eyed Gideon in a knowing manner. “The woman did disappear. I seen it.”

“Unless you wish to be tossed out on your ear, I would suggest you forget what you think you might have seen,” Gideon retorted in smooth tones.

There was a small pause before the lad gave a nod of his head. He was still young enough to accept that there were things in the world that could not be readily explained.

“Me memory has always given me trouble. A terrible thing it is,” the boy retorted, offering Simone an awkward bow before hurrying after the other children into the house.

Turning, he met Simone’s speaking glance.

“I do hope you realize my staff will be in mutiny by the end of the day,” she informed him.

He gathered her in his arms. “What does it matter? We shall soon be wed and we shall have a new staff if we desire.”

“Complete with six page boys?” she said wryly, although she willingly allowed herself to snuggle close to him.

“Six page boys, a vampire and the Guardian of the Medallion. It should be quite an interesting household,” he teased, his hands stroking the satin of her hair.

She gave a small chuckle, her arms rising to wrap about his neck.

“As long as we are together.”

He leaned downward to press his lips to her own.

“For eternity, my sweet.”