She was the key to all their plans.
Now he was empty-handed with no certain means of capturing his prize.
Someone was going to pay for this.
Starting with Styx, the freaking master of the universe.
Chapter Six
Styx paced the kitchen, careful to keep his gaze from straying toward the small table in the center.
There was nothing wrong with the table.
In fact, it was perfect.
He had heated the vegetarian lasagna and garlic bread exactly as the housekeeper had directed. The red wine was breathing. He had even arranged the candles to provide a soft, comforting glow through the room.
And that's what was troubling him.
It looked precisely as he had intended it to look.
Romantic.
He gave a shake of his head as he glanced toward the empty door for the hundredth time.
There was no explanation for his strange behavior.
It could not just be desire.
If he only wanted sex and blood he could easily enthrall her with his mind and take what he wanted. She would give him whatever he desired, and do so gladly.
It was what vampires had been doing since the beginning of time.
But this . . . fussing and fretting over her tiniest comfort.
This was most certainly not the habit of a vampire.
Thankfully, for his peace of mind, Darcy chose that moment to walk through the door.
Any confusion as to why he was acting in such a strange manner was forgotten as he allowed his gaze to slide over her tiny body enwrapped in the heavy brocade robe.
She looked young and delicate and so vulnerable that she would have tugged at the heart of the most ruthless demon.
Forcing himself to resist the urge to cross the room and sweep her into his arms, Styx gave a lift of his brows.
"I began to fear that you intended to remain in your chambers for the entire night."
She smiled, but there was something wary in her manner as she edged toward the table.
"The thought did cross my mind, but I was too hungry. Something smells delicious."
"Since my meager presence did not seem enough to lure you from your room, I resorted to the temptation of food," he retorted dryly.
"Wise choice." Reaching the table, she sat down and took a deep sniff. "What is it?"
"The note from the housekeeper says that it is vegetarian lasagna. I hope you approve?"
"If it tastes half as good as it smells I more than approve." She picked up her fork and took a bite, her eyes closing with obvious pleasure. "Delicious."