There was a choked laugh from Darcy, and with an effort Styx forced back the urge to toss the intrusive demon through the nearest window. As annoying as he found the gargoyle, he couldn't deny his timing was perfect.
Who better to distract Darcy.
"I can safely assure you, Levet, that I shall never request that you dance around na**d—in the snow or not," he drawled as he took a step away from Darcy. "But you can keep my guest entertained for me. I fear I have pressing business that I can put off no longer."
He gave a small bow toward the startled Darcy before crossing the conservatory and slipping through the open door. He felt her gaze following him, but he ignored her wary confusion as he stepped into the hallway and motioned for the hovering Raven.
DeAngelo slipped from the shadows and offered a small bow. "Master?"
"I want you to keep guard on our guest."
"Certainly."
"And tell Santiago to increase the sentries upon the grounds."
The pale face nearly hidden beneath the cowl of the robe revealed the faintest hint of surprise.
"You fear we may be attacked?"
"I don't yet know what the Weres plan." His face hardened with the anger that still simmered deep within him. "But I assure you that I intend to find out. Until then, do not allow Darcy out of your sight."
* * *
Darcy stood frowning in the solarium after the tall, unpredictable vampire had abruptly left the room.
She had never possessed the ability to read minds. And certainly she was no vampire expert. But she had long ago learned to study the body language of others, and she couldn't deny there had been an angry tension in her captor.
"Did I intrude at an inconvenient moment?"
"What?" Turning her head, Darcy realized that the gargoyle had moved to stand at her side. "Oh ... no, not at all."
He crossed his arms over his chest. "If you wish to follow him, then I will not mind. I am accustomed to women who have been enthralled by vampires. It seems to be my sad lot in life."
Darcy found herself smiling. Now that she had gotten over the shock of being around a three-foot gargoyle, she found him strangely charming.
"I am perfectly happy to remain here with you, Monsieur Levet," she said as she reached down to pat him on the shoulder. She hastily pulled her hand back at the cold moisture on his gray skin. "Oh, you're wet."
"Of course I am wet. I have been tromping about in the snow." He pointed a finger in her direction. "And all for you."
"Me?" Darcy blinked in surprise. "Why?"
"Your oh-so-charming vampire absolutely insisted that you could not survive another moment without your precious plants and every scrap of clothing that you possess, which, by the way, is not much. We must get you to a mall, ma belle. No doubt tall, dark, and broody could be convinced to give you his credit card."
She struggled to follow his spat of words, ignoring his insult to her less than stunning wardrobe.
"Plants? What are you talking about?"
The great master insisted that I return to your apartment and retrieve your plants, but did he give a thought to the poor wretch he sent out into the cold and snow? Non." Levet gave a small sniff. "I am no more than a pitiful servant in his eyes."
"Styx sent you to get my plants?"
The demon heaved a deep sigh. "I am speaking English, am I not?"
Darcy abruptly turned to pace across the empty floor. "I ... why would he do such a thing?"
The gargoyle gave a short laugh. "If you do not know then I am not about to explain it to you. I far prefer that you believe him to be a heartless monster."
A strange sensation was tingling through her body as Darcy continued to pace. "And you brought my clothes as well?"