their expressions and secretly laugh at the hope he saw in their faces. They were thinking that once their part was over, he’d leave them there, allowing them to get back to their safe, mundane world. Then, as each act became increasingly uncomfortable for them, he’d see that hope dwindling away like the slow drip of a faucet. The instant he saw the hope completely gone, he would revel in his power. Hope was a human condition—a failing. When it disappeared, perfection was almost complete.
When he began his activities in London, performing in their homes hadn’t been necessary. His own grand mansion provided all the accoutrements necessary. And when it was time for them to leave, he’d had plenty of interesting places to play out their swan song.
Was there a point to holding on to this blonde-haired, green-eyed person? Was he keeping her out of stubbornness or a petty indulgence? She was just so different from all the others he hadn’t even embarked on her training. Should he discard her and find someone more suitable?
At that thought, he felt resistance. He had learned to listen to his instincts. Perhaps his muse was leading him in a different direction. There was a reason he had chosen her, a reason she was different. He just didn’t know why yet. Once he did, he was sure he would be back to his old self.
While he waited for that insight to appear, he would continue to hunt. His home was a fortress. She would be perfectly safe there. Nestled within a small community outside the city, no one would ever suspect such a staid, unassuming mansion was home to some of the most delightful performances ever created—such a pity he couldn’t share those with everyone. That was the biggest reason he had to make their last performance so memorable. The world had to see what they had been missing.
Despite the convenience of being close to home, he would soon have to change his hunting grounds. He wasn’t stupid. While he looked for his next treasure, others were hunting him.
He’d read numerous reports about his activities. Suppositions of why he did what he did. Everyone seemed to have a theory and none of them were right. He was in equal parts amused and insulted by their prosaic ideas. How dare they try to pigeonhole his genius into some sort of mundane explanation! The instant his methods were targeted, he changed his role. He was a chameleon, able to change with almost no effort. He had limitless talent, which was the very reason he had eluded authorities for years. They believed he had only begun a year ago. What imbeciles. Did they not realize this kind of genius took years to perfect?
The time had come to abandon London. Only one question remained. Would he discover the reason he’d taken his newest gem before he had to leave? If not, should he discard her or allow her to travel with him?
Crossing the street, engrossed in the possible problems involved in traveling with an unwilling companion, he paid little attention to his location until the titillating words of a song hit his ears. “Come and get me. I know you want me. I’m yours for the taking. Come on…come on…come on. Come on, baby, come and get me.”
He jerked to a stop and gazed around. Though he had yet to acquire anything from this particular establishment, the surrounding area was one of his favorites to roam. Up and down the street, on both sides, were delicious places to prowl in hopes of finding the combination he required. Beauty and talent were hard to come by these days. Too many women relied on their looks alone. Beauty could only get one so far. That was the reason he’d had to try out so many.
The song continued, the words enticing him to investigate. He took three steps backward and peered into the dimly lit club. He’d been inside a couple of times…nothing had ever called to him before. But now he was enthralled as he listened to a song that spoke volumes about his needs, almost as if she were talking directly to him.
As he entered Club Drago, his heart pounded with exhilaration and triumph. Even when he hadn’t been consciously looking for her, she had found him with her music. Happiness drenched his soul as he looked upon his future. She was perfect in every way…exactly as he’d always dreamed.
He watched in awe as she danced for him and