Lenore tilted her head and gave Christian a loaded glance. “Perhaps Christian’s right about widening my dating pool—I’ve spent far too much time in the shallow end. It’s no wonder I haven’t found a worthy companion.”
I jumped when Christian scooted back and the chair’s feet scraped against the floor.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have work to do.” Christian gave everyone a polite nod before making himself scarce.
Viktor frowned at the empty doorway. “I apologize. I forget you are old acquaintances. Perhaps I should have left you two alone to catch up.”
“Nonsense.” Lenore gave Viktor a gentle smile. “I think I’ve outstayed my welcome. Your team must have important work that I’m keeping them from, and I did come by unannounced.”
“You are welcome here anytime. Do not worry about such formalities. It is an honor to have such a prestigious figure as yourself as our guest.”
She glanced at the delicate gold watch on her wrist. “Where does the time go? My driver should be back soon. Mr. Kazan, it was generous of you to offer me your vintage wine. I hope we can do this again so you can tell me all about your early memories of Russia.” Lenore stood and offered him her hand.
Viktor kissed her dainty little knuckles. “The pleasure was all mine.”
I chuckled under my breath. Watching immortals was like watching a period piece. Viktor was a gentleman at heart, but he treated us differently than he did those outside the house.
Lenore reached for her white clutch. “Would you mind if Raven escorts me out?”
There was no getting out of this one. Maybe I could escort her right out the door and into a shallow grave.
“Raven will see you to your car. I will be sure to look for that wine you recommended.”
She touched his shoulder as he rose from his chair. “If you have any trouble with the merchant, give me a call.”
We both rounded the table and quietly headed through the doorway. Lenore pulled a small pocket fan out of her clutch and snapped it open.
“You should open the windows in here. A house can get stuffy and acquire a certain odor.”
I opened the front door to let her out. “So can a person.”
She breezed outside, her sparkly heels making her a tad overdressed for a casual visit. “Don’t you adore Viktor? He’s not only a shrewd businessman, but he knows how to make a person feel important and valuable. That’s why so many people in this city respect him.”
I shut the door behind me. “Who do you know on this side of town?”
“An old friend.” She clutched my arm. “Let’s walk. It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it? So quiet. I should buy a house in the country. I hadn’t realized how much quieter it is than where I live now.”
I tried to pull away, but Lenore held on as if she might trip in her shoes. “You obviously haven’t been out here when the cicadas start up.”
“What a dreary existence they live. Can you just imagine living in a dark hole for seventeen years, only coming out once to mate and die?”
“Isn’t that what you do?”
She chuckled and pulled me close. “I like you, Raven Black. Believe it or not.”
I wrenched my arm free. “Sorry to say the feeling isn’t mutual.”
“After all the help I’ve given? Dear, oh dear. Just to put your mind at ease, the money I made from the auction went to good use.”
“Filling your wardrobe?”
Halfway to the gate, she came to a stop. “Filling the pockets of abused women.”
I studied her face, waiting for the punch line.
“Did you really think I’d keep it? Viktor enjoys donating to children, but so often adults are neglected. There are organizations that help abused women and men escape frightening situations like those wretched slave auctions or fighting rings. Some have no pack or family and wind up destitute. Where will the downtrodden turn if they’re rejected by society? We have a duty to look after them.” She fanned her face and stared off in the distance. “We women have to stick together.”
“Do you ask for favors in return?”
“You really don’t trust me, do you?” Lenore sighed and folded up her fan. “A few sanctuaries exist around the country that secretly harbor these women and keep them safe. But like everything else, they rely on donations. Humans have taxes to keep such places operational, but we do not. And if you think the wealthy are eager to part with