already protective steps are being taken. Is Leonel alive? I've given my life to his protection; one day perhaps you'll learn the details but for now I think you know in your heart that I am no liar."
She stared at him again, both of them suddenly aware that he was still holding her wrist. Kirin experienced a thrill of desire triggered by the flash of confusion he saw in her eyes. But just as swiftly her confusion turned to discomfort and he let go of her arm.
She hesitated, then finally nodded. "The fact that you call him by his true title is an indication of your loyalty. Yes, Leo lives. He's a tall, strong, fine young man now."
Kirin actually punched the air, promptly regretting the effort. "Ouch, that isn't good for my head. But this is the best news of all," he said, beaming, feeling instantly rejuvenated. Perhaps the fight had been worth it. He grabbed her hand again and kissed it. "Thank you."
Lily laughed at his courtly gesture. But as their gazes met, she hesitated. So did Kirin.
"Now, Lily," he said, deliberately changing the subject and once again releasing her. "Where the devil are we?"
She looked momentarily abashed and then gave a soft sigh. "Not out of the woods, that's for sure. Vulpan was so taken by the help we provided that we're in some chamber adjoined near the kitchens."
"So we're not free to go?"
"Actually we are...once we give blood."
"Get them in here. Let them bleed us now and we'll be on our way."
"It's not that simple, Kirin," she said gently.
"What do you mean?"
The door opened before Lily could answer and Vulpan himself breezed in, saving Lily any further explanation. "Master Kirin," he said, all smiles. "I'm glad to see you are recovered. What ever happened?"
"Er, I'm not sure. I tried to warn you that I was tired. I've been having headaches," Kirin offered, hating how unconvincing his pathetic hedging sounded.
"Well, you have the perfect nurse in your lovely young wife, here, Master Felt. She's certainly helped me."
Kirin nodded, hoping he managed to achieve the smug expression he had reached for. "Are we free to go, Master Vulpan?"
"Yes, of course...er, although I will want to have a sample," Vulpan said. Kirin knew he was feigning awkwardness. This man, he sensed, thrived on awkward situations.
"So Lily was explaining," Kirin admitted. "How do we do this?"
Vulpan smiled. "Perhaps I'll demonstrate on Mrs. Felt. Come here, my dear."
Lily approached him, her boots clicking across the flagstones. She instinctively held out a hand.
Vulpan's smile widened. "I prefer here," he said, pulling her hair away to expose her neck, touching her exactly where she had shown Kirin she'd have struck Vulpan if given the chance. The Vested unfolded a tiny blade that even from where Kirin sat, appeared viciously sharp. "A tiny nick, nothing too deep, I promise. It will leave a small scar, of course. But then that's my intention." He glanced over at Kirin, the smile still present. "I like to leave my mark...especially on a beautiful woman."
Kirin bit the inside of his cheek. Vulpan was baiting him - they both knew it. Kirin just wanted to get himself and Lily as far away from this sinister man as he could. If it meant allowing Vulpan to touch Lily in this way, so be it. Clearly, the outlaw Faris reckoned she was made of stern enough stuff to risk putting her in danger. Kirin already hated Faris for sending Lily into peril and refused to ask himself whether that loathing was truly about gallantry, or a more helpless and basic masculine instinct.
"You're trembling, my dear," Vulpan said, amusement in his voice. "There is nothing untoward about this, although it is unusual, I'll grant you. Don't worry. Your husband is present."
Lily said nothing but her gaze was fixed on Kirin, her eyes watering slightly. In that moment something passed between them. Kirin told himself it was simply a reflection of her fear, but he wished it was not. For now he permitted it to be a small mea sure of comfort in an otherwise desperately uncomfortable situation.
Vulpan laid a hand on her slim shoulder and then tilted her head. "Like this," he encouraged. "Ah, perfect. Now, just a little pinprick of pain," he said sweetly, before he drew the blade across what Kirin thought was the most perfect neck he'd seen in a long time. He watched blood bloom onto its flawless creamy skin and he tried not to dwell on Lily's wince.