Rising, Gemma went to the door and opened it. At the end of the hall, she saw him. Dashing and deadly at the same time, Terry was clad in a elegantly tailored jacket that encased his muscular frame, but did not hide it. He locked eyes on her with the focus of a predator. She would have no courtly lover. No deferential husband. Here was a man she would fight with and fight alongside for the rest—

For as long as she found him agreeable. That was all.

Terry walked toward her slowly in the lavish hotel suite. Their friends and family were gathered in the ballroom downstairs. “Gemma.”

“Terry.”

He never took his eyes off her as he held out his hand.

Why was Gemma so worried? This was a partnership of two like-minded individuals, nothing more. She took his hand, ignoring the slow melt of desire she felt as his touch reminded her: This was why she had to avoid him. It was also why it was so hard to keep away. She could lie to others with ease, but she couldn’t lie to herself. Terry was the finest, fiercest lover she’d ever had, and she wanted him with a desperate kind of desire that infuriated her. Even as they walked down the stairs, his thumb traced along the delicate vein at her wrist, causing her blood to pulse.

“I’ve been missing you, luv.”

“Lots to do with the wedding details.”

“Of course.”

He knew she was lying.

“Are Carwyn and Brigid here?” she asked.

“And Deirdre. Daniel, of course. Your brother from France. Max and Cathy. Even Tavish came.”

“Don’t tell me he’s wearing a tuxedo. That might give me nightmares.”

He gave her a low chuckle and winked as they turned the corner. She could do this. It was just a party. A friendly party where she would have to sign a few papers and that would be—

She halted when the doors open and she saw the man in vestments standing at the front of the room.

“Terry,” she hissed between a forced smile. “Who is that?”

He nodded diplomatically as he pulled her into the room crowded with friends and business associates. Political connections, allies, the powerful and the rich from all corners of Britain, mortal and immortal alike. “That, luv, is my good friend, Father Banner.”

“That is a priest, Terrance. A priest.” Her cheeks were sore from smiling.

“Well, of course it is, luv.” They reached the front of the room and Terry locked his intense blue eyes with hers. “I want to do this properly.”

Sad, really. She liked London. But Gemma was going to have to kill him.

Chapter Three

“I will never share your day-chamber again.”

“Is that a promise?” He cocked an eyebrow at her. She hated going back on her word, so if she was actually promising… Terry might have been screwed. Or not, as the case may be. “It was meant to be a pleasant surprise, luv.”

She clamped her mouth shut, but her blue eyes turned frosty in the balmy air. Though Gemma didn’t know where they were, they were actually headed to her favorite vacation house on the coast of Northern Spain. The air and water were growing warmer. Sadly, she’d decided to put on clothes.

She looked around. “I could always swim to shore.”

“Think you could get there by sunrise?”

She glared. “Maybe.”

“I’d hate to be wrong on that one. Know where we are?” He glanced up. “It is a clear night. How’re your navigation skills?”

His were excellent. He’d resisted learning to sail for years, preferring the fresh waters he’d been born near, but once he’d finally given in, Terry discovered a passion for the sea. This particular boat was his favorite. It was docked in a very private location. No one except Carl and Roger even knew he owned it. The Conquest was a 35 foot sailing vessel he could manage himself. Truthfully, he could steer any boat smaller than a freighter with his elemental ability, but it just took a bit longer than this swift little prize. Gemma had never stepped foot on it.

“How did you get me into that chamber?”

“With help.”

“Are we secure here?”

Ever the security conscious vampire, he’d known she would raise the question. The fact that she was just as fierce about his security was the part that gave him hope. “We are on a ship that only two beings know about. You didn’t even know about it prior to this evening, so that should tell you something. There is a single secured day chamber that can only be accessed by a trap door in the bottom of the hull.”

“I noticed.”

“So you did. We have enough supplies here for three months of independent living, should we choose it.”

Her breath caught. “You’re not going to keep me here for three months, are you?”

Of course not. “Maybe.”

“You can’t be serious! Who’s running things at home?”

“Roger and Mina, of course. Max and Cathy are staying for security, should anything come up.”

Gemma nodded. “That was a good choice. It’s a good-will gesture from us toward the MacGregors, and no one will cause problems with Cathy around. Roger can take care of the day-to-day. Mina has all the details for… yes, this might not be an utter disaster.”

“Never seen a woman so opposed to a vacation. You work too much, Gem.”

“And Max will take care of Daniel. Make sure he doesn’t cause any problems. He could smooth things over with anyone who’s angry…”