Free Blood Sin by Marie Treanor

grief, perhaps. But I prefer to think of it as the source of my strength.” She gave a quick, awkward smile to banish any pathos, and walked toward the door. “You’re bloody perceptive, aren’t you, Josh?”
    “I’m good at faces. And yours, when you touched the cloak, was an open book.”
    Elizabeth paused, stricken. How could she regard herself as strong when she gave so much away so easily?
    “Hey, your secret’s safe with me,” Josh said, reaching past her to grasp the door handle. “And don’t be uncomfortable. I don’t need a crazy woman in my bed anyway.”
    Elizabeth couldn’t help laughing, as she was meant to. She felt a renewed rush of liking for Josh.
    “Um, one more thing before we go down for drinks,” he said. “Jerri Cusack, my costar in the new movie. Don’t be upset if she’s a little . . . odd.”
    Elizabeth scanned his face for clues. There was a rueful twinkle in his eyes.
    “She might think you’re my date,” Josh explained. “And she won’t like that.”
    Elizabeth’s spirits fell further. “Oh, bugger. Are you and she . . . ?” “No, no, but she thinks it would be good publicity if we were, and she doesn’t like being thwarted.”
    “So she’ll hate my guts.” Elizabeth held up her hand to count points off on her fingers. “Okay, I have to avoid Jerri Cusack and seek out Adam Simon. Anything else?”
    “Just enjoy yourself,” said Josh blithely.
    “Ha,” Elizabeth returned without gratitude, and, laughing, Josh opened the door.
    As they descended the staircase, sounds of lively jazz music and the buzz of many-voiced chatter and laughter drifted up to them.
    “Seriously,” Josh murmured. “Dante’s parties are always fun. None of the other stuff really matters. Everyone will be nice.”
    Which might have been his way of saying that however much Jerri hated her presence, she wouldn’t get too nasty. Elizabeth didn’t really care. She’d met a lot nastier creatures than bitchy movie stars. Squaring her shoulders, she concentrated on getting through the evening as pleasantly as possible, and hoped for a few opportunities for a friendly tête-à-tête with Josh. By the time the party ended, she was determined to have convinced him of his danger, and his option of hunter protection.
    As they entered the big, impressive drawing room where predinner drinks were being served, Elizabeth’s first thought was that it wasn’t as bad as she’d expected. There weren’t as many people as she’d feared, maybe around twenty. The men all wore formal evening clothes, some traditional black-tie, some a bit more individualistic. The women wore formal dresses too, of all lengths and levels of daringness. Elizabeth allowed herself a quick sigh of relief that her own gown did indeed suit the occasion, and then she noticed that despite the formality of the dress, the guests themselves didn’t seem to be in the least stuffy. Several looked over and smiled. Some actually waved, and one man called out, “Hey, Josh!” from the other side of the room.
    And then Dante, standing just inside the doorway with a group of traditionally garbed men, welcomed them with a big smile. An instant later, a waiter was before them with a tray of drinks. Elizabeth took a glass of champagne while Dante introduced the men around him. Their names passed right over her, although she smiled and shook hands with each.
    “These guys are all expert antiquarians,” he explained. “I was telling them about your sword, Josh, and how you’d be glad for them to take a look.”
    “Sounds a most interesting piece,” one of the men said. He was American. “How long has it been in your family?”
    “Hundreds of years, so I’m told.” Josh sipped his champagne.
    “And do you have documents to show its provenance?” asked another, with a definitely English accent.
    “Nope. Just the sword. I’ll show it to you after dinner if you like. Just don’t let the senator convince you I’m prepared to sell it,