Free The Vampire Dimitri by Colleen Gleason

most injurious position, but also you and your sisters—for they would like nothing better than to use one or any of you to get to Chas.”
    Oh, Chas! Maia swallowed, trying to keep the panic away. “Then they are after us as hostages? Ransom?” So the men weren’t vampirs. Or were they? She shook her head. She was mad to even consider the possibility that vampirs could actually exist.
    She spoke aloud, working through her thoughts as if he weren’t even there. “But then that must mean Chas is still alive and hidden somewhere if they are trying to abduct us. He must still be alive. And safe.” Relief bounded through her.
    â€œYour brother is very cunning and able, and you are likely correct. I’m confident he can take care of himself. But you and your sister must not leave this house or see anyone with out my permission. You are completely safe whilst in my custody, but Cezar Moldavi is not only ruthless but also reasonably intelligent. And your brother has betrayed him in a most egregious manner. He will not give up easily.”
    â€œCezar Moldavi?” Maia froze. She’d heard that name. She was certain of it. But where? Perhaps Chas…
    â€œYou recognize that name, then?”
    â€œI’m familiar with it but I have never met the man, like yourself. I mean to say, now that I’ve met you—”
    Dimitri shifted, his impatience clear. “Yes, yes, Miss Wood more. Please refrain from stating the obvious. Now, I am expecting Mr. Cale any moment now. What other items must you drag forth and force me to ponder?”
    â€œYou still have not tendered an apology,” she said clearly, not about to be brushed off. Really. The man had some sort of nerve. “I have never been handled so—”
    â€œMiss Woodmore,” the blasted man interrupted again, “do you mean to say that should a man push you from the path of an oncoming carriage he should bow and scrape at your feet in apology for mussing your skirts? Or should he ask permission first, before doing so?”
    It was all she could do to keep from stamping her foot. Was the man that obtuse? “Well, I do believe—” She stopped herself this time. He was not worth the effort of getting riled up. One attracts more bees with honey than vinegar. Although she didn’t think either would appease the dratted individual in front of her. He simply disliked everyone.
    Nevertheless, taking a deep breath, she spoke again, keeping her tones dulcet with effort, speaking to him as if he were a young child. “I did not realize we were in some sort of danger. You made no effort to impress that fact upon me—a fact which you obviously well knew. Perhaps in the future, Lord Corvindale, you might be a bit more forthcoming. Particularly about things that apply to me and my sisters.”
    â€œPerhaps.”
    Incensed by his insouciant remark, clearly meant only toshut her up, she stepped forward and was rewarded when he actually seemed to rear back a bit. Good. The wrath of a woman is not to be underestimated. “There is one more thing, my lord. I require your assurances that my sister’s reputation will be intact when she is returned here to your custody—or that you will take the appropriate steps to correct any problems thereof.” The last thing any of them needed was a scandal attached to Angelica. That would ruin any chance she had of making a match with Harrington—or any other well-respected gentleman.
    â€œYou have my assurances that I will do my utmost to protect your sister’s reputation, Miss Woodmore,” he replied stiffly. “No one—other than perhaps yourself and Chas—is more concerned about it than I am. But you haven’t any reason to worry. She is safe from Moldavi and in unblemished company.”
    Maia’s eyes narrowed. He’s not telling me something. She was certain of it. He was obfuscating, drat the man. But before