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“What’s his last name?” he demanded, his tone remaining the same.
“What does it matter?”
He wrapped his hand around my throat, although the hold wasn’t done with anger but with possessiveness. “His. Name.”
“Are you going to do something to him?” I refused to back down.
After exhaling, he studied me for a few seconds and all I could hear was some grandfather clock ticking somewhere else. That wasn’t possible since the musicians were still playing, once again the damn music fromRomeo and Juliet. I was sick to death of hearing it.
“I am not in the habit of killing innocent bystanders or talentless artists, Eden, but if you’re in danger, that will not be tolerated.”
His vehement answer gave me a clear indication of just how dangerous he was.
And that he’d killed someone before. That should horrify me even more, but it didn’t.
“Talon Martin, and no, I don’t think that’s his real name. What is wrong, Cruz?”
Only after he took a few seconds, brushing his thumb back and forth across my lips did he answer. “There are many heinous men in this world, Eden, savages with everything they do.”
“Does that include you?”
The darkness within him faded, a smile returning, but goosebumps popped down both my arms in response.
“I’ve already answered you, my sweet. I am the worst of them all. However, as long as you are in my realm, you will be safe. Come. I want to show you something.” He rose from the table, expecting me to do the same. He grabbed the second bottle of champagne and his glass, his gaze never leaving me as I rose from the table. Then he led me out another door to the hallway toward a set of stairs.
His realm. I envisioned him on the throne again.
“Promise me you won’t hurt him.” My tone was demanding.
I sensed his irritation, but he took a deep breath before answering, his features softening. “I will not hurt your artist, but I will protect you.”
No matter what it takes.
I allowed myself to enjoy looking at the beautiful furnishings as we passed by several open doors. While the woodwork, colors, and fixtures were all Victorian in design, the furniture was modern, luxurious in all aspects. “I adore this house. It’s exactly like what I envisioned raising a family when I was a kid.”
“Hmmm… Does that mean you want a dozen children?”
“Oh, hell, no,” I said, instantly laughing. “Two or three. But I can imagine them running down the stairs on Christmas morning, squealing with delight from what Santa brought. For a man like you, I’m certain that sounds ridiculous.”
“That sounds lovely, Eden. Sadly, I wouldn’t make a very good father.”
“You would be surprised how becoming a parent can change a person.”
He glanced over his shoulder before leading me to a gorgeous curved staircase. “Some people can never change, Eden. The sooner you realize that, then the better off you’ll be. Don’t waste time attempting to change a man. He’ll only disappoint you later.”
“You are hopelessly nonromantic.”
Chuckling, he took the stairs slowly, indulging me in glancing at every painting and photograph. From what I could tell, his friend had a happy life. “How do you know the owner?”
“As I said, he’s a friend.”
“Yes, but from school or a business acquaintance?”
He said nothing.
“Let me guess. I’m not allowed to ask you any additional personal questions.”
“I’d prefer to leave some mystery for now. Wouldn’t you?”
