Ana hated when people did what Maximus did. He assumed she was a fool and wouldn’t see past his words. Maximus assumed Ana was too foolish not to look closely at people or have a single opinion of her own. He interrupted her, making this space more useful to her. That had Ana now sitting in a chair, drumming her fingers on the arm of the chair, while she watched Maximus pontificate about how horribly mistreated, he was by that guard. How George threatened him and said he wasn’t worthy of feeling safe in his new home. Or comforted by having his personal items around him. Maximus made George sound like an honorary guard in some corner of the realm that didn’t count for anything. Not the head of her security detail. In Maximus’ narrative, he was the much maligned important official. He saw no purpose for Adriana needing to be protected. Or how he could benefit from her protection. Within a minute of him opening his mouth, Ana could

George was eating dinner as he soaked in the tub. When his phone rang, George reluctantly left the warm water to answer it. As soon as he heard the odd tone in Ana’s voice, he knew there was something important going on. He was confused by Ana’s mention of her lady’s maid running from the apartment. George hurriedly finished his dinner as he dried off and dressed again. He must be wicked because there was no rest for the wicked, and he wasn’t getting any rest. It took him about fifteen minutes to get through everything and back to Ana’s apartment. When he entered, and found her sitting on her bed amid several boxes of her belongings. “In there at the back of the dressing room on the floor. You can’t miss it.” She was drinking as she sat there looking at the open dressing room door with the saddest look on her face. “Alright, why don’t you wait out in the living room while I look around?” George asked her. He did not know what the

Of course, Ana didn’t get a decent sleep before the first ever sitting of the North American Ruling Council. So, for her it was annoying to say the least for her to suffer the cautions inquiries from far too many people. She watched with interest as George went into full work mode. He was silent and listened, only moving when he had to. Ana even overheard several people wondering if he was even breathing. Of course, he was breathing. That was a foolish thought. Vampires didn’t breathe as much, but they breathed. If they didn’t inhale, they wouldn’t be able to speak. It’s a natural bodily function as well. It was just the lack of sleep that put her temper in such a state. Answering questions about the poor dead cat and any thoughts she had about it was pulling her attention off of her job here. She needed to get back to business. Ana knew she could be a professional, but then things went from bad to worse and Ana found herself becoming petty.

Ana couldn’t believe how long it took. Yes, everyone was so civil to each other, but it was constant bickering. Nothing knew for her. It reminded her of a lot of the debates the emperor allowed within the court for his entertainment. He’d never listen to what they said, or more likely, he didn’t let anything said to influence his decisions. It was his way of ferreting out the liars, disloyal, and traitors. As the debates became more heated, there was a greater chance he’d find clues to those preparing to betray him. Ana now got the chance to watch George at work. The vampire looked intimidating dressed in his dress uniform and glaring at everyone who got within two arm’s lengths of her. She suspected she liked it a little too much. It made her feel like she was his everything and it made her feel almost warm inside. There must be something wrong with her. She felt the urge to get close to him. Closer than close. She wanted to touch him, but it shocked her she felt clothin

What in the world was that? How did that happen? Were just a few things that ran through George’s head as he berated himself for such a foolhardy action. He couldn’t be more unprofessional and with the emperor’s daughter. It could only have been worse if it had been the empress herself. He groaned as he entered his apartment and punched the wall beside the door. He leaned against it so he could catch his breath and sort out his thoughts. All he wanted to do was hunt her down and finish what he started. George couldn’t remember any woman tasting that sweet before. It was like an explosion of pleasure in the form of a taste. He wanted to know what the rest of her tasted like and all he’d done was kiss her. How could it be like that? So sudden and fierce, he felt like he’d been swept away by some sudden storm. Was he cursed by a mage to want, no crave, what he can’t have? Or has fate turned it’s anger on him and sent her to punish him