Winter Halo (Outcast 2)

Charles chuckled. “In other words, I should be concerned.”

“Perhaps.” I slid my hand between us and began to caress his erection.

“Then perhaps . . .” He paused as the door alarm chimed, then added, “Ignore it.”

I started to agree, then stopped as I felt the energy of the ghosts. They didn’t come into the room—while they were both aware of what I’d been bred to do, they also knew I didn’t like them witnessing it.

“And what if it is my other suitor?” I began to untangle myself from him. “It would be terribly awkward if he decided to break in and discovered us midcoitus.”

“Indeed,” Charles agreed. “But perhaps him realizing there is another in the mix would improve his behavior.”

I laughed. “That I doubt.”

I jumped free of the bed and ran down the stairs. My two ghosts spun around me and a note fluttered free. I caught it, then continued on to open the door, even though I knew there was no one on the other side. I proceeded to softly converse with that nonperson even as I unfolded the note.

Tonight not ideal. Better if you stay where you are, it read. Meet for breakfast in the usual spot.

I glanced up at the ghosts. Do you know why there’s a delay?

Bear’s energy touched mine. Lack of time to organize an assault. Plus, they can’t get the children out at night.

But why would they want to do that? Most of the children had lived in Central with their families before they were kidnapped, so why go elsewhere?

It has something to do with the five we rescued, Cat replied.

Are they okay? By Rhea, don’t tell me we’d gone to all the trouble of rescuing them only to have them fall foul of these people again.

Physically, yes, Bear assured me. But there are other problems.

Which wasn’t surprising, given everything they’d gone through. I closed the door and walked across to the kitchen, quietly opening drawers until I found an old pen. Take this note back. I quickly scrawled both my agreement and my uncertainty that delay was the right course of action, as well as the information about the departmental heads all having access to the thirtieth. But when you’ve done that, go back into Winter Halo and keep track of the two children. One of you let me know the minute there’s any sign of them being moved.

And be careful, they both intoned, before I could.

I chuckled softly and told them to scoot. Then I grabbed the whiskey and two glasses and headed back upstairs.

“I realize it’s never a good idea to drink on an empty stomach,” I said as I climbed onto the bed and handed him a glass. “But given the situation you have found yourself in, I think it’s entirely appropriate.”

“So the rival has been given his marching orders?”

“Until tomorrow morning, yes.” I unstoppered the whiskey and poured him a generous amount. “I did have to promise him breakfast before he’d leave, however, so I’m afraid you’ll have to depart at the rather unseemly hour of seven.”

“Which still gives me plenty of time to indulge in both the alcohol and you.” He tossed the whiskey back. “A

nd perhaps I will even combine the two pleasures.”

I raised my glass and let the whiskey dribble down my torso. “Perhaps? That doesn’t sound ideal to me.”

He laughed, grabbed my arm, and tugged me downward. From that moment on, there was little conversation and few other sounds except those of pleasure.

* * *

“It might be a couple of days before I can see you again,” Charles said as we walked toward the front door. “I may be the only son, but claiming my seat in the House of Lords is a somewhat lengthy process.”

I stopped. “Which saddens me, but I’m sure I’ll be able to find something to do to fill my time.”

“Which is a none-too-subtle reminder that I am not the only tom in this particular cathouse.” He wrapped an arm around my waist and dragged me closer. “I am, however, a tom who expects to win.”

He kissed me hard, then released me with a curse and added, “I had best go, before I do something ungentlemanly, like throw you over my shoulder and cart you upstairs.”