5
Adrian watched her until she disappeared behind the high wall. He turned and found his manservant standing in the doorway to his room.
The older gentleman pursed his lips. “Do you think it was so wise to allow her to leave?”
“Would you I rather eat her?” Adrian retorted as he swept past him and into his chambers.
The manservant turned his body to follow his master. “But she is a threat to you.”
Adrian stepped up to the fireplace and lay his arm across the warm mantel. He gazed into the fire and a sly grin slid onto his lips. “I find this game rather exciting, don’t you?”
His servant frowned. “Not in the least, sir.”
Adrian chuckled and turned to him. He tossed the manservant his coat. “Where has all your courage gone, Albert?”
“The world is a dangerous place, particularly
