"You upset her greatly earlier," he snapped and drew a vicious looking sword. "And I do believe I already stated that she does not take evening visitors."
"Except for you?" I demanded. Fuck, I sounded like a jealous fool.
He paused and stared hard at me. His head cocked to the side as I watched him consider his answer. Finally he shook his head.
"No. Not even me, you ass," he said snidely.
"Did you just call me an ass?"
"I did," he replied with confidence.
"While that may be true, men have died for far less offenses," I told him with a grin as I contemplated removing his weapon and decapitating him with it. The fact that he'd called me an ass was amusing. Against my better judgment, I liked the little French bastard.
"How about this," I suggested casually. I relaxed my stance but stayed on guard. His sword was lethal and I wasn't stupid. My deadly reputation hadn’t been earned by being careless. "You take ten steps to the left and I walk through the door and have a little chat with Raquel."
"How about this," he countered. "No."
I laughed. He was good, but I was better. He knew it and so did I, but his dedication was impressive. He was truly willing to die for her. For that reason alone, I would not kill him.
"Okay, I see I'm getting nowhere with you. You're refreshing. Not many stand up to me."
I eyed him and debated my next move. I couldn't just walk away—it wasn't in my nature.
"You don't scare me," he said. "You might scare my Princess, but you don't scare me."
What the Hell did that mean? My hands clenched to fists at my sides and I itched to rearrange his face—not permanently. Temporarily.
"Fine. Lose the sword. You have my word I will not enter her room. However, I need to release some aggression and your face is an excellent spot for me to do so."
"Bring it," he said as he dropped his sword and waited for me to make the first move.
Very smart. Little Frenchy wasn't going to be impulsive or careless. His demeanor was casual and alert, but I could scent his excitement and it energized me. Finally a challenge.
And so it began… and continued for a very violent and satisfactory hour.
By the time we'd finished, the room was destroyed and we were both the worse for wear. Blood and smashed furniture were everywhere. We admired our cuts and bruises. He was a worthy opponent. I hadn't enjoyed a fight that didn't end in death so much in a long time.
"Several of your moves were outstanding," I said as I rolled my neck and popped out a few kinks.
"Coming from you, that is a great honor," Jean Paul said as he mopped the blood from his forehead. "I wouldn't mind sparring and learning some more while we are here."
"It would be my pleasure. How long are you here?" I asked as it occurred to me that I could potentially learn what I wanted to know from my new friend.
"As long as the Princess deems fit," he answered carefully.
Damn it, why in the fuck was nothing easy for me today?
"How about I train you and you answer a few questions?" I suggested as I watched him closely.
"No," he replied with a grin and a shrug.
"Outstanding." I laughed as I stood gingerly and straightened my torn and bloodied tuxedo. This was going to be fun. I needed some fucking fun. "I'll meet you in the fight training center tomorrow at eleven."
"I'll be there," he said respectfully.
I glanced up to see an irate Ethan standing in the doorway. "Anyone care to explain why there are eight bloody and passed out European Vampyres in the hallway? And why does this room looks like a goddamned tornado hit it?"
"We were testing the reflexes of our guards, Sire," Jean Paul mumbled and bowed.
"I see," Ethan said. He crossed his arms over his chest, raised his eyebrow and waited for my explanation.
"Jean Paul is correct," I added as I took in yet another room in the compound that I'd had a hand in destroying. Raquel was going to have a fit. Where in the Hell was she? She couldn't possibly have slept through the brawl that had ruined her living quarters.
"In that case, meet me in my suite. Now," Ethan said to me as he turned and walked away. "And pick up these idiots in the hallway and send them back to Europe. If they can't defend my sister, they’re not welcome here."
I observed my new friend as he stood and walked to the hallway. "You need help?" I asked as he dragged one of the unconscious Vamps into the room.
"No, I have this," Jean Paul said. "You should probably go get your ass chewed out by your Prince."
"Good point," I replied, admiring his spirit. "I'll see you in the morning. Bring Raquel if she feels up to some sparring," I added.
"I'm sure she will be busy repairing the mishap we’ve had in here, but I will extend the invitation," he said with a twinkle in his eye.
"Very well then. I'll be off."
"Have fun," Jean Paul called after me as I made my way to Ethan's floor.
I grinned and shook my head. The little fucker had balls. I thoroughly enjoyed people with balls… and I enjoyed those who might have the potential to help me get what I wanted.
Even if what I wanted didn't want me.
Chapter 5
Astrid was grinning from ear to ear when I entered their living room. Ethan and Astrid's suite consisted of the entire top floor of the compound. It was more down to earth since Astrid had arrived and it was baby proofed within an inch of its life. Samuel slept contentedly in her arms as Ethan paced the room and waited for me to come clean.