THE PERFECT TEN (Boxed Set)

further. In fact, she should be able to move back home in about,” he paused to consult his watch, “forty-eight hours. And of course, we’d make sure that he appreciates that this Pax Vampira applies to you, as well. I will make sure that he’ll do whatever is necessary to ensure that you can return to your job, if you so desire.”
    Ainsley’s head spun. What to ask first? “What’s to stop him from reporting your … visit?”
    Aiden shrugged. “The same thing that dissuaded you from seeking treatment at a hospital when you were attacked. No one would believe him. His job would be forfeit if he makes a report of a vampire who partook of his blood, but left no evidence. A vampire who moved like lightening, but who looked like a normal man. A vampire who can leap a full story with a 200 lb. man in his arms. A vampire that knows all his dirty domestic secrets.”
    “Delano?” She glanced up at him.
    He nodded. “It can be done just as Aiden has described. You need only give your consent. And you have our word that Chief Michaels will come to no lasting harm, while learning a new respect for coloring within the lines. Aiden will impress on him, also, that we can uncover all his many and grave abuses of power in pursuit of his wife. He’ll be left with no doubt that if he so much as sneezes in the direction of Lucy, Devon or you, he’ll not only be deposed as chief, but would likely face prosecution.” He fixed her with an intent gaze. “This can work, Ainsley. You can go back home. You and Lucy and Devon.”
    But what about you? she wanted to wail. What will I do back in St. Cloud without you?
    She shook off the thought. She had to think of Lucy and Devon. These years on the run had taken a visible toll on Lucy, and Ainsley was sure Devon, ever uncomplaining, must suffer horribly each time they were uprooted…
    And now they could go home, if she gave the word. They could stop running, stop looking over their shoulders. Thanks to this beautiful, terrifying vampire, Aiden Afflack. And thanks to Delano.
    “Ainsley?” Delano prompted.
    “Okay.” She blinked. “Okay, do it.”
    “Excellent.”
    Aiden’s smile was a fearsome thing to behold. Ainsley moved closer to Delano, who took her hand.
    “Thank you,” Delano said. “Aiden will leave tonight. I’ve got an aircraft chartered. He’ll get there in plenty of time to scope out Michaels’ place this evening. Then tomorrow night, our friend Weldon is in for a long night of re-education.”
    “Thank you,” she said. “Thank you both. It will mean the world to Lucy and Devon to be able to go home at last.”
    “Our pleasure.” Delano smiled into her eyes, but she could see he was holding something back still. “Now for the other matter.”
    Ainsley’s heart thudded harder. So they were going to talk about it after all. Then she noticed the handsome vampire had made no move to leave. “Umm, don’t you think we should have some privacy for this?”
    “Actually, no,” Delano replied. “Aiden may wind up playing a fairly integral part in what happens next.”
    Her eyes flew to the smiling Aiden and back to the unsmiling Delano. “I don’t understand.”
    “I overheard your conversation with Eli.”
    It took all she had not to bury her face in her hands. “I’m so sorry about that,” she said, holding his gaze. “I shouldn’t have discussed our … situation … with Eli or anyone else.”
    “I wasn’t being critical,” he insisted. “You must feel free to discuss anything that troubles you with your friends. But the fact remains that you seem to think that now that the mutation has reversed itself, I might not feel the same about you. Indeed, I got the impression you felt I ought to play the field, so I might be certain.”
    Ainsley flicked a glance at Aiden. When she saw how avidly he was following the discussion, she could have died of mortification. “That’s private , Delano. I don’t see why we need to discuss our affairs in front of your guest.”
    “I’m sorry, my love, but I’m going to need Aiden for this next part.”
    Her heart, already pounding, kicked up into overdrive. “What are you talking about?”
    “When we were blood-bonded, you had your misgivings about our relationship, but they centered around causing me a premature death. At the heart of it, you were confident in my love for you, my complete and total devotion. I felt it when I held you, so you needn’t deny it.”
    “How could I?” She