“ What whisperings ?” she prodded .
“ There are some that say ,” unconsciously , he glanced quickly from side-to-side , “ the Baron has become aware of your activities and has begun to make inquiries .”
“ If he is only now making inquiries ,” she smirked , “ it is already too late .” She put her arm around Coutec ’ s shoulder and pulled him in close to her . “ Here is what I need you to do .”
Four decades , she had waited . Biding her time , awaiting the right moment . Watching . Watching , had become the key to her existence , for she knew that to miss the window of opportunity once afforded her , would mean her destruction . And that window , appeared now , to be opening .
Two nights later , Adriene Napier , the Baron ’ s most senior advisor , sat before her , stripped to the waist , arms and legs bound securely to the heavy oak chair . They were alone .
“ Do you know who I am ?” he demanded angrily . Napier ’ s reputation was nearly as brutal as the Baron ’ s . But Napier had a peculiar fetish . He preferred the blood of young boys , specifically , fraternal twins . Such a refined palette had only made him easier to ensnare .
“ I don ’ t care who you are .” Lisle said quietly . She rose from her seat and went to the fireside . She plunged the tip of the iron poker deeply into the bed of embers , twirled it a few times and left it there to heat .
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