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“You’ve got to be kidding. I’ve been with her for the past two weeks. She can’t stand me.”
    “She is in our care until she goes home with Khalil. There have been rumors of a leak in the location of our meeting. We may be attacked by the Bureau in Venice, and since we will be protecting our compagnas , you will be responsible for Christiana.”
    “Michael, I don’t thi—”
    “It’s not an option, Blane. I know you two don’t like each other. That’s why you’re the perfect choice.”
    “That’s as clear as mud.”
    Tori let out a quick, sharp laugh, then hid behind the magazine.
    “Khalil informed me two nights ago that he’s promised her to the padrone of Rome.”
    Eeesh . Blane knew that some of the leaders arranged bonded mates for their children, but

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    he’d never known someone to whom it actually happened. Christiana was the most uptight woman he’d ever met. There was no way she’d be okay with someone forcing her to bond.
    “Does she know yet?”
    Michael arched a brow, slowly studying his face. “Why do you care?”
    “I guess I don’t.”
    “Just make sure she’s safe. The last thing we need is for something to happen to her on our watch.” He glanced from Jonas back to him, as if they were having one of their mind conversations. “And don’t mention this arranged vincolare to her. This is for Khalil to tell.”
    Blane nodded. He wouldn’t tell her. The last thing he wanted was to bring the wrath of the vampiro king down on his ass.

    * * * *
Christiana tucked the last hair into place and adjusted her pink cashmere sweater. She needed a hot bath, but the jet didn’t offer that luxury. Sleeping there during the day hadn’t been the most comfortable choice, but it kept her away from that ridiculous green-haired vampiro , Blane. By the feel of the jet in the air, they were on their way to Venice for the Luna di Anima , the annual meeting of the vampire families to discuss politics and celebrate the coming new year with balls and parties. Back to the life she was accustomed to.
    She opened the door and walked down the narrow hall to the main seating area. Her eyes darted from face to face, stopping on Blane’s. What on God’s Earth was he doing on the jet ?
    Michael pulled his human close. “Christiana. Did you sleep well?”
    “Yes. Thank you.”
    She moved to the only chair left, the one next to Blane. She sat, letting the aura of his emotions touch her. It wasn’t the usual ignorant pride that came off him. Instead, he was somber,

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    almost full of pity. It made her wonder what had happened while she was sleeping.
    “Would you mind if Tori and I lie down for a while? She hasn’t been sleeping.”
    “Be my guest.”
    She watched the two go to the back and moved quickly to their spot. Jonas and Elena were snuggled in a double chair in front of the flat-screen television on the north wall, earphones covering their ears.
    “Aren’t you wondering why I’m here?” Blane was watching her face carefully. His voice was soft, but not sad.
    “It did make me curious.”
    “Michael ordered me to protect you.”
    She laughed. “I do not need your protection.”
    “I have my orders.”
    “As soon as we’re there, I will have Khalil relieve you of your duty.”
    He gave her a strange look. The pity felt stronger.
    “What is wrong with you? It’s like you’re talking to someone whose cat just died.”
    Blane took a deep breath and put on a smirk. “I just feel bad for you. It can’t be fun living in that stuffed-shirt place with all those old vampires.”
    “We can’t all be carefree and green-haired, Blane.”
    “You need to spend just one night out with me. You might change your mind.”
    She cackled. “Are you asking me out?”
    “Maybe.”
    Yeah. Right . She wasn’t going to fall for it. He probably had some scheme in mind to have her translate in Venice while he flirted with women.

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    Christiana pulled her laptop from under the bench seat. She opened the