They traveled in near silence, Shay more silent than Darcy, until at last they left the tunnel and entered a large basement.
Darcy sighed in relief as toasty air wrapped about her. At the moment she didn't care if they were in the basement of hell itself as long as it was warm.
The thought had barely passed through her mind when the overhead lights were flipped on and a pretty, dark-haired woman with a stunning pair of light blue eyes moved forward.
"Abby." Shay moved forward to embrace the slender woman before waving a hand in Darcy's direction. "This is Darcy Smith."
"Darcy." With a charming smile, the woman moved forward to take Darcy's hand. "You are most welcome to my home."
Darcy felt a small tingle run through her at the woman's touch. A sense of power that was unmistakable.
She would remember not to piss the woman off.
"Thank you," she murmured, resisting the urge to shiver as Abby dropped her hand and turned toward Shay. "Dante's out searching for Darcy, so we might as well go upstairs, where we'll be more comfortable."
Shay gave a small grimace. "Actually, I need to go check on Levet. I hope to God he didn't manage to singe his wings again. I had to listen to his moans for a week the last time he did that."
Abby chuckled. "Bring him back here. I'll order from his favorite Greek restaurant. If anything will divert him from his complaining it is a seven-course meal."
"Good thinking," Shay murmured as she headed for the nearby stairs. "Have that food ready."
The half demon rushed from the room and, feeling oddly strange to be left alone with a genuine goddess, Darcy awkwardly tried to brush the dust from her jeans.
"I'm assuming all vampire lairs have these tunnels?" she asked.
Abby gave a chuckle. "They're a little obsessive about having dark places to hide in. I suppose I can't blame them. They are rather flammable in sunlight."
A portion of her unease faded at Abby's casual manner. She seemed almost... normal.
Whatever the heck that meant.
"This way." Abby led the way to the stairs, and together they climbed toward the upper floors. Once in the wide hallway that could have held her entire apartment,
Darcy came to a sharp halt. With a sense of disbelief, she allowed her gaze to travel over the crystal chandelier, which cast a soft glow of light over the priceless paintings and ceramic-tiled floor.
Realizing her guest had halted to gape in wonderment, Abby slowed her steps and glanced over her shoulder. "Darcy? Is something wrong?"
Darcy gave a slow shake of her head. "I've never been in the house of a goddess before. It's incredibly beautiful."
Abby gave a small snort as she retraced her steps and linked her arm through Dairy's. With a small tug, she had Darcy moving toward another sweeping staircase.
"Well, this goddess would rather be living in a comfy apartment that's in dire need of a good dusting, and close enough to the mall that I can catch the scent of Prada handbags," Abby confessed, with one of those smiles that invited the world to join in her happiness. "Dante, on the other hand, prefers a more lavish style."
"What's it like?" The words left Darcy's lips before she could halt them.
"What's what like?" Abby demanded.
"Being married to a vampire?"
"Ah." The pretty features abruptly softened into a dreamy expression. It was the same expression that Darcy had noticed on Shay's face when she spoke of Viper. "I suppose it wouldn't be for every woman," Abby confessed. "Most vampires are prone to excessive arrogance and are way too fond of giving orders. And, of course, they have little experience in sharing their emotions. They need a great deal of training to become a proper mate."
Darcy gave a small laugh at the woman's teasing. "You could say that for all men."
"Yes, but vampires tend to take their faults to epic levels."
Darcy grimaced. "I know exactly what you mean."
Abby patted Darcy's hand. "On the other hand, they are extraordinarily sexy, and they possess an ability to make a woman feel like the most beautiful, most cherished woman in the world. And even better, once they are mated they are completely faithful and utterly devoted for the rest of eternity. I will never, ever have to fear that Dante will leave me for another."
Darcy gave a startled blink. "You're that certain?"
Abby halted before a closed door. "Yes, but not because I'm vain enough to think I'm irresistible." She gave a soft chuckle. "Just the opposite, in fact. But once a vampire is mated, he is incapable of desiring another woman. Dante will always love me as much as he did the night we became one."
Darcy experienced a queer pang in her heart.
A pang she at last realized was envy.
How would it feel to have such absolute confidence in a companion? To know beyond a doubt that he would always be at your side? That he would never stray, never waver in his affection, and never decide to abandon you for another?
For a woman who had never had such security in her life, it sounded just like heaven to Darcy.
"You're a very lucky woman," she said, with a wistful smile.
"Yes, I know." Abby tilted her head to one side. "Not that I want you to believe it's all been some sort of fairy tale. There might have been lust at first sight, but no love. To be honest, in the beginning most days I just wanted to punch Dante in the nose."
Darcy laughed. "I know the feeling all too well."
"Styx?" the woman gently probed.
"Yes." Darcy heaved a deep sigh. "There are moments when he can be the most tender, most thoughtful man I have ever met. And then the next thing I know, he's tossing around orders and using his vampire powers on me. He's very . . . aggravating.'
"A typical vampire, I fear."
She met the curious blue gaze squarely. "I need to know that I can trust him."
"Yes, you do. Until then, you are more than welcome to stay with me." Abby patted Darcy's arm before reaching out to push open the door. "These will be your rooms. There is a bathroom through the door on your left, and I have ordered a vegetarian dinner to be brought up. Why don't you have a nice soak and I'll bring you some clean clothes."
"Oh, yes," Darcy sighed. "That would be lovely."
"And don't worry," Abby said, with a smile. "While you're here you're perfectly safe."
Darcy smiled. "Shay was right."
"Oh?"
"She said I would like you very much, and I do."