Sensual Danger (Venice Vampyr #4)

“I’m assuming this is not a social visit,” Lombardi said with a glance at the large Biedermeier clock that adorned one wall.

Nico inclined his head a fraction and allowed a gentle smile to play around his lips. “Let me be straightforward with you, signore, and not waste your time.”

“I’d appreciate it, given the hour.”

“I have come for some business.”

“Which involves . . . ?” Lombardi fished.

“The rumors that you’re interested in retiring to the mainland and leaving Venice.”

The man visibly relaxed and leaned back in his armchair, allowing his arms to rest on his lap as he crossed his ankles. “Ah, those rumors.” He chuckled to himself. “About time somebody listened to them. Took me long enough to spread them.”

With a start, Nico sat forward on the sofa. Had he come on a fool’s errand? “Are you telling me that they aren’t true?”

“They could be.”

“They could be what, signore?”

“Either true or not true.”

Frustration spread in Nico’s gut. “Which one then?”

The old man smiled. “That depends entirely on you and your offer.”

Nico relaxed. His immediate instinct about the man had been right: he was an excellent negotiator. However, how he knew why Nico was here was anybody’s guess. “I see.”

“Indeed. It appears properties in this area have increased in value. Several homes have changed hands in the last few weeks, and from what I hear, at considerable prices. Shall we say at more than what the bricks and mortar seem to be worth?”

Nico smiled. “I think you and I will get on splendidly during our negotiations.”

“I shall hope so.” He pointed toward the sideboard where a decanter beckoned. “Grappa?”

In order not to appear impolite, Nico nodded. He’d only recently fed on the rich blood of a tavern wench, so some alcohol on a full stomach wouldn’t harm him. As a vampire he could imbibe liquids without any adverse effects. Alcohol was a little more difficult and on an empty stomach could easily impair his senses. They would still be sharper than a human’s but with alcohol he would have nowhere near his normal fighting capabilities and perceptive skills.

“Three fingers,” Lombardi indicated and motioned toward the decanter. “If you don’t mind, young man, but my bones.” He pointed toward the outside. “The damp, you know. It’s much warmer and drier on the mainland.”

Nico poured two glasses and handed one to his host before he took his assigned seat on the sofa. He raised his glass. “To your health, signore.”

His host brought the glass to his lips and sipped. Nico did likewise, allowing the burning liquid to coat his throat. It was nothing like the smooth texture of the blood he’d so recently consumed. This liquid was harsh and unpleasant, yet by the look on Lombardi’s face and the contented sigh he released, it seemed the grappa was of the highest quality. Feeling he had no choice to do otherwise, Nico allowed a fake sigh of enjoyment to pass his lips.

“Ah, I see you’re a man who appreciates his spirits,” Lombardi commented, looking pleased. “I would hate to do business with anybody who doesn’t enjoy a good glass of grappa.”

Nico smiled, still recovering from the burn of the alcohol. He would have to go for a second feeding tonight just to get the awful taste out of his mouth. “An exceptional vintage.” Did they call grappa a vintage? He hoped so.

“Yes, yes.” Lombardi set his glass on the little mahogany side table next to his armchair and glanced back at the clock once more. “May I ask the reason why you’re interested in acquiring this residence?”

Nico cleared his throat, trying to buy himself some time. He hadn’t expected Lombardi to ask such a personal question. Nico’s hackles instantly rose. No reasons were ever given for business transactions such as these.

“Maybe your wife is in need of a larger home?” the old man suggested.

“I’m a bachelor.”

Instantly, his host’s face lit up and he sat forward on his chair. “A man of your obvious breeding is still unmarried?”

Nico nodded curtly, neither wanting to alienate the curious man, nor willing to give away any of his personal circumstances. “Entirely so. But to get back to this house. I understand that you have direct access to the canal via a covered entrance?”