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addiction.”
    Thanatos looked unconvinced. “Is this wise? My heart aches to see you in such pain. Meeting him again can’t help, Morana.”
    “I need this, Thanatos.” She glanced over her shoulder, but the duke was nowhere to be seen. “And what does it matter if we do meet on occasion? He’ll never discover what I truly am, and when the time comes for us to part—then at least I have some memories to warm my heart in the future.”
    “Then wait a moment. Let me accompany you, to ensure your safety.”
    She smiled, and couldn’t refrain from brushing her hand against his arm, a sisterly touch of love. Their souls were entwined, their fates welded together. A facet of the contract, and they rarely allowed each other out of their sight.
    “Don’t concern yourself. He can’t hurt me.” Once again, she glanced over her shoulder. “I’ll return shortly.”
    Before he could respond, she turned and made her way through the press of bodies, not wanting to keep the duke waiting in case he changed his mind. She knew she played with the fires of Hades by encouraging a mortal lover but didn’t care. She would take this coupling and, if she could manage it, would arrange another time when she and the duke could meet again.
    At the door, she employed her limited gift of illusion on those who would obstruct her and they glanced away from her, as if she was no longer there. She drew in a sharp breath and fought the dizziness that swept through her mind in a shocking wave. She hadn’t wandered far from Thanatos, but never before had she used her gift without him by her side. It hadn’t occurred to her his immediate proximity was so vital for the successful employment of her powers.
    She hesitated, suddenly uncertain of the wisdom of her plan. Should she wait until he could accompany her outside? They both knew the contract bound them together as securely as two halves of the whole, but surely there could be no danger to their existence with such an insignificant distance between them?
    The unsavory possibility hovered in her mind and tugged at her heart. She looked back into the assembly rooms, but could no longer see Thanatos. Yet she saw how her diluted magic was already fading on those around her.
    Of course she and Thanatos would survive a few moments separation. It wasn’t as if she intended to go farther than a darkened corner. There was no danger of their souls severing and life-force expiring.
    With a deep breath, she stepped outside and before she realized what was happening, a shadow loomed over her. Soft blackness wrapped around her like an iron-bound cloud and she was bundled unceremoniously across the cobblestone path.

Chapter Five
     
    “Be still,” Alexius commanded as he dragged her through the shadows toward his waiting carriage. Damn, but she was strong for a human female. “I’m protecting your reputation, woman.”
    Her struggles ceased, but a wave of such astonishment emanated from her that he almost laughed aloud.
    And it was, without doubt, a most humorous situation. Lifting her into his arms he climbed into his carriage and deposited her on the richly upholstered seat as Evan secured the door.
    She tore off the black cloak and glowered at him. In the faint glow from the small lamp affixed to the door, her carefully curled hair was now ruffled and wild and her breasts heaved with indignation above the square cut of her fashionable muslin gown.
    “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”
    He shot her a wolfish grin as he tossed his gloves aside. “That is hardly the language I’d expect to hear from a lady of the ton .”
    She opened her mouth at the same instant as the carriage jerked forward, and instead of shooting more venom his way her breath gusted out in shock, and her eyes widened in clear alarm.
    “Are you kidnapping me?” She sounded aghast and jerked the velvet curtain aside to peer into the night.
    “Certainly not.” Of course he was. “I’m merely putting some distance