“None of the other parties are staying here, no.” She tucked a wild curl of greying hair behind her ear. Gemma’s personal secretary had assigned this human as liaison for both him and Anne, but so far, she was not holding up under the pressure. “And three rooms have already been provided for your security team. There’s no need to—”
“Two will suffice.” He held the diagram up and pointed to it like a primary teacher. “I will be here. Dr. O’Dea will be in this room. Are these rooms adjoining?”
“I—yes, but they’re designed for your security so they would be able to—”
“Is this room as well-appointed as the master suite?”
“Well, of course not!”
“Then that will be your task before Dr. O’Dea arrives… what was your name?”
“Judith.”
He softened his face into his most charming smile, and the human’s eyes dilated. “Judith. You’ve been so lovely. But I will need you to take care of this personally. Please make sure Dr. O’Dea’s room has every luxury. If that is not possible, you will switch her to the master suite and I will take the adjoining room. Our security teams will flank us in these rooms. They don’t need a third room because I really don’t want them sleeping all that much, do I?”
Judith blinked. “Well, I suppose—”
“Now, as for Ms. Connor’s room, I assume she is located in the family quarters?”
Terry and Gemma’s townhouse in Mayfair was really more of a complex. Over the years, they had discreetly bought most of the property surrounding their communal garden, expanding their own home, connecting the basements, and creating a secure and private oasis they could call their own. While the family resided under the main house, luxurious guest quarters were available. Murphy and Anne, being some of Terry’s closest allies, had decided to stay in Mayfair for convenience. Carwyn and Brigid resided with the family, and since Brigid was attached to Murphy, it made sense.
Judith stiffened. “Ms. Connor and Carwyn’s room is in the family wing. I am not allowed to discuss details.”
“Of course not. But if you could inform Ms. Connor of where Dr. O’Dea and I will be located, I would appreciate that. She is my chief of security while we are in town, and I know she’ll want to coordinate with our human teams before dawn.”
“Of… of course, Mr. Murphy.”
He handed the diagram of rooms back to her and tucked the pencil behind her ear. “Did you have any questions for me, Judith?”
“I…” She was back to fluttering. “Just… so many. I’ll need to rearrange your luggage and restock the kitchens. How many cases of blood-wine will each room need now? How much food? How much fresh blood? I’m afraid I had all this sorted, I’d made notes of everyone’s preferences, and now you’ve—”
“Ah, ah.” He patted her shoulder. “You’ll get everything taken care of. I have confidence. If you could see to Dr. O’Dea’s room first, please. Her luggage has already been moved.”
Judith seemed to give up at that point, nodding along. “Of course, Mr. Murphy.”
“Now, please.”
She straightened and sped off in the direction of the new rooms.
Poor Judith.
But honestly, she’d put Anne in a suite down a completely different hallway. How was Murphy supposed to convince Anne to give him a chance when she was that far away? Yes, adjoining rooms were a necessity.
He felt her approaching before he turned.
“Anne,” he murmured, brushing a kiss along her arched cheekbone. “Did you find a drink?”
“I did. Gemma said her secretary has taken care of settling us.” She accepted his affection cautiously but maintained her distance. “Is my room ready?”
Her color was high. She’d just fed, but her eyes still held the shine of hunger.
Murphy frowned. That didn’t seem right.
“I’m afraid I had to rearrange things a bit,” he said. “Are you well?”
She smiled. “Of course. Just how high-handed were you?”
“Very. But now your room is adjacent to mine as I wanted. Anne, are you sure you—”
“Really, Patrick”—she brushed past him—“I hope you don’t send Terry and Gemma’s household into nervous fits. I remember how particular you can be with the servants.”
He followed cautiously. “My tastes are specific. If they’re not willing to accommodate them, we’ll find other lodging.”
She turned and her careful mask was in place again. Murphy hated her careful mask. She stopped and brushed her fingers along the knot of his tie. Then she ran a hand over his shoulder. “This is a very nice suit.”
“I’m glad you like it. I bought it on my last trip here. Do you have plans to shop while we’re in town?”
“Yes. I need formal clothing. Things are more casual in Galway, aren’t they?”
“You always look beautiful. Do you need funds? This is a professional expense, after all. And you’re part of my entourage for this trip.”
She smiled up at him. “I am the official representative of the Ulster territories and the personal representative of Mary Hamilton. My sister can pay for my clothes, Mr. Murphy.”
He put a finger under her chin and tilted her head up. “I only wanted to offer.”
“You’re very presumptuous. You do know that, don’t you?”