vampires of san francisco 07 - suckers lost and found by Jessica McBrayer

whole way and Sebastian’s hand tightens around mine. I give him a little squeeze and he loosens his grip.
          “Good afternoon, young ones, did you sleep well?” Basilio asks as he surveys Liam, Andrew, Hannah and me. Hades barks sending a flame dangerously close to the King. He swears in Italian. His smile looks strained. “What an exuberant Hell Hound.”
          “Yes, Your Majesty,” Hannah says. “He’s a wonderful nannie.” The look he gives Hannah is less than warm. Diel’s eyebrow raises and the King bows slightly – overdue respect for the Duke and Duchess. Dukes trump kings when the duke is a demon. Hannah pretends to be innocent but I see the smile on her face when she turns her head.
          “Lily, your eyes really are enchanting,” Basilio says as he kisses me on the cheek.
          “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
          “Please, I thought we agreed you would call me Basilio,” he chides.
          “Thank you, Basilio,” I correct myself, smiling warmly at him.
          “That’s better. Come, little one. You look beautiful today. Let me show you some of my beautiful city. I think you will enjoy the gondola ride.”
          He deftly maneuvers my arm away from Sebastian. I can feel the tension notch up a few degrees. Sebastian stays on my heels as we walk to the front doors. Liam and I put on our sunglasses as we go outside. The boats are already waiting for us. There are so many people in our party that we will have to split into several boats. I’m determined to keep Bast out of my boat and so is the King.
          “Here you go, bella, beautiful,” the King says as he hands me into the first boat and then follows me into it. 
          Sebastian enters right after him, but Basilio frowns.
          “I am sorry, Sebastian, but this boat is full, I must have my guard.” His eyes are shadowed. “Perhaps you can ride in the next one?” 
          “Surely you wouldn’t want to keep two lovers apart on the eve of their wedding, Your Majesty?” Sebastian asks. His voice is even but a thread of steel still permeates it. The two posture like roosters in the hen house. The guards start to fidget.
          “She will be well taken care of, I assure you. You will be able to see her the whole time.” I put my hand on Bast’s arm. He looks at me and then narrows his eyes at Basilio.
          Sebastian has no choice but to get out of the boat and wait with the others for the next boat. He looks absolutely furious. I am truly sorry about putting him through this but I warned him. I give Bast a conciliatory look. He gives me a reassuring smile. His mouth is tight and he looks like it is painful to smile. I know he is trying to keep it together and not lose his patience. He and Aidan step aside and even my super hearing can’t pick up the conversation. Whatever it is I know they will be talking about how to keep me safe and that gives me courage to do what I have to do.
          Our boat moves out into the canal so that the next boat can load. Sebastian is in that boat so he is as close to me as possible. Aidan is nowhere to be found. I happen to look down and notice a little beetle on my dress and am positive it is Aidan. I have half a mind to brush him off. He knows I hate creepy crawlies. But he also knows that I will let him hitch a ride because he can help me if I get in a sticky situation with the King.
          When the boats are loaded we head down the canal. The King tells me the history of the various buildings we pass. Not only do I get the official history but the unofficial as well. I can tell he loves to be the expert. He postures like a teacher and gestures in broad strokes like a tour guide. Despite that I soon find myself working to resist his charm. Having a pleasant time with him is not as difficult as I thought it would be. The ancient buildings create a canyon and a stiff breeze comes at us across