"Good evening, Lewis," I said as he helped me into Maxwell's carriage. "How are you this evening?"

He barely managed a smile. "Well, Miss King."

I paused on the step. Tilting my head, I smirked and asked, "Do we always have to be so formal? I'm perfectly fine with you calling me Gwen."

He stiffened a little. "I wouldn't presume to be so forward. Mr. Roth…"

"Would probably be irritated. I understand. But I'm a vulgar American and prefer you call me Gwen." I winked. "At least when we're in private."

His tiny smile widened into a genuine grin. "As you wish, Miss… Gwen."

"Thank you." I patted his hand then finished boarding. With a grin of my own, I called to him, "To the theatre, Lewis, and don't spare the horses."

I stared at the rooftops as we rode, hoping to see a hint of a shadow. I knew I'd never see him unless he wanted me to, but part of me hoped he did. I needed to believe the night before meant something. Maybe he was starting to come around and change his way of thinking. Maybe he wanted me back so bad he was willing to open and not hide his feelings.

Maybe he just wanted a booty call, I thought cynically. And he knows I'll do it.

I tried to push Jacob out of my mind as Lewis stopped in front of the Alhambra. Looking at the magnificent building, I couldn't help but feel like all other structures were bowing to it. The grandeur dwarfed the surroundings, giving the feeling that one might actually be entering a different world.

Once inside, I only had a few moments to admire the red and gold hued lobby before I was shepherded into one of the private boxes overlooking the stage itself. There, I was greeted by a massive vase of white roses and a bottle of chilled champagne.

"My darling," Maxwell called as he rushed into the box. "You are a vision."

"You know you're ruining me for any other man," I teased, gesturing to the bottle and roses. "Who's going to be able to compete with this?"

"Nothing but the best for my angelic Miss King." He brought my hand to his lips for a kiss. "This is but a token of my affections for the loveliest rose in all of London."

"You're a silver-tongued devil, Mr. Roth." I gave his hand a squeeze. "But I adore that about you. I'm so glad we met."

"As am I." He kissed my hand once more just as the house lights began to dim. "More than you know."

Once settled, the show began. Much to my surprise, it was an opera. Since I was far from fluent in Italian, Maxwell explained that the story was about two warriors, a student and mentor, forced to battled insurmountable odds while waiting for their company to arrive.

"They must protect each other," Maxwell whispered as the mentor took the student into his arms.

"No. They don't have to," I commented back as the mentor began a beautiful solo to the student. "They want to."

I quickly realized this opera was more about the devotion between the two men than about the struggles they faced. The play ended with their company arriving only after the student had been killed. As the mentor held the younger man's lifeless body, I finally understood this was a love story between two men carefully hidden. I smiled and stood along with the rest of the audience to applaud the performance, please to see the beginning of progress.

"Did you enjoy it?" Maxwell asked over the crowd.

I nodded. "Very much so. It was a touching love story."

"Love story?" He looked at me quizzically. "The story was about a great battle and overcoming danger."

I raised an eyebrow. "Publicly, I completely agree with you. Privately, those two soldiers were lovers."

"My darling, the depth of your understanding is truly awe-inspiring." Pulling me to my feet, he gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. "Let's go backstage. I want you to meet the actors."

Once again, Maxwell outdid himself. The area usually reserved for prop storage had been cleared and a banquet had been set up. The meal was an abundance of exotic treats from all over the world surrounded by passion flowers and orchids. Even the servers were part of the theme; dressed in white and gold togas that floated around them as they moved.

"For my goddess," he whispered as he grabbed a silver wine glass and placed it in my hand. Wrapping his own hands around mine, he brought it to my mouth. "When in Rome."

"Do as the Romans." I took a deep drink from the cup. "I love it, Maxwell."

His eyes sparkled as he licked his lips before draining it. He looked over my shoulder just as a pair of hefty hands came to rest on my shoulders, causing me to jump from fright. I turned to see the actor who'd played the mentor staring down at me with cat-like eyes.

"She spooks like a new foal, Mr. Roth," the man, nearly a head taller than me, let his gaze roam my body before coming to rest on my face. "But she is lovely."

"That she is, my friend." Maxwell snaked his long arm around my waist. "Gwen King, may I introduce you to Alexis Romanov."

I smiled politely, wondering if it was just a stage name. Teasingly, I asked, "From the Romanov line, I assume?"

"Only a distant cousin, Miss King." He bet forward and kissed my hand. "But for you, I would be Czar."

Feeling a bit heady from the wine already, I said, "But I've known kings my whole life, Mr. Romanov, and became a queen. Tonight, I prefer the company of gentlemen only."

His smile widened. "But I am a gentleman."

I rolled my eyes. "That has yet to be seen."

Maxwell laughed. "Didn't I tell you she was exceptional. The genteel mannerisms of a high-born lady with the bite of a cobra."

"A strong beauty to be sure." Alexis offered me his hand. "May I sit with you as we dine?"

I glanced over at Maxwell, who was almost giddy with approval, and accepted Alexis' hand. For the next few hours, we talked and flirted under the watchful gaze of Maxwell. While I enjoyed his company and being doted upon by such a handsome man, there was something off about it. Maybe it was the way he kept refilling my drink or how he leaned too close when we talked, but my gut said I needed to stay sober and keep my wits.

As people slowly began leaving, I decided it was time for me too as well. As I started to get up, Alexis caught my hand and held it to his chest.

"Come to my room," he whispered suggestively. "Let me show you the stars from my window."

I rolled my eyes, my concerns validated. Dropping any pretense, I sneered. "Right. See the stars. Well, thank you but I have my own view of them. Good night, Alexis"

He tightened his fingers around mine. "I see in your eyes you want me as well. Let us not be coy, my dear. Join me tonight."

"Let me explain more clearly, Mr. Romanov." With my free hand, I slipped my blade from its pouch and placed the tip between his massive legs. Applying just enough pressure to make him aware of it, I smiled. "No means no."

He jerked his hand away and grumbled something I assumed was in Russian before scurrying off like a scared rat. I discreetly returned my blade to its sheath and went to find Maxwell to say good night.

"Didn't you enjoy Alexis' company, my dear?" He asked while he escorted me to his carriage.

"I did until he tried to get me to go back to his room." I smirked, thinking how proud Jacob would've been then I scowled at the thought of almost being taken in by another overbearing man. "I politely declined."

"I see. I had hoped you'd enjoy his…many talents."

I turned and stared at him, trying to read the innuendo behind his smile. "Did you tell him to try and get me in bed?"

He drew back, appalled. "My dearest Gwen, how could you think such a vile thing." "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be insulting. I should've known you'd never do something like that. Forgive me?"

"Already forgiven." He leaned down and kissed my cheek as he stood in front of the carriage. "Parting is such sweet sorrow."

"Romeo and Juliet." I held his hand between mine. "Thank you for being such a good friend. I don't think I would've made it without you."

"You have more power and influence than you know, my dear. Every moment we're together, I feel closer to my heart's desire."

On my tiptoes, I managed to place a tiny kiss on his scarred cheek. "I adore you, Maxwell. I really do."

"Will I see you again soon, my darling?" He asked, helping me into the carriage. He stood in the doorway expectantly.

"I have my work, but I promise to send word soon. Good night, Maxwell. Sweet dreams."

"They will be because of you."

As the carriage withdrew, all I could think about was how much Maxwell Roth had come to mean to me. I can honestly say I really did love him.