Carrick had left the party shortly before Russell and Rafe. On his return home he had ordered fresh sheets to be put on his bed, and left strict instructions that he was not to be disturbed for the remainder of the night. unless specifically ordered otherwise, no slave would enter the third floor of the house; the floor that held both Carrick's bedroom and the large, well- appointed chamber that housed his implements of pleasure and pain.
When the vampire heard Russell's car approach the house, he made his way down the stair and into the front hall, arriving in time for the front door to be opened. Acheron was stalking the grounds, but Luna, Leto and Elsa crowded forwards as the door opened and they recognised Russell, wagging happily and panting.
"That's enough, ladies," Carrick said mildly. "Let the poor man get both feet over the threshold, at least."
He let his eyes sweep slowly over Rafe, lingering on the full lips and the soft skin of his throat.