Maralene stared at him as her heart raced. She had been watching Lex interacting with his girls since they first met, and she knew he cherished all of them.
The older vampire shook her head and asked in an apprehensive voice. ''You won't leave me? Will the girls spread rumors about me like the empress did?''
'It's heartbreaking that the past still affects her this much.' Lex thought to himself.
He witnessed the worry and panic in her red eyes when she finished speaking. He smiled before answering in a caring tone. ''If you accept me, I'd never leave you, Mara, and no, they won't spread anything about you. If anything, they'd defend you.''
''Do you find me attractive?'' Maralene asked.
''Of course. You're gorgeous. You are leagues above the empress, and the emperor was a fool to throw you away.''
