Foolish not to take the egg, he murmured. And if she does?
He smiled a wicked smile that had caused many a woman to strip off her lace-and-silk unmentionables and beg him to take her.
Ill let her take the egg for me. Itll be a great diversion.
He did enjoy diversions. Especially those involving a beautiful woman.
* * *
Many hours after her visit to case the art house, Kyler Cole again left the building, but this time, on the sly.
Nabbing the Nécessaire Imperial egg had been too easy. So easy, in fact, that Kyler kept rubbing her palm over the black nylon backpack in which shed placed the egg to reassure herself shed actually done it. She had snuck into the Cannaregio Casa dAste and absconded with a nineteenth-century artifact that was worth millions. Go, girl!
And why had she, a thief who had only ever stolen to survive, taken on such a task? Because hidden within the egg was a spell that promised eternity, and that would give her freedom from worry and fear.
It had been a harrowing adventureand entirely new for herbut well worth the risk. Her body hummed and tittered as she walked swiftly through a dark alleyway and toward the buzz of a crowd mingling at an outdoor bar near the Grand Canals sparkling waters. The Venetian nightlife bubbled with laughter and music from a live acoustic band. The air was rife with smells of salty seawater, fried seafood and sweet spices. Her mood compelled her toward the celebration.
Kylers toes barely hit the ground, and she propelled herself so lightly she thought someone might see her lift off from the pavement and fly at any moment. But she remained grounded by keeping one eye out for the local police, whom, she had noted earlier, dressed in gorgeous black-and-white uniforms and, with the addition of crisp, clean white gloves, looked like fashion models. Yes, she had a wandering eye for a well-dressed man.
Shed not tripped any alarms while in the auction house. The security had been lax. As well, shed spied an open window on the second floor. She avoided the risk of setting off the alarms on the first floor, and a leap had allowed her entrance. Such skills she possessed! And once perched upon the windowsill, an interior scan had assured her no cameras were in the room.
If her luck continued to play well, no one would discover the theft until the final inventory preceding tomorrow nights auction. She intended to leave Venice as soon as she got the call for the handoff, which she expected sometime tomorrow. The man shed stolen the egg for would arrange for someone to meet her here in Venice to take it off her hands, but she didnt have the details yet.
Right now, she could use a glass of wine, perhaps even champagne. Yes, a celebration was due! It had been a long time since shed felt so elated. So ready to embrace the possibilities life now offered her. And some well-deserved merriment would wipe the tarnish from the crime, yes? Shed committed petty theft before. A few swiped cosmetics when she was a teenager, and the obligatory bottle of wine from the liquor store while her friends distracted the cashier. Stupid stuff. Last year, shed upped it to food and pharmaceuticals when caring for her dying mother. Funds had been low. She hadnt had any other choice.
The crime shed committed this evening felt...not so terrible, now that it had been accomplished. What was contained within the egg would give a certain man the reassurance he neededfor her, as well.
She insinuated herself into the crowd of partiers milling about an ivy-draped patio and eyed the open-air bar. A few bar stools were empty, so...why not? Sliding onto a stool, she kept the backpack slung over a shoulder.
Prosecco, she told the bartender, and the bearded drink-jockey winked before turning to pour her a goblet.
She didnt speak Italian, so she was thankful that a word here or there served to get by in this country. Born and raised in Iowa, her first trip overseas had been six months earlier. And she hadnt looked back since.
Celebrating?
Kyler took in the side profile of the man whod asked her the question in English. Chiseled cheekbone and a thick black brow. A blade of a nose and the hint of stubble darkening his upper lip. His hair was cut short, hugging a perfectly shaped skull, and was the same inky color as hers. Shed taken hers out of the ponytail after exiting the auction house. It was one of her best assets, and she now swung the thick mane over a shoulder as her sensual instincts screamed for her to get the guys attentionand keep it.
Yes. Ive had a good day. She sipped the chilled prosecco. Beaming from the high of her accomplishment, she tilted her glass toward him.
He tipped his glass against the thin crystal. My wine wont match your bubbly, but I toast you all the same. To good days.
Most definitely. I feel great. Life could not be better at this moment.
Ah? I feel your enthusiasm. It is written on your face and in your movements. His eyes glinted from a flash that carried from the overhead swag of Christmassy strands of white lights. And his European accent? Kyler felt the deep tones melt about her heart. You visiting the city or a resident?
Just visiting.
Her leg bobbed beneath the bar, and she cautioned her sudden nervousness. Nix that. She wasnt nervous; she was exhilarated. And talking to a sexy stranger only heightened that amazing sensation.
Would it be ridiculous to consider a celebratory roll between the sheets? Not at all. She deserved a handsome man kissing her, whispering sweet nothings to her, tasting her...
You? she asked with a perkiness that felt false. She was trying not to lean too close to him. He might see her drool. Not that shed ever drool. Oh, mercy, his voice.
I live in the city, he said, but not year-round. Just arrived in Venice for a few days visit, actually.
Me, too. Im here for a few days, that is. Might try to do some sightseeing in the morning.
You havent been yet?
Uh...nope. She sipped again. Gotta watch what she said. She concentrated on the mans gorgeous blue eyes. Wow. They were unreal in color, and he looked directly at her. His intense scrutiny of her lit a fire in her core, and she straightened her shoulders, which lifted her breasts. Attention from an attractive man? Go, Kyler.
Forgive my manners. An introduction is necessary. Im Dante DArcangelo.
Really? If that wasnt a sexy name, Kyler didnt know what was. And the man certainly did resemble a delicious dark angel. Mmm...
He waited for her to respond.
Oh, right. Me. Kyler Cole. She shook his proffered hand, and at the sudden, scintillating, electric shimmer that shot through her fingers and up her arm, she tugged away and gasped. Oh. And then, as she settled into the realization of what the man who sat beside her was, she repeated her exclamation in a more sensual tone. Oh.
That shimmery feeling that had raced over her skin? It occurred only when one vampire touched another. Now she was definitely on board with a hookup. Because really, she hadnt met many others like her in the few months she had been vampire.
Oh, indeed, he echoed in an equally sensual tone.
He turned on the bar stool to face her with his body, his knee hugging her thigh. Enchantment twinkled in his eyes as he took her in with undisguised wonder. It was as though he had discovered a diamond sitting among common pebbles. Kyler could eat up his attention for breakfast, dinner and supper.
A like soul, he said. Refreshing to find another here in Venice. Shall we toast to one another?
Absolutely.
Kyler had a tendency to trust most people, but a sudden moment of uncertainty emerged. To have walked straight up to another vampire like this? It was weird. Or possibly coincidence. Had to be coincidence. Hed already been sitting at the bar when she had arrived. Wasnt like hed been following her.
She sighed and sucked in her lower lip as she tapped a fingernail against the goblet stem. He seemed harmless. Too handsome, for sure. A man as sexy as he was would not be by himself. Not for long, at least. And yet the appeal of him being vampire could not be disregarded. Shed not been with another vampire, between the sheets, or to share blood. And shed been wondered what both would be like.
Im sorry. I dont like to see a woman looking so distraught. Have I said something wrong?
Uh, no, she said quickly. Distraught? Try making up her mind about whether or not to pursue her illicit wonderings. Tangled sheets and bloody bites? She didnt need to consider it long. Yes, please!
Tilting back another swallow of prosecco, she clutched her backpack strap, assessing the weight of its contents. Quite heavy for the silver and gemstones that made up the object. I, uh...didnt expect...
Its a nice surprise when it happens, he offered casually.
Yes, it is. Ive just never met another... She cast a glance aside. The bars patrons were all chatting in Italian. Another...you know, in such a casual manner. You startled me. She leaned forward and her thigh nudged his knee, but she kept herself from touching his leg with her hand. But it was a good startle.
Excellent. We understand one another from the get-go. No masks to wear. And dont worryIm not after anything. Though I would be lying if I didnt admit that I followed you since right about there. He pointed down the street. At the corner by the flower shop. I couldnt stop myself from following you. Youre gorgeous, Kyler. And your demeanor is so attractive. You walk as if on air.
A shiver of her previous excitement returned, and Kyler wiggly gaily on the bar stool. Like I said, good day. Probably one of the best Ive had in a while. What about you?
My best good day? Hmm, that was probably...
She leaned forward in anticipation of his explanation. Abandoning her caution, she wanted the banter, some good conversation and another glass of prosecco. She indicated to the bartender to refill.
My best day must have been when I met Pablo Picasso and got to shake his hand.
Thats awesome. Early twentieth century?
It was 1972, actually. He died a year later. Ive been around a while. He shrugged in a manner that drew her eyes to his well-fitted suit. Tailored perfectly for his lean shape and broad shoulders. But the years dont show on my face.
Youve a handsome face.
He bowed his head as he grinned, then tipped his glass to her refilled goblet. Salut!
Salut! And she tilted back the entire goblet. Then felt compelled to say, This is exciting for me. Talking to another of my kind.
Is that so? You dont associate with others of our species? He leaned toward her, and she scented not cologne but something primal and innate. His essence, perhaps. A warm, leathery scent.
No, I havent had opportunity. I just transformed six months ago.
I see. New blood. Well, dont worry. I wont bite. Unless you want me to. He winked. Thats a tired joke, but I couldnt resist.
She smirked, which turned into a genuine chuckle. You never knowI might like a bite.
She could seriously entertain the idea of wrapping her legs about his hips and sinking her fangs into his neck
What have you come to Venice for, Kyler?
Tugged out of the fabulous fantasy of lapping at the mans neck, she gave him a blank look. What had he said?
Vacation or work? he asked.
Oh, uh...a search and find actually. For a friend.
And did you find what you were searching for?
Oh, yes. It was actually a piece of art. Pretty.
Something famous?
She shrugged. Could be. Im not much of an art enthusiast. I wouldnt recognize Picasso if he sat down before me with one of his works in hand. I prefer music.
I do, as well. All sorts, but I am partial to jazz. Do you like to dance? he asked.
I do, but I dont know how. Ive always wanted to learn something like the tango. She hooked her fingers on the backpack strap. The hardy weave and weight reminded her not to lose all caution. I was on my way back to the hotel when I stopped for a quick drink. Not really dressed for dancing or partying. Ill take a rain check, though.
Rain checks often go untended. How about another prosecco?
Youll get me drunk.
Do you get drunk?
Not usually. Vamps could consume a lot of alcohol with little affect on their sobriety. But whiskey, straight from the vein, does make me sick. I learned that one the hard way. She touched her chest. Never had she confessed such a personal detail about herself. It was too easy to be open in his presence. Relaxing into the conversation felt like stepping into his arms and settling in for a nice long snuggle.
Vodka is my bête noire, he offered. I cant stand a drunk bite. I prefer them healthy.
Me, too, she agreed. But Im still learning, you know.
She straightened and slid her hands down her ribs and to her waist, a weird habit shed developed after putting on thirty pounds following her mothers death. She still hadnt lost the weight, but she had learned to embrace her curves. And use them to her best advantage.
A glance at Dante confirmed he was studying her with those mesmerizing eyes. Interested? If only shed worn something more revealing than the pedestrian black turtleneck shirt and black leggings. Wow. Did she totally look like a cat burglar? What had she been thinking? Should have brought along a bright red scarf to tie around her neck after the deed had been done.
So, tell me more about you, Dante. You are Italian, but I think the words you just used were French?
I am both. Italian on my mothers side and my father was French. But I dont mind speaking English. It is an interesting language.
And her only option. Where are you living?
I own a palazzo a short walk away, in the San Marco. Its a vacation home. I spend most of my time in Paris. Though at the moment I am homeless in the City of Light. Sold my barge and waiting for my property agent to send me some new and interesting finds.
You lived on a barge? That sounds...actually, kind of smelly and wobbly.
You get used to shifting with the waves. And the Seine doesnt smell that bad. Its the tourists peeking in the windows all the time that made me decide to sell. This time of year they are like patrons peering in at the lone captive animal.
Kyler laughed and leaned an elbow on the bar. Her body nudged closer to his. Their thighs hugged now. There was something electric about him, and it wasnt the shimmer shed felt with their handshake. The man oozed confidence and élan. Physically, he wasnt her type. While muscular and seemingly strong, he was too pretty, too perfect. He could model for a top magazine, and women the world over would swoon.