She much preferred a man who looked average, acted average and wasnt concerned about what others thought of him. An average Joe. Probably because that was all shed ever dated. Shed never thought a man as handsome as Dante would give her a second glance. Yet shed never ruled out flirting with any and all men. It made her feel sensual and alive.
How long did you live in Paris? she asked.
Are you fishing about for how old I am? You can simply ask.
She shrugged. Okay. How old are you?
I was born in Paris in 1860. Well before Picasso.
She quickly did the math quicklyover 150 years old. I find it fascinating that immortality ages a person so slowly. Its an amazing gift, isnt it?
It is.
But immortality does not mean youwecan never die.
Yes, a healthy fear of stakes does serve a vampire a longer life. I am a youngster as far as living centuries goes. I love to experience everything. There are never days I would bemoan my existence.
I agree. Vampirism rocks.
There is so much to do in this world, he continued. So many adventures to be had. So many women to love.
Of course, a man as attractive as him would not want for a girlfriend. But could he possibly be between lovers? You have...many lovers?
At one time? Never. I am always exclusive. But if you are counting years, then of course Ive had my share. I never kiss and tell, though. Each woman is a memory I forever cherish.
Sounds like Ive met Casanova in the flesh.
Eh, he was too boisterous. Couldnt stop himself from writing about his sordid affairs and sharing them with anyone who would listen. He skated a finger around the rim of his glass, and Kyler sucked in a corner of her lip. The movement reminded her of a fingertip circling skin. Ill keep my secrets, thank you.
Kyler was suddenly all about learning secrets. Or making new ones with a certain irresistibly sexy vampire. Her elbow slipped, and the backpack slid from her shoulder to the crook of her elbow.
Shopping? he said with a nod to the backpack.
Sort of. Just a few trinkets.
When she made to slide the strap back up her arm, he touched her again, wanting to help, and hooked the wide black strap over her shoulder. Thats heavy for trinkets.
I should probably go, she offered. Though the idea of walking away from such an intriguing man felt wrong. She enjoyed talking to him. But really, she shouldnt risk sitting around with a valuable piece of art in her backpack. Or have him ask more questions she wasnt willing to answer. Its getting late.
Its just past midnight. Do you sleep much?
She shrugged. A few hours a night. I still cling to some of the more satisfying human rituals.
Six months youve been a biter?
Yes, though Ive never heard it called that before. A biter?
He shrugged. A silly joke. Its better than longtooth, yes?
Sure. Shed heard that werewolves called vampires longtootha terrible slang word the vamps hated. She hadnt experienced the whole vampire milieu long enough to know if it bothered her or not. Just owning fangs had taken a few weeks to become comfortable. Bite her lower lip much?
He tapped the goblet stem and asked, Are you American?
Yes. She turned on the stool, deciding to linger a little longer instead of the quick escape. Is my accent that terrible?
The American accent is...quaint. He smiled and his eyes glinted, full of moonlight. For a moment Kyler had to stop herself from leaning closer to him, sniffing, seeking his scent along the edge of his square jaw. Youre a long way from home. Did your friend for whom youve gone on an art quest send you from the United States?
Ive been living in Paris six months, she said.
I see. You were transformed immediately upon arriving?
Uh, yes. I dont really want to talk about that. She had to keep the theft a secret and any details about her transformation would ultimately lead to why she was in Venice.
Sorry. Ill change the subject. Have you taken a gondola ride?
She glanced at the canal, which whispered by on the other side of a decorative iron railing laced with thick ivy. It seems so touristy.
It is, but this time of year it is exquisite around ten in the evening when the last rays of sun glitter on the lagoon. With a bottle of prosecco in hand and perhaps a lover by your side?
She lifted the goblet before her in a proposed toast. With more purr than tease, she said, Now youre making me wish I had a lover.
He tinged his glass against hers. Id be happy to oblige.
No tease in that statement. The man meant every word of it. And should she take him up on that offer, Kyler felt certain he would not disappoint.
Mercy, was her fantasy about to become reality?
Kyler? I think Ive said something wrong again. I tend to be direct. A woman deserves nothing less than truth, yes?
No. I mean, yes, I appreciate your directness. She placed a hand on the back of his, which toyed with the base of his glass. I she lowered her lashes and looked up through them was considering your offer.
He turned up his hand to touch her fingers but didnt clasp her hand. A delicious end to a very good day?
Is that a promise or advertising?
I dont need to advertise, chérie.
You certainly do not. She laughed then because a giddy sort of surrender had settled into her muscles. She liked the man. Vampire. And there were so many things about him that made her want to get to know him. Much better.
He tilted a nod toward her. Come closer, Kyler.
Without reluctance, she leaned in and he touched her cheek. The shimmer again hit her with a shock of recognition. None of the humans around them could know two vampires sat talking to each other. His finger traced her ear and curled her hair over it. And his eyes walked over her face, taking her in, consuming her. They were so gorgeous. Devastatingly clear and direct. A hint of green danced within the blue, like sea glass.
Kyler opened her mouth to say something, but nothing came out. She was enthralled. And she knew a vampire could not enthrall another vamp. Just wasnt possible. They could work a number on humans, though, making them forget theyd been bitten, and that perhaps what had been two fangs puncturing their skin had instead simply been a nasty bug bite.
I renege on my offer, Kyler, he whispered.
It took her a few seconds to shake off the blissful daze his touch had led her into. What?
About being a casual lover to celebrate your good day.
Oh...okay. But then she felt her confidence and straightened. What was wrong with her? Not pretty enough? Too...quaint? Why?
It would wound my pride to take you home and then know you would walk away the next day without a care to look over your shoulder.
Oh. Was he implying he didnt want a hookup, but rather something more? Interesting. But she didnt know him, and she wasnt willing to make such a commitment. Isnt that how Casanova does it? Love them and leave them?
It is. And truth be told, it is my modus operandi, as well.
Then its because youre not attracted to me. Thats all right. I understand. It was nice talking to you
It is. And truth be told, it is my modus operandi, as well.
Then its because youre not attracted to me. Thats all right. I understand. It was nice talking to you
He clasped her hand and pulled it to his lips, where he pressed a warm kiss that overwhelmed the silly shimmer they shared and coursed over her skin with a heady intensity that would not allow her to do anything but sigh.
Oh, I am attracted to you, Kyler. I cannot look away from your bewitching blue eyes that are not so sure if they should fear me or trust me.
She looked aside. But then a bold twist of her head showed him she wasnt afraid to meet his gaze.
Or perhaps devour me. He brushed the hair from her cheek. Youre not sure what you want. Youve never been with a vampire before, so I sense fascination coached with caution. Perhaps not enough caution? I would never ask a woman to betray her moral compass.
Why bring morality into the mix? Couldnt he simply be her reward for a job well done? She tended to dive into things and think about them later. Life had always demanded she challenge herself. To be the best. To learn new things. To steal if needs must. To never be afraid.
To soar.
So she leaned in and spoke near his ear. I am quite sure I want you, Dante.
Why? Is it as I presume? Because I am vampire?
Yes, and... He was a Casanova, and shed fallen under his spell. And he was a challenge she wanted to leap for. Because you compel me. And I dont think its because of what we are. Sure, a bite would be nice. As youve guessed, Ive never been with another vampire. But beyond that? I want to feel you. She pressed her hand against his chest. On my skin.
A playful smile tugged at one corner of his perfect lips. And here I thought I was the Casanova?
Im not afraid of asking for what I want. Truth? Ive never done anything like this before. But it feels right. Take me home with you, Dante. She pressed her mouth lightly to his and whispered, Lets celebrate a good day.
Chapter 2
Dantes place was but a ten minute walk away. And while he wasnt averse to hotel rooms, he preferred the homey comfort of his palazzo when entertaining such an intriguing woman. Along the way, Kyler had clasped his hand, and together they had almost run through the gaily lit, bustling Venetian streets. It was an exhilarating night. The moon sat high in the chrome-blue sky, and the air was heavy with the promise of rain. Streetlights beamed golden ribbons across dark palazzo windows and striped emerald hedgerows with glossy gold bands.
The woman with the curvaceous frame and lush, black Audrey Hepburn hair had suggested they have sex. It was his charm that had enticed her. Yes, he had it in spades and wasnt afraid to wield it to get what he wanted.
And tonight? He wanted Kyler in his bed because thats how he needed things to go down to accomplish his task. The surprise fact she was vampire was not so much a bonus as a creative challenge to his well-honed art of seduction. He rarely slept with vampires.
And yet he wanted her as much as she seemed to want him. Was he the one being led to bed by a new vampiress curious for the sexual bite?
Well, that was the challenge. If he bit a woman while having sex, he never saw her again. It was the way he rolled. And generally the bitten was human, or some other species of the paranormal. He had only once bitten another vampire. Too much was involved with such a piercing, such as emotional bonding. He didnt need that kind of headache. Or the heartache.
Though he might like a taste of new blood. Just a little? Dare he break his decades-old rule of never indulging in vampire blood again? What could a sip hurt?
Ah! What was he thinking? He mentally walked five steps ahead of himself. This night must be carefully orchestrated. He mustnt lose focus on the goal. And he must ensure she did.
I live here, he said with a tug at her hand to divert her from walking farther. The sidewalk was moist most of the time due to the proximity to the canal, and it gleamed black. He shoved the key in the lock on the palazzo door.
Kylers body heat hugged his arm and leg as she snuggled in close, wrapping an arm across his chest. It was an easy closeness that he would normally attribute to a few glasses of prosecco. But she wasnt drunk. And he was glad for that.
You smell great, she said. Like a wild autumn night.
And you curl about me like a kitty cat. Hed never cared for the feline species. Until now.
He opened the door, and before he could invite her inside, she kissed him there on the threshold. Bold, unexpected and only a little tentative. She was finding her way, not afraid to dive into the unknown. Could she handle him?
Perhaps he should wonder if he could handle her.
What was he thinking? Of course he could.
Youre not afraid of cats, are you? she asked.
Here, kitty, kitty, he murmured against her mouth. Come in.
With the proper invite into his home, the vampiress crossed the threshold, and Dante lifted her. Chest to chest, she wrapped her legs about his hips and swung her backpack onto the eighteenth-century tufted jacquard divan pushed up against the wall. She sought his kiss hungrily.
Dante eyed the backpack as he closed the door. It would be fine there. However, he would not be fine until hed stripped this woman bare and made a thorough exploration of every inch of her skin.
* * *
Dante carried Kyler to the top of the stairs and into the bedroom. Rain spattered the windows, shrouded by sheer white curtains. The palazzo was dark, but moonlight illuminated this room brightly. Kyler had time to notice a bed with a white comforter and a chair with gray fabric as he set her down on the bed and then stepped back.
He stood there looking at her, unabashed sex clothed in a stylish suit and classy red tie. Drink me in with your eyes, she thought. The darkness shadowed half his face, and while that made it easier to stand in front of his admiration, it also made her want to see all of him. To share the admiration.
Kiss me, she said, fighting a nervous rise in her voice. She would not punk out on this opportunity. Being a little nervous with a new lover was okay, she told herself. She tapped her lips. Come here, vampire.
You dont like me looking at you? He adjusted the tie knot, loosening it a bit.
I do. But you can look much better with your fingers.
True. He leaned over her and tangled his fingers into the ends of her hair. Lush and soft. Like you. Alone in Venice on an art expedition. How I do want to discover what makes Kyler Cole tick. Ill start with unwrapping you.
He slid her turtleneck up her stomach and over her breasts. Her hair spilled in static snaps to her bare shoulders, and she was thankful shed worn a lacy demi bra. The lace-trimmed edge danced just above her nipples, and the rosy buds hardened under Dantes warm and desirous gaze.
He leaned in, the red tie tickling her stomach, and when she thought hed kiss her above her breastsand she lifted them expectantlyhe instead hushed an exhale over her skin. A breath of desire. A shiver of want tightened her nipples. At her sides, her fingers curled into wanting claws and then relaxed. Heartbeats quickened.
Dantes tongue lashed her skin a teasing three inches away from the lace bra. Her moan was unstoppable.