by Emily Bex
“I always have time for you. How was business today? Wear those heels?” Chuckling, he couldn’t wipe the smile off his face, just hearing her sultry voice.
She leaned back against the headboard. “Do you always have time for me? And yes, I did wear heels today. But I kicked them off as soon as I got back to my room. So, is that your next question? Are you going to ask me what I'm wearing?”
“Let me close my eyes, I see a big sweater that falls off your shoulder, long gorgeous bare legs, no socks, feet that still ache from wearing those shoes all day and beg to be rubbed. Close?”
She was stunned into silence. She looked at the open window of her hotel room, but there was nothing close by that would allow anyone to see into her room. She felt exposed and pulled the sheet over her bare legs.
"I...yes...that's what...that's exactly what I'm wearing. How did...can you see me? Are you here in the city?" She heard him chuckle.
“It was a lucky guess. I did not mean to scare you. I can hear in your voice I have upset you. Please, I apologize. Forgive me, si?”
Kate shook her head. Of course he can't see you. Don't be ridiculous! "Well, then, I think it's only fair. You have to tell me what you're wearing.”
“Si, that is fair. I am wearing jeans, holes in the knees, a bit worn, black thermal long sleeve, and a light running jacket. No shoes or socks either. Does that help? Can you visualize me?”
Jeans. She usually saw him in a suit, or dress pants. She hadn’t seen him in jeans very often. He was in jeans the night he came to her rescue. Even being scared out of her mind, she couldn't help but notice how he filled out those jeans. She got a visual of him in the long sleeve shirt, something that would cling to his broad chest and shoulders, accentuate the muscles in his arms...oh yes...she could visualize him all right. She felt her face flush.
"And why would you need a jacket? Are you getting ready to go out? Did I interrupt you?"
“No, mi amore, you did not interrupt anything. Besides, I would stop whatever I was doing to sit and talk to you. I will venture out later, maybe take a run. Get some exercise and fresh air. So, tell me, are you enjoying New York?”
“I’d say normally I enjoy New York. But I think I'd rather be home. I feel...too far away.” What am I doing? If he's a player like Rissa said, am I not offering myself up on a platter? Why does this have to be so hard? Why can't I just be more like Shannon?
He smiled, he missed her too, more than he cared to admit. “Si, I wish you were home as well, I would feel much better knowing you were closer to me. I miss you, Kate.”
“Do you? Miss me? This feels...awkward...because I miss you too. I thought about you all day. But I really don't know you. You have my mind in turmoil. What have you done to me?”
“Well, my sweet Kate, I have done nothing yet. But there is one I think we can actually manage. Have you been invited to the Canton’s next week, for a cocktail party?”
"Yes, she sent an email invite. I have to say, Rissa doesn’t usually include me in this many of her events. She invites me to a few cocktail parties every year, as a courtesy I think, since I refer some of my clients to her. But you know I don't run in her social circles, right? You know I don't have that kind of money, or come from money. I don't want you to think I’m something I’m not."
“Kate, I do not judge anyone by their social standing. Trust me when I tell you, I am not one of those stuffed suits Alec likes to hang out with. All you have seen of me so far is the business side, and I would not normally be with those puffed up penguins either. I am more comfortable in jeans, si.” He paused and took a deep breath. “May I ask you out for the cocktail party? I will meet you someplace if you feel more comfortable. I could meet you at Alec’s house, if you wish to drive separately. But I would very much like to accompany you. Say yes, please.”
“I...yes...of course. Is it okay if I meet you there?”
“Ah, perfect. It will just be a bunch of Alec's cronies, old goats who talk politics. It will be nice to have a beautiful face to admire and some good company. I hope you will not be embarrassed to be seen with me?”
“Why would you ever think that? Like I said, I'm the odd one out here. Rissa and I went to college together, we were roommates one year, but it was clear she came from money. I've never been in her league, or Alec's. I remember Rissa's remarks in college when the rich guys would date a middle-class girl. She called it slumming. Are you slumming, Mr. Medici?”
“Well, for Rissa, that would be slumming.” He chuckled. “She likes money and power, and Alec gives her that. But she is very successful on her own. I have to give her that much.”
There was a knock at her door. “Oh...hold on. There's someone at my door.” Keeping the phone on her shoulder, she looked out the peep-hole to see a bellman. She told him she hadn’t ordered room service and he said he had a delivery for her, so she opened the door.
“Who is it?” Shade asked.
“It was the bellman. He just delivered a dozen red roses. Wow! They’re so beautiful, and I love the smell of roses. Who would send these? I don't see a card. The bellman said the order was anonymous. I can't imagine who’d send these. Who even knows I'm here?”
He chuckled again. “I know one person who knows you are there.”
“Really? Who?”
“Someone who loves the smell of you, your scent is of the reddest rose. It inflames the heart. It says when you love, you love deeply without holding back. Perhaps the person who sent them misses you. Perhaps he wishes someone would love him as you would love...giving all.”
“What? What are you saying?”
“Si, it is me, mi amore.”
She was overwhelmed by his words. They caught her off guard. He spoke of love. She wasn’t sure she was ready for this conversation. She dodged his comments. “You...love that scent? The roses? Shannon says it’s too old-fashioned. Do you really like it?”
“You have no idea what it does to me. It is erotic and pure, sexy, and yet innocent. You encompass those qualities without even trying, Kate. I find that extremely attractive. I too am old-fashioned in my way. I only hope the next man who has your heart will earn it and cherish it.”
Kate was confused. The next man? He said the next man, but not this man. Was he just being kind, a gentleman in town on business who needed a little diversion while he was here? He’d be back in Florence soon, and she’d be a distant memory. Be careful Kate Reese, and don't get your heart broken...again.
“That's very flattering. I’ll make sure I wear my rose scent whenever you’re around. You didn’t say how long you expect to be in the States?”
“I am currently working under contract for Alec for the next year, at least. But I prefer to keep things open-ended, besides, I am trying to get these vineyards established here on the Virginia property. Does that please you, Kate?”
She smiled to herself. “Yes, it does please me. And I love the roses. I’ll keep them on the table by my bed. I'm not exactly sure how I’ll get them through my meeting tomorrow, and carry them with me on the plane, but I'll figure something out.”
“Well, if you cannot manage to bring them home, I would be honored if you would allow me to give you more, si? You must be exhausted by now, and if I am going to take that run, I need to get moving. I don’t want to keep you awake, you need your sleep.”
What I need is him! The thought flashed through her head, and her face turned red. She was glad he couldn’t see her reaction. “I am tired, and I still have a little work to do. But, if you encounter any stalkers on your run and need help, you know you can call me, right?”
She heard his hearty laugh. “Oh si, I know who to call. Be careful, please. Sweet dreams. I miss you, Kate. Let me know when you get back into town. I am sure if we do not see each other before, I will meet you at the cocktail party. Buonasera, mi amore. Think of me. I am thinking of you.”
12
Shade felt much better after the call, knowing Kate was safe in New York, and she’d be home to
morrow. He sensed she was getting closer to him, trusting him more with each encounter, and he’d definitely have her soon. He knew in his heart, she was already his, now he just needed her to know that. She was still a little skittish, he could feel her pull away from time to time if he moved too boldly, but she flirted with him and he liked that. She was letting her guard down, and he hoped this cocktail party at Alec's would bring them closer still.
In the meantime, he still needed to feed. Deciding to take a long run, he exchanged his jeans for some sweat pants, threw on some running shoes, and pulled the hood on his sweatshirt over his head. He made his way to a small community park where there were some jogging paths and dim lighting. He’d already checked this place out earlier, before sunrise one night, and found it to be a great place. There were mortals walking dogs or running, and most of them were women, offering a good source for feeding. The women runners were easy prey for a vampire, especially a vampire who had a great body and good looks and could talk a woman into anything.
He teleported into the park and began his run. The place was pretty much deserted at this time of night, but he started his run and kept a good pace. He saw a young female running ahead of him. He hung back some distance, watching that beautiful ass. She was no novice at running and working out, her body was firm and toned.
He could sense that the woman could feel his presence behind her and without looking back she picked up her pace.
You can run sweetness, but you will never get away from me. He let his feet hit the path harder, made his breathing more labored, intentionally making his presence known so she’d hear him coming and not be startled. He watched her turn to look back at him and then sped up her own pace once again. He picked up the speed until he was running beside her, throwing back his hood and letting his long black curls fall around his face.
She looked over at him and he smiled, locking her in the gaze of his ice-blue eyes, and began to talk to her. He made small talk, saying he hadn’t seen her here before, and how he was just getting in a late workout and enjoying the cool night. Their pace slowed to a more normal jog as they talked more, and she became comfortable with him. She commented on his accent, and he knew he was drawing her in and she no longer feared him. He kept up the conversation about working out, and how good it felt to get out of the office and move, get some fresh air. She was very pleasant and attractive, and she was enjoying his attention.
As the run ended, he walked her back to the small car park. There were several other cars around, but no other people. Perfect. Her body language was telling him a lot, so was her pretty face and inviting smile. She was letting him know she was interested in more than a night run. He made it clear he also had more in mind, and it wasn’t long before she asked if he’d like to go for a coffee. As they slid into her car, she carefully maneuvered the car out of the lot but instead of heading to the main street, he suggested she take a side road alongside the park, where it was dark and remote from traffic. She turned to look at his blue eyes, and eagerly complied, following his direction as if entranced, then turned off the engine and turned to him.
“So what do you have in mind?”
He could see the light of the moon reflecting in her eyes as she leaned in closer to him, and he kissed her, as her hand slid between his legs. He heard her gasp as her hand wrapped tight around his cock. He never disappointed the ladies with his length and girth, and she was most delighted. And to help the situation, he was going commando, as always.
His hands went straight into her blonde hair, as he guided her head to his lap, and her mouth consumed him, working her magic. Laying his head back on the seat, he closed his eyes, and all he could see were crimson locks, those gorgeous deep brown eyes, and those red lips he longed to kiss. He felt his beast rise and want his due. He knew before this went too far he needed to feed.
He tugged softly on her hair and lifted her head to face him, kissing her hard. Snuggling into her neck, he could feel her vein pulsing, calling him to take what was his. He felt her hand stroking him, and his fangs punched through as he sank them deep into her neck. He felt her initial struggle, a combination of fear and confusion before she was hit with that lightning bolt of heat between her legs. He drew a deep gulp of her blood and swallowed, feeling the inevitable burst of his own sexual desire.
She quickly stopped struggling as he took more blood. He knew desire would overcome her, allowing him to feed and get his fill, while her own body was wracked in orgasm, the likes of which he knew she’d never experienced before.
He wouldn’t drain or kill her, as mortals believed about the vampire myth. Most were careful to cover their tracks and left no evidence of their feeding. Turning a mortal was something vampires did with great reservation, as they must assume responsibility for that mortal. She could only be turned if she was first allowed to drink from him, and in five hundred years, Shade had allowed no one to drink from him.
He held her head gently in his hands, letting her body and his, respond to the waves of sexual pleasure that washed over them. She began to moan and her body relaxed as he felt her heartbeat slow, signaling to him he’d taken enough blood. He retracted his fangs, licked the puncture wounds clean so they’d heal quickly, and then kissed her. Her hand laid limp in his lap, the results of her ministrations, and his peaked desire, his cum dripping through her fingers. She looked at him confused, but not frightened.
He laid his hand across her forehead and wiped her memory clean. She’d remember some of it, but nothing that would endanger him or his kind. He pulled some tissues from a box on the floor and wiped her hand clean of his cum as she stared blankly. Stuffing the soiled tissues in his pocket, he let himself out of the car and teleported high into a tree and waited to make sure she was okay. He watched as she drove off into the night, wondering what in the hell happened. She was unharmed, she’d feel tired, but her body would replenish her blood loss and he left her with the sweet memory of euphoria she felt after that explosive orgasm. It was how he liked leaving them all when he was done feeding. It was his thank you for the meal they provided.
13
Kate was running late as she went through her closet trying to find another cocktail dress. Rissa had said there would be some of Alec's senator friends and their wives in attendance, and she was wondering again, exactly why Rissa invited her? She found the soft mauve colored dress that fit her like a glove. The color looked good against her pale skin and accentuated the color of her hair. It was fairly low cut in front and left her back and shoulders bare, with small spaghetti straps crisscrossing her back. The dress had a ruched center seam that ran straight down the back, conforming to the curve of her rear. Even though she knew Shade loved her hair down, she pinned her hair up as it drew emphasis to the back of the dress.
She spritzed on her rose-scented perfume, grabbed a wrap for her shoulders, and headed to the car. Georgetown was right across the river, so it was a short drive to Alec and Rissa's home. As she pulled up in her car, she saw him, pacing and smoking a cigarette, looking disturbingly handsome in his dark suit and white shirt.
Shade looked up when he saw her car. Unlike Kate, he’d not tied his hair back tonight, and it fell in soft waves around his face. She parked the car and he immediately came to the driver's side, opened her door, and extended his hand. She stepped out of the car to greet him, but before she could utter a word, she found herself in his embrace and in the middle of a passionate kiss.
Ending the kiss, he smiled down at her, taking out his handkerchief he tipped her chin up with one finger, softly but efficiently wiping off the smudged lipstick his kiss had caused.
“I am sorry, mi amore, I do believe I smudged your lipstick with that kiss. Tell me, did you miss me?”
She was thinking he should just kiss away all her lipstick and be done with it. But she answered his question, "I did miss you, sir."
Chuckling, he responded, “So formal! You look beautiful tonight. This is a small gathering this evening, more intimate, just a
cocktail party. The guests are people from Alec's inner circle of senators. He is obviously schmoozing and buying favor, more than anything this evening. Thank you for allowing me to escort you. I am most honored.”
“I’m happy you asked. I was wondering why I even got this invitation from Rissa. I don't really know any of these people. Do you think you're up for the challenge of keeping me entertained for the evening, Mr. Medici?”
“Oh, I assure you, Miss Reese, I am more than up for it.”
As they reached the door, Alec's butler, Santos opened it and greeted them, showing them into the formal living room where most of the guests were mingling with drinks in hand. Shade kept his hand on the small of her back, moving her into the room and nodded to Alec, who tipped his glass to him, acknowledging Shade’s presence.
“What can I get you as refreshment, Miss Reese?” Shade asked.
“White wine, please. I haven't eaten much today. I should probably take it slow.” She looked around the room, recognizing faces from the news, but no one she knew personally. “Wow...this is intimidating.”
“Do not be intimidated, no one in this room can compare to your beauty or my money. They are merely power-hungry men who have some evil ways of getting what they want. Let me get your wine. I shall return shortly. I do believe I see Rissa heading your way. Prepare yourself.”
He softly kissed her neck and let his hand slide down her back and over her ass, as he walked to the bar.
***
Rissa surveyed the room as most of the guests had already arrived. People were always more than eager to come to their home, hear the latest gossip, and make sure they were included in whatever plans Alec had.
She didn’t have to turn to look, she could smell vampire the moment they came close to the house, and since she and Alec were the only immortals in this small party tonight, she knew it had to be Shade Medici. She worked her way around the room, smiling, pouring on the charm before she spotted him and saw he was with Kate. She watched how he moved around her, his hand lying protectively on the small of her back, that signal from the alpha male, mortal or immortal, letting other men in the room know she was spoken for.
