The Blood Covenant: Book One of The Medici Warrior Series

by Emily Bex

  “Let’s get you inside the car and keep you warm, si? Now, I want you to go straight home. It’s late and there are too many night crea...people out here wandering around looking for women in flats, driving red automatic Miata's.” Helping her inside the car, he shuts the door and watches her start the engine and it fires right up.

  ***

  He gives her another one of those kisses that leaves her unable to think. He breaks the kiss and she stands still, looking up at him, held in his gaze. His words snap her out of her dazed state as she slides into the car and he hands her the briefcase and laptop, instructing her to drive straight home. She starts the car as he closes her door, stepping back as she pulls out of her parking space and drives away. She draws a deep breath, then sighs, and wonders, for the hundredth time, where this is going, and if she is just setting herself up for another fall.

  11

  Waking from his death slumber, Shade takes a shower and decides to look over a few more of the contracts Alec sent for the California property, but his mind keeps wandering. He looks at the clock and knows she is in New York, alone. That has him in a ball of nerves to begin with and knowing he cannot look out the huge penthouse window to see her does not help his attitude.

  He lies down on the couch and stares at his cell phone. He should call her. Hell, he should just fucking teleport to New York and find her, but he knows if he did, he would never be able to keep himself away from her. She would think he was a stalker, which, actually, he is, but for a damn good reason. He struggles with that concept and worries he will scare her off. He knows calling her is less threatening to her, she feels more confident on the phone. He has to know she is all right and she is safe.

  He throws his feet onto the floor and sits up. He needs to feed, and badly. He hasn’t fed in a few days, he has been so pre-occupied with her, and he can feel himself becoming weaker. He needs to avoid another visit to the safe house, which means he will need to address his hunger. He sits down in the window, facing her empty condo and sees the lights come on, obviously on a timer, so when she comes home it is not to a dark place. He just stares aimlessly at the lighted windows with no bel walking past them and he moans. Cazzo! She has really gotten to me, who in the hell moans over a female you haven’t even fed from or made love to yet?

  ***

  After spending the entire day with the client, Kate takes a cab back to her hotel. Sometimes she has a co-worker with her on these business trips, and they’ll plan an evening out, but since she’s alone, she’ll just go back to the hotel and order room service. She gets back in her hotel, sheds her work clothes and puts on a loose sweater, bare feet and bare legs. She takes out her laptop and curls up on the bed to check email. She misses her condo. No, that's not true, she misses him. She thought of him a hundred times today. She thought of him on the flight here, in the taxi from LaGuardia into the city, checking into the hotel, all day during the client meeting... but especially now with nothing to distract her.

  This man seems to live on the edges of her life. She thinks he is interested, but he has not actually ever asked her out. But she knows she sends mixed signals too. Then there are Rissa’s warnings, always in the back of her head. She tries to focus on the task at hand, but he pushes all other thought from her head. She realizes if she’s going to get anything done, she needs to just call him, get it over with. She picks up her cell phone and hesitates before hitting dial. Again, she wonders what she is to him, and almost puts the phone back down. She can hear Shannon in her head yelling at her to 'just do it,' so she hits dial.

  ***

  Shade hears his phone buzz and he looks down to see her name. His heart skips a beat. She is calling him.

  “Mi amore? Do you need me to rescue you again?”

  Kate laughs, “Rescue me from boredom maybe. Is this a good time? I don't want to intrude.”

  “I always have time for you, Kate. How was business today? Wear those heels?” Chuckling, he can’t wipe the smile off his face, just hearing her sultry voice.

  She leans back against the headboard. “Do you always have time for me, sir? 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?”

  Her response makes him issue a low growl into the phone, remembering the night he watched her from his penthouse, he describes a similar vision.

  “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 is stunned into silence. She looks at the open window of her hotel room, but there is nothing close by that would allow anyone to see into her room. She feels exposed now and pulls 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?"

  ***

  Cazzo! I had no idea, but she pretty much wears the same thing every night once she gets home to her condo. Now I have scared her. Think Shade, think, get her calmed down.

  “It was a lucky guess. I did not mean to scare you. I can hear it in your voice. Please, I apologize. Forgive me, si?”

  Kate shakes her head. Of course he can't see you. Don't be ridiculous, Kate! "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 always sees him in a suit, or dress pants. She hasn’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 gets 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 can visualize him all right. She feels 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, and besides, I would stop whatever I was doing to sit here and talk to you. I may venture out later, not sure yet, maybe take a run. Get some exercise and fresh air. So, tell me, are you enjoying New York?”

  “I would 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 smiles, he misses her too, so damn much more than he cares 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, sir. What have you done to me?”

  “Well, my sweet Kate, I have done nothing yet. But I have a long list of things I would like to do. One of them is spoiling you. Another is to kiss you, cuddled up by a crackling hot fire. But there is one I think we can actually manage. Have you been invited to the Canton’s next week, for a cocktail party?”

  She envisions being held by him in front of a fire and loves the idea of it. He asks her about Rissa's next event.

  "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 am something I am not."

  “Kate, there is something you need to know about me. I do not judge anyone by their social standing. Trust me when I tell you, I am not exactly one of those stuffed suits Alec likes to hang out with. But al
l you have seen of me so far is the business side, and I would not normally be with those puffed up penguins either, rather be riding my Harley. I am much more comfortable in jeans, si.” Pausing, he takes a deep breath and slides his hand through his hair. “May I ask you out, then, for the cocktail party? I will meet you someplace if you feel more comfortable. I could actually meet you there at Alec’s house, if you wish to drive separately. But I would very much like to accompany you that night. Say yes, please.”

  “I... yes... of course. Is it okay if I meet you there?” She is trying to picture him in jeans, on a Harley, and her seated behind him, her arms snug around his waist, leaning tight against his back, and she feels her face flush again. Seriously, what is it about this man?

  “Ah, that’s my woman. 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 chuckles deep in his chest. “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.”

  She hears a knock at her door. “Oh... hold on. There's someone at my door.” Keeping the phone on her shoulder, she looks out the peep-hole to see a bellman, she says to him she hasn't ordered room service and he says he has a delivery for her, so she opens the door.

  ***

  He hears her say someone is at the door and he grins from ear to ear and waits for her to see the delivery he had arranged for her. He can almost see her face when the flowers are delivered, a gorgeous bouquet of red roses, in perfect bloom, just like her.

  “Who is it?”

  “It’s the bellman. He just delivered a dozen red roses. Wow! They are so beautiful, and that scent! I love the smell of roses.” She buries her face in the bouquet. “Who would send these? I don't see a card.”

  She tips the bellman who tells her the order was anonymous. “I can't imagine who would send these. Who even knows I'm here?”

  He smiles as he hears the joy in her voice. He loves the scent of roses now too. It will always remind him of her. “I know one person who knows you are there.”

  She walks to the bathroom, adding water to the vase before returning to the bedroom. “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, misses the scent of you around him. Perhaps he wishes someone would love him as you would love… giving all.”

  “What? What are you saying?” He is hinting it is him? Is that what he is saying? She is afraid to ask, 'Is it you?' What if he answers no? What a fool she would be.

  “Si, it is me, mi amore.”

  ***

  She is overwhelmed by his words. They catch her off guard. He speaks of love, loving deeply. She is not sure she is ready for this conversation. She dodges his comments.

  “You...love that scent? The roses? Shannon says it is too old-fashioned. Do you really like it?”

  “You have no idea what it does to me, do you? 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 want to protect you. I only hope the next man who has your heart will earn it and cherish it.”

  Kate is confused. The next man? He said the next man, but not this man. He is being kind, a gentleman in town on business who needs a little diversion while he's here. He'll be back in Florence soon, and she will be a distant memory. So just be careful Kate Reese, and don't get your heart broken... again.

  “That's very flattering, sir. I will make sure I wear my rose scent whenever you are around. You did not say how long you expect to be in the States?”

  “Grazie. I hope you like the roses. I thought, perhaps, they would make you feel better after a long day away from home. I am currently working under contract for Alec for the next year, at least. But I prefer to keep things open ended, besides which, I am trying to get these vineyards established here on the Virginia property, so I will be here quite often. Does that please you, Kate?”

  She smiles to herself. “Yes, it does please me. And I love the roses. I will keep them on the table by my bed. I'm not exactly sure how I will get them through my meeting tomorrow, and carry them with me on the plane, but I'll figure something out.”

  ***

  He smiles just knowing she will think of him when she looks at them. “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 flashes through her head, and her face turns red. She is so glad he can'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?”

  Throwing back his head, he laughs so hard. “Oh si, I know who to call. Be careful, please. Sweet dreams.” Oh you will have them. “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.”

  Hanging up, he sits there with this damn grin spread across his face. This woman gets his juices flowing and has him rocking. He definitely needs to feed. Maybe a run will be a good idea. He may run into a few night joggers, and he can get his hunger under control and harm no one. She sure does make him ravenous for her.

  12

  Shade feels much better after the call, knowing Kate is safe in New York, and she will be home tomorrow. After ending the call, he senses she is getting closer to him, trusting him more with each encounter, and he will definitely have her soon. He knows in his heart, she is already his, now he just needs her to know that. She is still a little skittish, he can feel her pull away from time to time if he moves too boldly, but she flirts with him and he likes that. She is allowing herself to let her guard down with him, and he hopes this cocktail party at Alec's will bring them closer still.

  In the meantime, he still needs to feed. Deciding to take a long run, he exchanges his jeans for some sweat pants, throws on some running shoes, and pulls the hood on his sweatshirt over his head. He makes his way to a small community park where there are some jogging paths and dim lighting. He had 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 teleports into the park and begins his run. The place is pretty much deserted at this time of night, but he starts his run and keeps a good pace. He sees a young female running ahead of him. He hangs back some distance, watching that beautiful ass. She is no novice at running and working out, her body is firm and toned.

  ***

  The woman can feel his presence behind her and without looking back she picks up her pace.

  ***

  Shade instantly picks up on her nervousness. You can run sweetness, but you will never get away from me. He lets his feet hit the path harder, makes his breathing more labored, intentionally making his presence known so she will hear him coming and not be startled. He watches her turn to look back at him and then speed up her own pace once again. He picks up the pace until he is r
unning beside her, throwing back his hood and letting his long black curls fall around his face.

  She looks over at him and he smiles at her, locking her in the gaze of his ice blue eyes, and begins to talk to her. He makes small talk, saying he hasn’t seen her here before, and how he is just getting in a late workout and enjoying the cool night. Their pace slows to a more normal jog as they talk more, and she becomes comfortable with him. She comments on his accent, and he knows he is drawing her in and she no longer fears him. He keeps up the small talk about working out the body, and how good it feels to get out of the office and move, get some fresh air. She is very pleasant, and attractive, and she’s enjoying his attention.

  As the run ends, he walks her back to the small car park. There are several other cars around, but no other people. Perfect. Her body language is telling him a lot, so is her pretty face and inviting smile. She is letting him know she is interested in more than a night run. He lets his own body language communicate he also has more in mind, and it is not long before she asks if he would like to go for a coffee. As they slide into her car, she carefully maneuvers the car out of the lot but instead of heading to the main street, he suggests she take a side road right alongside the park, where it is dark and remote from traffic. She turns to look at those blue eyes, and eagerly complies, following his direction as if entranced, then turns off the engine and turns to him.

  “So, what do you have in mind?”

  He can see the light of the moon reflecting in her eyes as she leans in closer to him, and he kisses her, as her hand slides between his legs. He hears her gasp as her hand wraps tight around his cock. He never disappoints the ladies with his length and girth, and she is most delighted. And to help the situation, he is going commando, as always.

  His hands go straight into her blonde hair, as he guides her head to his lap, and her mouth consumes him, working her magic. Laying his head back on the seat, he closes his eyes, and all he sees are crimson locks, those gorgeous deep brown eyes and those red lips he longs to kiss. He feels his beast rise and wants his due. He knows before this goes too far he needs to feed.