“You always say that,” she giggled. Luciano picked her up and held her at his side.
“Come, join us for dinner, we are having it brought it from Le Meurice.” Ambrose held out an arm to direct Luciano to follow Eva through the halls of the palatial building.
The quartet sat and ate blue lobster, exquisite risotto, and scallops with white alba truffle foam. They laughed at Luciano’s recent stories of time with his family in Venice and Glenda’s conquests in procuring Luciano a spot on next year’s roster with La Scala.
Hilda came and all three adults kissed the precious Arabella goodnight. Arabella gave an unconvincing show of not being tired but eventually agreed that she would see everyone again in the morning.
“Life seems very good, Luciano. La Scala next year, a good woman by your side?” Ambrose put his napkin on the table to signify that dinner was over.
“That is what I want to talk with you about. I want you both to be in my new opera.” Luciano smiled at Eva and Ambrose.
“A new opera?” Eva leaned forward.
“I think you might be my muse, I’ve had another dream.” Luciano looked up as if imagining the visions he’d had.
Ambrose looked to Eva with raised brows.
“I’ve always wanted to sing at La Scala…like my mother,” Eva admitted.
“You will sing there with or without me. You will sing at all the major opera houses, there can be no doubt of that.”
“And your new opera?” Ambrose questioned. “What will it be about?”
“The Vampire Queen,” Luciano looked happily across the table. “The Queen of the underground. Spoiled forever in eternity by her King… A bond so strong it could never be broken…and a child. A child with the voice of the future.”
Eva felt her mouth open, then she closed it again.
“But…” Eva tried to get her thoughts straight. “Isn’t there…some drama? Something terrible waiting your Queen?”
Luciano looked at her for a long time then sat back. “That is just the problem. I cannot seem to fit anything horrible inside. Perhaps the child could be plagued by the same darkness that plagued Lucretia. She could be swept up one brisk night out of the hands of her nanny…to be the muse of the darkness…”
Eva sat up, ready to run out of the room, to grab her child to her breast.
“But…” Luciano continued. “It does not fit. It was not in my dream.”
Eva exhaled and laughed. Luciano laughed too, though Eva was certain they were not laughing at the same thing.
“And you have music for this?” Ambrose seemed to be in deep contemplation.
“The most beautiful music, Glenda holds the burden of all my papers and notes. It is the best work I’ve ever done. It will be a masterpiece. People will come, the music will speak for itself—you will see.”
“I like that idea, very much.” Eva extended her arm and squeezed Luciano’s hand.
“Ok, you will need to prepare…warm up…change…” Luciano pushed away from the table and stood. “I will be in the audience tonight. In bocca al lupo!”
Ambrose saw Luciano out of the opera house and the house staff came in to clear the table and dishes away. Eva walked to the mirror and looked over her face. She looked happy. How had she ever become so happy? She shook the thought away, it was time to focus on being Gilda.
She drank some honey water and turned the electric kettle on for a pot of tea. There were a few bouquets of flowers on the side tables and the piano. There was a new bouquet that Eva hadn’t noticed before sitting next to her expanse of stage makeup. Eva walked over to it, letting her fingers touch the soft buds.
The flowers were all white, roses, dahlias, and lilies, mixed with white hydrangea. Eva moved her nose into the bouquet and inhaled. The smell made her smile. As she pulled back she noticed a small square card tucked into the blooms.
To Gilda & the Duke of Mantua,
Here’s to the perfect opening night. Wish we could be there!
Jerome & Bridget
Eva smiled again. Jerome had been hired into the Cincinnati Opera shortly after Bridget. Their friendship had bloomed slowly into something more. And when it had there was no stopping it. Eva and Ambrose had attended their very fashionable Manhattan wedding a few months ago, just before the pair zipped off to spend a year with the Shanghai Opera House.
Eva tucked the note back into the bouquet and sighed happily. She looked up when Ambrose came back into the room.
“What do you think of his new opera?” Ambrose asked as he took off his suit jacket.
“It sounds perfect. I am beginning to be quite grateful for Luciano’s dreams.” Eva turned to her husband. She saw the same happiness and contentment in him that she’d seen reflected in her own eyes.
“A Queen…” he said.
“…And King,” she said.
“Without any drama…no complications to frighten or terrify?” Ambrose asked.
“I could see myself living the rest of my life that way—though any problem would seem very small indeed with my King.” Eva walked to her husband and fell into his arms.
“And to be spoiled and lauded for all eternity?” He asked.
“Oh yes, lots of that.” Eva smiled.
Ambrose kissed Eva’s forehead, both her eyelids, then found his way to her open and waiting lips.
*****
THE END
About Jasmine Wylder
Jasmine Wylder is a Real Estate Agent by day and an emerging Paranormal Romance Author & Adventurer by night. Hailing from California, her passion for sultry stories, steamy scenes, and all-things romance began early on and it has stayed with her ever since.
When she isn’t creating captivating storylines, Jasmine loves spending time in the great outdoors, practicing yoga, painting, and treating herself to fine cuisine. She is also an avid animal lover (dogs in particular) and is the proud owner of a Husky named Luna and a Yorkie named Anya.
Whether it’s out-of-this-world love (literally), dragon shifters setting your heart ablaze, or unquenchable vampiric desire, Jasmine has you covered!
Currently, Jasmine is in the midst of crafting paranormal romances and tries to escape to the countryside every so often to get the full writer’s experience.
Want more of Jasmine Wylder?
Check out her Author Page or follow her on Facebook.
Jasmine’s Other Books
Alpha’s Desire
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 1)
Description
He swore he’d never do it. She vowed to work alone. But circumstances have changed, and sacrifices must be made.
Sienna Blaine is not your typical lone wolf. Cast out of her pack by 17 vindictive Alphas, she vowed to make her own rules and stay one step ahead of the game – no matter the price. Skilled at discerning fact from fiction, she’s fully capable of keeping potential threats at bay. But for all her strengths, she has a weakness – one that compromises her ability to trust.
Alpha wolf Brody McAllister earned the nickname “Broody Brody” for a reason. His stone-faced, take-no-prisoners attitude separates him from the rest, but when one of his pack members goes missing, his less-than-animated personality is put to the ultimate test. Anger turns to desperation as he struggles to maintain control and unravel the mystery behind the young woman’s disappearance.
Sparks fly as Sienna’s carefree lifestyle threatens to crack Brody’s perfectly polished control, but when the Kodiak den threatens her life, Brody’s wolf is poised to rip throats and take names to keep her safe from harm.
Chances are Brody and Sienna could be fated mates, but is that a chance either is willing to take?
Beta’s Destiny
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 2)
Description
I don’t need a babysitter. I can handle the danger on my own. Even though I have to admit, his dominant demeanor and rock-hard body did get my attention.
Sassy, smart-mouthed shifter Emery Wilkins needs to
lay low, when she points the finger at a dangerous criminal who put her father in jail. And now she has to play by the rules of Sage, her newly assigned personal bodyguard. But, will she?
Sage Blaine takes care of others and that is what he does best. Although Emery is giving him a hard time, he is feeling that inner force pulling him towards her. He has to focus on his job to keep Emery safe, and shouldn‘t be distracted by his inner desires.
Things heat up with the Kodiak bear shifters still seeking revenge, and a dangerous criminal looking for Emery. Will they make it safely through their journey and give into their feelings? Or, will their stubborn natures and outside forces keep this duo from finding their own happily-ever after?
Alpha’s Love
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 3)
Description
Opposites attract, right?
Voluptuous Liesel Gaytan is a survivor. After being abducted by rogue bear shifters almost two years ago, Liesel lives for the moment and makes the most out of every second she has. Now playing by the rules of sexy alpha Grayson Anders in order to be safe doesn’t give her the satisfaction she is looking for, even though there is an instant attraction when she sees Grayson. She has to keep things professional no matter how much she keeps imagining how he looks underneath that tight clothes.
Grayson Anders isn’t looking for romance. As a former Army Ranger and Alpha of the Canyon pack, Grayson Anders’ life, truck, and pack are orderly and follow strict rules. So, when he’s got to keep his pack and wild child Liesel Gaytan safe from bloodthirsty mountain lion shifters hell bent on revenge, he’s not sure she won’t drive him crazy before he can get the situation under control.
But as they often do, opposites attract, and it isn’t long before the two can’t deny their deep-running attraction any longer. And no matter the price, he's ready to serve her every need. The only problem is—will it do more harm than good? Will it distract Gray to the point that he can’t keep the enemy at bay?
Beta’s Second Chance
(Rocky Mountain Shifters Series, Book 4)
Description
Any hot shifter deserves a second chance, right?
Curvy Ava Montclair has her work, her mission, and her ambition to keep her going. The last thing she needs is a distraction. And not at all in the form of her ex-boyfriend, Pax Carrigan. Although she has to admit, he's still hot as hell.
Strong Pax Carrigan broke Ava's heart a decade ago and now he's back with one job--to keep her safe. But the longer Pax spends with the one and only girl he's ever loved, the more he knows there's more to her. For now, however, he has to focus on his job. Anything else would be unprofessional. Or wouldn't it be?
Ferals formed their own dangerous pack and targeted Ava. She got too much involved trying to get the squabbling packs to work together against the ferals. Will Pax keep the only girl he's ever truly loved safe? And will Ava ever forgive him, or is it too late for her?
The Dragon’s Secret Baby
(Dragon Secrets Series, Book 1)
Description
I'm not pregnant, am I? How is this possible…I’m still a virgin.
Curvy archaeologist Dominique can’t believe her luck; she just uncovered an ancient Dragon egg! But she’s not the only one with her eyes on the prize. All of the Dragon clans of the area want to stake their claim. Especially that hot ass, annoying Virdi who sticks to her side like glue. Unfortunately, if she wants to stay safe, she needs Virdi’s help.
Emperor of the world—that´s what Virdi is determined for, and he doesn´t care what he has to do to see it happen. Luring women out into the forest is just one occupation on his mind. But now, Dominique with her luscious body and the egg…maybe he can have both, pleasure and power at the same time.
But the risk is growing; the Dragons are after the egg and Dominique, to fulfill a prophecy the world hasn´t seen for centuries no matter what the costs.
Virdi has to risk it all to keep Dominique and that little secret growing in her belly safe. Will they make it, or will it all break apart?
The Bear Shifter’s Virgin
(Fated Bears Series, Book 1)
Description
He wants to be her first, and he’ll do anything to make that happen.
Rebecca Lake is a curvy world-famous author, who doesn’t have time for any neighborhood chatting. Unless the neighbor is the extremely hot, mysterious billionaire Isaias Durant with his rock-hard body that Rebecca can’t take her eyes off of. There is no way that this piece of art is attracted to her…the shy virgin. Or is there?
Isaias Durant is not just some billionaire. He has secrets, and since his parents were both murdered because of it, nobody can know. Asking Rebecca to pretend to be his fiancé might not be the way to behave, but unusual times require unusual measures. And, there is something about Rebecca that keeps drawing Isaias to her…step by step. He is barely able to control his inner beast. Every cell of his body screams for her generous body. But he has to control himself for the good of all.
When Becky's life is put in danger, he has no choice but to trust her. When his life is in her hands, will she run… or fall deeper in love with him?
The Vampire’s Bride Awakening
(Bound by Fate Series, Book 1)
Description
What begins as a frightening interrogation by the dangerous brood ends with fire and blood. And, if curvaceous Ember doesn’t stop it, she could lose everything she holds dear.
Curvy girl Ember Terzi spent her life doing what’s right. Building a business while keeping her younger sister safe from harm was no easy feat, but the life she created for them is suddenly thrown into turmoil when a violent group of strangers come barreling in on the hunt for someone she’s never heard of and has no desire to meet.
Only one man can help her, but there’s a problem. The sizzling hot man with Adonis-like features is as distracting as he is dangerous. With tales of soulmates, immortality, and vampire legacies, Ember is hesitant to enlist his help until one simple touch ignites a fire in her body and soul. She’s left wondering how someone who can make her feel that way could be so bad.
Sexy alpha male Kai has spent his life waiting for his soulmate. When he meets Ember, he’s immediately intoxicated with her, but he has a secret – a secret so dangerous, it threatens all that he’s ever cared about.
A vengeful organization threatens to destroy everything, including his mate Ember. But he proves to be a formidable opponent. He’ll stop at nothing to protect what’s his, even if that means he’ll have to burn his enemies to the ground.
Who will win in this deadly tug of war between vampires, a sexy alpha male, a vengeful organization, and the power of eternal soulmates?
The Vampire’s Secret Baby
(Bound by Fate Series, Book 2)
Description
The last thing she wanted was that ape of a man to show up in her life…
Melody Terzi is on the run. From vampires and anti-vampire extremists alike. What’s more? She just might have found herself pregnant in the midst of the chaos. As if her life couldn’t get any more complicated, the father of her child happens to be one of the most stubborn, pig-headed, muscle-bound vampires on the planet. If she can stay one step of everybody, she just might be able to disappear off the grid and raise her baby in peace.
Aksel Sorenson has plenty of excitement in his life to keep him busy for the next two centuries. The terrorist organization New Dawn is hunting vampires down across the globe and killing them at will. His past has resurfaced and brought with it, a promise to marry a stranger that has huge consequences if not kept. But Aksel? All he can think about is finding the woman he spent one amazing night with all those weeks ago and setting her straight for thinking she can run from him.
But the world’s on fire and being with Melody can bring everything he holds dear crumbling down. Can he set her free or is he bound by honor to make Melody his own?
The Billionaire Wolves’ Virgin
Descript
ion
What do you do when two billionaire Alphas fight over the right to mate you?
Curvy reporter Tanya Rouge needs to propel her career forward. Poking around on the wolf shifters territory for the story of the century might be dangerous, but could be well worth it.
Until she gets abducted.
Finding herself at the mercy of two huge predators doesn’t scare her, at all. It is quite the contrary. Arousal is flooding her virgin body in a way she’s never felt before. Not for one of them, but for both.
Nathan and Gabriel are the sizzling alphas of two packs. Muscles in all the right places and filthy rich. They are rivals, but willing to combine the packs into one when an evil ousted Alpha resurfaces.
They put their mission at risk when both set their eyes on the same curvy target. Neither will back down from their determination to make her theirs. Not to mention all the sorts of juicy things they want to do to her.
Who is going to win the right to mate Tanya? And will they be able to supplant the ousted Alpha’s plans to claim the packs as his own?
Her Dragon Professor
Description
A dragon camouflaged as a professor? Risky…
Curvy student Mia Thompson doesn't have time for anything outside of school, work, and family. Now that she has a chance to improve her station, she won't let anything get in her way of success; not even the sizzling hot young geology professor, Lee Tennet, who got her attention the moment their paths crossed. But Mia has no idea the secrets that lie in store.
Lee Tennet is a dragon shifter living in a world where he must keep his true identity hidden. If anybody found out his secret, his life and his people would be in danger. But right now, the only thing he can think about is that one student with curves in all the right places. Stop…he can’t risk his camouflage! Or can he, just for once?
Things get even more complicated when Mia is marked as a target by dark witches who want to break the seal binding their magic and restore their ancient evils. The only way to do that is through human sacrifice. Her only hope is a dragon, but can Lee risk his life for one woman to claim their happy ending?
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