by V. A. Dold
She grabbed her shampoo and conditioner and froze. What was that? Holding her breath, she listened, turning her attention to the door not eight feet away.
Click…click.
A heartbeat later… scratching.
Carolyn’s heart thundered, and her breaths came in short little gasps. Sweat beaded on her forehead. Someone was trying to use a keycard to get in.
Was the intruder back?
Carolyn stared at the door for what felt like hours. Just when she thought they had gone, a loud bang sent her stumbling back. Tiptoeing to the bedside table, she called for security. As Jeff answered, the door handle rattled and turned! “Jeff! They’re back! Hurry, before they get through the door.”
“I’m coming, darlin’. Lock yourself in the bathroom and don’t come out until I tell you to.”
Within minutes Jeff’s muffled voice called from the hallway, “Carolyn? It’s all clear. Open the door.”
Still terrified, she turned the dead bolt but left the security bar in place. Slowly she opened the door and came eyeball to eyeball with Jeff.
He took a step back and asked, “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. Just scared.” She tried to see up and down the hallway without releasing the bar. “Are they gone?”
“Yes. They were gone before I got here. Are you packed? I want you moved to the new room immediately.”
“I have a few things in the bathroom. But yes, I’m ready.”
*****
Carolyn felt much safer as she unpacked. They had given her the room next to Darius. Even though he wasn’t there, he soon would be. She glanced at the bedside clock and noted that she had an hour before the ball began. She pulled the Elvira costume from the closet and laid it on the bed. Then she set her high heels on the floor below the long black gown and the wig above the neckline. Smiling, she nodded. That was a good-looking set. Lastly, she placed a simple black mask where her eyes would be. Her smile faded, and she sighed. It was nice but needed a little punch. If only she had been able to leave the hotel. She could have looked for a fancier mask to add a little bling.
“Oh, well.” There wasn’t anything for it but to get ready. First things first, she had to do her makeup. She walked into the bathroom and remembered her face was already done. And with the wig, she didn’t have to do anything with her hair either.
She was zipping up the dress and stiffened when a knock sounded at her door. Carolyn’s first thought was the intruder came back, but then she realized he wouldn’t have knocked. But who could it be? Maybe it was Darius!
She rushed to throw the dead bolt, but at the last second left the security bar in place. When she peeked out, there were two men in security uniforms holding a small wooden box.
“Can I help you?” she asked through the cracked door.
“Miss Soucek?”
“Yes.”
“We have a delivery for you, from Mr. Drummond. You’ll need to sign for it, ma’am.”
Carolyn looked long and hard at the insignia on their uniforms. Then narrowed her eyes on the guns in shoulder holsters that each wore. “If you don’t mind I would like to verify this delivery with hotel security. I’ll be just a moment.”
“Good Afternoon. This is Jeff.”
“Hi, this is Carolyn. Did you send a couple of men with a package to my room?”
“Yes, I did. Darius wanted to surprise you. I was about to call you when the phone rang and there you were. It’s safe to open the door.” She could hear the smile in his voice.
“Oh. Okay. Thank you.”
“Enjoy your present. I’ll be up in a few minutes to escort you to the ballroom.”
She hung up the phone and threw the security bar to open the door. What on earth was Darius sending to her that required a signature?
The man not holding the box stepped forward with a clipboard containing an acknowledgment of receipt printed on stationery from a local jewelry store. What on earth?
With a shaking hand, she signed it and took possession of the shoebox sized wooden box. After closing and locking the door, she sat the package on the bed and stared at it. What could possibly come from a jewelry store in a box that large? She nibbled her fingernail and looked at it from all sides. Finally, she bit the bullet and opened the lid.
“Oh my God!” she gasped. Lying on a bed of red velvet was a black masquerade ball mask beautifully decorated with diamonds. Two clusters of chocolate diamonds arched over the eye openings like eyebrows. Larger white diamonds placed side by side created a dazzling border, and smaller white diamonds were placed artfully over the entirety. There had to be thirty carats of gems glittering before her. No wonder it was delivered by a pair of armed guards.
“I can’t wear that,” she whispered as she ran a fingertip along the edge. She reached for her phone but pulled her fingers back. She had to be careful she didn’t give anything away about the break in. At least not yet. The last thing she wanted to do was interrupt Darius with something that was over and done with. As gently as possible, she picked up her phone and called the number Darius had entered into it.
“Hello, leannan. How has your day been?”
“Rather eventful. Security guards with really big guns came to my door. Thank you so much for the beautiful mask, but I can’t possibly wear it.”
“Why ever not?” Confusion colored his voice.
“It’s much too valuable. It must be worth a fortune. What if something happened to it? I’ll just wear the one I picked up at the costume shop.”
“Muierimei, did I fail to tell you that I’m a rather wealthy man?”
Carolyn sat down hard on the bed. “You are?”
“I’ve had centuries to amass a fortune. Until today I had no one to spend it on. The mask didn’t even make a dent in my bank account. Please, Carolyn let me spoil you. I would really like you to wear it for me.”
She stared at the mask nestled in the box for several seconds.
“Leannan?”
“Okay. Okay, I’ll wear it.”
“Thank you. I can’t wait to see you. I’m stuck here for a bit longer, so I’ll have to meet you in the ballroom. Is that okay?”
She laughed nervously. “Sure. Jeff said he would escort me, so I’ll be safe enough. Just look for the uncomfortable woman wearing a fortune in diamonds.”
“Nothing will happen to the mask, I promise. I’m sorry, sweetheart I have to go. One of my men is waiting for me.”
“Alright, I’ll see you in a little bit. Thank you for the gift.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”
Carolyn dropped the phone into the little handbag she purchased to match the costume and reached for the mask. She tied the long satin ribbons behind her head and turned to the full-length mirror. A gasp erupted from her lungs. The mask looked amazing with the Elvira costume.
*****
Carolyn stepped through the ballroom door, cocked a hip, and paused. Nothing. She searched the crowd but didn’t see Darius anywhere. She’d been eager to see his reaction when she made her grand entrance. It wasn’t every day she wiggled into an Elvira costume with a mask worth more than her condo. The costume covered all the bits that would land her in jail for indecent exposure, but that was about the extent of it. The neckline plunged to her navel, and the skirt was slit clear to her hip. All she could say was, thank God for double sided tape. Heck, the incredible mask Darius sent covered more flesh than the dress. She looked damn good if she had to say so herself. Now she just needed Darius to see her.
Sighing, she made her way through the crowd of super hero’s, French maids, and half a dozen zombies to get to the cash bar. A glass of wine in hand, she took a moment to admire the incredible decorations.
The entire room was made to look like the inside of a castle she would expect to see in Transylvania. The rich, warm oak columns and wainscoting on the walls spoke of the era the hotel was built. Elaborate candelabras graced sideboards around the space with smaller replicas on each tabl
e. Brocade tapestry’s hung on the walls framed by the columns, and rich blood-red velvet curtains framed the doorways. But it was the high vaulted ceiling that held her attention. It was like a cathedral except the painted scenes were all of the Romanian landscape, peppered with an occasional vampire holding a swooning maiden.
Laughter from a nearby table drew her attention back to the room. She was surprised to see priceless Oriental rugs under each linen draped table. Darius had gone High class all the way. No cheap spider webs covering everything for her man. She smiled when she realized the costumed attendees added the finishing touch to the room.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Woody from Toy Story asked as he stopped beside her.
Carolyn smiled and turned to respond, but her mind to mouth connection shorted out. The man was gorgeous! His long raven hair was tied at the nape of his neck adding a bad boy appeal to the cartoon persona. The chest-hugging shirt and tight jeans were enough to make her mouth water.
The only things different between the animated character and this man were he wore dark sunglasses and didn’t tuck his jeans into his cowboy boots. She liked that. Tucked in jeans weren’t sexy, in her opinion. The glasses were a bit strange though. And this man oozed sex appeal. If she weren’t already with Darius, she would have made a play for this man in a heartbeat.
“Miss Soucek?” Woody prompted.
“Oh, yes I am.”
Woody held out his hand and bowed slightly. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Etienne, a friend of Darius Drummond.”
“Hello, It’s nice to meet you. Darius has told me wonderful things about you.”
She reached out to shake his proffered hand but instead he raised her knuckles to his lips and lightly kissed them. “He has told me great things about you as well.”
He glanced up and down her dress and smiled. “I love your choice of evening wear. You will leave Darius speechless and that I must see.”
Carolyn fidgeted with the top of her dress trying to cover a bit more skin. “You don’t think it’s too much?”
“Not at all. You look divine.”
“Thank you. I like your costume, too. I loved Toy Story.”
“Thank you. My motto is, you are never too old for cartoons. Laughter is good for the soul, and the script writers are simply genius.”
“You know, I think you’re right. When I watch my childhood favorites as an adult, I catch so many things I never did as a child.”
Etienne opened his mouth to respond when his attention was drawn to their right, and he frowned. She followed his gazed to see a man in a white uniform waving wildly.
“Precisely. I’m sorry, but the chef is summoning me. Please excuse me.”
“Of course.”
He gave her an elegant bow and turned to escort the flustered chef back to the kitchen.
Carolyn rubbed her arms and smiled, Etienne had an old world charm that was oddly calming. Darius made her feel that way too. Maybe it was a vampire thing? Or perhaps it came with their age and the era they grew up in.
She sipped her wine and glanced around the room again. Nope, still no Darius.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Darius had lived more centuries than he cared to count, first in Romania, then Scotland, before he settled in America. None of the women, both vampire, and human, he had known in his long existence held a candle to Carolyn. All he could do was stare. She was a vision to behold, a sexy combination of the Mistress of the Night and glamorous siren.
He watched her sashay around the ballroom, admiring the decorations. His heart thundered in his ears, and blood rapidly left his head to pool south. Surreptitiously, he adjusted himself and reached out for the nearest chair for support.
His tongue peeked out to lick his lips. The black Elvira wig contrasted with her creamy skin in a dramatic fashion. With the plunging neckline of that dress, there was a lot of glowing skin exposed. When she moved again, he sat down hard in the chair he’d been gripping. The skirt was slit to her hip! There was no way she wore panties in that get up. She took a breath, and he instantly focused on her breasts. Darius groaned. She was killing him. He was ready to drag his Muierimei from the room and take her fast and hard. He hungered for a nibble and taste, starting at her bright crimson lips and not stopping until he reached her cute little toes.
Carolyn sucked in a sharp breath. She felt it, that sense of calm and comfort that wrapped around her like one of her grandmother’s quilts when Darius was near. He was here, somewhere. Then she saw him. Her heart skipped and her breath caught in her throat.
She bit her lip as Darius stood and made his way across the ballroom. He looked the epitome of a Scottish Laird. Damn, that man was made to wear a kilt. The man oozed sex appeal and confidence. The width of his chest and the size of his biceps tested the limits of his tunic. She wondered if it was true about what a man wore under their kilt. She couldn’t wait to lift that plaid and answer that question once and for all.
“Good evening, lass. Such a beautiful lady should be on a lairds arm. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Lord Drummond.” His smooth brogue was rich and thick in his costume persona.
“Good evening. I am Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. I'm pleased to make the acquaintance of such an esteemed gentleman.”
She drank in his features as he lifted her hand to his lips. “The pleasure is all mine.”
Startling amber eyes, enhanced by a jet-black mask, stared back. His thick brown hair the color of chestnuts sported natural extensions to accommodate the three-inch ponytail at the nape of his neck. He looked dang good with longer hair. Power surged between them when his lips grazed her skin. She grinned when he raised his head and brushed at a wavy lock that defied his flawless coif to curl over his right brow, and it fell right back where it had been.
“Your blood-red refreshment has expired, may I get you another?” His accent curled her toes.
“I would love another. Thank you.” Her voice came out breathless and low. Her body heated at the wicked sparkle in his eyes and the suggestive quirk of his lips. She knew he meant a sip of his blood and not the wine.
Darius offered Carolyn a refilled glass, retaining the other for himself, and cocked his head playfully. “Are you staying in the hotel?”
She played along with his game of strangers flirting. “As a matter of fact, I am. You?”
“I have lodging here as well. I’m surprised we haven’t run into one another. I'm sure I would have remembered a beauty such as yourself.”
She swallowed the sip of wine and grinned. “I’ve been rather busy with appointments. Unless you were having a facial, I doubt we would have run into one another.”
“Alas, I have never had a facial. Are you from here?”
“No. I’ve lived my entire life in Slidell, Louisiana.”
His brows shot up. “You’re kidding! I’ve resided in New Orleans for several decades.”
Carolyn frowned at that bit of information. “I work in the French Quarter quite often. Strange that we finally meet in Savannah.”
They sipped in unison, as she glanced away. Why hadn’t they met before this? Sure, New Orleans was a busy town, but the French Quarter was only a twelve by six block area. She racked her brain for a time when she might have seen a man who resembled Darius. She should have at least seen him in passing.
“What?” he asked, one palm sliding down her arm to link his fingers with hers.
“Huh?” She glanced up, startled.
“You narrowed your eyes.” He laughed low and sexy. “A man could feel unwanted by a look like that.”
“I was trying to recall if I’d ever seen you before. I would think we traveled in the same circles.”
“Perhaps it was fated that we meet here. Come.” He took the glass from her fingers and set both of their drinks on the table. “Honor me with a dance?”
Leading her toward the dance floor, he swept her into his strong arms and gracefully moved her around the floor. She should have known he would be a fanta
stic dancer. The man did everything well.
Her right hand was held gently in his left, and her other settled on his broad shoulder with his warm palm spanning the small of her back. She couldn't seem to look away from his mesmerizing eyes. With each breath, she inhaled his spicy male scent.
Darius glanced away and smiled. A chuckle rumbled in his chest. He swore every male in the room was watching his woman with envy in their eyes. Her right leg and hip playing peek-a-boo with each step, giving them glimpses of what was his alone.
“What is it?” Carolyn whispered.
“Well, lass, it looks like I have won the heart of the queen of the ball,” he said, playing up the Scottish accent he’d long ago curbed to be less noticeable when he relocated to the new world.
He’d spent the majority of his adult years in the Scottish Highlands but had lived in the United States for the last several decades. He only poured the accent on when he wanted to. He’d seduced many women with his rolling brogue. His desire for Carolyn brought it out naturally, to the point that he sounded like he’d only just arrived from that far away land.
“Every man in the room wishes they were me tonight.”
She blinked, looking from him to the men in the room and back again. “Why?”
“Because I have the pleasure of your company, leannan,” he decreed with pride.
Carolyn gave a little snort. “I doubt that. There are many beautiful women in the room.” Their little game of strangers meeting at a masquerade ball was at an end. “I was starting to get worried you wouldn’t make it tonight.”
He dipped her and kissed her lightly on the lips. “Nothing could have kept me from you this night, lass.” The music ended, and he took her hand and led the way to a table in the corner of the room, away from the others.
As he held her chair, he pointedly stared at the men still eyeing his woman with interest until they dropped their eyes and turned away. He chuckled softly and placed a kiss on the side of her neck.
“So, fancy a fresh glass of wine?” he asked. “The wait staff cleared the glasses we had before our dance.”
