by Sophia North
"You were an absolute gentleman compared to my last customer," she teased.
"Samsun will die by my hand for what he did to you, slowly if the three sisters allow it to be," Dante returned darkly.
Simone sat back from him, slightly alarmed by the cold determination in his voice. He didn't seem quite himself.
"You didn't hurt me, Dante," she quietly reassured, unsure for who's benefit exactly - his or hers?
Aware of her trepidation, he smiled warmly at her. "I never intentionally would, my sweet. My temper, on the other hand, can sometimes get the better of me."
Simone relaxed. Her Dante was back.
"Did it work? You didn't move once the entire time you were out. I tried to find your pulse - couldn't - then realised you might not even have one, thus avoiding a full-scale panic."
Dante laughed, imagining the look on her face when science failed her. "I saw something, my good doctor. Not sure what exactly, but it was definitely something."
"Tell me about what you remember."
"I was flying, Simone. The sun was shining, I felt its warmth - a sensation I've not experienced for centuries. And yet, it felt so natural to bathe in it."
Simone smiled at the look of wonderment on his handsome face - his happiness akin to a young child's. "Were you in control?" she asked thinking of the symbolism explored by those who dream they are flying. It may not be quite the same thing when it came to vampyric premonitions, but surely had to be rooted in the same garden of thought.
"No, but I never felt in any real danger, despite being propelled along at incredible speeds. I flew from London until I reached a distant rural setting. Once there, I slowed right down and flew over the same landscape again and again. There was a battle at one point - figures fighting. It seemed familiar...but I can't place it."
"Anything else?"
"Yes. A figure in a dark farmhouse spoke to me. He sat before a fire and said I must come to him. Then the fire went out and I woke up."
For a short while they sat in silence, each digesting what Dante had revealed. The ornate grandfather clock in the library filled the silence with its steady ticking.
"Do you think the figure was Wilhalf?" Simone finally asked.
"Maybe. I'm not sure. Right now I'm so tired, I can't really think straight."
As if on cue, Simone yawned. "What time is it?"
"Half-past four, dawn approaches. So, Dr. Radcliffe - what is your answer?" Dante laughed softly at Simone's puzzled look over his question.
"My answer to ...?" She left Dante to fill in the blank.
"Hmm, I wonder." He swept her from the couch and strode out of the library, effortlessly carrying her cradled in his arms. "We'll discuss it on the way, shall we?"
Simone gripped his shoulders. "You really need to stop this obsession with hauling me about whenever the mood strikes. I am perfectly capable of walking."
Dante ignored her tirade. As he carried her through the central hall of marble, its once brilliantly lit expanse of white slowly dimmed to mimic a setting sun. The effect was breath-taking and as the dome above deepened into a dark night sky, the pinpricks of stars slowly flickered into existence.
"Now then, where were we? Ah yes, your answer." Dante's deep hypnotic voice washed over Simone.
"There have been so many questions, it's hard to remember," she replied huskily. The atmosphere in the dimly lit hall, combined with the night's events, began to seep into her strained psyche. Exhausted, Simone cuddled against Dante's strong neck and shoulder. As he slowly ascended the sweeping marble staircase, she murmured, "Do you think I could attempt it tomorrow?"
Dante's heart sang. He'd received the answer he wanted.
"If you insist," he replied softly.
His steady gait gently lulled her into a deeper sense of relaxation. "Thank you. Now I have a question for you," she whispered seductively in his ear. "Your bed or mine?"
Chapter Eighteen
TURNING ON HER side, Simone glanced across at Dante, who continued to sleep soundly. His pale, handsome face looked completely at peace. He'd barely moved from the original position he'd fallen asleep in. A very good sign a deep restful slumber had been achieved.
Sadly though, his exhaustion had negated any further exploration of their sensual exchange down in the library. It hadn't been easy watching him undress whilst trying not to stare in admiration at his athletic torso. Unfortunately he'd only stripped to his underwear but it was still a fine view. The bold, firm-looking muscles in his back had particularly caught her attention.
Then, after joining her under the sheets, he'd muttered a quick 'good night,' before instantly falling asleep. The poor thing went out like a light.
But it was now the next day and if he woke with the same thought as she had, it promised to be a most excellent one.
Noticing a thick curl of hair had fallen over one of his eyes, Simone felt a great desire to brush it back into place. And so she did, with an almost trembling hand. Dante stirred slightly but did not wake.
Now what? She wanted to kiss his chiseled jaw. My god, he was utterly gorgeous. It was a miracle she'd kept her hands off him and fallen asleep in the first place. She had never shared a bed with someone so powerful looking. His massive biceps made him look like a body builder from a glossy magazine. He had a physique to die for.
But everything, apart from his head, was hidden under the duvet. This was unacceptable. Slowly and carefully she pushed the duvet down until an arm was exposed. He was now impossible for her to resist.
Quietly, Simone shifted closer to him before running her fingers up the back of his triceps to his shoulder. She lingered there slightly until running her hand across the exposed part of his back. Dante groaned, muttering something in his sleep and reflexively Simone hastily withdrew her hand. Despite the poor light she knew his eyes were still closed. They tended to shine like a cat's in the dark when open.
She wanted him, badly. This big, beautiful vampyre, who had come to her office in desperation. She'd been attracted to him from the beginning. Who would have thought within days they would be lying in bed together?
He had taken her into his strange world and now she needed him in more ways than one. The transition from the frustration she'd been feeling about her life to the mysteries of his existence had awoken something inside her. A deep, primal longing. A yearning almost too painful to endure. Only his body, his touch could douse such flames of desire.
This time she audaciously ran her hand through his hair and back down along his jaw line. Dante opened his eyes.
"Hello," he muttered, drowsily.
"I want you," Simone panted. "Right now."
Dante's sleepy eyes widened in surprise.
"Sounds like an order," he said, moving on to his back. "You don't want any breakfast or..."
"To hell with breakfast," Simone interrupted. "Our lives have become so dangerous we may not have much time left. And I want to taste you first."
Simone pressed her lips against Dante's startled ones. At first, she felt him resist slightly. Attempting to move his head away from her kiss, Simone instantly guided him back into position.
"Don't move," she instructed, as she shifted on top of him, hearing him sigh slightly in response.
She kissed him again and this time he was more receptive. Soon both of their mouths opened and she drove her tongue inside. Dante responded in kind, by running his hands up her back. He could feel her breasts press against him through her nightgown and all remaining thoughts of resistance evaporated.
As their kissing became more impassioned, Simone pushed her hips against him, again and again until she felt his cock harden inside his underwear. In response, Dante cupped her breasts before squeezing them gently through her nightgown.
Placing a leg either side of him, Simone knelt up and allowed the shoulder straps of her nightgown to fall. Her naked breasts caught the fading light from the window.
"So beautiful," Dante groaned, instinctively moving both han
ds to her breasts. He tried to kiss her nipples but was unable to move his head close enough.
Simone laughed at the desperate look in his eyes, whilst she ran her hands across his own chest. She had never felt such powerful pectoral muscles in all her life. A light dizziness pervaded her mind.
By now Dante could barely control himself. His hands moved up her long, toned legs and inside her nightgown. After squeezing her buttocks he then flipped her on to her back.
Simone squealed in delight, admiring his strength. When positioned astride him she had assumed she was the one in control. But he'd flipped her over like she weighed nothing.
Dante was on top of her in an instant and immediately started to kiss her neck. Simone moved her hands up and down his powerful back until she tried to remove his underwear. She wanted to see him in all his glory. But Dante slid down her body slightly to kiss her breasts. When she felt his mouth and tongue suck and lick one of her nipples, the pleasure was almost unbearable.
One of his large hands wandered to her clit and Simone barely stifled a cry of pleasure. Her mind seemed ready to shatter into tiny pieces, never had she felt such red-hot lust.
It had been so long since she'd last made love, months of pent up frustration called for release. No man had ever come close to exciting her in such a way.
Dante's kisses moved further down her body. Upon reaching her opening, his hungry tongue lapped at her like a cat with a bowl of cream. Simone writhed in unrestrained pleasure and could not help pulling at his hair.
"Dante!" she groaned. "Oh, my god...oh, my..."
The sensation of his tongue rubbing against her clit was almost overwhelming. She tugged at his hair again but Dante was too caught up in the moment to barely notice.
"Oh, Dante!" she groaned in delight again.
Her whole body trembled gratifyingly. She needed this so badly. Seducing Dante in bed was the best decision she had ever made.
But she couldn't expect full satisfaction in this way. She required him inside her for that to happen. As if sensing her new desire, he released his mouth from her. Sitting up, he removed his underwear in a second. God, he was going to be a great lover. It was almost intuitive the way he knew what she wanted.
He moved back to her, a slightly coy expression on his face. They kissed again but more slowly, deeply with tongues flicking in and out. Simone reached down and clasped his fully erect manhood. Naturally, it was huge. She had expected it to be though maybe not quite this large.
As she caressed his powerful cock, Dante let out a deep moan. Simone felt herself take control, as he gave himself up to her sweet caresses. It was clear he was having to exert inordinate amounts of self-control to prevent himself from bursting in her hands.
Now he was on his back and Simone held his massive manhood in her hands, she straddled him in order to push his wonderful cock inside her.
"Dante!" a familiar voice suddenly called out.
Simone paused.
"Dante!" the voice called out again from beyond the door. "Simone! Are you awake?"
"Christ, it's Vlad," Dante groaned.
Before she knew it, Simone hid herself under the thick duvet in embarrassment.
"No, don't stop!" Dante complained but it was too late. "Wait. I'll get rid of him."
"Yes," Simone agreed, her voice still heavy with longing.
"What do you want?" Dante boomed at the door.
"I'm afraid you both need to get out of bed!" Vlad shouted back from the other side of the door. "I have news you must hear!"
Dante sighed and glanced at Simone.
"Thwarted again," she whispered, desperately trying to keep the disappointment from her voice.
"Goddamn it," Dante muttered under his breath. "Fuck, okay!" he finally shouted back at Vlad. "We'll be down in a minute!"
Chapter Nineteen
"DR. RADCLIFFE, YOU disappoint me. I thought we were at the start of something special." Sprawled in a wingback with a steaming cup of coffee, Vlad sat reading the Financial Times broadsheet. He looked like a gentleman enjoying an afternoon at his club, if not for the fact he was dressed head to toe in black leather. That sort of dress usually implied frequenting a different sort of club altogether.
Simone's cheeks flushed. The vampyre obviously knew exactly what she and Dante were up to before his interruption.
"Do not try my patience, brother," Dante replied, a distinct edge in his voice. "Coffee?" he asked Simone, holding the pot aloft. Simone nodded and sat down on the couch.
Dante poured them each a cup and sat down as well. "You look rather at ease for a vamp who nearly broke down my door - again. Why the earlier hysterics - has the FTSE taken a dive?"
"Mock my interest in investments at your peril, mate. Where would you be without me - two, three billion behind?" Vlad admonished. "Unlike you, I'd take the poetry of Rothschild over Keats any day. And if you care to know, I was just enjoying an article about the American president's bold G7 declaration to end global tariffs. Now there's a man who knows how to make money. Almost makes me consider taking a trip to Yankeeland...almost."
"Relevant news would be appreciated," Dante replied sarcastically.
Vlad folded the paper and set it down on the coffee table. "My, my you are testy. Not enough sleep, brother?"
Dante arched a warning brow at him.
"Alright mate, I'll cease being an ass," Vlad conceded. "Roxy's Hive operations are going well and have already born fruit. She's been in contact with a dozen or so vamps, and we are well underway to organising a Meet."
"Anyone of interest from those tracked down?"
"Three at the moment. Two of use and one to watch."
"To watch?"
"Young Keeper Peterson is among the ranks of refugees, you will recall he was one of our pleasant greeters when we last stopped by HQ. He's put out word he has information about Lowerton which may be of use to those planning a counter attack. The source who brought forward his offer is credible. But...seems a bit too eager for my liking."
"Can we afford to be too picky?" Dante remarked. "Peterson may be useful in ways that will not require inner circle access. Who are the two of use?"
"Hendricks and Begsy."
Dante nodded. "Good heads. We will need a solid group of vamps if we are to have any chance of success. Any progress with our outer sphere of assistance?"
Vlad moved forward to pour himself another coffee and held it aloft to offer a top up. "Mixed, according to Roxy," he replied, topping up their cups. "But I am pleased to say we have one firm ally willing to provide the resources needed to contain the blood bank situation."
Simone perked up at the mention of the tainted blood. Finally an area where she had something to offer. "What about testing samples of the blood to determine the reason for Vlad's reaction? Will this ally have the resources to accomplish that?" she asked.
"You believe this is possible?" Dante countered.
Simone sighed. She should have known a world run on the technology of a vampyre operated telephone exchange may not be the most scientifically advanced. They needed twenty-first century human technology to accomplish such a feat. "Utterly possible if you can get me a sample and access to St. Bart's - I have privileges there and can use their labs."
"An intriguing proposition, love," Dante replied. "Should our ally fail to accomplish it, we may require your services."
Simone slightly melted hearing him call her 'love'. The way his rich voice pronounced it was like a gentle caress. "Your ally ... bloody hell, I feel ridiculous speaking like this - does this ally have a name? You are being rather cagey about this person's identity, which usually means you've slept with said ally and don't want to offend my delicate sensibilities."
"I have most definitely not slept with Horatio," Dante returned, his eyes dancing with amusement.
"Well, thank god for that," Simone shot back, relieved to finally get a straight answer. "Does Horatio have the skills to test the blood properly? I have my doubts about Vampyre techn
ology."
"Steady, love," Vlad cautioned. "We vamps have a few tricks up our sleeve in that department."
About to begin his usual rant about the empire needing to invest more in R&D before, heaven forbid, humans caught up, Dante intervened. "Horatio is human - so it shouldn't be a problem."
Human? Simone didn't know where to start - questions started firing through her synapses at record speed.
Dante took one look at her face and read her like a book. It was strange how naturally he could, even before he'd drank her blood his ability to connect to her was strong.
"Another time, Simone. I will answer your questions then," he said before she had a chance to get going.
She stood down. "What day .. or night ... is it? Damn, I have lost all sense of time since arriving here," she confessed sheepishly.
"It's Sunday night - which conveniently brings us to our next point of business," Dante decreed as if reading from an agenda. "How would you like to end your life, Dr. Radcliffe?"
"Bit on the blunt side, mate," Vlad laughed.
Simone sat frozen, unsure how to take what he'd said. "What do you mean 'end my life?’ I am perfectly happy with it as it stands, thank you very much," she nigh on screeched in reply.
"Vlad, the room please," Dante asked his friend nonchalantly. "Simone and I need a moment."
"Take as long as you need, brother. I have a few more calls to make."
Simone watched the giant Viking vampyre practically fly from the library. What on earth did Dante mean? she wondered, her heart fluttering in intrigue with a hint of fear.
"So, my beautiful Simone - here we are: answer time," Dante opened with, "shall I restate my question from yesterday?"
Simone nodded even though she remembered it clearly. He'd asked her to give him one hour to convince her she had no choice but to stay.
"Are you convinced?"
Convinced? He didn't seem to quite grasp the enormity of her answer. It would mean the end to life as she knew it. It would mean totally accepting the existence of the supernatural. It would mean entrusting her future to a creature she'd barely begun to understand.
