We round the corner at a main artery and I come to a halt causing Khai to eye me. It is breathtaking. The architecture, the soul, everything, it is awe-inspiring.
I gasp and let my eyes just wander around the vast sea of crumbling buildings.
He turns fully to me and cups my face turning me up to meet his eyes. “To have the honor to see this through your innocent eyes is indescribable.”
His voice and his words are so visceral, carnal even. I blush and stare at him in wonder. He can easily break me apart and leave me a hollowed shell if he walked away.
His eyes change, become darker. “I will never leave you.” He says the words staccato as if to make me believe his burning sincerity.
“How do—“ I begin to ask then just smile not caring to know how he completes my thoughts.
He grins wickedly, “Shall we continue our conquest to conquer the streets of Venice.”
“Lead the way, handsome.” I smile and take his fingers in mine.
He gives me a slight squeeze, “Come, there’s much to show you.”
His excitement is contagious, I find myself with a face splitting grin and a happy light heart. We stroll the streets amid the throngs of people doing the same exploration of the ancient streets.
We duck into several small art galleries and I stand to the side as Khai scrutinizes several pieces and buys a few for his collection. One a beautifully harrowing depiction of a young woman hiding herself from a dark storm advancing on her.
The sun is getting low on the horizon when it comes into view. The evening rays of amber and gold reflect off the ancient stained glass windows of Mark’s St Basilica. I’m frozen in place watching the colors dance and create shadows across the façade.
I can feel Khai’s gaze on the side of my face no doubt watching my reaction but I can’t tear my eyes away from this breathtaking mirage, it’s like a dream. The lines, the detail, the bones of this structure are all speaking to me at once. It’s overwhelming.
I feel the squeeze of my fingers and it breaks the trance, I look over, “It’s…” words fail me, nothing in my menial vocabulary could describe my emotions at this moment.
He tilts his head and smiles softly. “I know. But to see it through you is a thousand times more potent, Adonia. You amaze me.”
I grin. “Charmer. I bet you say that to all your girls and they all swoon too, right?”
He frowns. “I say that to no one, Adonia. Only you. Only ever you.”
I take the chance to learn a little more about Khai because honestly I know next to nothing and he has completely disarmed me.
“Have you ever been married? Tell me about you, Khai. I want to know everything.”
His frown deepens to a scowl and he scoffs, “No. I’ve never been married, Adonia. Trust me when I say I’ve never been a…” he pauses as if to search for the word, “relationship type of man.”
My heart plummets. What’s he saying? That there is no hope for us, that I should just give up now? My anxiety pulses and I can feel the beat of my heart slamming against my chest, constricted.
He leans closer and grips my chin tilting my head to meet his gaze. “Until now.” He adds fervently. “I don’t know where we go from here Adonia. I am just as new to this as you but I do know that my life will never be the same. Nothing makes sense to me anymore without you. I never want to let you go, I want you by my side—forever.”
I gasp. How can he feel like that about me after such a short time? How could he feel that way about me period? I am his polar opposite. Where he is commanding and larger than life I am meek and utterly ordinary. I’m so confused. It’s just too good to be true. This man can’t be meant for me. He is destined to be with another exotic person that mirrors his fire, someone that he can equally share his passion—someone as beautiful as him.
Then in one swift move he sweeps his mouth to mine, crushing our bodies together and wrecking my brain with an indecent kiss. When he pulls back he presses his forehead to mine, our breathing ragged.
And it’s that moment that my heart opens and my walls come down. But, I wonder if I ever even had a choice. Since the moment I laid eyes on him I think he’s owned me body, heart and soul. Completely.
We stand there staring at one another—he with a big wide smile stretched across his face and me a bit bewildered and slightly shocked.
After a few moments he says, “Shall we complete the tour so I can get you back and ravage you on every surface of our room?”
I melt a little under his burning gaze but nod and smile shyly. He grips my hand and begins to pull me toward the entrance of the Basilica.
Once inside I pale. The murals that adorn the ceiling, the walls, the floors, it’s just too much. I can’t wrap my mind around the exquisite detail. The myriad of tiles intricately patterned on the floor mesmerizes me. I’m befuddled with so many different emotions—awe, shock, love, and then veneration.
We walk slowly descending further into the halls. The sheer size of the space is intimidating. Not a surface is without marking. Paintings depicting angels and beauty cover every inch. Its so much more than I ever imagined, it’s mystical and breathtaking.
We tour the vast walls and Khai acts as my own tour guide offering up stories and historical facts about the church. His knowledge is disconcerting. He’s so accomplished and erudite.
Finally as the last remnants of the evening rays are disappearing behind the waterline we make our way out onto the streets and Khai anxiously walks us back to our hotel where I am sure he is going to positively blow my mind. And the thought has me clenching with anticipation.
Just as we enter the suite I notice a cart with a single silver domed dish atop. I glance over and he smiles.
“Please, eat. I have an international conference call in the hotel work suite. I shouldn’t be long.” He leans in and kisses me softly on the lips.
I can’t help the pang of sadness that erupts within. He never wants to share a meal with me and the thought is no less than devastating.
His eyes soften then his smile fades and he strokes my face once more and turns to disappear behind the door.
I sigh and walk over to the cart lifting the silver dish and turning for the balcony. The moon is casting white streaks across the canal. People are hovering on neighboring balconies, drinking wine and enjoying the views.
I am just finishing the last of the salmon having speared an asparagus when I hear the front door click shut. I bring my linen to my mouth and wipe as I turn in my chair. Khai is stalking toward me, violet eyes dark and stormy. I swallow hard and blink rapidly as I watch the lithe movements of his body as he crosses the room. My mouth goes dry and my heart is pounding relentlessly against my chest.
A carnal smile spreads across his face as he closes the last remaining space with three long strides and comes to a halt inches from my face.
“How was dinner?” he asks silkily.
“Go—od. Very tasty,” I whisper barely containing my moan of pleasure to his proximity.
He deftly swipes my hair behind my shoulders and runs his fingers over the sensitive skin around the nape of my neck.
I shiver.
He leans down and places his lips against the hollow of my throat and circles his tongue down along my collarbone. My frantic breathing is embarrassing but I can’t stop, he is making my blood sing in my veins. I feel as though every nerve ending in my body is alive with pulsing electricity.
The clenching of my abdominal muscles is apparent when he leans back and smiles. “I like to know that you want me as I want you, Adonia. It’s heady and raw the feeling you stir in me. I’m not used to having such irrational emotions but I long for it—your touch is like the eternal divine. All consuming.” He finishes in a breathless whisper against my neck.
My hands trail up his arms and curl into his hair as I pull his lips back to mine and show him how much I need him. He bends and without breaking the kiss lifts me in his arms and carries me to our bed.
Se
tting me on my feet he grips the hem of my dress and lifts it over my head letting it pool to the floor. His eyes rake over my body and darken as he trails over my breasts then hips and back up to my eyes.
“You are the most alluringly beautiful woman I have ever laid eyes on. You’re stunning.” His voice is husky and low.
I flush what feels like all over and he cups my face delivering another lascivious kiss. My body is practically convulsing with need. My legs quake and my arms suddenly feel like Jell-O. He grips the clasp of my bra and gently pushes the straps down my arms letting it join my dress on the floor. His tongue swipes over his lips and ends between his teeth in the most seductive gesture I’ve ever seen.
I realize he is still clothed and I reach for his shirt and he helps me pull it over his broad shoulders and I toss it onto the side chair then move to his belt pulling it open. In seconds his slacks fall loosely to the ground and he steps out of them then circles his arm around my waist and lowers me to the bed.
Slowly and deliciously he sinks into me and makes love to me until the sun breaks over the water.
CHAPTER NINE
KHAI
The argument between a man and his wife two floors down has me amused. His cajoling words make no purchase with her defiant mood. She is pissed and she’s not backing down, not this time. Apparently he was the resplendent one in the tryst I caught yesterday on our arrival.
It’s not the first time and it certainly won’t be the last. Fortunately she has finally realized it and has given him his walking papers. Humans, they are annoyingly oblivious and like a mouse to the cheese decide each time to snap their own necks.
I feel a slight tremor of a distant earthquake, the tectonic plates shift infinitesimally and the slight quake causes the hairs to ripple down my arms.
Slowly, I rise and cross the room to stand at the giant window. I can feel the imminent storm forging in the air. The pressure is building and I smell the rain with the surge of electricity shooting between the clouds.
I decide to take her to Santa Maria dei Miracoli, a church made entirely of marble. I watched as it was built in 1481. It took eight years and nearly one thousand workers to complete it. Marble was shipped in from France to adorn the entire inside. Even for me it was impressive to watch it come to fruition.
Then I catch the delectable heartbeat of a woman in the café next door. Her skin radiates the healthy state her organs are in. She is prime; her liver is rich and clean and the blood pumps freely and unbidden through her taut veins. My mouth waters and my throat burns.
I turn to Adonia who is sleeping soundly and I drift into her mind and see she is deeply entranced and will likely be down for at least another hour. I walk over and slide on my jeans then grab a new sweater from the closet as I slip my feet into my shoes.
I take the stairs to avoid the eyes of the staff and guests. Once outside I turn the corner and follow the senses that drive me. I see her through the window, she is drinking a detoxing tea and reading a local paper. As with any prey she detects my presence and I feel her heart pick up in pace and see the flush that colors her cheeks. Her breathing increases and I see her lips part as she gasps slightly before a small smile curves her lips.
She dips her head and regards me through her long lashes. I need to lure her from the inside. I take a seat at a side table beneath the portico. I pick up a discarded paper and pretend to skim the financials.
Minutes later her thoughts have turned erotic and determined. She thinks of how she is going to get me to her room and her fantasy has me taking her against the shower wall then moving to her bed.
I sigh. If she only knew how far apart our thoughts were. Mine were thrumming with the anticipation of draining her rich savory blood and feeling the tightening of my muscles when the liquid seeps in and strengthens every tendon.
I hear the shift of her chair as she pushes from the table and drops her money on the table. Her heels click over the tile of the café floor as she crosses the room and opens the door. The tiny bell affixed to the wood jingles as she passes through and lets it shift closed.
I look up and catch her eyes. She’s moving predatorily toward me and I suppress a laugh.
She appears to just drift by smiling and I lift my head tilting it slightly inviting her to join me.
She understands immediately and smiles wide. She stops just feet from my crossed legs and clutches her purse with both hands at the apex of her thighs.
I smile. “You are certainly a welcome sight on this dismal day. Though I’m sure you brighten many peoples day with your beauty.”
Her capillaries burst and bloom across her skin creating a bouquet of blush. I shift slightly because the burn just ripped up my throat causing my teeth to burst with ache.
I gesture for the chair across me and she shifts slightly before reaching for the metal back. I try and dismiss the thoughts filtering through her head. Lust and sex, two things that apart from Adonia have absolutely no appeal to me.
I try to distract her. “So, you can’t tell me that there is no lucky man sharing your company today.” I lean closer resting my hand on the table. “It’s just not possible.”
Her skin burst with a layer of rippled bumps causing her hairs to stand on end. Her heart is hammering in her chest and I can feel the strong flow of her femoral artery.
She smiles coyly. “There was a very lucky someone but he made the mistake of trying to own me now he joins the rest in the graveyard.”
I grin because I know she is speaking figuratively but she has no idea how close she is to the reality. Her bold confidence is beginning to irritate me.
I laugh mirthlessly. “Well, it sounds as though I should watch my step, perhaps backup and rethink my plan.”
She tilts her head. “And what would that be?”
I grin. “Oh, to make you fall helplessly in love with me, of course.”
She laughs but I hear the nervousness in her tone. She wants that too.
I shift into a more formal position signaling my intent to stand up. “What plans have you for the remainder of the afternoon?”
She pauses a beat then smiles. “Well, I was going to try and get some sun but,” she glances up at the ski and gestures with one hand, “it appears that will need to be stricken from the list.”
I nod. “Yes, well the sun can be very damaging,” I pause and lift a probing eyebrow asking for her name.
Her grin exposes her perfect white teeth. “Alissa.”
“Ah, a beautiful name for a beautiful lady.” I extend my hand and cup hers bringing it to my lips and brushing a kiss. “Khai. And it is all my pleasure, Alissa.”
She shakes her long dark hair around her face in a gesture meant for seduction. I stand and she shakily gets up on her feet.
“I was going to go back to my house and open a vintage bottle of Rose,” I thumb toward the alley adjacent to us. “It’s just around the corner. Would you like to join me?”
She smiles blindingly. “I’d love to, Khai. Thank you.”
I reach for her hand and lead her into the alley. Once we are out of eyeshot by passerby’s I pin her against the wall and crush my mouth to hers. She gasps surprised by my attack but elated. She kisses me with fervor and I suddenly feel the sting of shame erupt through my body. Its such a foreign feeling that it causes me to stumble back and wipe my mouth with the back of my sleeve.
She glares at me as if I’ve just slapped her face, shocked. I realize that my reaction is because of my feelings for Adonia. She has woven her magic around me and the empty space where my heart once was now overflows with…her.
She swings her hand toward my face but I easily grip her wrist and brace it against her chest trapping her against the wall. She gasps at my tight grip and inhales ready to scream.
I lean into her face. “I wouldn’t make a sound if I were you. It will only irritate me and trust me that is nothing you want to do.”
Her eyes shift from alarm to terror. She senses that there is something diff
erent about me, something sinister. I grip her other wrist and cross it against the other.
“It will be quick and you won’t have time to register the pain, just don’t fight me. If you do the sensation is a thousand times worse.”
She begins to strain against me trying to twist out of my grip. “What are you?” she whispers as tears streak her face.
“I’m someone that you shouldn’t have played with—fire if you will. I’m the danger that you buried beneath the lust when your senses told you to run.”
She gasps and before she can build the scream I clamp down on her neck humming as the blood radiates through my system. I can taste the healthy diet she follows rich in fish and fruits. It’s evocative and serves as the panacea I need.
Suddenly I sense the presence of someone just around the corner I jet us around the corner to an abandoned shed. The threat passes and I realize I have drained her dry. I drop her to the ground and place my hand over her chest, moments later I watch her ashes scatter across the cobbled stone and whip into the air. I stuff her clothes into a drainage grate and walk back toward the hotel.
I stop and pick up a croissant and coffee. As I step off the elevator I sense her thoughts and know she is awake. She’s worried and lonely wondering where I am and why I left.
I smile at the thought of her missing me then frown that I’ve caused her anxiety. I swipe my card and hear the electronic lock shift then slide from its metal groove back into the door. I pull the handle and open the door. When I walk in she’s sitting on the patio with a blanket draped around her shoulders. Her thoughts are melancholy and it makes me want to move heaven and earth to soothe her.
I stride across the room and announce my presence as not to scare her. “Good morning beautiful.” She jumps at my voice and turns to face me. Her eyes soften and a small smile forms on her lips.
The Last Vampyre Prophecy Page 10
