by Tamsin Baker
A woman entered and bowed. “My Lord, I’ve finished the cleaning.” Her glance landed on his wine glass, then skittered away. “Do you need me for anything else?”
“No. Thank you Linda.”
She bowed again.
Thierry entered the room. “Linda, how are you?” His right brow lifted.
“Good.” Her head moved in a quick side-to-side motion. “See you soon.”
Thierry grimaced and stood with fisted hands on his hips. “You didn’t rest again, did you?”
“I’m fine.”
“No, you’re not. You haven’t been for a long time.”
“Don’t start.” Etienne frowned. “Anything you have to tell me?”
Thierry dropped onto a couch. “I thought you didn’t want to know what I did with the guests. If you want to know—this lady is quite delectable and very adventurous.” Thierry paused. “What’s wrong?”
“I met her.”
“Good. She didn’t accept any other advances.” He studied Etienne. “She seemed more interested in going to the beach. I’d hoped…”
Etienne stiffened. “For what?”
“That the one she was searching for was you.”
“Impossible.” Etienne raised the glass and savoured the liquid coursing down his throat and into every cell of his ages-old body.
He placed the glass on a side table and speared Thierry with a fiery glare. “Who authorised her entry?” He gestured to a nearby computer screen. “Her medical records clearly outlined her history and her unsuitability.”
“For others, maybe. Not for you.” Thierry sat up straight. “I authorised it.”
Etienne’s jaw clenched. “Explain yourself.”
“You’re the strongest. You can handle anything, even her tainted blood.”
He shook his head. “You wasted an opportunity for the others, to procure someone only for me.”
“Yes, I’m worried about you. You live like a hermit.”
“I’m hardly slumming it. And I’m busy.”
“You’re always busy. When we were a few, we did whatever was required to survive. And we did survive—and flourish—thanks to you. Now, the family has grown and we have staff to help with the resort. Use them.”
“I do.”
“Bullshit.” Thierry growled. “You’re not feeding enough.”
“I don’t starve.” He raised the nearly empty wine glass.
“Really? You don’t partake in the resort guests.” Thierry stood and paced the room. “Or even the human staff. Why do you think Linda was here—to dust the furniture?”
“Yes.” Etienne shrugged. Years ago, he fed from the guests or staff his family procured for him. It was done quickly and without appetite or physical involvement. Now, he didn’t bother.
“How long do you think we can smuggle in blood supplies from the mainland? What if Tom’s work at the blood bank is discovered?” Thierry shuddered. “It’s not even fresh or warm.”
“It’s enough for me.”
“You need more.” Thierry turned to the monitor and Amy’s image. “You deserve better.”
“We’ve had this discussion before. If you’re worried about Tom, get the necessary equipment for the island hospital. Get Linda and the other donors offered to me to instead fill blood bags.” Etienne stood and marched around. “They perform the task they want, I get what I need, and the threat of discovery is removed. And Andy gets to do something other than dealing with over-indulgent guests or minor accidents.” He paused. “Thank you for your concern.”
“That’s the woman I’m sampling. Her friend, Olivia.” On the screen, Amy left the dining area with Olivia, both disappearing from view down the path, only to reappear on another monitor.
He glanced at Etienne, then back at the screen. “Amy looks like Marie.”
“Don’t.” Fury flared within Etienne. He fisted his hands. “Leave me.”
Thierry bowed his head. “I’m sorry if I’ve offended you, my Lord.”
He glared. “I told you not to call me that the day I sired you. You know how much it pisses me off.”
“I apologise, my friend—for my questions and my actions in bringing the woman, Amy, here.”
“Don’t worry.” Etienne shrugged. “I’ll deal with her.” And how she makes me feel.
“I’ll always worry. It’s by my stupidity that your life was ruined and you lost her.” Thierry pointed to his damaged face. “I deserved this. It reminds me every day of my guilt.”
“Guilt?” Etienne frowned. “For what?”
“For bringing the mob back to your chateau.”
“Thierry, that wasn’t your fault. They’d been observing us for weeks because of her actions. If Marie had been more careful—but that wasn’t her. For all her beauty, she had faults. Greed, pride—and that’s what led to our downfall and her death.”
He moved to Thierry. “I thank each day that you saved my life and tried to save Marie.”
“I failed. The fire was too great, and the house was falling in around us.”
Etienne rubbed his skull. “I have the scar from the beam that knocked me unconscious.” He clasped Thierry’s shoulder. “After all this time, you tell me this. You are my brother, my right hand man. You show your loyalty every day to me. Wear that scar with pride, not guilt.” He gently shook his friend’s shoulder. “I’ll not hear anything more about the past.”
“If you say so.” Thierry exited the room.
I should be working. Etienne dropped into his chair. Or resting. He found Amy on the screen. Is she thinking about me as I am about her?
“Amy.” A beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Her face appeared in his mind. His body tightened. Her touch, her smell, her taste as he kissed her swamped his memory. Will I see her tonight? He groaned. Will she let me into her bed?
Etienne’s hands shook. He stood and paced the room. I’ll go insane if I don’t have her tonight.
He stopped at the computer screen with her open file. All guests chosen by special ballot were screened thoroughly before selection. Health, background, scandals—any possible repercussions that could affect the resort and his family—were all carefully investigated.
Those permitted on the island spent their days enjoying the various luxuries provided, and their nights providing sustenance and sexual gratification for his family. A good trade of services between human and vampire—the sole reason for the island’s existence. To the outside world, it was an exclusive singles resort.
A blackout on all technology and vampire amnesia-mind-manipulation during the last night sexual feast, kept their secret safe. For now, and hopefully for many more centuries to come.
Etienne traced the photo on the screen. She does resemble Marie. Is that why I’ve reacted this way? He paced the room. I can’t lose control, let my hunger loose. Like I’d done before. Like Marie.
His mind flashed back to Paris in the late eighteenth century. To the hundreds of bodies littering the streets, the screams of the dying. The humans had called it the ‘plague,’ spread by rodents. Not far from the truth. They were the vermin that hunted mankind for food, discarding the blood-drained, puncture-scarred bodies without concern or care. Marie’s frenzied feeding had woken him to their cruelty, but it had been too late. They’d been discovered and justice had been meted out for their crimes.
Etienne rubbed his eyes and focused on one of the screens. Amy exited her bungalow in running gear and set off on a run, weaving through the resort paths. A tempting woman marooned on his island for the next six days.
She’s not Marie. Amy seemed unsure, timid—was it because of her health—until he kissed her. Then her fiery hunger revealed itself. Is she like Marie? Hiding her true self, beguiling him until it was too late?
I can’t stay away from her. Etienne rubbed his brow. I want. I hunger. He instantly found Amy on the screen. I won’t bite her. I can’t let that happen—for both our sakes.
He clenched his fists to his side. I won’t let history r
epeat itself.
CHAPTER FOUR
Amy sat in the dining area, the usually delicious food tasting like bland porridge—she hated porridge. And I hate waiting. Many staff entered the area or walked past on the resort paths. None were the man she wanted.
Where is he? She’d spent the day hoping, but somehow knowing she wouldn’t find Etienne. Now it was night and he still hadn’t appeared. Where did he work at the resort? Was he working tonight? Why isn’t he here?
“I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”
Olivia fidgeted in her seat, her dinner plate still full. She’s feeling it too. “Is Thierry coming tonight?”
“Maybe.” She shrugged, her over-bright smile fading. “I hope he will. I don’t want to be with anyone else.” She dropped her hands to her lap. “What if he’s moved on to another woman?”
Amy held her friend’s hand. “He wouldn’t dare.”
“I don’t know what I’ll do if he has.” Olivia bit her lip. “Crazy, isn’t it. I’m usually the love-em-and-leave-em type.” She sighed. “One night with him and I’m a goner.”
“He’ll be here soon. And so will Etienne.”
Music filled the air and the show began. The same band played different music than the previous evening. The dancers were new—more vibrant and energetic—with the same trance-like, sexual haze radiating from them to envelop the audience. People partnered up as they did the night before—most with different partners. Everyone appeared to have sex on their minds.
Has Etienne chosen someone else? Amy’s throat closed up.
“He’s here.” Relief and happiness filled Olivia’s face. “Thierry.”
Amy smiled. I’m happy for her.
Thierry marched through the crowded dining area, his intense focus on Olivia.
Etienne wasn’t coming. Her heart sank. I’ll be alone tonight.
“Ladies, good evening.” He lifted Olivia’s hand to his lips. “Olivia, will you spend the night with me?”
“Yes.” Olivia jumped to her feet. “Amy, remember your promise.”
“I will.” If he turns up.
“Don’t hurt him.” Thierry looked towards the beach then glared at her. “Or you’ll deal with me.”
Amy blinked, shock coursing through her. I’m hallucinating. For a moment, Thierry’s face had transformed into something horrifying. Something not human. “I won’t.”
He nodded. Thierry aimed a rakish grin at Olivia “Shall we go?” He led Olivia away.
Amy left the dining area and ran to the beach. She sucked in deep breaths and squinted through the darkness. Where is he? The zing pinging through her body fizzed away. He doesn’t want me.
The mountain range reared up above the canopy of palm trees. Is he there? A despair shroud covered her and her shoulders slumped. No, Thierry thought he’d be here. Tears filled her eyes. Face it, you missed your opportunity. She brushed a tear away. You have no one else to blame.
Amy sighed. It’s too late. She turned away from the mountains—from the memories of how they’d met—and plodded towards her bungalow. One foot in front of the other, the tropical night’s sounds enveloping her. Mocking her. Alone, always alone.
He was there, standing in the shadows.
Amy trembled, flooded by waves of relief. “H…hello.”
The moonlight beamed onto Etienne’s intense face. He closed the distance between them, lifted a hand to caress her cheek and covered her mouth with his. His lips first gentle, then firm. His hands touching, teasing, pulling her close until their bodies melted into one.
Her blood sizzled, her body ached with want as he rocked against her. Don’t stop.
Etienne slowly lifted his head, his grey fiery gaze roaming her face as if seeing her for the first time. His plump, wet lips lifted into a wide, sexy smile. “Hello.”
A puff of breath escaped her. “That’s one hell of a greeting.”
“I’m glad you liked it.”
Amy caressed his jaw, her fingers scratched by the dark stubble covering his skin. He’s like a pirate. A dark, sexy French prince. And he’s mine—for tonight, at least. “I didn’t think you’d come.”
“My apologies.” He kissed her brow. “I got caught up with work and didn’t realise the time.”
His lips branded her. I want his mouth all over me. “What do you do?”
Etienne hesitated a moment. “Any job required.”
“You’re the handy-man?”
“Something like that.” He cuddled her close and faced them to the sea. Dark blue waves trimmed with silvery white foam crashed onto the shore, the night sky filled with a multitude of sparkling stars around the full moon. “I love the night.” The symphony of rhythmic crashing waves and the cool breeze rustling palm fronds surrounded them.
“It’s wonderful.” Amy sighed, not for the tropical setting but the man behind her. She snuggled in his arms, against his cool, hard body. Bliss.
“It’s better from the cliffs.”
“Where you threw yourself off?”
He chuckled, the sound tugging deep inside her.
“Do you go there often?”
“I live nearby.”
“How long have you been here?”
“Forever.” He pushed her head to one side and kissed her neck. Licked it. “You taste…” He pressed firm, sucked. “I should stop.” His teeth scrapped across her skin. “Tell me to stop.”
“No.” Amy couldn’t breathe. Her legs buckled. “I want…”
“Tell me.” His gravelly voice near her ear zinged shivers from her breasts to her pussy.
“I want you.” She spun around and traced a finger over his lips. “Come to my bungalow.”
Etienne smiled. “Lead the way.”
They ran to the bungalow and stopped on the deck. Amy’s heart raced, her breathing loud. Etienne stood, watching her chest rise with every breath, his hands fisted by his side. Amy opened the doors and entered.
He stopped on the threshold, his brow furrowed. “Are you going to invite me in?” His mouth hitched up on one side. “What do they say, for a drink?”
“Please, come in.” Amy’s heart thumped against her rib cage. “But I don’t drink.” She pulled him through the door. “Make love to me.”
“No.”
Cold piercing shock coursed through her veins. “What?”
“We won’t make love.” His hard body slammed into hers. “I’ll take you until you can’t tell where your body ends and mine begins.” His fingers clasped her hips, then trailed to her backside. “I’ll possess you until you’re begging for release.” He grabbed her arse and pushed her into his hard cock. “Then in the next breath, you’ll be begging for more.”
Amy’s choppy breathing sounded between them. “You’re very confident, aren’t you?”
“Yes.” He caressed her cheek. “When I know what I want.” He danced his hips against hers, his cock nestling against her stomach and mound.
Fireworks exploded inside her. “And that is?”
“You.”
He pushed her backwards until she was sandwiched between a wall and his hard, aroused body.
“We’re going to fuck until your body cries for me. Until you’re screaming my name and begging for more.”
She gasped. “Yes.”
His kiss was whisper-soft, yet demanding. “You won’t care that I’m not ‘loving’ you.”
His lips traced a line from her lips, across her jaw and to her neck. He licked her skin, nipped at her flesh with his teeth.
“Yes.” The pain ricocheted down to her wet pussy needing to be filled by his cock. “I want you to fuck me into tomorrow.”
“Strong words for such a delicate flower.”
“I’m not delicate. Not anymore.” She unbuttoned his shirt and spread her hands over his chest. “I have an insatiable desire—for you.”
“Bien.” Etienne took her mouth time and time again. His fingers kneaded her backside, pushed her against his heavy cock. “I’m going to have you man
y ways before dawn arrives.”
Amy led him to stand beside the bed. “Let’s get started.” She pushed the shirt from his shoulders and traced her hands over his muscles. I want this so much. Tweaked his nipples and kissed his skin. Traced his scar with her tongue. I want him.
Etienne raised his hands. She shook her head and pushed him down on the bed. “Let me touch you.” Amy straddled his hips and paused. “Are you okay with this?”
He moved his head to view his prone state. “Probably a bit late to ask now.” His wide smile showed white, long teeth. “Oui, I like your touch. Watching you while you do it.” He held her hand and shifted it lower.
Amy slid her hand down his torso to his jeans, cupped his hard, long cock through the material. Etienne’s stomach muscles visibly trembled and his hands fisted into the bedcovers.
She slowly unzipped the pants to reveal dark, hair-covered skin. She wrapped her hand around his warm cock. Her breath quickened in time with her exploring fingers.
Etienne groaned. “Oui.” He rocked in her hand and closed his eyes as he lifted his hips off the bed. “Don’t stop.” His lids opened, his usual grey eyes now fire red-orange, scorching her.
Amy gasped and snatched her hand back. He blinked and his eyes were again grey. Did I imagine that?
“Are you all right?” The ferocious intensity in his face sent shivers through her.
“Y…yes.” Amy tapped his hips. “Lift up.” She removed his jeans, clasped his cock again and stroked the smooth flesh, watching Etienne’s body spasm.
Amy bowed her head, licked her lips and took him into her mouth. Etienne jack-knifed off the mattress and she placed a hand on his chest and pushed him back.
Etienne rested his elbows on the bed, gazing at his cock moving in and out of her mouth. He moaned. “I’ve never…” He flexed his hips, placed a hand on her head and guided her. “Yes.”
Amy licked and sucked, her body heating as Etienne’s face darkened. His teeth clenched and his body shook.
