Romance with a Bite

by Tamsin Baker

  Roger ran fingers through his hair. “What about your parents?”

  Anna’s face saddened. “I should have stayed in contact with them. I’ll call them tomorrow to let them know I’m fine.”

  “You’re not going home?”

  “This is where I belong, my home.” Anna patted Claude’s arm. “Hopefully soon, I can become a permanent member of the family.”

  Roger shook his head. “I can’t believe…”

  “Please, be happy for me. Go home and find your own happiness.” She paused. “If you still love me, please don’t harm the resort and the special people here.”

  “Why not?”

  “They’re survivors of centuries of persecution, quietly living their lives and giving visitors an enjoyable holiday. Please don’t destroy this amazing place they’ve created by revealing the resort’s secret. If you do, you’ll be killing me and them.”

  Roger’s face paled. “I won’t say anything. For you.” His shoulders slumped. “Etienne, I apologise for everything. I thought…” His sad gaze landed on Anna.

  Etienne nodded. “I understand. Thierry and Chantelle will take you back to your bungalow and will collect the photos and video.”

  “But—”

  Etienne’s demeanour hardened. “It must be done.”

  “Fine.”

  “Try and enjoy the rest of your holiday. Maybe one day you can write a good review about our resort.”

  “Maybe. No one would believe me if I wrote anything else.” Roger kissed Anna’s cheek and she disappeared into the shadows with Claude.

  Thierry shook his head at Etienne and left with Chantelle and Roger.

  Amy’s body trembled, wanting to wrap her arms around Etienne. She didn’t—his rigid body and stern face tore strips into her heart. “I’m glad it all worked out. I was really worried.”

  “Thank you for your concern.”

  Enough of this. She stepped closer. “Eti, what’s wrong? You’re acting all strange.”

  “Am I?” His jaw tightened.

  Amy’s heart slowed. He’s like a stranger. She took a deep breath. Maybe if I… “What did Anna mean about becoming a member of the family? Can guests become permanent residents?”

  Etienne’s lips compressed into a thin line.

  He doesn’t want to tell me. Why? “Etienne?”

  “Yes.” He raised a hand and rubbed his brow. “Some guests have decided to stay.”

  “Really?” Hope, warm and bubbly, filtered through Amy. Could I stay?

  “It doesn’t happen often and it’s a long, complicated process.”

  “Why?”

  Etienne grimaced. “To make sure it’s the right decision for both parties.”

  Amy waited.

  “If a guest and vampire partner find they’re compatible, the human can stay and work in the resort. If they decide island living is not for them, they can leave—with certain memories removed or altered.”

  Her heart beat faster. “And if they decide living on an island with their lover is what they want?”

  “They can stay and remain as human.” His face darkened. “Or they can be turned by their vampire partner, after final approval from me.”

  Yes. Amy gasped, excitement zinging through her blood. I want to stay with Etienne. I want to wake up beside him.

  “Amy, what are you thinking?”

  She took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. “I was thinking that’s a great idea.”

  “What?”

  “Staying here. I love this place. In only six days, it’s more like home than Melbourne ever has been.” Amy caressed Etienne’s arm. “I want to spend the nights and days learning about you, your life and your family. I want to help grow this resort and make it more successful. And one day, I want you to make me like you are.”

  Etienne jerked. “Mon Dieu.”

  Amy shivered. I love his voice, his French accent. She took a deep, fortifying breath. I have to tell him. “Eti, I love you. Please let me stay.”

  He groaned, deeply and as if in pain. “No, Amy.” He lifted her hand away. “You love me after six days?” He grimaced. “Do you always fall in love this fast?”

  Amy stumbled, her legs shaking. “I thought…”

  “What?”

  “That we had something. That we could be together.”

  Etienne bowed his head for a moment. “You wanted forever?”

  She nodded slowly, her body heavy with sadness and utter rejection.

  Etienne stepped away, his face haggard. “Don’t ask for something I can’t give, something that you’d regret.” He raised his hands in front of him, a barrier between them. “Forever is a curse.”

  “I’d never regret being with you.”

  He pulled himself upright. “Amy, you need to go home. Get back to your normal life, working, going out with friends, going to your regular doctor check-ups.”

  “I could do all that here.”

  His face darkened. “No. Our hospital and resident doctor couldn’t care for you. You need to leave.”

  Pain speared into her heart, his words like small daggers puncturing her dreams. “You’re rejecting me because of my cancer battle.”

  “No.”

  Amy couldn’t breathe. “So this was all about sex?”

  His hands fisted at his side.

  The lump in her throat grew, choking the words she had to say. “Because I remind you of your wife.”

  “No.” Etienne’s face paled. “You could never be like her.” He stepped back, one step then another. “I don’t…” His stare hungry, despondent, troubled. “I can’t.” He spun around and marched away.

  Amy pressed a shaking hand to her mouth. There goes my dream lover. She swayed on her feet. How could I be so wrong? Tears tumbled down her cheeks. He doesn’t love me. He never loved me.

  Stupid woman. A sob escaped and echoed around the park. I’m nothing but a holiday fling to him. Amy wiped her eyes, took a deep breath, and ran back to her bungalow.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Amy rested on her deck lounge chair and sipped her cool, sweet mocktail. My last night here, alone. Without Etienne. The star –speckled night sky blended on the horizon with the dark, choppy sea. She inhaled the balmy, salt-tinged air. In and out. In and out. Her breathing matched the rhythmic pounding of foam topped waves onto the sandy shore. You’ll get over it. You can do it. You’ve survived worse.

  Amy’s heart beat slowly, sorrowed, pained. He doesn’t want me. She closed her eyes for a moment, and memorised the tropical night sounds. Get used to this. Alone, finding comfort in my surroundings. I’ll be doing this once I’m back in Melbourne.

  A lump formed in her throat and her eyes blurred with tears. Again. Stop it. He made it clear. Etienne doesn’t want me. It was only an infatuation on my part.

  She lifted the mocktail glass with a shaking hand and swallowed the sweet liquid. Remember this time as a great holiday and nothing more. Forget the rest. Her stomach churned. Or will I remember anything at all once they do whatever they do to the guests?

  Amy sighed. I won’t regret coming here, no matter what’s happened. No matter what they do to my memories. I’ll remember, my heart won’t forget.

  Chills ran over her skin and she sat up. A shadowed figure stood near some palms. She knew in an instant. “Etienne.”

  The moonlight beamed onto his striking body and handsome face. The next moment, he stood before her.

  Amy stood, her legs weak and shaking. She tilted forward. He steadied her, then brought her close.

  “Eti.”

  He raised a hand to cup her face. “I had to see you one last time.”

  “Why?” She paused, her heart pierced with pain. “I thought you said enough a few hours ago.”

  “Yes.” Etienne’s thumb caressed her cheek, then traced her lips. “I needed to say goodbye.”

  Amy’s vision wavered. Don’t cry. “To cause me more pain.”

  “I’m sorry.” His face crumbled, darkened. His ga
ze swirled with sadness and steely determination. “Meeting you was a pleasure I’ll cherish. I hope you enjoyed your stay.”

  I can do this. He can’t see how devastated I am. “I did. It’s been one of my best holidays.” He can’t know how much I love him. How hard it will be to leave.

  Etienne’s mouth lifted in a tight smile. “I’m glad.” He lifted his hands to play with her curls. “I’ll never forget you. Or our time together.” He hesitated. “All good things must end.”

  “I know. I leave in the morning.”

  “Yes. And you must forget.”

  “What?”

  “My darling Amy. I say this now as you won’t remember in a few moments.” Etienne hugged her close and stared into her eyes. “I love you.” He kissed her cheek. “I will love you until the day you die and even more in the centuries I continue to live after you’re gone.” He covered her mouth with his, his lips hard, demanding, desperate, kissing her with a fevered, pulsing intensity. His fingers tangled in her hair, massaged her scalp, kept her close.

  Etienne raised his head, pressed his lips to hers for one final time. “Goodbye, my beloved.”

  The whispered words cooled Amy’s swollen, wet lips. His hands cupped her cheeks. She frowned, her stomach churning. What’s wrong with his eyes? Colourful swirls hypnotized, called to her. Her senses dimmed. Her heartbeat raced. Fear and longing entwined and sped through her. What’s happening? What’s…

  Amy shivered, blinked away the daydream. What was I saying? She swayed and strong hands held her tight.

  “Miss?”

  The handsome man stood on her bungalow deck. “Y…yes.” The almost empty glass glinted in the moonlight. Maybe I’ve had too many tonight. She paused. I don’t drink alcohol. “Sorry, what were you saying?” He’s gorgeous. Is he a staff member?

  The man dropped his hands from her and stepped away. “I was asking if you’d enjoyed your holiday.” His face seemed sad.

  Amy smiled. “Yes, I did. It was fabulous.” She gestured behind her. “My bungalow, the food, the service you and your team provided were all wonderful.” A sharp tinge of regret and longing speared into her chest. She sighed. Why? She shook her head and forced it away. “I’ll definitely recommend this place to all my friends.”

  “Thank you.” The man bowed. “Goodbye.” He walked away, then spun around, his face tense, sad, hungry. “Farewell, my lady. May your life be healthy and your love everlasting.”

  Amy’s heart stuttered. His face, his words. “Thank…thank you.” How lovely. “Goodbye.”

  The man marched away, his broad back and tight arse moving hypnotically in the moonlight. A twinge speared into her brain. Ouch. She massaged her brow. Heat flushed through her body. Damn, he’s hot. Shame I didn’t meet him earlier and have a good time with him. Her heart jumped, part regret and part shock. As if she should remember something. Amy shook her head, picked up the glass and headed inside her bungalow. Too much sugar in my system.

  She went to the ensuite and splashed water on her face. The mirror showed flushed cheeks and glazed eyes. Her lips, swollen and red. What the hell? I hope I’m not coming down with something. Her skin hot, yet clammy. Or am I having an allergic reaction?

  Amy exited the ensuite and went to the bar fridge. She took a bottle of water and drank half of it. She walked around the room and through the doorway to the outside deck. Searching for something. Waiting for someone. She shook her head and drank more water. Stop imagining something so ridiculous.

  Amy checked her bungalow one last time, closed the door, and headed down the path towards the reception building.

  She lifted her face to the warm morning sun, inhaling the damp, tropical tinged air. Such a gorgeous day. Birds called from the overhead palms, smiling staff and fellow guests spoke to her along the way. I’ll never forget this wonderful holiday. It was what I needed. Shame I didn’t take enough photos.

  The majestic mountain peak in the distance made her stop in her tracks. Her brow furrowed, her brain fumbling with a jumbled, faint thought. Something I should remember but can’t. Something very important, but missing. Something so close, but… She shook her head. Stop being silly.

  Amy’s breath hitched as she headed past a park area. Her pulse raced. Why? The area was empty, staff going along the paths on errands and guests headed to the boat.

  She gasped. A cloaked figure stood in a clump of palms, head bowed. He watched her with an intensity she could almost feel. How do I know it’s a he?

  Amy blinked. What? The figure was gone. She blinked a few times. She shook her head. I hope Olivia is waiting for me at the reception area.

  Amy took a deep breath, warmth and contentment swirling through her. Such an amazing place. I’ll never forget this.

  Etienne kept to the shadows as Amy walked away. Out of my life forever. His shoulders slumped. I should have left her alone, let her experience the special resort benefits other guests had, just like her friend. But I was lost the moment I tasted her lips. I’d have killed anyone who touched her. She was mine. Now she’s left me. His gut hollowed out in agony.

  He reached for her, then jerked back, hissing in pain as his fingertips smoked from the sun’s touch. What the hell am I doing here?

  Etienne wrapped the cloak tight around himself and ran through the shadows to his mountain retreat. Once in the tunnel, he threw off the cloak and marched to his study. He slumped into his chair and checked the monitors. I found her.

  Amy stood at the reception desk with Olivia, laughing with staff as she signed paperwork. She stepped back for Olivia to do the same. Amy’s shoulders dropped and her smile faded.

  Etienne traced his fingers across her face on the screen. Sadness and despair swamped him and his dead, cold heart shrivelled more. Goodbye, my love.

  Olivia spoke to Amy. She appeared to take a deep breath, then looked around a final time before heading out a door to the boat dock.

  Another monitor showed the women heading down to the dock and boarding the boat. Black smoke shot from the main funnel and the vessel floated away from the dock.

  Amy appeared on the boat deck, staring at the island. Her face looked pale and sad. She lifted a hand and brushed it against her cheeks. Her lips pressed together and she bowed her head for a moment.

  Is she crying? Etienne’s hands fisted in his lap. She should be happy, remembering all the fun she’s had. What does she remember? He jumped to his feet and paced across the study. Does she remember me? Did my mind-suggestion not work? He slammed to a stop. No, it worked. I saw that last night and this morning. She doesn’t remember. His jaw clenched. For her own sanity, she can’t remember what happened here.

  The boat got smaller and smaller, until it disappeared from view. Taking his love away forever.

  A beautiful woman with a beautiful soul. One that needed to live in the light, to be healthy and grow old, have children and see them grow up and have children of their own. He couldn’t ask her to stay, couldn’t ask her to give up her life for him.

  Thierry entered the room. “She’s gone.”

  “I know.” Etienne slumped into a chair and covered his face with his hands. “It was for the best.”

  Thierry squeezed his shoulder. “I’m sorry for bringing her here. For opening old wounds. I thought… I wanted you to find someone, your true mate.” He sighed. “Not like Marie.”

  “Amy’s nothing like her.” He growled. “I love Amy, with every cell of this soulless body.”

  Thierry scowled. “Then why did you let her go? Let her think you don’t love her.” He stepped away. “You rejected her and broke her heart. I never thought you cruel.”

  “I had to.” Etienne stood and paced the room. “She had to leave. She’s sick.” He slammed a hand onto the desk. “Her cancer has returned.”

  Thierry stiffened. “Does she know?”

  “I doubt it. It’s early stage.”

  “How did…?”

  Etienne ran fingers through his hair. “From her blood.”
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  Her cancer was back and Amy had another battle on her agenda. He couldn’t ask her to stop that course of action, when he couldn’t—wouldn’t offer—an alternative to stay with him forever. Not when there was a chance that the mating ritual could drive her insane, like it did with Marie.

  “I’m sorry, my friend. She’s your mate and you had to let her go.”

  Etienne nodded, the movement painful. “I had to. She’ll need medical care and can’t get that here. And I wouldn’t ask her to stay with me and face death. I couldn’t do that to her.”

  “And when she’s well again?”

  He shrugged. “She’ll get on with her life. She’ll find a man—a human man—to love and will have a wonderful life.”

  Thierry sat down, sadness radiating from him. “You’ll feel every emotion she goes through, without ever seeing her or holding her again. You’ll be here, going through that pain every day.” He bowed his head. “You’ll love her from afar, and she won’t even know you exist.”

  Etienne bowed his head. “Yes.”

  “I’m very sorry, my friend.”

  “C’est la vie.” Etienne sighed. “At least, Amy will have one now.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Amy sat in a recliner in a room dotted with recliners and beds, all filled with people here for the same reason she was.

  I didn’t expect to be back again.

  A machine on her right beeped intermittently, next to it a tall metal pole holding a half-full bag of clear fluid. A thin tube connected to the bag dropped down to her arm laid out flat and cushioned on a pillow.

  The constant drip-drip of the clear fluid through a connection piece fed a needle dug deep into a vein. The drug doing its job to kill any cancer cells.

  Amy sighed and brushed fingers over her arm, thinner and more pale skinned than before. The holiday on ‘Isle Ambroise’ seems so long ago.

  Amy closed her eyes. She’d been happy to arrive home to her parents and siblings, yet also sad and tired. She’d jumped back into her normal routine, work and home life, with bouts of sadness and regret hitting at unusual times and with no reason.