Romance with a Bite

by Tamsin Baker

  The turn of events had robbed her of any desire to be friendly and sociable, but she had a job to do. She scanned the room for someone who looked like they mightn’t demand too much from her. Would be happy to just sit and be in the company of a ‘vampire’.

  There. In the far back corner. Sitting alone. Oh yes, now that she was selectively looking, how could she not notice the compelling eyes that had honed-in on her. He was interested enough to look at her but didn’t favor her with a smile. Aloof.

  Sexy.

  He’d do. He’d more than do. Plenty of good-looking men and women came to Eternel. It had become somewhat of a hangout for the beautiful people. The elite. But it wasn’t often someone actually attracted her, and it was more than just the perfectly proportioned face and body-hugging black jacket with its open-necked, crisp white shirt. If she was into New Age hocus pocus, she’d say he had a magnetic aura. Intriguing.

  Katrine wove her way between tables and sofas, between vampires and humans, and pushed aside the flicker of fear that the Inspector had ignited. The mystery man in the corner was just the distraction she needed.

  He was even more delicious up close. She was a sucker for brushed back James Dean hair and what woman wouldn’t get a little damp and tingly from the direct stare of those ink blue eyes.

  Playing vampire had become nature and no one ever questioned her authenticity. But a vague sense of disquiet snaked up her spine.

  ‘I’m glad you could join me.’

  She wasn’t surprised that his voice was as warm and smooth as the whiskey in his glass.

  He stood and pulled out her chair. A rare, gentlemanly gesture.

  ‘I’m Lucien. And I know you’re Katrine.’

  She hadn’t performed yet, hadn’t been introduced to the audience, so he’d been here before. How had she not noticed? He had a presence, as well as the striking looks that commanded attention and Katrine was more than aware of a few envious glances from some nearby women.

  ‘Well you obviously know a little bit about me then, so I’m at a disadvantage.’

  ‘I’m Parisian born and bred. Have never ventured too far from the city. I know little about popular culture, and a lot about French history.’

  She liked that he hadn’t just listed personal achievements to try an impress her. And that he loved Paris.

  ‘I can’t imagine feeling the same way about another city. But perhaps that’s because I haven’t been anywhere else yet.

  ‘Paris is my heart.’ He smiled and for a moment Katrine thought he was going to laugh.

  Her infrequent hook-ups were focused on things other than stimulating conversation, and here it was refreshing to talk about something other than being a vampire. But must have a fascination of some sort, otherwise why be here? The subtlety of his interest intrigued her.

  He picked up his glass and a ring on his little finger clinked against the crystal. A patterned gold ring with a square blue stone. Very similar to the clan ring Lisette and all the women wore with red stones. Many die-hard patrons wore similar. Copies that didn’t have the same, distinct pattern, nor the look of age of Lucien’s ring.

  He looked at her, head slightly tilted and the strangest ripple of something skittered through her body, as if a cool finger had stroked her from toe to the top of her head.

  ‘I’m looking forward to watching you dance again. You tell a very moving story.’ He paused to sip his drink. ‘Very convincing.’

  Katrine pressed herself back against the chair, cold fingers squeezed her stomach. Surely not just an innocent comment. He couldn’t know.

  ‘Thank you.’ Keep it simple.

  The feeling dissipated as quickly as it had manifested, and she concentrated on enjoying the company of such a hot, and slightly inscrutable man.

  ‘Your partner has quite a following.’ Lucien inclined his head to the sofa where Luis was holding court to a gaggle of young women.

  Good. He was changing the subject. ‘He certainly does. He plays the part well. Apparently women find the idea of a male vampire very alluring.’

  ‘And you don’t?’

  ‘Luis is totally adorable and his persona very seductive, but that’s an act. My only knowledge of male vampires is far from attractive.’

  ‘But surely it wasn’t only the males who killed, back in the day when they still did that?’

  Of course he was right. Before the contagion wiped out the male of the species, vampire killings were a terrifying yet accepted part of life and little could have been done to prevent it. Her mother’s killing had been an isolated incident. Until now. Now the perpetrator could only have been a female.

  ‘Very true. Vampire history is violent, but thankfully it’s far enough in the past now that we can have a bit of fun with it without bringing up memories for anyone.’

  ‘Did you ever think you’d see the day when you could all live openly like this?’

  ‘I don’t think anyone could have foreseen it.’ Speaking in generalities still answered the question and didn’t require a lie. ‘It took a lot of trust on both sides.’

  ‘Do you think there is still fear?’

  Apart from the seductive pull of his ice blue eyes and the perfect planes of his face, this conversation had its own seduction. Intelligent discourse was such a rarity here.

  ‘Not openly, or even consciously, but I suspect a kernel of distrust may linger in many people’s hearts.’

  She reluctantly glanced at the slim watch on her wrist.

  ‘You’re leaving me already?’ This time he graced her with a slight lift of the corners of his mouth.

  ‘I am.’ She stood, already anticipating when they could rekindle this conversation. ‘For a little while. But perhaps we can talk more later. Privately.’

  Lucien leaned back in his seat. The hint of a smile finally flourished into the real thing. ‘I would like that. Very much.’

  ***

  He followed her progress through the room to the exit beside the bar. A few patrons greeted her as she passed. Her own group of admirers, yet she’d promised him private time after her performance. Anticipation fizzed in his belly at the thought.

  Strange, he mused, that now that he’d decided his own fate, his remaining time took on more meaning, more excitement. Perhaps knowing one’s end was in sight freed the mind and heart to simply enjoy.

  Such peace flowed over him, peace he’d not felt since before his turning. Why had he not come to this decision once he remained the sole male, and saved himself a century of heartache? Had the human will to live remained so strong in him?

  Immortality had little going for it when the endless nights were only filled with loneliness and longing for friends and loves lost.

  It might not quite be his last night yet. The mysterious Katrine might keep him tethered to this existence a little longer, but she’d already made it one of his most memorable. And the night was far from over.

  The full room ensured his secluded position was ignored by the other Eternel women and Lucien’s thoughts stayed with Katrine, wondering whether hers were only on her performance preparation.

  Sooner than he’d expected, Lisette was announcing Luis and Katrine, the already dim lights darkened completely, and a spotlight illuminated Katrine on the small stage.

  Last night he’d watched a dance performance. Tonight he knew a little more about the woman in the spotlight. Knew that she was even more beautiful up close and that he craved to touch her naturally pale skin and feel its softness, and its warmth. He wanted to feel the pulse of her blood beneath his fingers and beneath his body.

  But he also wanted to hear her laugh, or whisper, or even hear sadness in her voice. To feel the brush of her breath over his skin as they lay talking quietly.

  He missed such small intimacies.

  ***

  Katrine’s body ebbed and flowed with the music. The nuances of the story showed through her eyes, the tilt of her head, a detailed movement of her hand. He was no dance connoisseur but he knew art
istry when he saw it. A sensual woman who showed what she felt through her body. And not just on the stage he suspected.

  That he knew her secret, that her dance story was more truth than people knew, gave Lucien a sense of connection. He didn’t doubt for a moment that she’d come back to talk to him again. Privately, she’d said.

  Usually he ensured his private time with women was not prolonged or anything other than physical. While it went against his human nature to be distant and brief in physical interactions, anything else would have risked exposure. And whatever consequences that would have brought.

  But with the decision made to be done with this empty existence and consequences no longer mattered. Maybe fate had brought two people with secrets together for a purpose.

  Lucien and the room continued to watch Katrine and Luis enact their fateful attraction. Two figures stood at the far end of the bar, also watching the stage but also scanning the crowd with intent, not casual perusal.

  With nothing to go on but an instinct developed over centuries, Lucien contemplated leaving before the lights came up again. Ridiculous, he knew, but something tightened in his gut as the pair whispered to each other.

  As far as he knew, he’d never come close to being discovered and the existence of a male vampire wouldn’t even be on their radar. Something about this pair made him uncomfortable, but in light of his recent decision, did it even matter?

  Even if more time with Katrine came to nothing, he’d allow himself the long-denied freedom of being a woman who attracted him rather than merely someone compliant and safe, and then be done with this empty existence.

  That thought filled him with happiness. A feeling that had left him when his heart ceased to beat.

  Katrine and Luis were in their final clinch, Luis’ fake fangs poised over Katrine’s neck. Lucien closed his eyes against the tableau. In the early days he’d been guilty of fulfilling what that scenario hinted at. It had simply been the way they lived.

  His maker had left to adapt to his new existence alone, with the blood hunger surging through his body, uncontrolled until he was able to think above pure physical need.

  It was a need, a hunger, of a more primal nature that thrummed through his body now, watching Katrine. Wanting Katrine. This time, this last time, he had the luxury of anticipation, and that was delicious.

  The eruption of applause brought Lucien out of his reverie. Katrine and Luis took their bows and left the stage, soft lighting and the quiet murmur of voices once again filled the salon.

  He’d thought it would be some while until Katrine returned with a costume and make-up to deal with, but only a few moments later she was at the door beside the bar, beckoning to him.

  Lucien left his untouched drink on the table and made his way between the sofas and tables to Katrine, still in her white lace dress. The dress of her human persona, the real Katrine.

  This was a complex woman, and that only added to the attraction. For the first time in centuries he was letting himself indulge the needs of his mind as well as those of his body.

  The whispering couple who he’d noticed earlier also stood near the door, now talking to Katrine.

  ‘Thank you, Inspector. I’m glad you enjoyed it.’

  Inspector?

  The crazy knee-jerk fear that had plagued him back when the authorities hunted vampires almost stopped him from walking past. Irrational, but ingrained and those last few steps to Katrine were leaden.

  ‘I want to show you something.’ Katrine took his arm and drew him through the door into the corridor.

  ‘I’m getting preferential treatment?’

  ‘Being besties with the owner has its advantages.’ She led him to the end of the corridor, then up a narrow staircase, the fabric of her dress swaying around her calves as she ascended in front of him. Smooth, lightly muscled calves that disappeared under the full skirt. Skin that would be warm to the touch.

  At the top of the stairs she opened a door to the dark, starry night and they stepped out onto a rooftop terrace.

  But not a bare, soulless terrace.

  Timber trellis enclosed three sides and pots and planters filled the space with foliage and white flowers of all shapes and sizes. And an intoxicating, sweet fragrance lingered in the air. Almost overpowering to his heightened senses.

  Lucien moved through the paths between the plants, brushing the leaves and petals. ‘So beautiful,’ he murmured, lifting a large white trumpet-shaped flower which filled his palm. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been in a garden and just appreciate its beauty.

  ‘Our night garden.’ Katrine’s quiet voice came from behind. ‘Plants whose blooms and scent come into their own after the sun goes down.’

  An inexplicable wave of sadness washed over Lucien and he fought to keep his voice steady. ‘Like vampires.’

  ‘Yes.’

  But not like you, he wanted to say. While the silvery moonlight painted her skin alabaster, Lucien didn’t doubt for a moment that golden sunlight brought pink to her cheeks and fire like polished copper to her hair. Sunlight which she could endure. The sunlight which would soon free him from his no longer sustainable existence.

  This time with Katrine would be a double-edged sword. It gave back what he’d given up; unhurried time and connection beyond a physical need. But at the same time was a painful reminder of what he’d gone without for centuries.

  ‘Come and see the best part.’ Before he could pull way, she’d reached out and taken his hand.

  Panic sparked through Lucien at her touch. Surely she’d recognize the coolness of his skin. Living in this enclave she’d be more aware than anyone else of the giveaway signs.

  But he’d spent the last two centuries being careful. Being bored and lonely. He tightened his hold on Katrine’s hand as she led him to the corner of the terrace.

  CHAPTER 5

  The gazebo had been her idea. The garden was lovely in itself, with its lush green foliage and white blooms, but it had needed somewhere to sit and just take it all in. A place where the women could come and absorb the beauty of the night that was their life. Where some of them sometimes brought their companions.

  She’d only ever come up here on her own. Bringing Lucien was a spur-of-the-moment decision. She needed the distraction from the upheaval of the police visit. He intrigued and attracted her in a way no man had before. Or perhaps she’d just never let herself before.

  She’d certainly never held hands before. Up here, on this Paris rooftop, his fingers intertwined with hers had an intimacy that the most torrid nights in bed couldn’t match.

  ‘This is really something.’

  They stood before the classic, white timber gazebo, but his words only emphasized her own thoughts.

  ‘I love it.’ She led him up the three steps into the semi-enclosed space and to the wide, plush seating that ran around the inside.

  ‘Your special place?’

  ‘Yes.’ His quiet question and the grip of his hand brought truth to her lips.

  ‘Come, sit with me.’ He drew her down onto the plump, soft cushions. ‘Share your thoughts about our beautiful city.’ A broad sweep of his hand took in the expanse of Paris lights and shadows below them.

  They sat, thighs touching, hands still joined. Katrine shivered as an unexpected chill skittered through her.

  ‘You’re cold.’ Lucien released her hand and moved to take off his jacket

  ‘No, no. I’m okay.’ Her shiver had nothing to do with the cool evening.

  ‘If you’re sure.’

  She was liking this guy more by the minute, and that was exciting. But it was also unwise.

  When, or if, she ever made the move to live her true, human life, she’d be free to pursue the feelings that he was rapidly seeding in her. But while she still lived this double life, she’d keep it like her other, fleeting liaisons. Just a bit of fun.

  This was just a distraction from the disquieting turn of events tonight.

  ‘I enjoyed your perfor
mance very much.’ He sat back, his arm along the back of the seat.

  Katrine wasn’t sure if she was relieved or disappointed that he hadn’t touched her again, but better safe than discovered.

  For now.

  ‘Thank you. We try to keep the patrons happy.’

  ‘Your partner plays an interesting part. Is it strange imagining a male vampire?’

  ‘Oh, Luis totally gets into it. But he’s too over the top to be believable.’ Okay, so she was stretching the truth. Luis’ portrayal of predatory bloodlust was very real according to stories told by Lisette and the others. Katrine liked to forget that Lisette also admitted it hadn’t been a gender-specific attribute. But she wasn’t going to share that inside information.

  ‘You are very believable.’

  ‘Thank you. That’s my job.

  Lucien’s arm brushed her shoulder along the back of the seat. Accidentally?

  ‘What more can you tell me about your story, Katrine?’ The tips of a finger stroked once over her bare skin and she almost forgot what he’d asked.

  What could she truthfully say?

  ‘That I’ve been at Eternel for over twenty years. That the women here are like family to me.’ She turned to face him, bringing one knee up onto the seat. ‘That I’ve never had male company up here before.’

  That disarming smile parted his lips again and he bowed his head. ‘I’m honored by the privilege.’

  The old-world gesture somehow didn’t seem out of place from him.

  ‘The enjoyment of something special is doubled if it’s shared.’ As she said it, the realization of the truth sparked like a sudden flame in the dark and Katrine wanted it to grow stronger. ‘Sometimes it just feels right.’

  She hoped that didn’t sound as cheesy out loud as it did in her head. She wasn’t a flirt and even if she was, that line certainly wouldn’t be in her repertoire.

  ‘Well thank you for sharing with me. It can be our little secret.’

  ‘So, what brings you to Eternel?’ Better to take the focus away from herself.

  ‘It’s a Paris icon. I wouldn’t be a good Parisian if I didn’t see what all the fuss is about.’

  ‘And what is the fuss about?’