The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three))

by Simmons, D. N.

  He had never been slapped by any human… at least not since becoming a vampire. Those who had thought about doing so always changed their minds before making such a daring move. He wasn’t sure why he had allowed her to strike him. Perhaps he wanted to see if she would follow through. He got his answer. She intrigued him at first, much like a new fashion or technology. But the longer he courted her, the more he began to understand the kind of woman she was, and he began to love and respect her. It frustrated him that he had not shared her bed. This was a new experience for him. Never had he been denied the passions of another that he fancied. Nonetheless, he had grown to acknowledge and accept her beliefs and their relationship continued to evolve.

  “Hello Natasha,” Darian greeted in his smooth, Greek-accented voice.

  Natasha jumped, startled. She turned around, her eyes panned over his attire for the evening. She had never seen him dressed this way before. He wore a pair of gray flat-front pants and matching button-up shirt. His long, wavy, black hair was tied in a ponytail. He leaned against the door frame, hands tucked into his pockets. She looked into his gorgeous forest-green eyes and smiled.

  “Hi Darian, you know I hate it when you sneak up on me, make a sound or something next time,” she said, rising from the sofa.

  Darian chuckled as he began walking towards her.

  “If I had made a sound, you would have still been startled,” he purred.

  The sound of his smooth, seductive voice sent tingles over the surface of Natasha’s skin. She wondered if the sound of his voice had the same effect on Xavier, Darian’s lover and second-in-command. He stood in front of Natasha, taking her into his arms in a warm embrace. She enjoyed the warmth of his body. She also loved the scent of his expensive cologne. Darian was always the distinguished gentleman, so debonair.

  “How was work?” he asked.

  Natasha exhaled. “It was okay. My boss is still getting on my damn nerves.”

  Darian chuckled. “I’ve told you, you can quit anytime you want. You do not need to work.”

  “I know, I still love my job, I love what I do. Besides, I’m thinking about going freelance anyway.”

  Darian looked down at her, both eyebrows raised. “Really? That sounds like a pretty good idea, less confined.”

  Natasha nodded as he leaned downward kissing her lips softly. When he pulled away, she frowned.

  “What’s the matter?” he asked, slightly confused by her expression.

  “You’ve fed already,” Natasha said, noting the warmth of his skin.

  “Are you disappointed? Did you want to watch?” he asked bluntly.

  “No. I was just noticing you were warm.”

  She blushed, hoping that she hadn’t given anything away, although she knew she had. It was a guilty pleasure of hers, something she wasn’t so sure she wanted to admit to him or to herself. Watching vampires feed was something that she found very arousing.

  Darian smiled.

  “You know, it’s all right if you enjoy watching vampires feed, the whole experience is very pleasurable. And to witness it is almost like voyeurism, nothing to be ashamed of,” he said reassuringly. “It’s a natural response if it stimulates you.”

  Natasha protested. “No, that’s not it! Don’t be ridiculous! I just... I just… never mind.”

  She looked away, knowing that Darian wasn’t the least bit fooled. No point in denying it, he was far too intuitive to fall for her little white lie.

  Darian chuckled again then released her. He slid his hands over the smoothness of her shoulders as his eyes took in her entire appearance. He admired the way the sexy black halter top enveloped her ample breast. His gaze traveled down to her clingy black satin layered skirt and his lips curled up in a wolfish grin.

  “You look completely ravishing. Honestly, there is nothing about you that I do not adore.”

  He made Natasha blush and a familiar heat stirred between her legs. She felt the same about him in many ways, although she did believe that there were a few things that he could improve on... but that was about it.

  “Oh hush, you’re just saying that,” she teased. “If it’s one thing you vampires seem to be good as is saying all the right stuff.”

  “Saying is believing, my love,” he whispered into her ear, causing goose bumps to rise on her the surface of her skin. He pulled away and looked in the direction of the window. He walked towards it and stared at what remained of the horizon.

  “I do miss the sun at times... but the night is so very beautiful to me,” he said softly, but loud enough for Natasha to hear. She walked over to him encircling her arms around his tapered well-toned waist. Rising to the tips of her toes, she kissed the nape of his neck. He smiled then turned around to face her, wrapping his arms around her.

  “You do know that I love you?” he asked, as he peered enchantingly into her eyes.

  Natasha nodded.

  “And I love you.” She smiled widely.

  Darian leaned forward kissing her passionately once again, their tongues softly exploring as their hands caressed each other. He looked up, ending their kiss when he felt Xavier enter the living room.

  “Don’t you look rather handsome tonight,” he said, releasing Natasha and making his way toward his lover. He inspected Xavier’s attire.

  Natasha turned around smiling at Xavier, she agreed with Darian. Xavier was dressed in a black suit with a burgundy-colored dress shirt. His black, burgundy and gray tie was beautifully designed and matched his ensemble perfectly.

  “I can say the same about the both of you. I almost don’t want to go out to dinner tonight,” Xavier joked, but underneath the humor was a hint of truthfulness inspired by his desire for both Darian and Natasha.

  Darian chuckled. “Seeing the both of you, I feel quite underdressed.”

  “Well, that’s because you are,” Xavier teased. “However, I don’t think anyone will complain.” He winked.

  “Well, you’re both going to meet my parents tonight and I think you two look just fine.”

  Darian arched an eyebrow, frowning slightly.

  “‘Just fine’?” he repeated.

  “What?” Natasha asked, confused by his comment.

  “We look ‘just fine’.” Darian crossed his arms over his broad chest.

  “Seriously?” Natasha laughed. “Really? We’re going to go there?”

  “You better believe we’re going there, wherever ‘there’ is,” Darian retorted with a mischievous and delectable grin.

  “All right then. I’m sorry, babe. You look gorgeous, delicious, and scrumptious. There’s not a man alive who could match you. Is that better?”

  Darian smirked. “It’s better than, ‘just fine’, I’ll give you that.” He unfolded his arms.

  Xavier chuckled. “You’d think he’d get tired of hearing how gorgeous he is, wouldn’t you?”

  “You’d think,” Natasha agreed, still giggling.

  “Well, I don’t,” Darian said, winking as he made his way toward his two lovers.

  “I know one thing, I’m kind of nervous about dinner tonight. My Mom seemed pretty confused when I told her about us. I just hope that everything goes well,” Natasha said as she walked towards the sofa to retrieve her purse.

  “Things will go well tonight, don’t worry,” Xavier said, reassuring her as he opened the front door.

  “Well, I hope so. Boy! I’m starving. I should have eaten an apple or something before I left home.”

  Natasha headed towards the limousine that was waiting in front of the mansion. The driver held the door open and aided her as she stepped inside. Darian walked beside Xavier. Natasha looked up just in time to see them share a passionate kiss. She watched them and wondered what it would be like to share a bed with them both. The thought made her blush and she lowered her head smiling to herself. Both men climbed into the limousine. Xavier maneuvered around her to sit on the other side, keeping Natasha between him and Darian. The driver closed the door and returned to his seat. He st
arted the engine and pulled off.

  “Mmmm, it feels wonderful in here,” Natasha commented on the cool temperature of the automobile.

  “I’ve turned on the air conditioning for you, I know how much you love it,” Xavier said.

  “Well, I appreciate it. Hey, don’t you guys ever feel the changes in the weather?” She snuggled between her two lovers. She also noted that Xavier had fed, because he radiated heat. She suspected that both he and Darian must have fed from one of their human servants.

  Darian looked down at her and chuckled.

  “Of course we do, but it doesn’t affect us as it affects humans. We’re impervious to viruses and other bacteria and although the temperatures can be unpleasant, we do not feel the cold or the heat to the extent that humans experience it. Which is why we do not easily sweat or become chilled during hot or cold temperatures,” he informed her as the car traveled smoothly on the expressway.

  “Exactly, as a matter of fact, the only occasion we do perspire is when we exert ourselves,” Xavier added seductively.

  “Well, that explains a whole lot.” Natasha said, blushing.

  Then a thought popped into her mind and she wanted to voice it. She looked up at Darian, who lowered his gaze to meet hers. She continued blushing as she looked at him. He always made her feel like a teenybopper with a crush on her older, sexier, and much more experienced teacher.

  “Darian, what plans do you have for your birthday?” she asked.

  A perplexed expression flashed across his face as he considered the question. It had been centuries since he thought about his birthday. He suspected Natasha was asking because she wanted to celebrate it and he didn’t know how he felt about that.

  Xavier pondered the question as well. He suspected Natasha wanted to give Darian some sort of birthday celebration. He glanced at them and he immediately began to imagine Darian sulking as he sat at a table wearing a festive multicolored, cone-shaped hat staring at a white, frosted cake blazing with sixteen-hundred and fifty candles as everyone sang happy birthday to him. He envisioned himself standing by with a fire-extinguisher, just in case. The image made Xavier laugh outright. Both Darian and Natasha stared at him, wondering why he was laughing. He looked at them once more and erupted into another fit of uncontrollable laughter. He had to look away in an attempt to regain himself.

  Darian assumed he knew the reason why Xavier was laughing and he rolled his eyes. He looked back at Natasha, responding with a question of his own.

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Well, I want to celebrate your birthday this year,” Natasha said. Darian opened his mouth to object to the idea, but she raised her hand defiantly, preventing him from protesting. “I know what you’re thinking, but I won’t take ‘no’ for an answer. A birthday is a joyous occasion and I want to be able to celebrate it with you.”

  “But it’s not necessary. I am over sixteen-hundred years old, a celebration of that sort is no longer significant,” Darian said, hoping that Natasha would agree. Xavier continued to chuckle and Darian glared at him. “I don’t know why you’re laughing so, you’ll be next.”

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t help it. I keep envisioning you wearing a cone-shaped birthday hat as you blow out your sixteen-hundred and fifty candles!” Xavier said, chuckling. “And it’s even more hilarious when I envision everyone wearing sunglasses because the cake is so bright.”

  Darian sat back into the cushions of the limousine, exasperated. He looked at Natasha, and noticed the sad expression on her face. He could tell that she thought they were making fun of her human customs and in a way, they were, but without intentions to hurt her feelings. Xavier followed Darian’s gaze. He saw Natasha’s expression and his laughter died. Darian placed his hand under her chin, lifting her face until their eyes met.

  “This means a great deal to you, doesn’t it? Would giving me a birthday celebration make you happy?” he asked softly.

  Natasha nodded. “It would.”

  Darian smiled. “Very well, do as you wish.”

  Natasha’s face lit up, she grinned widely.

  “Thank you,” she said joyously, but then another thought came to her. She looked at Darian, pointing a finger at him. “Promise that you won’t be a sour puss the entire night.”

  Darian’s eyebrows rose in an innocent expression. Pretending to be shocked, he placed his hand over his chest.

  “Me? A ‘sour puss,’? Why I never!” he joked.

  “It’s a good thing you got that straightened out,” Xavier said with a chuckle. “He would have behaved like a grouch otherwise.”

  Darian threw him a sideways glance as a warning for him to say no more. Xavier winked at him, assuring him that he understood.

  “Great, then it’s settled.” Natasha sat back, leaning against Darian.

  They arrived at the famous, Antonique, a restaurant well known for its delicious and highly priced cuisine. The valet opened the car door, they climbed out and the three walked into the restaurant hand in hand. The Maitre`d greeted them and beckoned a hostess to escort them to their table. Natasha marveled at the elegant decor of the restaurant. She admired the artwork adorning the walls as well as the crystal chandeliers hanging high from the ceiling and the thick, beautifully-patterned, dark green carpeting. She sat at the table and couldn’t help running her fingertips over the soft linen of the table cloth, tracing the exquisite pattern.

  “This is a very beautiful restaurant, a special thank you for choosing this place,” Natasha said as she looked at her two boyfriends.

  Darian gave an offhand gesture.

  “No need to thank me...” He paused and threw a glance at Xavier who was looking at him with one eyebrow arched. “No need to thank us.” He corrected himself. “You’re more than worth it.”

  Natasha giggled, she remembered all the times when Darian would practically doused her with charm and Xavier had made fun of him. She enjoyed their company, they made her happy, they made her laugh. She looked forward each day to the sun setting so she could spend time with them.

  A waiter approached their table.

  “Good evening. May I interest you in our exclusive house wine selection?” he asked as he placed the menus in front of them along with a basket of freshly baked breads and three glasses of water.

  Natasha smiled. “If you could just give us a few minutes, we’re waiting for the rest of our party to join us.”

  The waiter nodded.

  “Can I bring you anything while you wait?” he asked politely.

  Natasha smiled.

  “Nothing right now, but thank you.”

  She hoped the waiter wouldn’t hear her stomach growling under the table, though she was certain her boyfriends did.

  The waiter nodded with a smile and walked away. Darian sat back against the soft cushions of the booth with Xavier at his side. Both men studied Natasha as she viewed the menu. She felt their eyes on her and looked up, puzzled.

  “What? Why are you looking at me like I’m some sort of science project?” she asked them.

  Both men laughed.

  Darian settled himself. “I’m looking at you, because when you’re in my presence, I simply can’t take my eyes off you. You leave me enchanted.”

  Xavier threw him a glance then rolled his eyes. Natasha’s cheeks began to turn red, she lowered her head not wanting them to see her blushing.

  “Well, I’m looking at you because I can hear your stomach growling,” Xavier said with a chuckle.

  Natasha blushed. “Shut up, people hungry.”

  “Not people, just you,” Xavier continued to jest.

  “Oh, you’ve got jokes, I see. Real funny.” Natasha rolled her eyes playfully, then placed the menu on the table. If her parents didn’t arrive soon, she was going to order something with or without them.

  “I’m also looking at the both and you and thinking about all of the lewd things I want to do with you,” Xavier said.

  “Don’t you mean ‘erotic’ things you want t
o do to me?” Natasha asked as she bit her bottom lip.

  Xavier shook his head. “I meant what I said. I plan on ravishing you with a barrage of depraved acts not fit for discussing in such a beautiful establishment, but you get my meaning.”

  “You’re terrible,” Natasha declared in a hushed voice, still blushing.

  A few minutes later, her parents entered the restaurant and the hostess brought them over to their table. Both Darian and Xavier rose and greeted her parents politely. Natasha hugged her parents and gave introductions before they all took their seats in the booth. The waiter returned to take their orders.

  “Would you like to hear the house specials?” he asked, pen and pad poised in his hand.

  Darian looked at him. “Nothing for me, thank you.”

  Xavier smiled repeating Darian’s statement and added. “But I'm sure our companions would like to hear them.”

  “Very well, sirs.” The waiter smiled at Darian and Xavier and turned his attention to Natasha. “Would like to hear them, ma'am?” he asked.

  “Oh yes, please,” Natasha said.

  The waiter proceeded to list several dishes that were specially prepared for that night only. Natasha took a mental note of all the dishes that appeared to be appetizing. She then thanked the waiter informing him that she would need a few minutes to go over the menu. He nodded and walked away.

  Natasha smiled at her parents. “So Mom, how are you feeling?”

  “I’m feeling just fine, the arthritis in my hand isn’t so bad now that I’m on that new medication. But enough about me, your father and I are here to find out more about you.” Her mother eyed the two men sitting on both sides of their daughter.

  Natasha giggled nervously. “Well, Mom... things have been going just fine. I’m thinking about doing freelance photography, you know, becoming my own boss and all.”

  Xavier and Darian looked at Natasha; Xavier snickered as he watched her attempt to skirt the issue of her relationship with Darian and himself.