Knight Edition

by Delilah Devlin

No one had stirred his cock into any semblance of an erection in too many years to count. But here he was, his flesh pressing against the placket of his trousers while she threw endless insults at his head. Delightful!

  Why this woman after so long? He’d had offers and opportunities too plentiful to count over the centuries. He’d never been a hedonist—never reveled in the sensual side of his vampire nature. It couldn’t be that this slim girl reminded him of another slender waif with more guts than gray matter—the only woman to ever own his heart. His soul had learned a painful lesson when he’d lost his only love. One he’d never repeat.

  But taking this woman would only be a delicious conquest. A long drink to savor. He would torture her with her own flagrant desire, withholding deeper pleasure to tease her curiosity about the nature of his true kiss. He’d draw out the pleasure-pain, so long she’d scream—no, beg. He wanted her to beg for release, her body trembling with need, her eyes moist, her mouth swollen with his kisses.

  That image gave him great satisfaction, even as he watched her strip the sheets from the bed and twist them into long ropes, tying them end to end. He’d denied himself passion for so long his body was as rigid as a steel pole at the thought of sinking teeth and cock into her tender flesh. He would control their dance, set the pace. He was older, centuries-skilled. He could control his passion while he raised hers and subdued her reckless spirit with unfulfilled lust.

  He would have her, but keep his heart distant. He’d not let her open that part of him that needed to stay hidden, secret. Never would he let the madness of emotions command him again. He was the master of the beast.

  “Master, have you eaten?” Inigo asked quietly.

  Navarro reduced the volume, but left the monitor open. “She’s lovely, no?” He turned to Inigo, catching him as he quickly glanced away from the screen.

  “A pretty little thing. Doesn’t she know the windows are barred?”

  “Naturally she hasn’t thought that far ahead.” He gave his servant a hard-eyed glare. “You disobeyed me tonight.”

  Inigo drew in a sharp breath and straightened his shoulders. “Yes sir, I did.”

  “May I ask why? You’ve worked for me for over fifty years. I can’t recall your ever violating my command.”

  Inigo flushed and cleared his throat. “I did it for you actually, sir.”

  Navarro raised a brow. “For me?”

  “You’ve been long without a companion. She seemed…durable.”

  Navarro glanced back at the slender girl who’d just demolished the delicate vanity bench. He must have missed her trying to raise the window. Ah well, that was what the rewind function was for—savoring the moment in privacy. “Durable,” he murmured. “That’s an interesting observation given that she appears no bigger than a child.”

  “I meant her soul, sir. She’ll have no expectations.”

  “No expectations,” he murmured. “Couldn’t I get that from a paid companion?”

  “But where would be the challenge?”

  He acknowledged the point with a nod. “Indeed. Inigo?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “In the future, leave off the matchmaking,” he said, never taking his eyes from the screen as the door closed quietly behind him.

  Navarro picked up the phone on the console and hit the automatic dial.

  “Master Navarro, what can I do for you?” came the deep, amused voice.

  “Ah, Lieutenant Brown, now why aren’t you surprised to hear from me?”

  “Sid giving you fits yet?”

  “Did you send her my way?”

  “Not directly, sir, but I know how her mind works. She couldn’t keep her pretty nose out of our business.”

  “I’m afraid she’ll be staying for the duration.”

  “What’d she do now? I warned her you’d be a hard nut to crack.”

  “Seems she took that as a challenge,” Navarro murmured absently.

  “Sorry ’bout that.” Moses Brown didn’t sound the least bit apologetic. “Just as well you keep her out of trouble.”

  Preferring not to dwell on how well the lieutenant knew his prisoner, Navarro changed the subject. “So do you have the morgue under surveillance?”

  “Yeah. We’ll see whether any of those techno-geeks rise from the dead tomorrow.”

  “Be careful. Their first hunger may rule their actions.”

  “Just make sure your people are in place to see who else might be interested in them.”

  Navarro tapped his bottom lip. “Lieutenant Brown, about the girl…”

  The man at the end of the line chuckled—a sound that didn’t really spell amusement. “You wanna know if there’s anything between us? Ask Sid—she’ll tell you straight up. That lady doesn’t mince words. Just make sure you spit her out all in one piece when you’re done.”

  “You make her sound like an indigestible meal.”

  “Hard on the stomach? Nah? She’s sweet all the way down.” He chuckled again.

  Navarro bristled. “Let me know about the morgue.”

  “If you decide to set foot outside that mansion…”

  “We’ll see. Let’s solve this mystery first.” Navarro replaced the receiver and turned up the volume on the monitor.

  Sidney Coffey sat on the edge of the bed, her feet dangling toward the floor. Then she flopped back on the mattress. “What the hell am I supposed to do now?” She yawned and stretched her arms above her head. “Twiddle my thumbs, my ass. Damn him!”

  One hand moved absently over her stomach and upward to her breast, gliding over a soft mound. The movement seemed to soothe her, and her eyelids drooped to halfway closed. Her hand smoothed down and upward again, and she snuggled her shoulders into the tangled bedding, sighing. “Master Navarro,” she murmured.

  He stilled. Was she imagining his hands caressing her? Wishing the monitor had better resolution and was closer to the bed, he leaned forward. He wouldn’t stretch his other sense to learn her true thoughts. Somehow that would feel like cheating. Besides, her thoughts would likely be very noisy.

  His breath caught when her fingers pinched a nipple, and her eyes squeezed shut. She twisted the tip, and then touched it with one digit. It stood erect in the center of her small breast.

  He imagined how his tongue would drag across it.

  Her hand slid to the other breast, and she tugged the flowering nipple to full arousal.

  His tongue touched his upper lip, and he envisioned closing his lips around a turgid peak and suckling while she writhed beneath him.

  Her knees spread apart. The angle of the lens denied him a view of the tender flesh between her legs, but her expression enraptured him. Her eyelids fluttered, and her teeth worried her lower lip.

  Then a slender hand glided downward, rubbing over the pale fur covering her sex.

  Navarro spread his legs beneath the console, trying to ease the ache building in his loins.

  Her hand dipped between her legs, and her shoulders lifted off the bed before she settled deeper into the covers. Then she raised her knees until her heels dug into the edge of the mattress.

  He could only imagine how open and accessible her sweet cunt would be if he were standing in front of her. Would she reach to guide his cock inside her?

  Her hips pulsed upward, and her back arched as the pace of her hand’s rhythmic movements increased. “Thumbs, toes, cocks…” she moaned as her breaths grew faster, harsher.

  Suddenly, she pulled her hand away and closed her legs. “Seriously, could a girl go to bed with a man who might take it literally if a girl said, ‘Eat me’?” Her closed fist pounded the mattress beside her. “Navarro!” she howled.

  Turning off the monitor, he was stunned to find his mouth stretched wide in a grin. His cock was fully erect and aching. His body and mind hummed with heat and…anticipation.

  He, Navarro, who hadn’t been excited by anything in more years than the woman could probably count!

  Despite his body’s readiness, he remained
seated. It was too soon to approach her. Too soon to see to her release. She needed to learn who was master.

  Let her stew for now—alone on her bed with only her…thumbs to appease her appetite. Let her desire grow until she’d drench at the mere sound of his voice. Then he might give her a taste of his kiss.

  For now, he’d wait and use the time to plan his seduction. Not that he didn’t know the outcome—Sidney Coffey was a ripe plum ready to pick. Practically begging for his cock and bite. But she’d want to call the shots—be the seducer. So while the investigation continued without her interference, he’d amuse himself and teach her to follow his lead.

  “Sir? What shall I do with the girl during the day?” Inigo asked.

  Navarro started. He hadn’t heard the old man return. That had never happened. “Give her food and drink, and make sure she sleeps most of the day. She’ll need her rest.”

  Inigo nodded, pressing his lips together to suppress a smile until he’d let himself out the door. As he headed toward the kitchen, his step was light. The master had a look in his eyes he’d never seen. When he’d watched the woman on the screen his face and body had been motionless, enraptured. Who was the true captive here?

  Inigo turned his thoughts to the late night snack. Would Miss Coffey like a little wine with her sleeping draft?

  Chapter Four

  ‡

  “Master Navarro! You must awaken!”

  Navarro opened his eyes, instantly alert at the distress in his retainer’s voice.

  Inigo stood beside the bed, wringing his hands.

  Navarro huffed out a breath and stretched his arms above his head. “What has our guest demolished now?”

  “She’s gone, sir! I went to wake her so she could bathe before dinner. But she’s gone.”

  “You locked the door?”

  Inigo straightened, clearly affronted. “Of course. She used a nail behind a picture frame to pick the lock.”

  Navarro sat up and looked at the graying light, peeking around the edges of his curtains. Nightfall would be complete in minutes. “The dogs didn’t deter her?”

  “How was I to know those hounds from hell would appreciate a fine Burgundy?”

  “She fed the dogs her potion!” Navarro laughed and climbed out of bed. “What about clothing?”

  Inigo swept an arm in a wide arc. “She pilfered your closet while you slept!”

  Sure enough, his closet door gaped wide and several items lay puddled on the floor. “She’s not quite the dim-watted bulb I took her for.” The knowledge pleased him.

  “Where do you suppose she’s gone? Home, perhaps?”

  “Not that one.” Navarro dressed quickly and shrugged into a leather jacket as he crossed the room. “She’ll head to the last place I would want her.”

  “Naturally.” Inigo nodded and followed him out of the bedroom and into the hallway. “And where would that be?”

  “If she’s intelligent enough to escape these grounds, she’s clever enough to conclude our trio of scientists may awaken from the dead.”

  “Oh dear. She shouldn’t be anywhere in their vicinity if they rise.”

  “My sentiments exactly. I’m heading there now,” Navarro said, taking the steps two at a time. “Call Lieutenant Brown and let him know where she may be going.”

  “Sir, will you need backup?” Inigo called after him.

  Navarro paused at the door leading to the garage. “You sound like a tired crime drama.”

  “I must fill my time during daylight somehow,” he said, his expression growing prim. “CSI: Miami reruns do quite nicely.”

  Navarro shook his head and closed the door behind him. “I would have been better off not knowing that.”

  *

  Sidney stared from behind bushes, watching the entrance to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office. As luck would have it, an ambulance had pulled into the circular drive moments before her arrival, and a body was being unloaded. She waited impatiently for the attendants to move away from the doors so that she could slip inside undetected.

  “Sid, Sid, Sid.”

  A husky voice sounded next to her, nearly startling her into a scream.

  “I do find you in the most interesting places.”

  Once her heart crept back from her throat, Sidney turned to give Moses a smug smile. “I must be on the right track, finding you here. You think those dead scientists are going to take a walk.”

  He nodded, not bothering to try to deny her assumption. “Tell me, Sid. How’d you plan on gettin’ inside that building?”

  “That door’s open. I’m just going to walk right in.”

  “And what about the security cameras inside? You think they’ll let anyone walk in off the street?”

  Sidney huffed at the way he pooh-poohed her plan. “I have my press credentials with me.”

  “Those’ll get you blown out the door faster than a sneeze.”

  “You’re so negative, Moses. Don’t you think I have any people skills?” she said, her cheeks heating with irritation. “I’ll finesse my way into those second floor coolers.”

  “You’re as blunt as a mallet, lady. No one’s lettin’ you inside the morgue.”

  “But you’re here now.” She slid him a sideways glance from beneath her lashes. That look had never failed to gain his cooperation. “You have some pull.”

  “You think I’m gonna take you up?” he said, shaking his head. “You’re dreamin’. I’m going to keep you occupied long enough for backup to arrive.”

  “Backup? More police?”

  Moses shook his head slowly.

  “You’re not talking about your buddy, Navarro, are you?” Even saying his name incited a physical reaction inside her body—pure rage, of course, at his high-handed tactics—not anger that he’d left her unfulfilled. She should thank the vamp—she still felt edgy, ready for action. “Hell, he couldn’t keep me prisoner in his own house. How do you think he’ll stop me now?”

  “Have to admit, the man’s slippin’. But I don’t think he’ll make the same mistake twice.” Moses sounded like he admired the man.

  Men—even dead ones—tended to bond over the subjugation of a woman.

  “That reminds me,” she said, dropping her voice with deadly intent. “I have a bone to pick with you, mister. You set me up! You knew damn well he’d try to stop my investigation.”

  “That I did.” His smile was unrepentant. “But sugar, it was for your own good.”

  “Don’t ‘sugar’ me! I don’t need a babysitter. I decide what’s good for me. And that old-as-Methuselah bloodsucker ain’t it.”

  Moses’s grin grew into a lopsided smirk.

  Her stomach plummeted. “He’s right behind me, isn’t he?”

  “Uh huh.”

  Sidney refused to turn and face the vampire, afraid he’d know just how frightened and excited she was from just a glance at her face. Instead, she turned on her heel and walked toward the sliding doors of the KCMEO.

  A heavy hand landed on her shoulder, halting her progress. Sidney stiffened and fought her body’s instant response. How she craved his touch. Then another thought arose to further push her sensual buttons—he’d left the compound for her!

  He stood very close to her back, his clothing whispering against hers, then he leaned down. “I’m satisfied now that I’m not taking anything belonging to our lieutenant friend,” he said, his breath ruffling the hair tucked behind her ear.

  She bit back a moan. How did he do that? How had he taken her fear and irritation and turned it into molten desire in a single moment? He’d slipped right under her flimsy defenses, blindsiding her with that intimate—and insulting—comment. “I have a job to do here,” she said, fighting to keep her voice even.

  “And so do I, my dear. But seeing as our jobs bring us to the same place, would you like to accompany me?”

  Not the invitation she would have preferred right this moment. His drawled request made her knees grow weak. Sidney almost couldn’t stop
herself from leaning back into his sexy chest. “You’ll take me up to the morgue?”

  “We should hurry,” he said, straightening, his voice brisk. “If the men were turned, they will be wakening now.” He stepped around her and strode toward the entrance.

  Like a puppet pulled on a string, Sidney followed his long-limbed frame, clothed in black tonight. He looked like one tall, dark shadow.

  Steps crunched beside her. A finger lifted her lowered jaw. “When you can pick up your chin off the ground, follow close behind us,” Moses said, stepping around her as well.

  Sidney trailed after the men when they entered the receiving area, which looked unimpressive with its unpainted concrete floor and walls. They met no resistance. In fact, no one was in sight.

  As they headed straight for the elevator, Sidney suddenly realized they were expected—that Medical Examiner personnel likely awaited them above, or were keeping out of their way. How large was this conspiracy of silence? Had she been the last person in Seattle to realize vampires walked among them?

  Inside the elevator, Sidney found herself sandwiched, shoulder to shoulder, between the two men who acted as though she didn’t exist. Two tall, well-built, and dangerous men…

  Cursing her overactive libido, Sidney fought to keep her focus on the possible dangers they would face.

  When the door slid open, Navarro shoved her behind him, and Moses closed the gap between them.

  She shook her head over their macho show of protection and brought up the rear of their odd little formation, annoyed her view was entirely blocked by their broad shoulders.

  She dropped back to clear her senses of the sensual fog their proximity had created and to get a better view of her surroundings. They passed through what could only be an autopsy room with its stainless steel sinks, surgical instruments, and equipment whose purpose she’d just as soon never comprehend.

  Finally, they reached the cooler with its huge steel door and keypad lock. Navarro stepped aside while Moses punched in the code and opened the door.

  Navarro cast a glance over his shoulder. “You stay behind us at all times.”

  She nodded, her mouth clamped tight, almost overcome by the ripe, egg-like smell emanating from inside the cooler. While she might have felt on the verge of puking on her shoes, she didn’t miss the sight of the stake clutched in Moses’s meaty fist or the telltale broadening of the Master’s shoulders. His back was turned to her, but she knew he had his game face on.