Immortal Flame (Eternal Mates Book 1)

by JF Holland

  Maybe her father, Jill thought, until out of the corner of her eye she watched him turn, lecherously staring at the young blonde’s breasts, practically salivating. Movement below caught her attention and she looked down to find that the orchestra had begun settling into their seats, shuffling sheet music and readying their instruments. The loud chattering of the patrons died down and the classical music that had been piped into the theatre was switched off. Just then, out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the lecherous old bastard from the next box over’s hand land on the younger woman’s knee, before slipping beneath the hem of her dress. Jill shuddered in revulsion. But then, thankfully, the lights dimmed, making it impossible to see what was going on, over in blue movie central next door. Chin resting on her folded arms, she avidly watched the way the curtains fluttered and moved as the dancers obviously took up their spots on stage. A hushed expectancy fell over the room, conversations dropped to muffled sounds and palpable excitement filled the air.

  “Here, you go,” Leonard murmured from her left, startling her.

  “Thank you,” Jill smiled, moving to sit back in her seat as she took the glass from him, as he slipped into his own seat.

  “Are you okay?” Leonard asked, and she nearly jumped out of her skin because he’d spoken the words next to her ear. His breath stirred the hair that she’d purposely left out of her chignon.

  “I’m fine, thank you,” Jill replied, pasting on a smile as she looked to him, before her eyes once again went to the curtain, which had begun to rise.

  Jill took a sip of her wine, her eyes now glued to the stage as the first half of the ballet began. She gasped as the dancers twisted and turned on stage, their skill and elegance staggering. She finished her wine, and again moved towards the barrier, leaning her arms on it so she could get closer. Mesmerised by the performance, she tried not to blink, scared of missing anything as the story unfolded before her, through music and dance. She was awed by their capabilities as they stood on their toes, dancing, twirling and being lifted in the air. The chorus were perfectly synchronised in their movement, each dancers’ arms or legs, moving precisely in time, utter perfection.

  Leonard sat back watching Jill as the curtain rose and the performance began. Her face was lit with wonder, her eyes following them as they moved across the stage, as if scared of missing anything. The pulse in her throat fluttered, her respiration and heartbeat increasing with emotion as she watched. In profile, her eyes became wide and luminous, glued to the stage as the story was played out in dance. She was beautiful and her enjoyment tangible, but to him she was the most mesmerising thing about the evening. She was so intent on the stage that for the first time that he could remember, he could truly relax. She was so engrossed in the performance his presence didn’t register. She intrigued him, she could be brash and forward but she also had an innate sense of poise and self-containment about her. He watched the elegant tilt of her head as she became thoroughly absorbed in the story. A rare find was a woman who did not require him to endlessly flatter and fawn over her. Well, for him anyway. He remembered the last time he’d come to a performance, his date for the evening; and that’s all she had been, just for the evening. She’d spend the evening touching him, and expecting him to pay her more attention than the performance. Obviously, he’d just slipped into her thoughts to still her, so that he could enjoy the performance in peace, but with Jill none of that was required, and he found that he didn’t even want to try to slip into her thoughts. He just sat back in his seat, an arm resting across the back of her chair, a leg crossed with a resting on his knee. He sipped his doctored wine, after he’d slipped blood into it from the flask he kept in his suit jacket pocket. He just sat and observed her, but she didn’t turn to him once after she’d finished her wine. She just quietly sat forward, so that she could lean on the barrier and watch. He should probably feel insulted, but he didn’t. Being able to share in the experience of her palpable enjoyment had given greater depth to his evening.

  Chapter Twelve

  L eonard helped Jill up from her seat after the final curtain came down.

  “What did you think?”

  “I’m surprised.”

  “Surprised, good or bad?” Leonard asked, interested in her views as he ushered her up the aisle towards the stairs that led to the lobby.

  “Good. It was fabulous, but to be honest, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it.” Jill admitted, giving him a tentative smile.

  “Why?”

  “I’ve always thought of the ballet as a class thing.”

  “Seriously, you are such a snob,” Leonard growled, tucking her arm into the crook of his, as they moved down the stairs. He matched his steps to hers, taking his time so as not to rush and risk her falling. He didn’t release her arm as they moved through the lobby, towards the exit.

  “I’m not a snob, I’m…”

  “Hi, I couldn’t help but notice you earlier. I’m Selena, this is my number, call me,” the blonde who’d been in the box next to theirs told Leonard with a purr, before touching his arm. She then folded a piece of paper into his hand; the one that wasn’t presently holding onto Jill. Leonard blinked in shock. He was astounded, because with being with Jill, his glamour had completely slipped his mind as he’d sat through the performance. If he’d have been thinking he’d have stayed behind in their seats a little longer giving the theatre time to empty. He had a table booked though, so time was of the essence, plus, it wouldn’t have guaranteed that he’d have slipped by unnoticed. Some lingered after a performance to discuss it and make plans.

  Recently, he’d been spending so much time around the other immortals - the mated ones - that the whole hassle of the attraction his kind caused had slipped his mind. Then there was Jill. Being around her didn’t help him remember, as she herself never appeared to be affected by him. Yes, she was attracted to him; and that wasn’t vanity on his part, but it was a natural attraction. It didn’t seem to have anything at all to do with his vampire glamour. Maybe Agatha; one of the local white witches back in lower Lunaton, would be able to make him up a spell. One that would dampen down his own natural glamour, thus save him future hassle. The thought surprised him, because he’d found that he truly enjoyed being with Jill, and was now looking forward to spending more time with her. She was witty and snarky, but he could also talk to her because she didn’t paw or stare at him with stars in her eyes.

  “I’m sure he’ll be calling you real soon,” Jill ground out. Then pulling Leonard out of his own head, she tugged her arm free of his, and stomped off towards the exit.

  “Bollocks,” Leonard ran a hand around the back of his neck, and the blonde stepped closer. Her nearly naked breasts now brushing along the sleeve of his suit jacket.

  “So, you’re free now?” she asked him huskily, her cloud of oppressive perfume heavy and cloying to his senses.

  “No, Christ, go away,” Leonard hissed, handing her back her number and glaring at her. She went to argue, but he put the whammy on her, sighing as her mouth closed and her face smoothed out. Then as he concentrated, she finally turned and walked away, moving to the side of an older gentleman who stood waiting for their coats. Leonard watched his arm distractedly go around her waist, dropping to stroke over her bottom, which again was barely covered in the short dress she wore. Shaking his head in wonder that he’d truly forgotten his glamour his eyes once again sought out Jill. He watched, as her fine arse disappeared with an angry sashay around the corner as she headed for the front entrance.

  “Give me strength,” Leonard grumbled, as he took off after her. All he ever seemed to do was chase her when he was hit on and she walked off in a strop. Although he’d admit to enjoying how her hips swished so enticingly with her annoyance, just the right amount of bounce to her arse as she stomped.

  “Jill, hold up,” he called out just as he got to the corner as she walked through the doors.

  He could have reached her in a second; if he put on a burst of his pre-natural speed, but
the problem was, he didn’t want to garner any further attention. Head down, he pulled up the lapels of his jacket; hoping not to gain any more admirers, as he quickened his pace. He caught up with her as she waited by the kerb outside, her arms were crossed as she shivered by the side of the road. Her back was rigid as she eyed the pedestrian crossing, waiting for the lights to change.

  “Why am I always having to chase after you?” Leonard sighed, taking off his jacket, and placing it around her. Hands, still on her shoulders, he gently spun her to face him, then pulled her into him, sharing his body heat. His hands dropped to her arms, rubbing up and down, hoping the friction would warm her as she shivered against him. He didn’t seem to feel the cold, but Jill shook with it. Not surprising really, as she hadn’t brought a jacket, just the lightweight black dress and nylons, that had brought about his earlier fantasies. She stood stiff before him, arms still crossed, with her bag tucked there. Stepping back, Leonard slipped the bag out from under her arm and placed it between his knees. He then unfolded her arms and helped her to slip them into his jacket sleeves. Using a slight of hand, to remove his flask from his jacket, he shoved it into his trouser pocket. Everything was done as he pulled the lapels together to help warm her, before pulling her bag out from between his knees and tucking it once again beneath her arm.

  “Thank you, but Leo, I…”

  Her words were cut off as his mouth lightly brushed hers, taking care not to catch the skin of her plump lip with this fangs.

  “You’re welcome,” he told her, pulling back. He then turned her around and once again took her arm as he led her away from the road. They walked down the side of the theatre and entered the underground car park and his car.

  Once he had her inside, he turned on the engine, switching the heater to high. “Now, would you like to explain to me what that was about?” Leonard asked, turning to Jill in the confines of the car.

  “Leo, we are not suited. I don’t know why you persist with these dates. I can’t compete with the kind of women that you attract,” Jill replied, not meeting his gaze. She didn’t like to admit it, but it was beginning to get to her, these women who just threw themselves at him as if she wasn’t even there. It was insulting as hell, and the weirdest thing she’d ever seen.

  “Have I flirted with any of these women?” he asked, and her brow rose. “Okay, fine, I was at fault for at least some of it on Monday, but tonight, I’d done nothing. All I’d done was enjoy the ballet and the company, I was not at fault.”

  “No, I know that, but…”

  “Jill, I wouldn’t hold it against you if men began hitting on you,” he told her and she snorted.

  “As if,” she mumbled.

  “You are a beautiful woman; I’m amazed it hasn’t happened already.”

  “Thank you, but, to be honest, I think it’s just in your nature to be kind.”

  “You really don’t know me very well. I do not tell lies, even if sometimes I should.”

  “That’s the problem, we don’t know each other Leo, and it’s not exactly easy to get to know you. It’s like trying to get to know a movie star, the way women flock to you. Are you sure you’re not famous?”

  “No, I’ve already told you, I’m a nobody. Just an average vampire,” he told her with a grin.

  “Ha-ha, you are so funny,” Jill smiled.

  “No, as I’ve already told you, just honest. Okay, how about food?”

  “Yes, thank you, that would be nice.”

  “Wonderful, but my choice tonight.”

  “Well, so long as it has a dark corner, I can live with that.”

  “I’ll make sure of it, if it makes you happy, because I don’t think I could handle another chippy.” He told her dryly, putting the car into gear and leaving the parking lot.

  Jill laughed as she sat back in the seat as Leonard drove them to supper. If she kept eating so late in the evening, she was going to have a few issues fitting into her clothing.

  Chapter Thirteen

  T he restaurant was a little higher class than Jill had expected; or used to. She was eternally grateful that her mother had drummed into her the importance of always having at least one little black dress with matching heels tucked away in your wardrobe. If not for that, she’d have been on panic mode when Leonard had suggested taking her to the ballet. Therefore, she had one thing to thank her mother for because the ballet been truly spectacular. Absolute visual perfection. Their movements had been so in tune; it had seemed as if one person had danced all the parts. She’d been in awe, as the chorus of swans had glided and turned together on stage, mesmerised by the beauty of their synchronised movements. She’d also been shocked too, as it wasn’t something she’d ever thought she’d enjoy, but she had, thoroughly. Not only had she’d been to the ballet, but now, here she was in a restaurant that would probably cost her a week’s wages for just one meal. However, she didn’t care, it was worth it just for the experience and the aesthetical beauty of the room. Everywhere you looked men were in expensive suits. Some, schmoozing business acquaintances around tables laden with designer wines. Some were just couples, the women pampered, dressed to the nines in elegantly cut clothing, with perfectly coiffed hair and professional styled makeup. Then there was the jewellery they wore, some dripping in it, the sparkle from it blinding as it caught the light from the candles. Subconsciously, Jill’s hand went to her naked earlobes, and the little scarf she’d teemed with her black dress. It may not be expensive, but it was a gift from Amanda and Polly, and she loved it. She felt very out of place though, as even the diamond cut glassware was probably worth more than she earned in a month. Her hand dropped to the cutlery placed on the folded linen napkin, and she swallowed. Her finger stroked over the gleaming silverware in appreciation. The fleur de leaf design stunning in its simplicity - something else that was worth more than she earned. Her eyes once again found Leonard who sat across from her, and for the hundredth time, she wondered what he was doing with her. His head was bent, the jet-black strands looking neon blue in the lighting as he read through the menu. Even the menu was exquisite, bound leather with gold leaf detailing, no laminated card for ‘Romano’s’.

  Her hands fell to her lap, feeling very out of place in her cheap store clothing and short un-manicured nails, when Leonard’s gorgeous eyes suddenly lifted to her. Her stomach fluttered as he smiled at her. A genuine smile, one that was broadcasted in the light that suddenly came into them. They seemed to glow as they roamed over her face. Blushing, she looked down, pretending interest in her own menu, unable to hold his gaze. The one thing she was glad of was that he’d booked a secluded alcove, and therefore had his back to the room. She appreciated the effort he’d gone to, but quite frankly she was more interested in his secret. I mean, he was good looking, but then again, she’d also seen other good looking men out with women. Men whom other women didn’t seem to constantly hit on in front of the ones they were with.

  So, what was it about Leonard that made him different?

  “Are you ready to order?” came a nasally male voice to her right, making her mind snap out of her own thoughts, and back to her opulent surroundings.

  “Jill?” Leonard enquired, putting his menu down and waiting on her.

  “Sorry, miles away, could I just have a main, I don’t think I could manage a starter, I’m not very hungry. Can I just have the steak well done, with seasonal vegetables, duchess potatoes and the beef jus stock please.

  “Very good madam, and for sir,” the penguin to their right asked. Honest to god, the man had on a full-on tuxedo, with a tailed coat and bow tie. He even had a pristine white cloth draped over his arm and white gloves on. He looked like he belonged at the palace, and her eyes dropped once again, biting her lip as hysteria rose. She had a habit of laughing in inappropriate situations, especially when she felt out of her depth, and this was the most surreal environment she’d ever been in. She was so far out of her depth just now, that she was sinking fast and her inbuilt safety mechanism was kicking in,
her shoulders shaking.

  “I’ll take the same as my companion, but make my steak rare, very rare,” Leonard informed the waiter.

  “Of course, Mr Smyth. And would you like your usual burgundy to go with your meal?”

  “Jill, are you okay with red wine?” Leonard asked, and she was shocked out of her bubble of hysteria as she realised he was obviously a regular here. Especially if they knew him by name.

  “Sure,” she cleared her throat. “May I have a glass of water as well, please?”

  “Of course madam,” and with that, the man collected their bound menu’s, bowed and stepped away.

  “Come on, out with it, what’s wrong?” Leonard asked sitting back in his chair and watching Jill closely. He was floundering here, because as her head had been bowed he’d tried again to read her and got absolutely nothing. She was complete radio silence, a first for him so he now found himself in unknown territory. He’d have to talk to her to find out what was going on.

  “Look around you Leo. I am not meant for somewhere like this,” she whispered, leaning over the table.

  “I’ll admit to it being a little pretentious, and outdated, but the food is superb.”

  “And there lies our problem,” Jill sighed.

  “What are you talking about?” he asked, frowning, not following her at all.

  “You use words like pretentious, you also have a posh accent and strange old fashioned turn of phrases. I’m so far out of my depth right now I can’t even see the bottom. I feel like I’m in the middle of a play and no one’s given me my lines. I keep thinking I’m in the middle of a production of the prince and the showgirl for god sake.