Caressed by the Edge of Darkness

by Amanda J. Greene

  Jordan was nothing like the women he usually enjoyed. She had all the right curves, but was short, slender, and appallingly human. The vampiresses he’d summoned were tall, overly voluptuous, and strong. They gave as good as they got and were always willing, able to take more. He always needed more.

  He recalled watching Jordan fight her guards. She had skill, spirit, and strength—beautiful. But she would be no match for one such as him. I could be gentle. I could—

  He finished the liquor. The alcohol spread through his veins like wildfire.

  Who the hell was he trying to fool? He couldn’t be gentle with her. He didn’t want to be. He wanted to take her to the floor, spread her thighs, and thrust home. Hard. Fast. To claim her with his body, with his fangs and everything he had.

  He’d thought placing geographical distance would lessen his need for her, but it’d only made his need to see her, to speak with her, to have her stronger.

  Seventy-two hours had done little but make him hunger for her as if he’d never tasted a morsel. His plan to wait for his desire to diminish had gone up in flames. He called Scott and made arrangements for Jordan to be brought to the city. Gabriel would do his best to avoid her, but at least with Jordan near he wouldn’t have to wonder how she was doing, what she was doing, and maybe she wouldn’t dominate his thoughts every second of every day or every night.

  Scott hadn’t been pleased by his summons, but the surgeon had taken the necessary precautions and mixed Gabriel’s blood into a tonic Jordan could drink. The temporary solution would last until Dimitri could be reached.

  Gabriel had called the ancient vampire when he reached the city three nights ago, but Dimitri had been temporarily unavailable, likely off enjoying his lovely young queen. The pureblood would contact him soon and once he obtained Dimitri’s blood, he could permanently heal Jordan and forever be rid of her. Which is what he wanted.

  Yeah, keep telling yourself that lie.

  He’d pack her up and send her on her way, no matter his feelings. He cringed, god how he hated that F-word.

  Gabriel wouldn’t have anyone tale her, he wouldn’t keep tabs on her. She’d play her map game, change her name, color her hair and disappear into the ocean of conniving, desperate, selfish humans.

  A sharp spear of...something…shot through his chest. Sorrow? No. Remorse? It wasn’t remorse, couldn’t be remorse.

  It matters naught, he thought and poured himself a final drink.

  ***

  Jordan watched the sea of people ebb and flow. Taxies and limousines jockeyed for position at every light and hotel entrance. Men lined the street to hand out flashy cards advertising strip clubs and prostitutes. The clanging sound of slot machine music still rang in her ears and a thick layer of cigarette smoke clung to her clothes. So this is Las Vegas.

  She could see why people flocked to the city. It was vibrant, exciting, and a place to escape your worries…or find new ones. In a flashy town like this humans would never know vampires walked among them. Like New Orleans, Las Vegas provided the perfect cover and a bountiful hunting ground, plenty of drunken and/or high tourists to prey on.

  Turning from the blinding lights, Jordan surveyed the suite she’d been given. The room was large and elegantly decorated. A floor to ceiling glass sliding door led out to a spacious balcony, a private infinity pool, hot tub, and fully stocked bar. All of which Jordan planned on taking advantage of the next afternoon. She’d never been one to hangout pool side and bake, but after spending so much time imprisoned, she craved the sizzling feeling of the sun’s rays.

  A few laps or a hundred wouldn’t hurt either, she thought and stretched her hands over her head. Ever since she started taking the medication Scott had prescribed, she’d been loaded with energy. Back at the compound, she’d ran up and down the stairs for hours, did push-us and sit-ups until she lost count and would join Kate for challenging yoga sessions. No matter what she did, Jordan couldn’t escape the restlessness. Tension slowly built within her, tightening every muscle with each passing minute, forcing her into action. Even now, her body tingled with the need for movement and—she shook with a tremor—she knew what would soon follow.

  It didn’t matter how fast she ran the stairs, how many push-ups or sit-ups she did, the pain would follow. It had begun as an ache in her chest and a dual headache, but as the days and nights moved along at a snail’s pace, the symptoms intensified and spread through her body until it felt as if millions of tiny needles covered her from head to toe, hitting every nerve. Her chest would grow tight, her lungs became stone, unable to expand. She could feel her blood, thicken and slow in her veins as a deep sadness tore at her soul. As quickly as the pain came, it faded and would vanished after a single drop of her mystery medicine but the cycle was inescapable, inevitable.

  Whatever Klein had shot her up with had really done a number on her. Jordan couldn’t tell if the episodes were caused by withdrawals or side effects. Or both caused by Gabriel…She shook her head and laughed at her ridiculous thoughts. What she was experiencing had nothing to do with the blond, brooding, blood drinking stud. The energy was from the medication and the pain was definitely something triggered by the drugs Klein had given her.

  But seeing Gabriel wouldn’t hurt, either, she added.

  It had been three days since she’d last seen him. Since she’d last heard the rough timbre of his voice, since she’d felt his firm touch, or gazed into the deep, crystal depths of his eyes. Three days since she’d accused him of working with Klein, since she’d doubted his word, and he cold-bloodily killed the guard in front of her. Jordan still didn’t know how she felt about that night, but one thing was clear. She had seriously screwed up and she owed him an apology. Yes, another one. She felt terrible. How could she have questioned his devotion or compare him to the guards? He was a former slave, she’d seen the evidence of his past. If Gabriel didn’t dislike her before, he most definitely hated her now.

  Jordan ran her fingers through her hair and began to pace. The need for movement suddenly unbearable. She cast a quick glance to the bedroom door. Gannon had shown her to the suite and left hours ago. She was alone.

  Her eyes shifted to the sparking blue pool. Should she jump in?

  Decision made, she went for the sliding door. The hot, balmy summer air made her skin feel sticky. An excited shiver twirled down her spine as she imagined the feel of the cool water lapping at her, cleansing, it would release the tension building inside her. Yes, a swim was just what she needed and maybe the chill would keep the pain at bay if only for a little while.

  Jordan reached for the hem of her shirt and paused. What is that sound? Soft music played on the hot breeze.

  She tilted her head back. Is that…a piano?

  Curiosity drove her back to the room. The cool conditioned air seemed thin compared to the thick heat outside. The contrast a shock to her weakened system. Her vision blurred and she stumbled out of the bedroom into the hall. Shaking her head, she took in a deep breath and focused on the music.

  Jordan braced a hand against the wall, using it for guidance and support as she followed the sound and she entered the empty living space. The room was dark as well as the kitchen. No one was there.

  Wondering if the suite could be attached to another, she closed her eyes, stilled her breath and listened. Upstairs. The sound was coming from above.

  Jordan studied the room and her gaze settled on a door to the left of the dining area.

  Should she pursue the music? No, she should return to her room, fall into bed and watch some trashy reality T.V. until she fell asleep.

  What if it was Gabriel? Her pulse doubled from the possibility. What if it isn’t, she countered.

  She needed to kick her obsession. It wasn’t healthy and the vampire wasn’t interested in her. She should turn back. She should…

  With a mumbled curse, Jordan shoved away from the wall and made a beeline for the mystery door. Another threshold greeted her and it was…unlocked.

 
Jordan entered the dark suite. The music floated through the air, gentle as a caress. It beckoned to her soul, luring her deeper into the shadows. Every powerful note, heartfelt and striking. Entranced, she followed the sound up a wide, dimly lit staircase to the third level landing and a set of tall double doors. The entry was ajar, allowing light to cut a faint slice into the dark. The music, like a mystical force, she helpless but to obey. Jordan quietly tip-toed forward and peeked inside.

  The ceiling was casted in moonlight and stairs as clear and crisp as the desert night sky outside. The twinkling lights from above mixed with the colorful glow of the city below, making the room shimmer. A black, glossy, piano demanded her attention and there Gabriel sat. Silhouetted in profile, he played. His gloved fingers moving across the keys with such care and erotic grace, Jordan stifled a longing moan. To feel his fingers caress and stroke her in the same away…

  “Ms. Culver, will you join me?”

  Caught. Her cheeks heated from embarrassment while every inch of her body began to tingle. Knock it off. I’m not interested in him in that way anymore. He’s a vampire. I don’t want a vampire.

  Fake it till you make it, right? Well, she’d lie to herself a million times if that’s what it took for her to finally believe it. She had to squash her attraction to Gabriel. It was the only way she could move on without looking back and without regrets.

  Armed with denial, Jordan entered the room. Apart from the piano, only a dark brown leather chaise and a gold platted bar cart, the massive room was empty.

  “Did you write this?” she asked, noting the lack of sheet music.

  Gabriel slowly nodded, his head gently bobbing along with the notes.

  “It’s lovely,” she whispered, once again swept away by the beautiful melody.

  “It sounds like you.” His words had been low and soft, but they filled the room and echoed in her soul. Had he written this song for her?

  Gabriel’s lips pulled up into a half smile before he slammed the piano closed. The hard, abrupt boom rattled her bones. Weakened, she stumbled to the chaise.

  “Would you like a drink?” he asked. In a flicker of movement he stood beside the bar cart.

  Why not? “Bourbon, rocks, with a—”

  “Twist and cherries on the side.”

  Jordan flashed him a smile. “You really did your homework.” She could have sworn she heard him say, Knowledge is power, but he hadn’t spoken.

  Gabriel came to her side, a glass in one hand and a tiny bowl of maraschino cherries in the other.

  “I don’t know if I should be flattered or creeped out by your attention to detail,” she said, taking the offerings.

  “I’d suggest flattered.”

  Holding her drink up in toast she laughed, “Flattered it is then,” and took a sip. Closing her eyes, she held the liquor on her tongue and savored the robust flavor. She missed the warmth and the subtle vanilla notes. The simple things. She let out a low, pleasured sigh and relaxed back against the leather.

  The air around her shifted. Opening her eyes, she met Gabriel’s powerful gaze. Hunger swirled with treacherous passion. He knelt before her. His wide shoulders tense, his powerful legs bent as if he were ready to pounce. The beast poised to ravish the beauty. His heavy hands settled atop her thighs, the cool leather touch burned her bare skin. Anticipation racked down her spine and curled her toes.

  Holding her gaze captive, as if daring her to ask him to stop, Gabriel leaned forward and boldly edged his fingers up to frame her hips. Inches separated them, his heat enveloped her and, god, he smelled like crisp winter air and dangerous male.

  He ran his tongue over his teeth, the tip caressed his gently elongating fangs. Would he kiss her? Would he let her lick his fangs? To share a blood kiss…Yes. Oh, god, please!

  Shattering the spell, Gabriel released her and jumped back as if she’d scalded him. The lust in his gaze replaced by anger and…revulsion.

  Shaken by his whiplash of emotions, Jordan took a long drink. What just happened? They’d been having a pleasant enough conversation—she’d stupidly hoped for a mind blowing make-out session— and now Gabriel glared at her as if she were offering him a poison apple. She was about to ask if something was wrong, but he turned away from her and went back to the piano bench.

  Clearing his throat, he stated, “My apologies.”

  For the almost kiss and the more than welcome touch or his reaction?

  “Gannon has informed me that you would like to work.”

  Changing the subject was probably a good idea. She’d shocked herself with her own reaction to him. One intense look from him and she’d been ready, willing—silently begging—for the vampire to claim her. Body. Blood. All. She seriously had to get her reaction to Gabriel under control, especially if he were going to be her boss. On her way into the city, she’d expressed her want for a job and Gannon assured her he could talk Gabriel into letting her work at one of his bars or nightclubs. Sleeping with an employer wasn’t the wisest decision in most situations and wouldn’t look good at all with her being the new girl.

  She dropped a few cherries in her drink and snacked on the rest. “Yeah, he mentioned you may have a position available at one of your establishments.”

  “You want to tend bar?”

  Jordan took another sip. “I’ve done it before and I’m good at it.”

  “I’ve other businesses.”

  “I’m not looking for anything permanent. Just need some quick cash.” She would focus on a career once she got to wherever it was she going. With luck, she could work a few months, save, and maybe revisit her dream of a yoga studio.

  “What about your music?” he asked.

  She shrugged and replied with a sigh, “For a handful of minutes I considered being a singer. I enjoy it, but being an entertainer and living in the limelight? It’s not for me.” She didn’t want people recognizing her everywhere she went. That would make it too hard to escape, to disappear. Nope, people would get to know her as a yoga instructor or personal trainer, but she’d be able to cut and run at any moment with few questions asked. “So, do you have need of me or…”

  Gabriel’s eyes flashed black with anger or desire? She couldn’t tell.

  He opened the piano and began to play again, another song she didn’t recognize. “It is not my intention to insult you, but I don’t make a habit of hiring humans.” The word dripped with distain.

  Stunned, Jordan brought her drink to her lips. The ice cubes clinked together, her hand trembled and she took a long sip to steady her rising nerves. He’d tried to hide it, but as in-tune with him as she was, she’d seen the slight changed come over him. Gabriel’s muscles had tensed when he said that word, his lips had peeled back from his teeth and his eyes had flashed black, not from anger or desire as she’d thought, but hate. He hated humans.

  How had she not noticed before?

  He’d cringed from her touch. Her kiss, her touch, her nearness, he’d only tolerated her attention. The vampire within him had responded to her that one night, but when he’d regained control, Gabriel had violently flung himself away. The demon wanted her blood, wanted sex, but the man in him had rejected her. He’d meant to sleep on the couch until, unwittingly, she forced him to join her on the bed. “Stay on your side,” he’d growled at her.

  She had been torturing him with her attraction, her desire. But he’d been so caring, so understanding and gentle with her. Had he been trying to spare her feelings? Jordan’s brows drew together. That last night they’d talked, she’d tried to apologize and he’d insisted, “You did nothing I didn’t want.” Then, just seconds ago, he’d gripped her hips and looked as if he were ready to claim her. Then he’d pulled away and…looked revolted.

  He doesn’t want to want me. The knowledge stung worse than a whip. He hadn’t been angry or disgusted with her. No, those emotions had been directed toward himself.

  “I will make an exception for you. If you like, Gannon will take you to Ruin and introduce you to
the manager.”

  Jordan fought to conceal her rising fury. She dropped her gaze to her lap and stared down at her drink. She inhaled, counted to ten, and exhaled. “Let me guess, I’ll be the only human there.”

  Gabriel paused as if analyzing his response. “No one will bother you.”

  Jordan scoffed. “Code for there will be bleeders.”

  He cringed at the derogatory word. “Knowledgeable, willing mortals are welcome to accompany my guests.”

  “That’s cool,” she sarcastically chimed.

  The music stopped. “Is something wrong?”

  Knowing she would regret her next words, she had to hear the truth. “Why do you hate humans?”

  He went deathly still. His green gaze turned sharp. “They can’t be trusted.”

  “And vampires can?” she asked with a dark laugh.

  “Vampires don’t pretend to be anything other than what we are. Blood drinking, carnal beings. Humans act moral and noble to hide their deceit. They cheat, steal, plunder, murder, corrupt. They are ruled by greed and lust, filled with hate and enslaved by money, power, and sex.” Taking in a deep, Gabriel let out a long, exasperated sigh and coolly added, “You, I must exclude from the group.”

  Much to his displeasure. He didn’t have to say the words, she understood his meaning. Humans were beneath him. Unworthy and weak. Victims he had to rescue. Creatures to be pitied. Filthy animals, Kline would spit.

  “Your Highness’s flattery knows no bounds,” she said tightly, then finished her drink and placed the glass on the ground.

  “I meant no offence.”

  “No, I’m sure every word was intended as a compliment.”

  “I don’t consider you—”

  “What? Human?” she snapped and pointed out the window, “like all the rest of them?”