Léopold's Wicked Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans)

by Grosso, Kym

“As if,” she teased. In public, that’d be a no. In private, hell yes. “Not happening.”

  “Now that’s not very submissive, ma chérie. You must play the role. If not, that kind of behavior will get you in trouble tonight. No, correction, that’ll get us both in trouble. On the other hand, if we do this right, we can get in and out…. make an appearance, corner Martin, get the book and leave.”

  “Easy peasy.”

  “Hardly. Although Martin has agreed to give it to us, who knows what he’ll say when we get up there? He could try to manipulate me further, to hurt you. He cannot be trusted.” Léopold’s face grew serious and his eyes darkened. “Laryssa, I meant what I said earlier. I’ll kill him if he tries a game, puts his hands on you. We must get that book in order to get the Tecpatl, to kill the demon.”

  Laryssa nodded quietly.

  “You need to be prepared for this possibility. At the end of the day, it’s my nature to kill. This is who I am, who I’ve always been, who I always will be. Do not ever think of me otherwise.”

  She turned in his arms, caressing his freshly shaven cheek with her hand.

  “Leo, you’re so much more. How you have gone all these years thinking like that, I don’t know. I may not have known you for very long, but that isn’t you. Last night, I felt you deep inside me…that man is caring and passionate. And that’s what’s inside your soul. If you’re forced to kill tonight, I’ll be there standing right beside you. I’m not scared of you or anything you’re capable of doing. I can do this. I’m not a helpless damsel in distress. I’m not human, either.”

  Laryssa rose on her tiptoes, and pressed her lips to his. I could love this man, she thought. He was tough, yet incredibly compassionate. Confident but self-deprecating. Vampire did not equate to monster, no matter what he’d seen or done in his lifetime. Resisting the urge to deepen the kiss, she eased back onto her heels and gave him a small smile.

  “I’m not worthy of you, mon amour,” he whispered, his eyes remaining closed.

  “You are,” she disagreed, laying her palm to his chest, knowing she’d never be satisfied with one night. Consumed by him, she wouldn’t give up on breaking through to him. His battle hardened exterior seemed impenetrable, but she had the will of a thousand warriors. He just didn’t know it yet. “Leo, when this is over…It’s just that I… I want us…we need to talk.”

  “Oui. But we can’t afford to get distracted now.” His eyes opened, burning with fire.

  “Later then? Promise me.”

  “Oui.” With a shake of his head, he shoved the emotion back into his chest and returned to discussing the plan. “Tonight, it’ll be just you and me.”

  “What about Dimitri and Jake?” It wasn’t lost on her that he’d again changed the topic of conversation.

  “I told you, Martin’s a purist. No one but vampires are permitted to step foot onto his property. Arnaud will drive us. Dimitri and Jake will follow, but stay parked down the street. I pray they don’t have to intervene, but I’m not foolish enough to take you there without backup. Jake inserted a bug into my collar. I’ll call on them if needed, but only if we’re in dire straits.”

  “Anything else?”

  “When we walk through that door,” Léopold glided his hands over her shoulders and down her arms, “you’ll belong to me and no one else. You’ll be mine in every sense of the word. Your actions. Your body. Even your blood.”

  Laryssa’s eyes widened and her pulse raced. She considered his words, aware she’d no choice but to give in to his will, his rules to stay alive. But for a second, she wondered if she’d do it for him even if her life wasn’t on the line. Deep within, she knew the answer, but would never admit it. She’d already gone far over the line, giving him too much power over her heart and he didn’t even know it.

  “I can do this, Leo. I’m not a fool. I wouldn’t be going if I thought you’d hurt me,” she told him, holding her chin up high. My heart, however, is already aching.

  Léopold gave her a small smile and shook his head. She intrepidly trusted him, and he couldn’t conceive how such a gentle being could have such faith in him.

  “Are you going to bite me?” she asked, catching him off guard.

  “I’ll avoid it at all costs. I can assure you that we won’t make love at the party, so there is virtually no risk of creating a bond if I was forced to bite you. I honestly don’t see that happening, but I can’t rule it out.” Léopold felt the sting of rejection emanating off of Laryssa. Does she want me to bite her? To bond with me? As much as he wished to contemplate her wishes, he needed to focus on their imminent task, one he was certain was not going to be as easy as it appeared. “You can back out of this at any time. But the second we step out of the car, there’s no going back. Do you understand? I’m going to need you to give yourself over to me without reservation. Tell me, Laryssa. Do you agree to the rules?”

  “Yes. For tonight, I’m yours.” The words fell naturally from her lips without hesitancy. She’d give him more than one night, a lifetime if he asked. As they walked to the car, she’d never been more confident of anything in her life.

  The affair appeared entirely civilized at first glance, but Laryssa knew otherwise. She fought to maintain control of her breathing as she took in the gala’s atmosphere. A sensuous blues song filtered throughout the antebellum mansion. As the band played on, couples milled about the ballroom, drinking and laughing. While some guests were dressed for an evening at the opera, in ball gowns and tuxedos, others looked as if they were going to a fetish club, wearing leather and corsets. All eyes fell on them as they entered.

  “This way,” she heard Léopold say, and gladly followed, terrified to be left alone.

  “Drink,” he told her, handing her a champagne-filled flute. She hesitated, concerned it could be poisoned. As if sensing her apprehension, he took a sip of his own and coaxed her. “It’s delicious.”

  Remembering her role, she nodded in agreement and placed the rim to her lips. Taking a tiny amount into her mouth, the bubbles danced over her tongue and down her throat. She sucked a deep breath, and she willed herself to calm down. Her temporary tranquility was soon replaced with fear as an imposing man with exposed fangs approached. She struggled to keep the liquid down and squeezed Léopold’s arm.

  “Léopold Devereoux, my old friend. How’ve you been? I must say I was surprised to get your call this afternoon, but I’m thrilled I did.”

  “Merci beaucoup, Martin. I certainly wouldn’t pass up such a fortuitous opportunity to enjoy your company and do business all at once.” Léopold supposed he was laying it on thick, but he was well aware that Martin enjoyed having his ego stroked, especially in a public forum. “Your home’s magnificent. The restoration is impressive.”

  “Thank you for noticing. But of course, someone of your stature would appreciate the finer things. I’ve personally overseen all of the architectural detail work,” he boasted, his eyes feasting on Laryssa. “You must introduce me, Léopold. Who is this lovely little choice you’ve brought with you tonight?” He held out his hand to her.

  “This is…” It occurred to Léopold that they hadn’t discussed whether or not to use her real name. Thinking quickly, he chose a name that he knew would draw her ire, making her focus on him, not her fear. “Jessica. Jessica, this is our gracious host, Martin. Go on, mon lapin. Don’t be shy. You have permission to shake his hand.”

  “Yes, sir,” she answered submissively. Her heart raced as she extended her palm toward the imposing vampire. As it occurred to her what Léopold had called her, Laryssa’s eyes flared. Jessica? Jessica freakin’ Rabbit? She caught the smile on his face, realizing he’d done it on purpose to distract her. Tamping down her reaction, she embraced her role. Laryssa lowered her eyes and placed her hand in Martin’s, praying he couldn’t feel her fingers shake.

  Martin gave a devious smile, before capturing her hand and placing his lips upon it. Rather than release her, he held onto it, engaging Léopold in conversation.


  “Oh my, she is striking,” he crooned. “You must let me taste her.”

  “Ah, I’m afraid that’s not possible. You see, she’s in training with the agency. I’m working very hard to teach her the proper manners required of a donor. Please forgive her in advance as she’s a novice.” Léopold possessively wrapped his hand around Laryssa’s waist, pulling her away from Martin, forcing him to release her hand.

  “Well, I must say it is very generous of you to do that for them.”

  “Considering the short notice, it was acceptable. Your observation is correct, though, mon ami. She’s quite fetching. I plan to use her in every way possible this evening, make sure she’s thoroughly disciplined.” Léopold maintained a deadpan tone to his voice as he commented, as if it were nothing more than business.

  Martin released a hearty laugh. “Practice makes perfect. But do let me know if you need any help with her. I’d be happy to give her a go.”

  Laryssa kept her eyes on the floor. Give me a go? Is this guy serious? Martin’s voice made her feel as if thousands of spiders were crawling over her skin. She rubbed her arms as nausea threatened.

  “Merci. Your offer is very generous, however, this one is entirely my responsibility. On another note, I’ve brought what you’ve asked regarding our business.”

  “Very good. We can make the transfer in a bit.” Martin grew distracted by a large crowd of new guests filling the foyer. “Will you please excuse me? I’ll be but a minute and then we can go to my office.” Martin looked again to Laryssa and blew a kiss at her before turning his attention to his new arrivals.

  As he walked away, Laryssa felt herself sag against Léopold in relief.

  “You’re doing very well for a novice,” Léopold noted, sipping his drink.

  “Thank you, sir,” she answered.

  “Jessica,” he paused and chuckled. “Are you enjoying the party?”

  “Yes, sir.” Enjoy the party? Laryssa wasn’t sure if he was serious or not. She briefly considered breaking character but judiciously decided against it. Martin had looked at her like a shark who was about to snap up a seal and she wasn’t about to test her theory.

  Léopold took Laryssa’s hand in his, leading them onto the dance floor. As they stepped out onto the parquet floor, he took her glass and his, and handed them off to a waiter.

  “Come,” he ordered.

  At his demand, the smallest flicker of irritation flashed in her eyes and she lowered her lids quickly, concealing it as she remembered her role. It had only lasted a second. No one gave her a second look, but Léopold had noticed.

  “Manners, pet,” he warned, reaching up into the back of her updo. Tugging slightly on her hair, he exposed her neck while pulling her flush against him with his other hand. “Or would you like that spanking I promised you?”

  Yes. Arousal flooded between the juncture of her thighs at the thought of him doing so. As he pulled her against him, Laryssa’s body came to life against his as if they were the only two people in the room. His clean male scent enveloped her as he took control. Her hands fell to her sides, allowing him to guide her to the driving beat of the music. She felt the hard length of him brush against her belly. Involuntarily she released a small moan.

  “You are a very dirty girl, aren’t you, ma chérie? My, my, my. You do want me to do that to you, don’t you?”

  “Yes, sir,” she breathed into his shoulder. Closing her eyes, she couldn’t look at him, to see his rejection as she confessed her desires. “I want it…I want that and so much more…but only with you.”

  “Jesus Christ,” he swore as his cock hardened against his zipper. Fuck, she’s going to kill us both. She may have been playing a role, but he was certain she meant every single word she said. They were only supposed to seek the book, get out safely. Instead, her actions were ripping him from the inside out. His teeth ached for her skin, for her blood. Any remaining doubt he held that he’d be able to get her out of his mind and his life disintegrated like he’d taken a sledgehammer to a piece of chalk. Once he took her blood, he suspected he’d create the kind of bond that would ensure his centuries of solitude were truly finished.

  With furor, he spun her in his arms, slamming her back into his chest. Like a vise, he held tight to her waist, gliding his other hand over her chest until he’d wrapped it around her throat. But the struggle didn’t come. No she merely fell into his erotic embrace, digging her nails into the side of his thighs.

  “Mon amour, we cannot wish for the inconceivable. Be afraid. Fight me. See me for who I am,” he demanded as he ground his erection up into her bottom.

  “If it is what you wish, sir,” she replied. Lost in the rhythm, she gave into Léopold’s demand. No longer playing a role, she reveled in his strength. “But it is you who I seek. Be assured, I see only you.”

  “Look around you, pet. They all feast upon the sight of your skin, coveting what I have. This, this is my world.” Goddammit. When will she finally see me for what I am? Can’t she see the grotesque and treacherous world into which I’ve brought her? Léopold may not have been Martin’s friend, but these vampires walked within the precarious circles of his life.

  Laryssa opened her eyes and noticed that no longer were the other guests dancing. If not otherwise engaged in sex or feeding they had stopped to stare, to observe their impassioned dance. Consumed by the moment, she shook it off, unwilling to care what they thought. This was what vampires did, impulsively acting out their deepest desires, exhibiting their lust and anger.

  “Let them look,” she challenged, bending at the waist and writhing against his swollen flesh. “Master, I’m here to serve you, not them.”

  With a jerk, he’d righted her, against him. Was she insane? The charade had gone too far. Léopold considered taking her out to the limo and fucking her senseless, when she placed her hand over his, urging him to take her breast. He slipped his hand underneath the silky fabric, cupping her soft skin. Teasing her nipple into a taut point, he pinched gently until she sucked a breath. But she didn’t stop him. No, her arousal filled the air, not a soul in the room misunderstood her intentions.

  “Yes, sir.”

  “How far would you go? Would you let me strip you, fuck you here, in front of everyone?” He couldn’t stop himself from pushing her. When would she realize that she was falling for a lethal vampire, who lived off the blood of humans? When would she wake up and see that no matter how badly he wanted her, a life with him would be fraught with vulnerability and danger?

  “I would go as far as you needed me to go. Can’t you see that? None of it matters unless I’m with you.” Laryssa almost lost her composure as she became aware that she’d just professed how she felt about Léopold.

  It was not lost on her that others in the room had heard, had been watching. Underneath the cover of her role, she safely revealed her feelings. She’d known that she wasn’t supposed to give the impression that she cared for Léopold. He’d be angry with her, she knew, for putting them at risk. She stopped dancing and slid out of his hands, and bowed her head, attempting a recovery of the situation.

  “Please forgive me. I have taken advantage of your kindness in training me by letting my physical attraction, my personal lust toward you take priority. I understand if you wish to report me to the agency,” she said in a meek voice.

  Léopold stood firm, his feet rooted to the floor. If he could have his way, they’d leave right now, but they had to get the book. Cognizant of their errors, he appreciated her effort to rectify what they’d done. As he looked around, the other guests had once again begun dancing, ignoring them.

  “See that it doesn’t happen again. While I intend to make sure you receive the punishment you deserve for calling spectacle to us at this affair, we shall make the best of it, no?”

  Léopold went to usher Laryssa off the dance floor when he spotted Martin making a beeline toward them. No doubt he’d been alerted to their sensual tryst on the dance floor. Going on the offensive, Léopold widened his st
rides, dragging Laryssa by the hand behind him.

  “Martin, I must apologize that my training got a tad out of hand on the floor. This one,” Léopold nodded over to Laryssa, whose eyes fell to the floor, “must be reprimanded as soon as possible. She may have difficulty learning to be a donor as it’s apparent she confuses the attention of a master for affection.”

  “Dear boy, I do know the issues involved with finding suitable donors. Like you, I prefer a flavor of the week. Variety is the spice of life so they say. Relationships with donors are an inherent pitfall to the process. Don’t worry a minute about the display. My guests,” he gestured around the room to several couples who begun publicly having sex, “they do enjoy a good show. Come now, let’s attend to business before the party goes into full swing.”

  Laryssa felt as if the wind had been sucked out of her. Swirling emotions made her feel as if she’d just ridden a roller coaster. But unlike the carnival, there was no respite from the jarring descent. Perhaps she had been confusing her own emotions with the role, but from her head to her toes, her skin burned for his touch.

  Breathing deeply, she summoned all her strength, letting the power of the naiad flow through her blood. She forced herself to focus on their mission, the reason why they were at the party. Like a forest animal, she sensed the hunter. Instinctively preparing for the attack, she appeared calm but her storm of energy built. Soon they’d have the book and they could finally leave.

  Holding tight to Léopold’s tuxedo sleeve, Laryssa followed him down a long hallway. When they arrived in Martin’s office, she glanced up and caught an eerie gleam in their host’s eyes. She pretended not to notice, hoping he didn’t have a death wish. Léopold, sharp and cunning, hadn’t survived centuries by embracing naivety. Martin knew this. He’d anticipate the great difficulty involved if he planned on trifling with Léopold, but he’d think Laryssa a weak victim. She could tell by the way Martin eyed her, that he secretly planned a coup. He stalked his prey, luring them into his trap.