Never Give Up on Love (The Soul Mate Tree Book 7)

by Maggie Mundy

  “I’ve a huge favor to ask, and please feel free to say no.”

  “What is it?” He would do anything she wanted.

  “My cousin Julie is getting married. A relative of mine was going to be my ‘plus one’ as he’s known our family for ages, but he can’t make it.”

  “I’d love to.” Tristan looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Vincent would deal with him later.

  “It’s a big family gathering two weeks after the show. I wouldn’t trouble you, but I didn’t know who else to ask.”

  “I’ll be happy to attend with you as long as we can go back to your apartment afterward and you wear your sexy dressing gown for me.”

  He loved the sound of her giggle. “I’ll wear it, since you asked so nicely. Otherwise, I could wear something much more stimulating.”

  “You don’t need to wear anything to stimulate me. In fact, naked is how I like you best.”

  “Likewise, but I love men in suits. It’s so sexy. You’ll need to bring one for the weekend. By the way, you’ll be meeting my mom and dad.”

  “I’d be delighted.”

  “I don’t know if you’ll say that afterward. I’ll email you the information. Thanks again, and I’ll make it up to you.”

  “I look forward to it.”

  Tristan threw up his hands as Vincent shared the conversation. “You’re going to go to a wedding where everyone is either a hunter or related to one. Are you mad?”

  “If I’m to be with her, they’re going to have to accept me at some point, or I’m dead, literally.”

  “I can see there’s no talking sense to you. For now, we need to go to the meeting. We have a show to organize.”

  ~ ~ ~

  A week later Vincent stood nervously waiting in the foyer of the Ritz. He had a suite booked for Adele and himself, though with the show on he wasn’t sure how much time they would have alone. The suite needed to be used for entertaining guests as well. If Adele didn’t want him when he told her the truth, then he would do everything in his power to keep her dream, of being an internationally renowned photographer, alive.

  He couldn’t stand still. It had been two weeks of only speaking on the phone. When she came to London to oversee work, he had been in Paris.

  Hundreds of years Vincent waited, and he couldn’t seem to organize his life to be with her.

  Another taxi pulled up; Adele had finally arrived, as gloriously beautiful as he remembered. This woman made his heart beat faster. Every day she was all he thought about from the minute he awoke, until he slept. He waited while she booked in and then crossed quickly to reception.

  She turned and held out her hand, and he leaned forward to kiss her on both cheeks. She smelled as wonderful as he remembered, the scent of her blood as enticing as ever. That scent also brought home exactly what he was. Vincent refused to dwell on it.

  “I booked in earlier. I’ll take you up to our suite.” He placed a hand at the small of her back.

  “I’ve never stayed in a suite, apart from the night in Norway. To be honest, only when I’m around you do I find myself in hotels.”

  Reaching their suite, Vincent paid the porter and shut the door firmly. When he walked into the bedroom, he found Adele jumping on the bed. He shook his head at her antics as she plonked down on her bottom and flopped over the comforter.

  “I heard Nicole and Tom jumped on beds in some swanky hotel and thought I might not get another chance,” she teased.

  Vincent climbed on the bed, his body covering hers. He was hard already, but they needed to go to the pre-show party. A kiss would be all for now, but he intended on much more later.

  He ran his lips gently back and forth across hers. She opened her mouth and her warm breath brushed over his face. He flicked his tongue along her lower lip then bit it gently, before plundering the depths of her mouth as she fought to get closer to him. Vincent longed to rip off her clothes and delve into her core as passionately as he thrust into her mouth.

  When he pulled away, they were both breathless.

  “I wish I could stay here and lose myself in pleasuring you, but we have to be somewhere,” Vincent rasped.

  He helped her up off the bed, and she straightened her dress.

  “I think being a lady is overrated. By the way, I promise not to snog you in public.” Adele paired her naughty promise with a wicked grin.

  “As long as you make up for it when we get back here, I don’t mind.”

  A sudden call from reception, letting them know their transport had arrived, stymied the intimate moment.

  The party was held at a warehouse that had been converted for the main show taking place the following day. Large and full of people and lights, Adele’s photographs of the scenery flashed on the walls. They gave a taste of what the upcoming show might offer.

  People hovered around Adele, and Vincent stood back to watch as she enjoyed the attention. She deserved it.

  Then Tristan came over and tapped him on the shoulder.

  “We have a visitor. Hugo’s here and he wants to talk to you in private.”

  Vincent followed Tristan to his office where Hugo waited.

  “I’d like to speak with Vincent, alone,” Hugo stressed. Tristan frowned but left the room.

  Silence hung in the air as Hugo paced back and forth. Vincent had grown tired of the self-importance of the purebloods a long time ago. If Hugo wanted to say something, he should get on with it.

  Hugo finally stopped before him and peered down his nose. “What do you think you’re doing, getting involved with a hunter? Does she know what you are? I’ll not have you put us all in danger because of your infatuation with this woman.”

  “It’s up to me who I involve myself with, and no, she doesn’t know what I am,” Vincent retorted.

  “I won’t risk you disrupting the truce we have with the Hunters guild. It’s already tenuous enough after that hunter was killed last month.”

  Vincent hung tight to his patience. “I’ve always done my job and if you have any information on Rushton still being alive, I’ll join my friends in hunting him down.”

  Tristan reentered the room. “It seems Rushton isn’t dead and may be on the move. He went into hiding after the warehouse attack. Garret’s murder was a random kill. We knew the converts only tended to live six months, but now it seems the dying process is speeding up.”

  Vincent sat down hard at his desk. “That’s not good news. It will make him even more desperate. Callum’s been working on the disease within our bodies, and he soon may have a drug that could help. I hate to say it, but we could use it on Henry and his people to reverse the reaction.” He turned to Hugo. “What of your vaccine?”

  Hugo folded his arms across his chest. “It would appear it will only protect purebloods if we’re bitten. I know you will not believe me, but I’m sorry. I knew Henry before he became sick. He was a degenerate who ill-used people. He’d no respect for humanity then and it hasn’t changed.”

  Vincent wondered what else the pureblood knew about Rushton, if they were friends so long ago.

  “Our people will keep searching for him, but it seems he’s gone to ground. All we can do is hope it will take him a while to build up a new group of followers,” Tristan said.

  Hugo nodded. “I’ll take my leave, but be warned, we’ll not let you jeopardize the truce, Vincent. I’m watching you.”

  Vincent longed to get back to Adele and whisk her away from everything and everyone here. It wouldn’t solve anything. As a vampire, he was still the problem.

  “We should go back and join the others before we’re missed,” Tristan urged.

  As they entered the party, Vincent made a beeline for Adele. This time, he slipped his arm around her waist, and didn’t care who saw. She was his woman, and he wanted the wor
ld to know. Adele gazed up at him and smiled. At that moment, he knew he’d kill anyone who tried to take her away.

  Once it was acceptable for them to leave, he grabbed her hand and led her to the waiting limo. It was gone past midnight, and they had to be back by six in the morning to get everything organized for the show.

  “I had a fantastic time tonight, Vincent.” Adele squeezed his hand. “I can’t wait for tomorrow. It’s like a dream, and I want to thank you so much for this opportunity.”

  “You deserve it. You’re incredibly talented. In and out of the bedroom.” He meant to tease as he leaned in and kissed the smile on her lips. If she only knew how hard it was to be this close and not feed on her. He was certain her blood would taste like the sweetest nectar.

  When they arrived at the hotel, he took off his jacket and hooked it over his arm in front of him. It hid his raging erection from prying eyes.

  She turned and laughed at him.

  He raised an eyebrow in question.

  “You’re a fantastic kisser,” she purred. “It’s also incredibly sexy to know I turn you on.”

  Vincent carried her to the bedroom. He didn’t want to talk. He wanted to lose himself in her body. The next hour was spent slowly undressing and kissing every part of her.

  When they finally joined together, he understood what it meant to give pleasure truly to another.

  Chapter 12

  Vincent stood next to the bed and watched her sleep. Should he have believed what the tree told him, all those years ago? Now, he didn’t want to lose her but couldn’t see how they might remain together.

  He slipped into a robe and walked onto the balcony of the suite, gazing out at the busy city of London below. People would go about their business, never knowing the different and dangerous race coexisting with them. It was the way it should be.

  For once, Hugo was right . . . Vincent might destroy things for everyone. If he ended his relationship with Adele now, she would be sad, perhaps even brokenhearted. But she’d survive. She could go on and find love with someone worthy of her.

  Something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. Vincent immediately went on the defensive, his fangs lengthening as he readied himself for an attack.

  Then a glow formed against the building and took the shape of a tree.

  “Never give up on love,” a voice chimed on the air near the tree, but he couldn’t see anyone. Leaves shimmering in the dark, the tree lingered, then disappeared.

  Could this be the same tree that had appeared to him, ages ago? So many years had passed, and he’d fallen into despair thinking the vision was nothing but a hallucination, as Tristan had claimed. Then Adele had come along and made him hope.

  The voice in the tree had mentioned love. He loved Adele deeply, but did she love him? For a century and a half he had searched for her, but she’d only just met him. If what the tree said was true, he would have to risk finding out and hope she didn’t reject him.

  He walked inside, removed his robe, and eased himself beneath the bedcovers. For now, he would enjoy the feel of her naked body pressed against his. More than anything, Vincent wanted to believe what the tree said.

  Maybe there was something stronger at play here than any of them understood.

  ~ ~ ~

  With the show a success, Adele deserved all the attention coming her way. The American buyers were there as well. Tristan wore a big smile most of the time, enjoying all the wheeling and dealing, and though Vincent shared his enthusiasm for a while, it wasn’t enough.

  The editors of two fashion magazines had approached Adele. She’d be okay now, no matter what the future held. Carla had also arrived from Bath and Tristan was having fun flirting with her. It would be easier if Vincent could have a no-commitment relationship with Adele.

  He wanted more.

  The day went by in a blur and the after-party meant they could relax a bit. Several hours later, he wanted to be alone with Adele, but this was her moment to shine.

  She sauntered over and put her arm through his. “You look deep in thought. I’ll give you a penny for them.”

  He grinned at her. “I was wondering how soon we could leave so I can take you back to bed. This is your night, though, so enjoy yourself.”

  “It’s fun, but I’m thinking the same.” She stood on tiptoes to nip at his ear. “You make me wanton, and it’s glorious. Some people are starting to leave, and Tristan and Carla will hold the fort.” She paused. “That is, until she drags him back to the hotel and has her wicked way with him.”

  “I think the wickedness goes both ways with those two.”

  “I think you’re right. Even the thick walls of the Ritz might not protect the neighbors.”

  Tristan strolled up with Carla on his arm. “Do you mind if I take him away, Adele? I need to have a word.” He jerked a thumb at the bar.

  They took seats at the counter. “I’ve been talking with the American backers,” Tristan began. “They want us to fly over there in a few days. I know you were going to talk with Adele, but I think you should wait.”

  “I’ve waited this long, so I suppose I can wait a while longer. A part of me is relieved. I don’t look forward to the rejection I know will come.” His heart sank at the thought of her face when he told her.

  “Thank you. Now take your woman back to the hotel and make her scream as you screw her like crazy.”

  Vincent hesitated. “I thought I’d take her to the estate for a night before you and I go to America.”

  “Of course. It’ll be easier for you to feed on the deer, and the staff are eager to meet her.”

  “I fear it’ll be more in line of an interrogation. One I shall feel myself when I attend her cousin's wedding in a few weeks.”

  “You, my friend, are a fool in love.” Tristan snorted.

  Back at the hotel, Adele ran a bath and was already soaking in the bubbles when he came in with a glass of scotch for her.

  “May I join you?”

  “Only if you give me a massage.”

  Vincent stripped and slid into the large bath behind her. Adele rested against his chest as his erection pressed into her back. He kneaded her shoulders to work away any knots of tension.

  “What were you and Tristan talking about?”

  “We have to leave for the States the day after tomorrow so we’ll not have as much time together as I’d hoped.”

  “You’ll be back for the wedding, won’t you?”

  He kissed her forehead. “I promise. In the meantime, I was wondering if you’d like to visit my home in the country.”

  “That sounds a bit posh. Do you have a country estate or something?”

  “Yes. Tristan and I live there when not in town. Neither of us has any family alive anymore, but we have staff as close as any family could be.” He continued massaging her shoulders.

  “I suppose it’s fair I get scrutinized too, since you’re coming to the wedding to get attacked by my lot.”

  Vincent nearly choked on her unfortunate choice of words. For now, he didn’t want to worry what others would think. He only wanted to lose himself in her body.

  He moved his hands down her arms to her breasts. The water was hot, but her nipples peaked in need as he touched them. With one hand, he tweaked a nipple between his fingers, while his other moved lower and slid between her thighs. She arched back against him, so he could reach further and slip his fingers inside her. Adele tilted her head, exposing her neck, and he kissed her below her earlobe.

  He sensed the pulse of her carotid blood, just below the surface of her skin. He’d never drunk from a human but was dangerously tempted right now, as his fangs grew and his heart pumped fast. Inhaling her aroma, Vincent plunged his fingers in and out of her body, delving deeper as her breathing grew fast . . . for
cing his fangs to retract.

  He hid his face in her hair as she screamed her release. When he glanced at the mirror beside the bath, her eyes met his, wide and glistening with emotion . . . and his fangs were no longer obvious, thankfully.

  Adele throbbed around his fingers, which were still deep inside her. Easing from his hand, she turned in the bath to straddle him. Vincent smiled at the sated look on her face. She kissed his mouth as her hand guided his erection into her core.

  Water splashed over the side of the bath as she thrust against him. Time disappeared as the glorious feeling of her sent sensations of delight throughout his body. Her kisses grew choppy as she moaned and came. He groaned his own release, knowing he would never want anyone else.

  My woman.

  Adele leaned forward and rested her head against his chest as he pulsed inside her. He combed his fingers through her hair, sharing an embrace with her, holding her tightly.

  As she sighed, he couldn’t stop the words from tumbling out. “I think I’m falling in love with you, Adele.”

  She didn’t answer. She just lay there quietly as he massaged her scalp. When she eventually gazed up at him, he expected rejection, but her eyes had teared up.

  “I know it’s a lot to ask, Vincent, but can we just have this for now? I’m not in a position to get close to someone at the moment, but when I do, I hope it will be with you.”

  He snuggled her closer. “I hope so too, or I might just have to kill anyone who wanted to touch you like this.”

  ~ ~ ~

  Vincent took a deep breath as they pulled up at his estate. He had hoped to arrive earlier, but he and Adele had been caught up in interviews with magazines, papers, and the media online. It was sunset by the time they reached the manor house.

  Adele gripped his hand as he helped her out of the car. “I hope they like me.”

  “They’ll adore you as much as I do. If not, I’ll have them fired.”