Savvy My Heart_Love Bites

by Elliot Love

  "I chose that pick just for you. After meeting you in the dream, I paid Dustin a visit and made sure he placed it in the parcel."

  Summer leaned over, placing a tender kiss on his lips.

  "That is very sweet. Thank you."

  "I waited so long to find you. To be sure the connection between us would be undeniable ... I sent you my most cherished pick."

  "What makes it so special to you?" An easy smile swept over his face. "You know how some people save the first dollar they ever made? Say ... from a new business or something?"

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  "Yes. I've seen plenty of that among the wealthy circle of friends in my old life."

  "Well," he said, letting one finger glide up and down her arm, "that guitar pick is the one I used for our very first, major concert—long before we became famous. I saved it so I would always remember that anything is possible with a bit of faith."

  "I'm truly touched that you sent it to me." She felt her eyes tear up. In spite of his fierce nature, he possessed an inner sweetness that melted her painful past away.

  "I signed my name on the back before giving it to Dustin. Kind of like sending you a little piece of my heart in advance."

  "Sav," Summer repeated softly while admiring the unique flair of his penmanship, then she giggled sweetly. "I've never had a Purple Heart before."

  He grabbed her and pulled her down. In one smooth move he had her pinned on the couch beneath his muscular body. She gasped in surprise while staring up into his entrancing gaze.

  "I love your lighter side as much as that wild vixen in you."

  "You bring out feelings in me I never thought existed." She reached behind her, gently set the pick on the sofa table, then slid her arms around his strong neck. "I can't wait to bite you."

  He arched his eyebrows, intrigued by her mounting desire for his blood. "At the rate you are going ... it won't be long." Summer quivered with anticipation. His intoxicating scent floated over her—invaded her soul. She licked her lips, fighting the rising urge to sink her teeth into his delectable 110

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  flesh. Taking his blood into her very core to join with hers. Oh, the thought of it! She found it increasingly difficult to hold back.

  "It's hard ... I know," he whispered. "Just hold on." She parted her lips to receive his kiss, welcoming the taste of his tongue filling her mouth. He shifted his weight over her until their bodies meshed like a perfect puzzle. His need for release became clearly evident as he pressed against her thigh. Her hands slid to his waist, unlacing the ties to the leather pants clinging to his hot body. Franticly she wriggled the leather down past his hips.

  "Summer..." he whispered, his voice laden with want. He slid the silky dress up just as her bare legs wrapped around his waist. "Bloody hell, woman. You've become such a vamp." His choice of words struck her odd, but she certainly wasn't going to interrupt to question him. After all, he never referred to himself as a vampire. He wasn't dead. Just immortal. Though he possessed many supernatural abilities, he still walked about in daylight. Whatever Nahtosha had turned him into, Summer didn't care. Savion was here—right now—loving her.

  Their lips met again as he slid her panties off with one hand, then pulled her legs back around him. She unzipped his shirt, pushing it away to expose his sexy chest and rippling abs glistening with sweat. Her caress swept over him, drawing him in. Taking his masculinity into her warmth. Sucking his tongue as he began gently moving inside, delivering a new rush of pleasure with each stroke. 111

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  Burning heat engulfed her, luring her spirit to another world. Lost in a mysterious haze, she welcomed his intense lovemaking. He filled her in every sense. His mouth slowly released hers, then dipped below her neckline, tugging at the fabric of her dress with his teeth. He clearly didn't want to break momentum by pausing to completely undress. His feral actions thrilled her. The sound of fabric being torn from her body mingled with their own heavy breathing swirled around her. Then the tormenting sensation of his warm, moist mouth at her breast.

  Sucking in a sharp breath, she braced herself as the crushing tightness hit her. "Sav..." she barely whispered as he moved with wild abandonment.

  Everything blurred. Her body defied human logic, joining with his in untamed fury for a mind-blowing climax she thought might incinerate her on the spot.

  He covered her face with affectionate kisses as they rode out the seemingly endless waves of ecstasy.

  * * * *

  "That's the second time you've called me, Sav," he said as they lay quietly in a loving embrace.

  "It's a bit hard getting out your entire name when I can barely breathe." She smiled up at him. "You take my breath away when we make love."

  "Mm, bay-beh. You have the same effect on me." His lips brushed her cheek. "I love the way you say my name ... as if you are making love to it. The first time I heard my name roll 112

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  off your tongue something deep inside my soul sparked to life."

  Summer snuggled into the crook of his shoulder. Her dress hung from her body in tattered layers, but it didn't matter. Savion had finally slid out of his clothes and lay protectively wrapped around her. She felt safe. Euphorically happy. They drifted into blissful slumber nestled together after a long day.

  * * * *

  Her lashes fluttered as she struggled to open her eyes against the bright rays of sun streaming through the venetian blinds on the balcony door. Though the light felt somewhat overpowering, she didn't notice any physical signs of adverse effects. She gazed dreamily at Savion's face while he slept. Long, dark lashes lay sweetly on those high cheekbones. He had magnificent bone structure, like that of a male model, yet not overly exaggerated or chiseled. Just enough hardness to enhance his indomitable male charisma. Everything about him oozed masculine sensuality. Even his beautiful, long blonde hair didn't take away from the animal magnetism he possessed.

  Monday already! The past few days had flown by way too fast. She wondered what to do about her return plane ticket and the hotel reservation. Should I just assume Savion is taking care of it? Or maybe I should ask him how long he's going to be in town? I will need to extend my stay in this suite unless he has made other arrangements. Wondering 113

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  how to tactfully bring her concerns to his attention, she lay quietly enjoying the rhythmic sound of his breathing. Without warning he woke with a start. He jumped off the couch, whisking her to her feet. "Get dressed. Company's coming."

  She stood frozen for a moment, staring as he dressed in a flash. His sudden movements indicated trouble was on the way. Panic rose in her throat, creating uncomfortable dryness. Her feet couldn't seem to move.

  Strong yet gentle hands gripped her shoulders. His eyes burned into hers.

  "Summer ... put on your clothes." He framed her face with a touch much softer than his tone of voice. "Don't say anything you don't have to. Most people will bury themselves if given enough time."

  Trouble was definitely on the way. The thought that Blaze might be swooping in whipped through her mind. She shook it off and did as Savion said. Without thinking she grabbed the backpack, then ran to a bedroom. In less than a minute she stood clothed in her favorite white outfit, a black tank top cropped above her navel covered her breasts beneath the unbuttoned vest.

  Savion did a double-take when she reappeared. An expression of approval met her eyes. "Here." He snapped the purple pick off the table and tossed it to her. She caught it, then tucked the triangular piece of plastic into the same front jeans pocket as before. No sooner had she secured it than the main door to her suite burst open, followed by several police officers. Savion stepped towards 114

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  them, blocking their access to Summer. She didn't understand why policemen were raiding her suite.

  "Savion Gibson," the first officer said, "you're wanted for unlawful entry, possession of a stolen weapon and kidnapping."

  What? Summer couldn't believe her ears. What are they doing? Still, she controlled her rising rage and held her tongue as Savion had instructed her to do. Two officers swung Savion around and patted him down. Then one of them said to his comrade, "Steve, search the suite."

  Secured with handcuffs and guarded by a pack of lawmen, Savion appeared unusually calm as they read him his rights. Sure enough, while the police searched the suite, another man walked through the door followed by a woman. Summer felt her stomach churn. Eric ... and Dori! My sister really did call him.

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  Fourteen

  "Is this the man?" one of the policemen looked towards Dori and Eric.

  "That's him!" Dori pointed with a haughty grin.

  "No drugs in the place. No weapons either," said Steve when he walked back into the room. "Nobody else in the suite. Thought you said this was a bust."

  "That's what this woman told us." Both men turned questioning eyes on Dori.

  She appeared utterly disappointed and began to look nervous. "I'm sure they heard you coming, then ditched the gun and drugs."

  "Sorry to ruin your day," Savion told them. "But we don't need drugs. We're naturally high on life."

  "Don't get smug with us," Steve growled. Then he gave Summer a concerned look. "Has this man hurt you, miss?

  Don't be afraid to speak up just because he's a celebrity."

  "Of course I didn't hurt her!" Savion yanked his cuffed wrists away from their grip.

  "Let her speak," Steve snapped, then ushered Summer into another room away from the small crowd. He closed the door behind them. "Your sister called the station. Said you are being held against your will. And your husband reported a gun stolen from his house. They claim Savion Gibson is responsible. We are here to help you, Summer." Summer stared back with wide eyes. "Dori knows nothing about me. I came out here for our mother's funeral. Savion is 116

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  a very dear friend to me and came along at my request. I was nervous about seeing my relatives after thirty years. My sister is very angry that I brought another man. And I'm certainly not being held captive!"

  "What do you know about the gun?" She met his gaze without flinching. "I didn't even know Eric had a gun in the house."

  "So you're sure this Savion Gibson isn't blackmailing you?

  This isn't the first time his name has come up at the station. You don't have to be afraid. We can protect you from his kind."

  Where were you thirty years ago? She wanted to shout the words, but maintained her composure. How ironic that he was accusing Savion of the crimes committed by her own husband.

  "Savion would never hurt me. I invited him to stay. And we don't do drugs!"

  Steve studied her face for several long minutes, then nodded with a relenting smile. "Okay, Summer. Let's go back out and see if we can clear this mess up." Savion's eyes met hers the moment she walked into the room. He showed no fear. Not even contempt or frustration. His extraordinary cool demeanor surprised her in light of their situation. Everyone else stood waiting for answers.

  "Bill, this appears to be nothing more than a domestic issue. Summer has no fear of Mr. Gibson. He escorted her to a family service," Steve told his partner. "And she didn't even know her husband keeps a gun in their home." The other officers stepped back, ostensibly more at ease. 117

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  "That's a lie!" Dori blurted out. "This man killed my husband's best friend!"

  Steve gave a heavy sigh. "Take the cuffs off, Bill. Looks like a wild goose chase." He directed his attention towards Dori. "We've already discussed the death of your friend. The coroner's report suggested no foul play. Trey died of natural causes. The allegations you brought against Mr. Gibson are of a very serious nature. If you continue making false accusations we may be forced to press charges against you for harassment. Your sister has assured me that she is not being held against her will. I suggest you let her handle her own personal affairs."

  "What about the gun he stole from me?" Eric barked.

  "We have the report. But without serial numbers, I have to say, it's going to be impossible to conduct a search. We couldn't find any weapons registered in your name and have no way of confirming that Mr. Gibson was in your area. Also, it's out of our jurisdiction to investigate that claim. Perhaps you should file a complaint with your local authorities." Eric shifted his weight, arms folded firmly across his chest.

  "The gun is registered in her name! She used it to kill her old man years ago."

  Summer used every ounce of self-control in her soul to cover her fear. Now free of the cuffs, Savion stepped to her side, sliding a protective arm around her waist. Relax, babe. Remember, no fear. Keep your mind clear. His unspoken words filtered through her mind. The tension in her body slipped away as if he willed it to.

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  Steve gave Eric an incredulous look. "You signed a statement saying your gun is missing. Now you're telling us the gun was hers and used as a murder weapon? First you claim she's been abducted ... now you're calling her a murderer? Do you realize what you're saying?"

  "Uh," Eric muttered, a bewildered look filled his eyes.

  "If what you say is true, then that makes you an accomplice to murder. Is this your new story?" Steve took a step closer to Eric as if prepared to apprehend him. "If so, this would be a matter for the F.B.I., do you wish to proceed?"

  "No..." Eric backed away. "That's not what I meant. Uh, hmm. Well, perhaps I've forgotten where I put the gun. After all, it's been so many years since I ... um, since handling the damn thing. It must be in the house somewhere."

  "Perhaps ... you may want to locate this so-called mystery weapon to prevent future problems," Steve said with studiously raised eyebrows. "Because we ran a check on your wife too. There are no weapons registered in her name either."

  "We apologize for the intrusion, Ms. Surya. And for the horrible misunderstanding, Mr. Gibson," said the other officer.

  "However, when Dori insisted you'd been abducted and your husband claimed his gun was missing, we took their statements very seriously." He glanced at Savion. "You don't exactly have the best reputation around here." Savion stared back at the shorter man with no open emotion. "I'm only in town on business anyway." 119

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  "Again." Bill smiled apologetically at Summer. "Sorry for the misunderstanding."

  "Apology accepted." She returned his smile. "Please take those two with you."

  "I'm not going anywhere!" Eric stated. Steve took Eric by the arm. "Yes, you are."

  "It's okay," Savion interjected. "He can stay if he likes. I have nothing to hide."

  Summer nearly fainted. What is he doing? "Savion ... no," she whispered, tugging his shirt tail from behind. Nevertheless, he ignored her plea. "Hell, Dori can stay too. We were about to order breakfast. I'm famished." Steve and Bill shot Summer a questioning look. She shrugged and smiled, yet offered no verbal response. Her stomach was doing flip-flops. An expression of pure horror traversed Dori's face. Summer knew her sister suddenly realized she had stepped in over her head. The two men obviously wanted a showdown, and outside of law intervention, nothing appeared to be standing in their way.

  "Summer?" Steve double-checked. "It's up to you." She swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing herself to remain unruffled. If this is what Savion wants, then I won't cross him. I trust him.

  "I'll be fine," she repl
ied. "It was, after all, as you said ... a huge misunderstanding."

  Steve nodded knowingly. He handed her a piece of paper with a phone number written on it. "If you need anything ... anything at all, call me direct at this number." 120

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  Savion inwardly smiled over the enchanting effect Summer had on the officers. Unbeknownst to them, from the moment they burst into the suite her allure had charmed them. They would've believed she was the queen of Egypt if that's what she wanted. A surge of pride filled his heart while staring at her responding so eloquently to this unexpected snag. His trust in her enabled him to stay calm, cool and collected in order to observe this man who'd held her captive all those years. He already had Dori pegged: a nosy, jealous sibling with nothing better to do than create drama. However, he and Eric had never met. And the time had come to deal with the little worm. Summer's agreeable disposition would be put to the test before Savion swept her away to Dunalino. He was no fool. She'd need to exhibit raw grit in the presence of her mortal husband. Though she belonged to Savion in every sense according to the spiritual realm, he hoped that she'd stand up to Eric as the next step towards the ultimate goal—proving she could truly leave her past to reign as his Senhora Do Sangue. It's go time. Savion saw the officers out then closed the door.

  * * * *

  Eric showed no signs of intimidation when Savion turned to face him. Summer stood back—waiting to see what Savion had in mind.

  Dori moved away, taking a seat on a chair in the far corner. Fear shadowed her face. Savion turned his head 121

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  sharply in her direction. A spine-chilling glimmer filled his vivid blue eyes.

  "Would you care to leave?" he asked her. His voice sounded ominous. He licked his lips in a deliberate taunt. "I'm feeling rather generous at the moment. Unless, of course ... you'd like to stay for a bite. Like I said ... I'm famished, and we are about to have breakfast."