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"I've never felt this way." He sighed heavily.
"I want ... I need to bite you. Please..." He could barely hold back. Her teeth grazing his neck, seeking a place to latch on, drove him mad with staggering arousal.
"Please ... Sav..." Her breathing had become ragged, signaling the rampant craving taking her down. The desperation in her voice made him realize she was about to lose control. He used every ounce of self-restraint to peel their bodies apart. His every nerve prickled as if tiny pins 172
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and needles were piercing his skin all over—all at the same time.
"No..." She clung to him, ripping the towel from his hips. "I can't stop." Her teeth found his neck and began to bite down as she locked a silky leg around his waist. Fire raced through his veins. He was poised to take her right then and there—more than ready to receive her longawaited bite. She had positioned herself perfectly for his entry—for her bite. Savion hovered between ecstasy and anguish, teetering on a dangerous precipice. He slid one hand into the thick of her lustrous mane to gently pull her head back. Tears pooled in her eyes at his refusal to let her continue. One of them had to stop. To become his Senhora Do Sangue, a ritual with witnesses was crucial. He could never allow any room for doubt concerning her new status.
He could barely breathe while staring at her through halfclosed eyes. "I'm sorry, my sweet. Your first bite must take place as part of a ritual."
She didn't say anything. Silent tears slid over flushed cheeks. He felt her suffering; the hellish torment of longing to bite with no recourse. Lovingly he kissed her tears away then held her close, cradling her head to his chest until the agony subsided.
"Tomorrow, love," he whispered. "You are now strong enough to take my blood. Your physical symptoms and the way you made me feel ... indescribable."
"We will seal our blood tomorrow?" She tilted her face upward, eyes lucid with hope.
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"Yes. Tomorrow you will become my Senhora Do Sangue."
"Will you let me keep the clothes even after the ritual?"
"Of course." He smiled in adoration. "You are too sweet. The way you love me is so sincere."
"You are the only real love I've ever had." Summer looked down at the white garments lying on the bed. "I see the stains came out, but they will no longer carry your scent. I will miss that."
"I can put them on again if you like."
"Yes! I like." She snatched the vest off the bed, then gave him a mischievous smile. "Put them on just as you are ... no underwear."
Savion laughed. "You're such a vamp!" He pulled the jeans on, then buttoned the fly. Summer's hungry eyes stimulated him. "They're a bit tighter tonight," he teased. Taking the vest, he slipped into it.
"Mm, you look wicked hot!" She straightened the single collar around his muscular neck, then clutched the wide lapels to draw him close. "I wanna taste you." Her hands dropped to his waist before gliding over firm buttocks. "You have no idea how I've longed to touch you in this outfit." His head dipped to seek a kiss, filling her mouth with his seeking tongue. She isn't the only one craving a taste! But she is the only one undressed. In one move he gripped her thighs and lifted her off the floor while they kissed wildly. Her stronghold on his hair thrilled him. Fiery—feral—she wrapped around him like a python taking its prey.
They fell onto the bed, heating up for another round of passion.
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Just as Summer began tugging his clothes off, the doorbell rang.
"Ah ... fuck," Savion growled between jagged breaths.
"Who the hell can that be?" He glanced at the clock to see the time was just past midnight.
"Ignore them," she said between gasps. "Maybe they'll think we're sleeping."
No sooner had the words left her mouth than loud rapping sounded on the door downstairs.
"Doesn't sound like they're going away." He took a deep, calming breath before making a move to slowly slide off the bed. "I'll be right back. Don't go anywhere." Savion gave her a sexy wink, then kissed her stomach. She playfully messed his hair before letting him get up. After buttoning his fly, he pouted his lips and with a slight, upward tilt of his chin kissed the air while gazing at her. Fluttery sensations filled her stomach. He's so damn sexy! She watched him slip out the door and close it behind him, then listened to his footsteps going down the stairs. Tomorrow! I can't wait! Tomorrow our union will be consummated! She flopped back on the bed, eagerly awaiting his return.
Muffled voices could be heard on the lower floor. Summer thought the nighttime visitor sounded like Blaze. Slipping into her robe, she padded to the bedroom door, curious about who had come to call and why. However, she wouldn't leave the room. Savion requested she stay here, and she certainly didn't want to offend him on their first night together in his house.
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At the door she made out bits and pieces of the conversation taking place below. It is Blaze! What does he want? She strained to hear.
"Why are you here? It's late, and you know Summer had a tiring day."
"Page has a horrible migraine, and we're all out of her medicine. I can't find my key to the pharmacy. Can you lend me yours?"
"Yeah, but if you don't find your key let me know. We'll have to change the locks."
"Aye, sorry about this, mate. I'm sure it'll turn up. I didn't want to prolong her suffering while I search." Summer pressed her ear to the door, waiting to hear Savion coming back up the steps. Out of nowhere hands grabbed her from behind, clamping down over her mouth, binding her wrists, then her ankles. She tried to scream, but they had a secure hold that kept her from calling out. Someone tied a blindfold around her eyes. Then a strange odor filled her nose. Panic welled up inside. Savion is wearing my clothes! He won't hear my silent cries!
She felt a soft cloth cover her face—then nothing.
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Twenty
Savion slanted a curious look towards Blaze upon hearing a bit of scuffling upstairs. Within seconds he sensed trouble and made a mad dash for the second floor. Bursting through the bedroom door, he felt his heart sink when he saw that Summer was gone.
Blaze ran into the room behind him." What the hell is wrong with you?"
Savion whipped around, grabbing Blaze by the throat.
"Where is she? What have you done?"
"Hey!" Blaze threw his hands up in a gesture of innocence.
"I was with you. How would I know? We best launch a search party. Not safe for a woman of her caliber to be out at night."
"You know bloody well she didn't just wander off." Savion didn't take time to change his clothes. He had no idea of who Blaze had enlisted to carry out his dirty work, and he wasn't about to leave her charmed clothes unguarded.
"Why are you wearing those rags again? I thought you gave them to Summer."
"Since when did you become so interested in my wardrobe?" Savion pushed past him, nearly knocking him down on his way out the door. "If I can prove you had anything to do with this you'll be a sorry man." Blaze trotted along behind him as they headed outside. "As soon as I give Page her medicine, I'll be out to help you look for Summer. You might not believe me, but I don't want anything to happen to her either."
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"Oh, I believe you all right." Savion stopped, placing one hand over his brow to scan the coastline. "Stay away from her, Blaze."
Savion didn't look back as he started jogging along the moonlit beach. Summer's words haunted his thoughts, of how Blaze wanted him out of the way. He had no reason to question her insight. The fact that she
asked about an old grudge proved that her telepathy, though "murky" as she so modestly put it, was more accurate than she realized. Summer had only been on Dunalino for a little over twentyfour hours, yet already pegged Ciara and Blaze fairly well. Blaze's desire to steal his power came as no surprise. He'd always commanded the spotlight. But that he wanted Savion out of the picture altogether felt like betrayal. He wondered how to deal with his bandmate's unresolved anger. Savion couldn't even begin to sort through Ciara's drama. He assumed she had been happy with Reece and her activity whoring about on the island. He'd never given her behavior much thought until tonight.
Savion struggled to clear his mind in order to locate Summer. Anger, worry, sadness, these emotions would block his telepathy. Without the connection of his stage clothes, his focus must reach to a deeper level in order to create a new supernatural pathway.
He'd said it to Summer several times. No fear. And taught her how to control her telepathy.
Mon coeur ... reach out to me.
* * * *
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Summer forced her eyes open against the throbbing in her head. What happened? Where am I? She grappled with her thoughts, trying to recall the last thing she'd seen or heard. Hands—many hands grabbing and pulling. Then suffocating darkness before everything went blank. At least they've removed the blindfold. Glancing down at her attire, she saw that her robe was still tied and didn't appear to have any damage. As the fog began to lift, she did a mental and visual inspection of her body. Her hands and feet were still secured by nylon rope. Other than the sting of rope-burn and a massive headache, she didn't feel any signs of invasion. Thank God they didn't rape me!
Lifting her bound hands to her neck, she stretched a finger to feel for fresh bite marks. Surprisingly, only the vague soreness from Savion's most recent bite remained. They didn't bite me either. She sighed in relief. What do they want then?
Gazing around at her surroundings, she noted they had left her in a cave of some type. Sunlight streaked through an opening about a hundred feet away. I must've been out cold all night. Was it just one night? She had no way of knowing but didn't think her captivity had been very long. Her stomach wasn't rumbling with hunger yet, though she did feel thirsty. There would be no point in screaming only to drain her energy and make her already parched throat worse. Shadows filtered into the sunlight as several beings entered the cave. Fear crept into her soul. Are they coming to carry out their plan now that I'm conscious? As they drew 179
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closer Summer noticed one of her captors appeared to be female.
"Well, well, you don't look so impressive now. Not exactly the image I had in mind for Savion's Senhora Do Sangue."
"I guess not," Summer hissed. "Maybe you're not so averse to tasting a man's blood as you claimed."
"Can you blame me? What woman wouldn't want Savion as her soul mate? But he won't even consider me as long as you're available." Ciara let out a mocking laugh. "And you thought you'd be that woman. Such a naïve little tart you are!
I think Blaze will be a much better match for you. And after Blaze claims you as his own, Savion will be wide open ... longing for comfort. I'll be right there to give it to him." Several men formed a circle around Summer. Their lusty eyes increased her anxiety. No doubt these men intended to bite her neck for the high Savion had spoken of. She wondered if any among them sought to steal her power. Her eyes darted from one to another. For blood-sucking males they had a better than average appearance. None were ugly or scraggly. Even so, they could've all looked like Robert Redford and she still wouldn't want anyone except Savion.
"Back off, boys," Ciara commanded. "I have strict orders to keep her pure."
Summer looked away, utterly disgusted. Even though Ciara was keeping these men away, the thought of Blaze touching her was horrid. Lead singer or not, her heart belonged to Savion and so did her body. The thought of any other man putting his hands on her made her inwardly cringe. 180
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"Aw, don't look so glum, Summer. At least I'm not turning you over to this pack of hungry males." Ciara paused with a longing sigh. "Though I wouldn't mind sharing my blood with these handsome scoundrels. Don't even think of making a break for it. I'll let them take you in a New York minute if you try to escape—whether Blaze likes it or not." Refusing to give Ciara the satisfaction of a response, Summer pulled her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them. Savion had surely begun searching for her. She sighed nervously, trying to bring her fear under control. Perhaps I can buy some time when Blaze takes over this sordid game.
A noise at the distant cave entrance caught Ciara's attention. Summer laid her head on her knees, secretly looking up to see what was going on.
"Looks like your wait is over, Summer. You stay here. Don't do anything stupid." Ciara then nodded towards her pack of men. "C'mon, boys, Blaze is here. You're no longer needed."
A flurry of grumbles spread through the small pack. Nevertheless they obeyed and followed her through the rocky passageway towards the opening. She watched Ciara strut ahead of them, her hips swaying seductively in open flirtation. Summer fought back the urge to cry. How will Savion find me? Ciara and her crew became smaller as they reached the cave entrance. Tears blurred Summer's eyes. Several minutes later she couldn't see them at all.
"Psst!"
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Summer looked behind her into the shadows but couldn't see anyone.
"Summer ... are you hurt? Can you make your way over here?" a soft voice whispered.
"Who are you? What do you want?" Another wave of panic engulfed her.
"It's me, Page. I've come to help you." Immediately Summer rolled onto her side, then wriggled onto her knees before bracing her hands on the rocky ground to push herself up. She hopped into the shadows. Page pulled her down instantly.
"Sshh, Blaze has sharp senses. Don't say a word." She nodded as Page produced a box-cutter and began sawing through the nylon bindings. First her ankles, then her hands became free as the rope fell away. Summer gave her a quick hug then let Page lead her by the hand through the damp, dark caverns. They moved quickly, quietly, without uttering so much as a whisper. Instinctively, Summer knew to trust Page.
After what seemed like a long trek, they emerged into sunlight. White sand stretched as far as she could see. Summer shielded her eyes to gaze down the beach. Nothing but water and sand. The sudden brightness amplified her pounding headache. Once clear of the rocky ground, Page gripped her hand tightly and broke into a full run. Summer didn't question or protest. With a hand blocking the intense sun from her eyes, she ran beside Page until they came to a stop in a small, shady grove.
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They hunkered down beneath the cluster of palm trees providing their shade.
"Are you okay?" Page asked quietly. Her eyes glanced cautiously about.
Summer nodded. "Other than my aching head and dry throat, I haven't been hurt. How long have I been gone?"
"Only overnight." Page held out bottled water. "Drink slowly. I grabbed one of these on my way out the door last night. Sorry I didn't think to take more. I didn't know this would turn into such a long journey." While Summer forced herself to refrain from gulping, Page spoke.
"When Blaze left our villa last night I followed him. By the time I reached Savion's home, Ciara and her crew were already carrying you away. I had to make a split decision. Either run in to tell Savion what I saw and let Ciara get away
... or follow them so we didn't lose track of you. I figured that if I went in after Blaze he'd find a way to stall things, giving Ciara more time to get away. So I went after her to reach you before Blaze did."
"Why were you following B
laze when you had such a horrible headache?"
Page looked at her curiously. "I didn't have a headache."
"Oh. That explains a lot. Ciara and Blaze carefully orchestrated the entire thing. Even getting me out of those clothes."
"I knew Blaze was up to something. I doubt he even went back to our villa to check on me before taking off. But I must admit I didn't expect Ciara to be so heavily involved. She's 183
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always been nasty and slutty, but I never thought she'd stoop to this."
Summer offered the half-full bottle back to Page. "Ciara wants Savion."
"And Blaze wants you." An expression of clarity swept over Page's face.
"I'm sorry. I didn't want my coming here to cause trouble. Especially for someone as nice as you."
"Don't worry, Summer." Page placed a kind hand on hers.
"I'm just glad Savion's chosen one has so much integrity. A lesser woman may have fallen for Blaze's animal magnetism. But you ... you have eyes only for Savion, as it should be."
"I love him."
Page smiled. "I know you do, dear. I know."
"Where are we?"
"That ... I don't know." Page laughed lightly, in that sweet, almost melodic way of hers. "Ciara and those men traveled all night. I think we are on the other side of the island. But at least we are together, and two is better than one." Summer stared at her through misty eyes. "Thank you ... thank you so much for helping me."
"No need to thank me. Like Savion said, perhaps you will choose me as your handmaiden."
"What does a handmaiden do?"
"Lives with the chosen one and her mate. Whoever you choose will become part of your house to be with you whenever Savion is not. There will be times when he works with the band, or tends business on the island without you. 184
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Your handmaiden is there to serve as a companion slash sentinel of sorts."
"Will I really need a bodyguard after our blood is sealed?" Summer remembered Savion mentioning a handmaiden, but she hadn't given it another thought.
