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Her silence infuriated him. Nevertheless, he knew the rite of passage better than she. If she wouldn't surrender 210
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willingly, which surprised him considering his position in the band, he'd need to come up with a new plan. Never had a woman refused his advances before. This began to unsettle his ego.
He decided to make another attempt to soften her.
"C'mon, Summer. I've been the front man for three decades. All I want is my respect back. You can still be with Savion after exchanging bites with me," he lied, counting on the fact she didn't know everything about the Senhora Do Sangue legend. "You've seen how many girlfriends I have. I'm not looking for another. I simply want to receive the same admiration that Savion does. As his high lady, your acceptance will help the other men see me as his equal." For a moment he felt a glimmer of hope as an expression of mixed emotion flitted through her sultry blue eyes. He waited expectantly, feeling optimistic about his ability to charm even the most contrary wench.
"No," she finally replied. "You're lying."
"Fine, bitch. Have it your way. I'm going back to the villa." He turned to go, putting his backup plan into play. "Page's love-bite will have to do then. As Savion's sister she'll give me the power I need and be bound to me forever."
"She won't!"
Whipping around, he glared at her with clenched teeth.
"Yeah ... she will. The feisty tart will do anything to protect her brother's interests. She's been his secret weapon for years now."
Recollection of her conversations with Page brought to mind how she'd expressed her desire to get away from Blaze. 211
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How she wanted Summer's protection and that Blaze would be forced to free Page once Summer declared her as handmaiden. Nahtosha had set up a way to protect her chosen male and his loved ones. Summer couldn't let them down. After everything Page had done to help, Summer knew there must be some way to return the favor. She couldn't bear the thought of Page unwillingly bound to this bastard forever.
"You can't just leave me here in the dark!"
"I can do what I please." He started walking away, then glanced back with a smirk. "I'm not lost." She glanced around nervously. "I'm coming with you." Blaze let out a heavy, frustrated sigh, then turned around to face her. Big blue eyes stared up at him. At that moment he understood how Savion had fallen head over heels for the naïve beauty. She possessed a natural sex appeal unlike the polished women in Hollywood. He could almost visualize her sashaying through the fields in her bare feet, her golden hair gleaming in the hot sun, sweat beading on her flawless skin. What she lacked in glamour didn't make her any less appealing than the most refined women he'd known. His desire to taste her grew to almost unbearable heights. Just in case her pure heart won't allow her to betray Savion even to save Page—a little something extra might be a good idea.
"Here," he said, handing her a couple small, oval-shaped, reddish-pink fruits plucked from a nearby tree. "This will help your thirst until we get back. C'mon then." 212
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"I still have a pomegranate in my robe pocket." She reached in and discovered that all the fruits had fallen out except one. In all the commotion she wasn't surprised. At least I have one!
Blaze shrugged. "Suit yourself. These Island Apples are much more palatable though."
Summer hesitantly accepted the fruit and waited for him to bite into one before tasting her own. Tagging along behind him while munching on the strangely sweet produce, she racked her brain for a solution. Saving her pomegranate seemed like a wise thing to do in case she and Page broke free again. Summer had no idea how far they were from home or when they'd find more fruit.
Juice from the peculiar apple soothed her parched throat, so after finishing the first one she began eating the second, slightly puzzled over his softening demeanor. Nevertheless, helping Page had become her top priority. Once back together they should be able to figure out a way to escape Blaze and find their path back home.
They had been walking for what seemed like a long time to Summer when she began to feel peculiar.
"I need to rest," she said. "I feel..." With a soft thump she slumped to the sandy ground.
Blaze lifted her into his arms and swiftly carried her back to his cabin, taking extreme caution to go in unseen. Carefully he laid her on the bed and untied the soft white robe, fanning it out around her like an alter cloth. After bolting and chaining the door he sat on the bed beside her and waited—staring excitedly at what would soon belong to him. 213
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Page lay unconscious, curled up on the rug a few feet away. After his quick rebound from her venomous bite, the injection meant to subdue Summer had come in handy to manage Page. Her sudden ferocity had come as quite a shock. Nevertheless, Blaze prided himself on his ability to handle difficult women under any circumstance. He always carried protection.
Summer tried to open her eyes, but she felt drugged. Did Blaze slip me something? I feel odd. Slowly she lost track of time. Within another few minutes she became completely disoriented as a euphoric sensation inundated her. At first she fought it, knowing something had gone wrong. Despite her efforts, whatever she had taken to induce the high overpowered her, forcing her surrender. She relaxed as her body sank into the mattress.
"Silly country girl," he muttered. "You're no match for me." He stared at her in excited anticipation. She lay totally unaware, relaxed and irresistibly inviting. If I can get her to let down, her blood will flow, and I will have all of his power!
Then she'll have no choice but to return my bite.
"Summer baby," Blaze said quietly. "Wake up." He knew the exotic passion fruit he'd given her held limited powers, and he wasn't sure how long the mind-boggling euphoria would last on a woman with Summer's energy. She had no idea he'd just fed her pure opium apples—a rare fruit cultivated exclusively on Dunalino and used for sensual parties. Nor did she see him spit bites back into his hand instead of swallowing the pulp. Even with that, he still received a mild high from the small amount of juice he 214
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swallowed in order to assure her the fruit was safe. Her distrusting eyes hadn't gone unnoticed.
Everything done while under its influence had to be slow and easy, so as not to jar her from the euphoric state of mind she had slipped into. His power of suggestion would only work if she was fully intoxicated. I must secure her bite before her system destabilizes the drug. As much as he wanted to drive himself into her voluptuous body, he needed her blood more. Additionally, taking her in this condition would be bittersweet. Blaze wanted his new Senhora Do Sangue to remember every detail of their first union. He'd never force a woman to bed him—he didn't need to. They threw themselves into his arms every day. Disconcerting to him, Summer had not yet acknowledged his appeal.
He didn't blame her. Savion had swooped in quickly, wooing her with his distinct charisma. Blaze felt that in all fairness what Savion should've done was bring Summer to the island and let her become acclimated before staking his claim. Nevertheless, it was what it was, and Savion's haste had prompted Blaze to react in the same. Two men craving the same female. Someone had to lose.
He watched her face and saw her look up with a blissful smile. Her expression was like those he had seen on her face when she had gazed upon Savion. The fruit is working. Soon, she will belong to me! After she lets me take her blood and steal his power, all that needs done is wait for Page to wake up and serve as a witness. Excitement coursed through him at an all-time high. Hurry up, Page, before the fruit wears off. You should be awake by now, I didn't give you that much. 215
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"How are you feeling?" he murmured to Summer.
"Wonderful."
Slowly he knelt beside her on the bed and lowered his head, speaking very softly. "I'm going to bite you now, Summer. This is what you want ... to be my Senhora Do Sangue ... to protect Page. Will you receive me?" He caressed her satiny arms, careful not to touch anything sensitive. His English-accented words floated over her. Thoughts of Savion, then Page, filled her mind. Yes, I must protect Page. Summer felt deliriously happy.
"Yes." She barely breathed the words. "I will receive you. We must protect Page."
He nibbled softly on her skin, seeking the perfect spot to take her blood. A painful ache swelled in his groin just by kissing her neck. Bloody hell ... she's finally mine!
Suddenly his head jerked back as a sharp pain seared his shoulder. He fell off the bed, then doubled over on the floor. Page leapt to Summer's side.
"Wake up! Wake the hell up!" Paige shook her vigorously while Blaze writhed in pain. "Summer, please wake up!" Opening her eyes, Summer felt dazed and confused. She smiled up at Page with heavy eyes. I must protect Page. She glanced at the floor and watched as if in slow motion Blaze struggled to crawl towards the bed. Strange. Her thoughts scattered.
"Ouch! That hurts!" Summer shouted when a sharp pain shot across her cheek. Suddenly the thick cloud began to lift, and she realized that Page had just given her a hard smack. 216
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Blaze managed to fight off another wave of Page's venom and stand up, shocked that the opium had worn off in Summer so quickly. She has so much bloody power. I must have her! He realized Page tricked him by faking her unconscious state in order to spring back so quickly. With a hard shove he knocked her out of his way, then threw himself onto the bed, pinning Summer.
However, Page was not easily daunted. Her third attack carried astounding force as she bit into his jugular to drain his blood. He jackknifed off the bed with lightning speed, breaking free of Page's lockdown. While he rolled on the floor clutching his neck, Summer, now fully alert, bolted from the bed and raced towards the door. She fumbled with the chain but in her panic couldn't seem to pull it away. As her anger rose, she saw the metal latch begin to melt and the chain fall to the floor.
"No way! You aren't getting out." Blaze fought back the pain radiating down his arm and lunged for her, scooping up the chain at the same time. Page pounced from behind, fighting to get another stronghold on his neck—clearly determined to take him down for the long haul this time. While fighting her off with one hand he made a grab for Summer with the other.
She went down on the floor as he caught hold of her foot. Kicking furiously, she refused to give in. But Blaze was strong—very strong. In spite of the nasty, obviously painful bites along with Page clinging to his back, he managed to pick Summer up, drop her on the bed and chain her feet together while sitting on her. Then he whipped around and flung Page 217
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against the wall. Summer watched horror-stricken as Page slid to the floor unconscious.
"There," he panted while giving the secured chains a hard tug. "Melt that ... bitch!" The fact that in her anger she'd generated enough heat to liquefy steel astounded him. She gave new definition to "fiery vamp." Yanking the robe back around her, she stared at him through narrowed eyes. Her body smoldered with rage. Using brisk motions she found the belt and tied her robe closed, pulling the collar up close to cover her skin. I can't believe I've gone through all this, wearing a robe yet!
With both women temporarily subdued, he stepped back to reassess the situation. Two hot, stubborn females who had evidently formed a tight bond during their trek across the island. His only shot now would be blackmail. Which one of these lovelies will be more inclined to protect Savion? His life- long sister or his new woman? One last chance to make a play for Summer. If he openly pursued Summer, she'd balk and Page would most likely step up to spare Savion heartache.
Summer must willingly agree to exchange love-bites. And Blaze could think of only one way to achieve his goal: to manipulate Summer's compassion and pure heart. While pondering his scheme he found the leather ties and bound Page's hands and feet. Summer glared at him with blazing eyes from her position on the bed. He feared his window of opportunity might slam shut if she remembered how to channel her energy and melt those chains off her dainty ankles.
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Summer kept her eyes on him, watching Blaze's every move. In her fear, she'd failed to read his thoughts. A moot point now. His intentions had clearly been exposed. A chill crept up her spine until the hairs of her neck stiffened over how close she had been to losing Savion. The sheer notion of being bound to Blaze made her skin crawl.
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Twenty-four
The lull in action allowed her adrenaline to subside. Her thoughts began coming together, and she realized that Blaze had drugged her and Page somehow. Her gaze shifted to Page; bruised and battered, she began to stir. Summer prayed Blaze would not hurt her again. Dear, sweet, Page—
she didn't deserve this.
"Ah, both my ladies have come back to life." Blaze smirked upon noticing Page return to consciousness. "Tell me, my dears, how shall we resolve this dilemma? There appears to be some disagreement over which of you shall be bound to me."
"I never thought you'd stoop so low," said Page. "Isn't having a harem of girlfriends enough for you? Must you take the one true love my brother has ever found? I didn't know I've been sleeping with a cold-hearted prick all these years." Blaze scowled at her. "I never heard you complain in our bed. Why'd you keep your status a secret from me? Is Savion so insecure that he can't handle a little competition? Must he be the only man who possesses a female blood-dragon as his mate?"
"Savion has no insecurities. We kept my status hidden to protect me ... not him. I didn't want the males panting after my blood in search of immortality. And he doesn't 'possess'
females. They are not cattle to him. Look at what you've done! Taking up with the likes of Ciara. You don't deserve a good woman."
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"Any woman on this island would be thrilled to give me her bite."
"Really, Blaze?" Page tilted her head to glance at his neck.
"I don't see any love-bites there." His face reddened and jaw clenched as he clearly fumed at her taunt. "C'mon, Page. Do you really find me that offensive?"
While Blaze and Page argued, Summer stuffed her hands inside the robe pockets to check on her pomegranate. Their situation was not good, and she knew they'd be on the run again if able to break free. Having no idea of where Blaze had imprisoned them, she didn't know when the next stop for rest might be. Everything inside wanted to break down and cry. But years of sucking it up conditioned her well—as if she'd been training for this day all of her life. Tears tried forcing their way through when she discovered her precious, thirst-quenching fruit had been knocked from safekeeping. She scanned the room, and sure enough, there lay her pomegranate near the door. Silly! Why am I so upset over a simple piece of fruit? Fruit! The last thing I ate was that peculiar fruit Blaze had given me. Sudden recollection of feeling odd after eating it came rushing back. So that's what he used to drug me.
She remembered watching documentaries on various cultures in which some people practiced extremely bizarre customs and ate just about anything. Dunalino already proved to be outlandish. Surely growing plants that produced mind-altering chemicals would be within their scope. 221
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Savion is the only man for you. We will not stop attacking until your true love is bound by your blood. Let no woman or man come between you and your heart. Above all, Summer, guard your heart.
&nb
sp; Nahtosha's abrupt intrusion startled her. She felt her pulse quicken but hid her expression behind a cold stare. If Blaze suspected anything, he might try to steal her thoughts. I will, Nahtosha.
Confusion washed over her. Without the charmed clothes her telepathy hadn't worked thus far. Savion had been on her heart—in her mind since they parted. Yet, he hadn't found her. Since Page and Blaze were still going at it, Summer closed her eyes to clear her mind.
Reach out to him, Summer. Reach out to your heart. A sudden chill swept up her arms.
It must be getting close to dawn. The air felt suddenly damp and frosty. Instinctively Summer tucked her hands deep into the plush pockets of her robe to ward off the abrupt cold. Something hard with slightly sharp edges touched the fingertips of one hand. Hiding her puzzlement she pulled the tiny item from the bottom folds of her pocket, thinking perhaps a jagged rock had become lodged inside. Not like that would happen. I've only been rolling around on the ground for the past twenty-four hours!
As her hand closed around it, the sudden dawning of what she had found hit her. Without completely removing her hand from the fuzzy pouch, she stared down at a purple guitar pick in her palm. Oh my God! How did this get in here? Even more amazing was that the small piece of plastic had managed to 222
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survive her lengthy ordeal. She turned it over and smiled. A rush of warmth spread over her ... filling her ... moving straight into her soul.
"Sav," she whispered ever so faintly while reading his signature on the back. Welcome memories of that night deluged her—the night he referred to his special guitar pick as a "piece of his heart" and how she'd giggled over having a
