“Though I am pleased to see that my firstborn enjoyed you last night, no doubt leaving his mark unhealed to let me know of his pleasure, I do believe leaving them unattended this evening might prompt too many questions that I’d hate for you or me to have to answer. Oh, I almost forgot. Better slip these on your finger.”
I hated the rings he insisted I wear each time we attended any type of social event. The too-large diamond set in a circle of smaller diamonds all in a gold setting with a matching gold eternity band of diamonds was a mockery to marriages everywhere. But I let him slide them on over my knuckle.
The aroma of fresh roast beef assaulted my nostrils as waiters dressed in black tuxes with white napkins draped over their sleeves delivered the dinner entrees to the tables. Other waiters followed closely behind, refilling wine glasses and water goblets. Dorian sat on my left, and one of the city council members, a large man who smelled of a sweet pipe tobacco, sat on my right. As a plate was placed before me, my fangs dropped in my mouth at the sight of the red blood pooling around the slab of meat on my plate, mingling with the white pile of potatoes. I’d ordered my roast cooked very rare, as did Dorian; otherwise, we couldn’t eat it. I closed my eyes and concentrated, willing my canines to retract back into my gums.
The room was spectacular. Several crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling. I counted ten. There were about thirty round tables in the room with eight guests at each one.
When dinner was finished, dessert eaten, and all the plates removed, everyone was ushered into another room twice the size of the first one. Waiters carried trays filled with cocktails, and champagne flowed from bottles like a stream rushing down a spring mountain. At two thousand dollars a head, I half expected to see diamonds flowing from the bottles, or at least decorating the glasses the bubbly was poured into. I grabbed a flute from a passing tray as I walked with Dorian, my right arm tucked inside his left. I’d say I played my part very well. I smiled graciously when he introduced me as his wife or when someone would approach and tell me how wonderful it was to see me again. I always replied with grace and poise, just as my mother had taught me before she passed from this world. Though I wondered what she would say about all of this.
The room quieted as the MC announced Dorian’s name before a boom of applause wafted through the room. As Dorian patted my hand on his arm, I released my hold, and he walked proudly to the podium on the small stage at the front of the ballroom.
I stood alone, listening to his speech. His lies as he promised great things for the charity and told the audience how much of an honor it was to once again earn the recognition from the council for his contributions to such a great cause. I coughed a little, choking on a small sip of champagne. Dorian was a master manipulator, one to be admired, and I suddenly worried about Preston and what would happen if he failed in his efforts to free Julian and me.
After his speech, Dorian rejoined me. Music began, and dancing was the next form of entertainment. Dorian waltzed with me, and graciously gave me up several times when someone begged to cut in. I think I even danced with the mayor at one point.
The night turned out to be very pleasant, in spite of the fact that I was with a monster. Dorian and I stood off to the side of the dance floor when someone, another vampire I recognized from other events, came up and whispered something into Dorian’s ear.
Dorian nodded and turned to me. “Let’s go.”
“But, the party,” I complained, finally enjoying a night out.
“You’ll like where we are going.”
“Where?”
“It’s a surprise.” He winked. This was a side of Dorian I hadn’t seen in quite some time. A playful side. The old Dorian. Had Preston’s sudden appearance back in his life sparked something from long ago, making him want to be fun again?
When we reached the limo, the driver held the door open, and I stepped inside. My eyebrows rose at the sight of my brother, dressed in a black tux with a red silk pocket square that matched Dorian’s, sitting there. “Julian!” I lunged at him, wrapping my arms around his body.
“You looked lovely dancing tonight,” he said.
“You were there? I didn’t see you.”
“That’s because you were having too much fun. I was sitting several tables back. Unless you turned around, you never would have noticed. I couldn’t miss Dorian’s big night, could I?” he beamed as Dorian sank in beside him and planted a gentle kiss on his lips.
“You should have told me. I would have enjoyed a dance with my brother.”
“That would have been grand, though I had to slip out shortly after the meal.”
Dorian patted his thigh. “You were perfect.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Preston
My head hadn’t been into performing tonight. The first half of the night seemed to drag on and on, endlessly. We hung out in the room backstage, drinking and discussing the next set, but I was too worried about Lily to really listen to anyone. Vanessa and Lane had performed another duet toward the end of the first half, and all I could do was wish it was Lily and me sitting at the piano. Though I didn’t even know if she could sing, but that didn’t matter. In my mind, she had the voice of an angel. I had to blink twice when V’s face suddenly morphed into Lily’s right there in front of me. I think I actually skipped a few chords.
“Preston.
“Preston!
“Elvis!” I glanced at Gage. I thought I’d heard someone calling me, but my brain seemed numb.
“You okay?”
“Yeah. I’m good.”
“Then get your head out of your ass and let’s get through this tonight. Okay?”
“Did you just make reference to my brain being in my ass?”
“Just seeing if you’re paying attention.” He laughed.
We headed out of the room in single file. I grabbed the bottle of Johnny Walker from the table on my way. I took a large gulp and put it back, then quickly swiped it back up and took it with me. When I placed it down on the stool behind the piano, Lane grinned. He was always ready for a party.
The lights came on, illuminating the stage and casting the room in front of us into shadows, a blank space of nothing. I knew there were people out there, vampires, maybe even some humans, though, I couldn’t see them. When I picked up the acoustic guitar, Cian did the same. Lane sat down at the piano, and Gage laid one of the drumsticks down and picked up the brush for a softer sound. I strummed the first chord of a song I’d written a long time ago. It was a ballad, slower than the rest of the night’s selections, but it fit my mood. The words were tender, heartfelt.
Real.
Not something one would expect from me, unless they knew me. I was the shy, quiet one. I was the one who’d frequently cower as a youth, unable to defend himself from the teasing and ridicule of other kids. The bullies that got their kicks out of stealing my crutch and hiding it so I’d have to crawl, dragging the metal braces in the dirt that surrounded my legs as I searched for it. I was the one who’d learned to hide his feelings and refused to show them to others.
Until Lily came into my life.
Dorian had changed me, given me strength. But he’d never been able to tap into that deepest part of me. He’d never penetrated the thick wall I built up. He’d saved me from a life of pain and misery, and I owed him a world of gratitude for that, but I’d never given myself to him completely, not the way he’d wanted.
Dorian changed me physically, but Lily changed me emotionally. Dorian showed me what it was like to be loved, but Lily made me want to love.
The song ended. Applause rang out through the room as the lights came on, and I could see the faces of the audience. As if they’d been pulled by magnets, my gaze landed on Lily’s gorgeous face. My heart soared with relief that she was safe. Then it plummeted back down to the pits of hell as I saw Dorian and her brother Julian sitting with her at the table. Dorian’s gaze caught mine and held. A grin graced his face, and he held up a glass as though toasting me. I was puzzled about what wa
s happening. Why were they here? Both Dorian and Julian were dressed in tuxes, and Lily . . . Lily was beautiful as she sat on Dorian’s left, wearing a red silk gown. I grabbed the bottle of Johnny and unscrewed the top.
“They’re here,” I whispered to Cian and Lane as I took a gulp. “Lily, Dorian, and her brother, Julian. The one’s sitting at the table dressed like they are in the wrong place.”
“I see them.” Lane picked up his guitar and grabbed the bottle from me. Vanessa was still on stage sitting at the piano.
“Now’s your chance for the bet, Lane.” She winked.
He grinned and blew her a kiss.
“Stay cool, brother,” Gage said as I walked close by him.
Once I was over the shock of seeing the three of them sitting at that table, a song floated into my mind. Like the last one, it wasn’t on the schedule for tonight, but we all knew it. There weren’t many performances that went strictly by the playbook anyway. My brothers and I were always open to each other’s musical needs and talents, and V could easily follow along if needed. I put my acoustic down in its stand and picked up my electric. Taking my cue, Cian grabbed his bass, and two seconds later, I played the first chords of Whitesnake’s Still of the Night and put on the best show of my life for my maker, whom I was going to kill the first chance I got.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Lily
The first song Preston had played was moving, and I wondered if he’d written it. The words had been so touching, something I thought he would write. The energy coming from him on that stage was electrifying. When he sank down on his knees and played a solo part on his guitar, I wanted to jump up and dance and scream. Actually, I wanted to tackle him to the ground and have my wicked way with him.
Drinks were delivered, and I sipped at the tequila sunrise—a la vamp—that had been placed before me. A mixture of top-shelf tequila, agave, orange juice, and blood coated my tongue.
I was enjoying myself, though I remained cautious, wanting to keep my guard up. I wasn’t sure what Dorian’s plans were or why he had brought us to Club Royal. However, I was glad to see Julian enjoying himself for a change. His sudden changes, the renewed admiration he showed Dorian seemed so real. There were several times in the limo where I thought he had true feelings for Dorian once again, and I almost wanted to remind him of the way Dorian had murdered Langdon that night and everything that followed. But now, it seemed like old times.
“He’s quite good, isn’t he?” Dorian said when the number ended. He reached for his cosmo and held it to Julian’s lips for a taste.
My brother sipped and smiled. “Thanks, love. Have you tasted mine? It has cucumber in it.”
Dorian giggled and sipped from the delicate, stemmed martini glass Julian held up for him.
They were like young lovers again, and I wanted to puke at the way my brother could ignore everything Dorian had done. But I had to remember that Julian was only playing a role this time. At least, I hoped.
When the clapping settled down and before the next number started, I leaned close to Dorian and asked, “How did you know Preston performed here?”
“Pffft. You insult me, my love. Do you honestly think I don’t know where my offspring are? That I cannot track them? Our blood bond is strong. Yes, it diminishes somewhat over time, but the slightest taste renews the bond,” he said as he turned to plant his lips against Julian’s.
I glanced back at the stage, suddenly remembering the kiss Dorian had given Preston last night when he’d first greeted him. The gentle massage of Preston’s finger over his lip immediately after the kiss, the lick of Dorian’s tongue over his own, savoring the taste.
We’d been stupid to think we could ever pull off a rescue. My and Julian’s fate had been sealed that awful night over a century ago. What did Dorian think to gain by renewing the bond between him and Preston?
The band stopped playing, and I wanted to leave. Leave before Preston had a chance to come over to us. I knew he’d seen us. He’d locked eyes with me several times. I had a bad feeling about this night.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Preston
“Let me go alone first, casually,” I told Gage and the others. “I don’t want anything to seem unusual. Where are the women?” Particularly Vanessa. She’d been on stage earlier performing, but left midway through the second half. If this plan was going to work, we’d most definitely need the witch.
We hadn’t planned to do this here at the club, but having the three of them show up so conveniently made a quick change of plans necessary. The sooner I got Lily and Julian away from Dorian, the better.
As I approached the table, Dorian stood to greet me, wrapping me in a warm embrace. “You were very good.” His compliment actually settled in and surrounded my heart like a warm blanket. I hadn’t realized how his approval would affect me—like a child needs their parent’s praise. I needed to get rid of those thoughts. I didn’t need him. Dorian was bad news. “Please, join us.” Dorian splayed out his hand toward the empty chair between Julian and Lily and then took his place again.
I caught the shy smile Lily gave me, and her cheeks glowed with what I hoped was lust as I sank into the chair, adjusting my now too-tight jeans.
“Hello, again,” I said to Lily and then nodded with a smile at Julian. I glanced at Lily and then at her brother, who appeared to be much healthier tonight than he had appeared last night. I wondered what the change was. His dark hair, so much like Lily’s, was neatly combed back and hung straight to the top of his shoulders. His brown eyes sparkled, so much like his sister’s. But the fact that all three of them were together and looking happy was a puzzle.
What happened to the gaunt, pale lad held against his will from last night? Julian was striking, beautiful for a male, and I could see why Dorian had taken to him so easily. They really seemed perfect for each other. Had they loved one another at one time, like I’d come to care for Dorian? Like Dorian loved me? If I hadn’t seen for myself last night the way Dorian treated these two—the blankness in Julian’s eyes last night as he’d stood so still beside Dorian, never wavering, the way Dorian had forced Lily to be with me, someone he thought she didn’t know—I would almost think they were all happy together.
Then I saw it. It was subtle and under the table, but I saw the flex of muscle in Dorian’s arm as his grip on Lily’s thigh tightened. The slight wince in her expression as her lip twitched. A reminder from Dorian to be cautious?
Julian stayed quiet beside Dorian. Never giving any indication that he was unhappy or being forced to be there. “We should come here more often,” Dorian said.
Julian looked up as Lane approached. His eyes glowed slightly before he caught himself. Vanessa’s little idea just might work.
A tumbler of whiskey appeared on the table in front of me as Lane pulled up a chair between Julian and me and grinned. “How’s everybody here? Did you enjoy the show?”
Dorian straightened in his seat, his rigid posture suggesting jealousy. Lane was pretty hot—at least according to all the women. Julian leaned into Dorian, rubbing his hand up and down his back and placing a gentle kiss on the side of his mouth.
A show of loyalty?
Julian was smart, I decided.
Dorian’s shoulders relaxed, and his arrogant demeanor returned. “The show was outstanding. I never realized Preston had that much talent.”
“Yeah, El . . . I mean, Preston here is one talented guy.”
“What is this El he started to call you, Preston?” Dorian asked.
“They call me Elvis sometimes because of my dark glasses.”
“And your name, dude. Preston, Press, Presley. Get it? Oh, and don’t forget the way you move those hips.” Lane laughed. “Women are all over that shit.”
Dorian’s eyebrows rose. “I would have enjoyed seeing that performance.”
I glanced at Lily. She smirked. I’d get even with her later.
“That’s right. You and Preston were . . .”—Lane glanced at me and s
miled. Oh, he loved this—“roommates at one time, right?”
“Fuck you, Lane,” I muttered under my breath so only he could hear me, but that only made him laugh more. I almost laughed myself, knowing it was all just an act. No one could have done this better than Lane.
“Lovers would be more accurate,” Dorian stated with an air of confidence eyeing me as he sipped that pink cocktail of his.
“Lovers,” Lane repeated, drawing out the word a little too long. “Now that’s an ass of a different size. So, if you and Preston are . . . Does that mean . . .” He gazed at Julian.
“Watch it, my friend.” Dorian’s growl skated across the table, jealousy evident in his eyes.
“You just said that you and Preston were lovers.”
Dorian’s jaw tightened. “We were. You have something against gay men, my friend?”
“No. Not at all.” Lane shook his head and grabbed Julian behind the head. Tugging him toward him, he planted an open-mouthed wet kiss right on his lips, just to prove a point—and to not only piss Dorian off but also to rile him up.
I hadn’t thought he would do it when he’d joked about it earlier. Vanessa had bet that he would, and I had bet her a grand he wouldn’t. Guess I lost. Julian didn’t seem to mind at all and played right into it, completely enjoying the attention Lane was giving him. As I mentioned, Lane was hot, but when Julian’s hand came up and tenderly cupped Lane’s cheek, surprising the hell out of him, Lane quickly ended the kiss, and I had to stifle my laugh. But Lane was a good actor and stayed in character. Dorian’s eyes narrowed at the sensual display his lover had just put on with Lane.
“I don’t mind gay men at all. I rather like them.” Lane stood and cupped himself. “I just don’t like you.” He pointed at Dorian.
Dorian immediately rose to his feet. Pink liquid spread over the table as his glass tipped on its side from the abruptness of the motion. Lily and Julian both got up as well and backed away.
Possessed by a Vampire Page 14
