Date with a Vampire (17 page)

Her instincts were to cover herself, but he held her arms at her sides so that he might look at her. Then he let her go and cupped both her breasts in his hands and squeezed gently.

Moans of delight escaped her, and she arched her back as he slid his warm, soft mouth over her skin and sucked her nipple. With his hands, he traced her body, running them down her back, over her hips, and up along her thighs until she wiggled with pleasure.

“Ah, you like that, do you?” He touched the spot between her legs that had grown wet with desire, then rubbed his fingers over her silky panties until she thought she was going to scream.

“Not yet, my love, the night is young.” He looped his fingers around the sides of her panties and pulled them down.

Totally naked now and trembling with passion, she wanted him more than she could have imagined. Yet, he teased and played with her while he remained fully clothed. She wrapped her arms around him, pressing her body against his so the thunderous beat of his heart rang in her ear.

He massaged the small of her back, then slid his hands down to her tailbone and over her bottom, where he held her tightly as she moved against his thigh. The bulge in his pants grew larger and harder. And just when she thought she couldn’t take it anymore, he took her hand and urged her into the Jacuzzi. He watched her step into the hot, bubbling water, and the way he looked at her made her tremble some more.

She sank down, letting the water come up to just under her chin. The jets pulsated shots of water all around her and she relaxed in the tub while she watched Guy undress.

She bit her bottom lip and studied this exquisite man—tall and lean and with muscles rippling in places she hadn’t even known existed—as he stripped off his clothes. She opened her arms to him and watched him enter the water with the sexy stride of a jungle cat.

He came to her and straddled her, gripping the edges of the hot tub. She caressed his strong, muscular chest, then touched his flat, six-pack belly. She curled her arms around his back and he lifted her up out of the water and sat her on his lap. Hot water lapped over her breasts, soothing her. She leaned back and closed her eyes while Guy worked magic with his hands.

— : : —

Melody lay across Guystof, her head resting against the edge of the hot tub and her soft round bottom pressing against his legs. He tickled the insides of her thighs, and when she squirmed, he wasn’t sure how much longer he’d be able to hold back.

She was everything he’d dreamed of and more, this golden goddess. And tonight she would be his. He knew he could have her now. She was more than ready. Gently, he spread her legs, rubbing and tickling until he could slide two fingers inside her easily. Oh yes. She was indeed ready. But he didn’t want to rush things, this being her first time. He wanted this to be a night she would remember always.

He studied her from the tips of her perfectly manicured toes to the top of her lovely head. Bathed in pale moonlight, she could not be more glorious. He was a lucky man. A lucky man indeed. The graceful sweep of her neck seemed bare without his kisses. As he leaned over to taste her skin, the pinch of his fangs broke through his gums and stopped him.

What was happening? Surely the potion he’d taken could last one more day. He wasn’t ready to turn her. Not here. Not now. After they’d said their vows and were man and wife, that would be the correct time. When they were home at Dragesa, where he could make her comfortable and help her through the pain. It would not be easy for Melody to lose her mortal life and become a vampire.

He turned his head and fought the ever growing desire to bite her, to taste her sweet blood trickle down his throat, quenching the hunger inside him. He’d never sunk his fangs into a woman before and to do so now, to his beloved… He squeezed his eyes shut and pushed her away.

“What is it? Has your sickness returned?”

Guystof looked at her, concern and worry reflected in her eyes. “Yes. I’m ill. You should go get dressed.”

“Why? Let me help you.” She ran the back of her hand over his forehead.

He grabbed her arm and held it away from him. “I don’t need your help.”

Her eyes darkened with despair. “Why are you doing this? Why are you pushing me away? If I’m going to be your wife, you have to open up to me.”

Gut-wrenching pain shot through him, and he hunched over. “I don’t have the strength to argue with you now. Do as I say and go.”

Water bubbled up around her waist as she stood before him with her hands planted firmly on her hips. “I’m not used to being ordered around. And I will not leave you, especially when you’re sick.”

Anger and pain coursed through him and erupted in a roar. “Melody!”

She backed up, the wall of the hot tub keeping her from going any farther. Her eyes were wide and full of shock as she stared dumbfounded at his mouth.

He ran his hand over his teeth and felt the fangs protruding from his gums. In a thickened voice he begged, “Please, please, just go.”

Her eyes softened, and her gaze locked with his. “That’s what’s causing you so much pain. You need to feed.” She came toward him, then tilted her head and pulled back her hair, offering him her neck.

Shock and amazement froze him.

“Go on. Do it.”

He touched her throat with his finger, then leaned in, saliva burning his tongue, tempting him to make the kill. He opened his mouth, his teeth pressed against her pearly neck. Just moments away from piercing the artery showing beneath her skin, a pain more horrible than ever before stopped him. But it wasn’t his stomach that hurt. It was his chest. He loved her too much to be so selfish. He raised his head and looked at her. “I can’t.”

Melody let her hair swing back over her shoulders. “Are you sure?”

He nodded. “We must wait until we get to Moldavia. I don’t want to hurt you, or at least to cause you any more pain than is absolutely necessary.”

“I see. I guess I’ll go get dressed then.” She stepped out of the Jacuzzi and wrapped a towel around herself, covering her nakedness.

Perhaps from him? “Are you rethinking all this?” he asked.

“No. Not at all.” She twisted her hair to remove the water. “I just don’t like to think about it being painful, that’s all.”

“Do you have a cross?”

She raised her brows at him. “Yes. Yes, I do. In my purse.”

“Well, go and get it.”

“Why?”

“To protect you from me.”

“Oh!” Melody raced through the french doors, returning in no time with a tiny gold cross dangling from her fingers. “Ann loaned me this. She said it would keep me safe.”

“Thank goodness for Ann,” Guystof said. “Now put it on. And whatever you do, don’t take it off.”

C
HAPTER
T
EN

M
elody slept through most of the flight to Moldavia. After last night and this morning’s emotional farewell to the
Dream Girl
crew, not only was she physically exhausted but mentally too. There was no doubt she was going to miss Sugar. The busty redhead had become so much more than her hairdresser and makeup artist. She’d become her friend and confidant. Who would she share girl-talk with now?

She cast a sideways glance at Guy, who sat silently, staring out the window of the limo as they drove toward Dragesa. This country, with its bleak, stark landscape, was nothing like Fiji. She felt like she’d been taken back in time hundreds of years. They passed peasants working in fields, who stopped what they were doing to stare at the car, their faces prematurely wrinkled due to their hard lives and their eyes darkened with fear. She wondered what they must be thinking of their master—that was what Guy was, wasn’t he?—as he drove past them in his luxurious vehicle, while most of them probably didn’t even own a car. Was he kind to them? Or was he a fierce taskmaster?

She realized she knew next to nothing about him. Well, other than that he was a vampire, of course. She fingered the cross around her neck, seeking comfort in its presence. It wasn’t that she regretted her decision to come here. She loved Guy. It was just this whole vampire thing would take some getting used to.

On Fiji, it hadn’t seemed real, even when she’d offered to let him sink his fangs into her, but here against this backdrop, reality had hit her as fast as the dank, cold fog that met her when she stepped off the plane.

She leaned back against the leather seat and closed her eyes. She wished Gizmo was there with her, rubbing his wet nose on her hand. And Ann. Oh, how she missed having her best friend to talk to. Melody started when Guy patted her arm.

“We’re almost there,” he announced.

She looked out the window. They were fast approaching a vast gray stone castle perched on the side of a cliff. Although it was dusk, no light came from its tall black windows, and its broken battlements showed a jagged line against the evening sky. She imagined unmentionable horrors coming from behind locked doors—screams going unheard and echoing throughout its chambers.

“So what do you think of my home?”

She pulled her gaze away and looked at Guy. “It’s big.”

“I probably shouldn’t have asked until you’ve had a chance to see the inside.”

She pasted on a smile. “That’s a good idea. It’s kind of overwhelming.”

The limousine pulled up the circular drive and stopped in front of a massive wood door. The driver got out and opened her door, then went around to the trunk and removed their luggage. Guy came over and offered her his hand and helped her out. Servants had lined up along the cobblestone walkway, their heads bowed, waiting for Guy to acknowledge them.

“Good day. I trust everything is in order?”

A plump middle-aged woman with short, wiry hair that curled around her face like little silver springs stepped forward. “Indeed, sir. And glad to finally have you home. Your father is awaiting you in his study.”

“Thank you, Clarisse.”

She offered up a small curtsey, then stepped back in line.

An elderly gentleman with salt-and-pepper hair approached Guy next. He had a stilted gait, yet moved with dignity. His gaze swept over Melody boldly, indicating he was more than a servant.

He gave Guy a hearty handshake and a wide smile. “I’ve missed you, sir.” He looked back at her, then winked at Guy. “I had a room prepared for the mistress. Shall I take her up?”

Guy clapped the old man on the back. “You think of everything.”

“I try to, sir.”

She crossed her arms, a little peeved that they’d been so sure she’d choose Guy as her bachelor, but when he looked at her, his blue eyes sparkling, his pleasure at being home so evident, her irritation faded.

“Melody, this is Blakesley. He’s like a surrogate father to me.” He placed his arm around her waist. “And this is Miss Melody Johnson, my soon-to-be wife.”

Blakesley bowed slightly, lifted her hand, and kissed it. “Pleasure to meet you, miss.”

“Thank you.” She glanced over the top of his head at the servants behind him, all chattering gaily. It was evident they thought highly of their master and were pleased he’d found a bride.

“Now that the introductions are over with, I’m sure Melody would like to freshen up a bit,” Guy instructed.

“Right this way, Miss Melody.” Blakesley held the door open for her.

She looked over at Guy. “I’m fine, really. I’d much rather stay with you.”

The servants gasped, and Guy frowned. There was no denying his disapproval at her objection.

“You know what. I do need to freshen up.” She covered her mouth to stifle a pretend yawn. “And I’m feeling a little tired too. Please excuse me.” She followed Blakesley inside and felt like the heroine in a B-movie.

A musty smell permeated the castle. The only light glowed from candles flickering eerily against high stone walls, changing shape and casting shadows where none should have been. Was it too much to hope this was done simply for effect? “No electricity?”

“I hope that won’t be an inconvenience for you.” Blakesley led her up a long, winding staircase.

“Oh, of course not,” she said sweetly, then mumbled under her breath, “If I’m going to be a vampire, I guess I’d better get used to the dark.”

Blakesley turned and looked down at her. “Did you say something, miss?”

She ran her hand over a flocked wall covering, fingering a hole chewed away, no doubt by mice. “I was just admiring the tapestry.”

“It’s quite old. Dates back centuries.”

Along with everything else in this place. It’s not that she didn’t appreciate antiques, but this place was just downright creepy.

They came to the top of the stairs and headed down a narrow, dimly lit passage.

Blakesley unlocked a door, then pushed it open. “Here you are, miss. I hope it’s to your liking.”

And if it’s not, will you let me stay with Guy?
“I’m sure it’ll be fine.” She stepped inside and wanted to bite back her words. If this was where they put the master’s bride, what did the other rooms look like?

A large four-poster bed encircled with worn red velvet draperies caught her eye first. Beside it, she noticed an overstuffed chair with the same gaudy fabric, and an ornate carving that covered the high wooden back. A stuffed bird of some sort with long black feathers stared at her with beady eyes.

“I’ll have your bags sent right up, miss.”

Melody forced a smile. “Thank you. I’d appreciate that.”

Blakesley closed the door halfway, poking his head back inside. “Oh, and miss?”

“Yes?”

“I’m pleased that you’ve come. I hope that you’ll be happy with the count. He’s a fine man.” Blakesley closed the door softly, and she heard his footsteps disappear down the hall.

Guy was a fine man, and that thought helped to cheer her as she plopped onto the bed. A dust cloud encircled her. She covered her mouth while she coughed. What had she been thinking when she agreed to come here? Well, she knew one thing for certain. If she was going to live here, this place was getting a makeover.

She strolled over to a tarnished wall mirror and raked her fingers through her hair. Guy had been right. She did need to freshen up. Melody checked out the adjoining bathroom and prayed there’d be running water. When she turned the faucet, she was greeted with a trickle and some rust, so she let the bathwater run until it turned clear before she put the stopper in. A few minutes later, it was near to overflowing. She leaned over, turned off the water, and Ann’s gold cross dropped into the tub. Lucky she had the plug in, she thought, fishing it out. She set it on the sink to dry as a knock sounded at her door. Must be her suitcases, at last.