[excerpt] (4 page)

“I would think that you and I might need a more informal introduction after this evening, m’lady. My name is Lucian and you could start by looking at me. My promise to you, I’ll try not to make any more wise comments or embarrass you more than you already appear to be, but on the rarest of occasions, as my dear sister claims, I speak before I think. You’ve been forewarned.”

Serina glanced up from beneath her lashes just as he winked at her.

Lucian’s gentle whisper sought her out and touched her where no man ever had. He caressed her soul and took possession of her heart.

Oh, bloody hell, what’s wrong with me? Well, genius, how ’bout blood loss and the heat. The heat, yes, indeed, he is an inferno.

“I do have some serious questions for you, though.” Lucian brushed her hair from her face, adding intimacy to the desire that swiftly overcame her.

“My name? Oh, ah
…
call me Serina.” She shyly met his striking silvery blue eyes. They shone, as if the sun beat directly on them. Melting mercury, she thought. The man definitely had the capability of making a few things melt, her being one of them; her drawers a dead giveaway. Serina stifled a gasp. She could actually differentiate his eye color. Color blind from birth, she hid it as best she could, memorizing everything in life her mother had taught her, like apples are red, grass is green, dead people are bluish-grey...the important things, to be sure.

His lips, she decided, looked like an invitation to heaven. Serina wanted to kiss that bottom lip and nibble on it just a bit—all right, maybe more than just a bit—have them explore every inch of her body…for starters.

Even through what was left of his trousers the solid muscle of his thighs looked inviting. Serina slid her hands over them once more, just because she could. What was a little more guilt at this point?

Isn’t she a cheeky one?
He bit his tongue thinking that only moments before, he’d done the same to her delicate behind. He sat in awe of the woman, wondering how fate had intervened and given him this little gift so nicely wrapped in a scantily-laced robe. His heart had a strange tug to it as he watched her every move. For the first time in his life, he felt alive, possessive. Urges demanded he take her and run. Run far away from everyone in his life and get to know her, to make love to her on the beach as the setting sun cast a golden glow to her soft, flawless skin. Wake with her in his arms and warm her where the sun didn’t shine!

What in the name of the Queen happened to me
tonight? Not as much as I’d have liked to! Lucian, you’ve only just met the woman. Act like a gentleman.

Having never before experienced anything remotely like this, Lucian found himself in a quandary. He’d never given another woman the time of day, let alone a second glance. He’d had a vision years earlier of a woman, his passionate mate. And here she sat flashing him with the most remarkable smile, an interesting attitude, and those bountiful breasts.
Jesus, they’re so inviting. So soft. So sensuous. So in need of my undivided attentions.
Lucian threaded his fingers together for fear he would actually reach out to fondle her without an actual invitation to do so.

Just the thought of Lucian... His name spelled divine. Oddly her breasts began to ache, her nipples firm and pressing free from the robe. When a cooler breeze hit her she glanced down. Her jaw dropped.

Out of the robe! For the love of God.

“Don’t get embarrassed, Serina. Casually look down and just tuck the only thing that’s bigger than your mouth back in its place. I realize ’tis the challenge of a lifetime you’ll spend eternity fighting.”

Lucian grinned. “Personally I think they’re beautiful and wouldn’t mind seeing them more often.”

Serina snapped her head up. “Excuse me?” Her eyes went wide, taking the man in. “Did you just see my—never mind that. Did you read my mind?”

“As much as I wish I could read minds, Serina, especially yours, I cannot. You just said all that nonsense out loud, luv. Once you’re all tucked back in, would you answer some questions for me? Need any help? Willing and able, at your service.”

I bet you’re able!
The weight of his gaze as he sat back and stretched reminded her of a prowling cat, hungry to devour its prey
.
That
,
I imagine, would
be a fancy feast!

“Lucian, let me start by telling you what happened here tonight and then see if you’ve any unanswered questions.”

Lucian interrupted, “I wish Raven would come out of her stupor. She’s had a little more drink than she’s used to tonight. She sleeps like the dead. This is rare for her. And where, in the name of God, is Duncan? Last time I saw him, he had enough coins in front of him to...He’s probably met some woman, or at least I hope he did. The man’s been to hell and back, but that’s a story for a different day.”

Lucian’s demeanor changed before her eyes. The smile—gone. His silver-blue eyes—the calm before the storm. “Is that what you think happened to you tonight?” She asked confused. Could the man honestly have no clue what happened to them? “Both you and your sister will be fine. Mr. Thomas is safe with my neighbor. Lucian, listen carefully to what I’m about to tell you. A vampire attacked you both. You were both in pretty rough shape. But tonight, Sir, was your lucky night, in more ways than one.”

Lucian glanced to his sister, then to Serina, studying her.

“Did you say ‘vampire’? How much spirits have you indulged in, Madam?”

Serina raised her voice, “Pardon me? Do not doubt me, Lord St. James. These creatures are very real and very deadly.”

Lucian gently brushed Raven’s bangs from her face. He tilted her head to the side and gasped upon seeing a large bloody bruise with two puncture wounds in her neck.

“She’s fine. Trust me.”

“Doesn’t look fine.” Lucian stared in disbelief. “You wouldn’t lie to me? Then why hasn’t she come round? A vampire you say?”

Serina continued, “She’s gaining her strength. I swear to you, I took care of her.” She leaned over and placed her hand atop his, hoping to calm him. She found the spark still there, ready to be rekindled as a warm pulse flowed between them. The look he gave her when the jolt shook his body almost made her laugh. “That’s a story for a different day, luv.” She smirked. “I gave you both a blood transfusion. She’ll likely require another one tomorrow. Theory has it that it takes three bites in a relatively short period of time to become an indentured servant to a vampire. All it takes is one nasty blood-drenching bite to become undead.” Serina poked his chest with her finger. “You came close. I put you back together again, hopefully better than
Humpty Dumpty.”

“Humpty Dumpty? What a pathetic name.”

Serina cocked her to one side. “You’re pulling me leg, right?”

“About what?”

“About Humpty?”

Lucian shook his head no.

Serina inhaled his fragrant breath. With that thought, she realized she was in trouble. She grabbed his rugged chin covered with a faint shadow of whiskers and raised her eyebrows as she looked into his eyes. “Fairy tale published in 1810?” she said with a question in her voice. “Please tell me you know fairy tales. Come on, Lord St. James. Every child has been told it. Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall…” Serina waited to see if he would finish the tale or if he truly hadn’t heard it. A few more seconds passed. “Later, I’ll read you the tale. There’s two theories. First is about an egg and the second about King Richard, murdering wastrel that he was.”

“Ooh, a bedtime story?” Lucian winked. “You don’t care much for the royals, do you?”

“They’re all daft. Incestuous group, I’ve been told. Just look at the Queen’s husband. Too many uncles and brothers in that pot. Anyway,” Serina continued, “I believe that creature wanted you dead.”
I certainly wouldn’t. Worn out atop me definitely, but never dead.
Again, she smiled coyly. “And your sister, well…count your blessings. Your driver’s rattled, but he’s fine.”

Raven St. James stirred. She blinked a few times and then rubbed her eyes. Her fingers lightly rubbed the wound upon her neck and she winced.

“Lucian?” Raven’s voice sounded raspy, and raw. She looked around the coach, her eyes wide as she noted a few bandages on her brother. Setting her sights on Serina, she asked, “What’s happened to us? Are you all right? Why’ve you a naked woman in here? Did she hurt you? What did you do to his clothing?” she accused Serina.

“I’m not naked,” Serina snapped in self-defense, knowing she really didn’t have a leg to stand on with that remarkably oh-so-intelligent rebuttal. “And—” she paused, pointing her finger at Raven while she attempted to think of something—anything that made some sense. Instead she gave Raven an ill-fated grin.

Seeing Raven’s facial expression, lips scrunched, both her eyebrows arched towards her hairline and her finger pointed at her see-through robe, Serina tried again to secure the garment. Failing miserably, she went in search of the afghan. Out in the street. Serina groaned. At this point she no longer cared about her attire, or lack thereof.

Raven pulled herself into the corner of the seat and hugged her knees to her chest. “Lucian, answer me.”

Lucian reached over to Raven and pulled her to him.

“Lucian, where’s Duncan? Is…?” Raven’s voice quieted.

“Ray, this beautiful woman saved our lives, and we owe her. I only have a limited version of the evening’s events, but she believes a vampire attacked us.”

“A what?” Raven squeaked. “Don’t even tell me you believe her.”

“Vampire. Let me finish, Beauty. She was kind enough to give you and me her blood.”

“You’ve gone stark, raving, mad, Lucian St. James,” Raven declared.

Serina extended her hand. “Raven, my name is Serina Spencer. I’m a doctor. I work at the hospital’s morgue. They are real, the vampires, trust me. I dealt with one just this morning.”

With a hint of sarcasm, Raven asked, “This one’s a gem, Luce. Where did you find her?”

Lucian and Raven exchanged a glance in which he clearly stated Raven should back off. He added, “I do believe her, Ray.”

“Truly?” Her tone defeated. When Lucian nodded, Raven made the sign of the cross over her heart.

“Why don’t the two of you come into my home and freshen up? Raven, would you care for tea? I really need to get out of this coach and replace some of the fluids I gave you two, before I pass out again.” She glanced at Lucian, a small curve formed upon her lips. “Please, come in.”

Lucian let go of his sister and jumped out of the carriage. He found it hard to believe that moments before he had almost met his death. He felt better than he had before the attack. He held out his hand to Serina to help her down. The moment she slid her small hand into his, power rippled through his body. He embraced the energy. Letting go of her hand, Lucian wrapped his hands around her tiny waist and brought Serina to him, allowing her to slide down the front of him—slowly, as she brushed against the thickness of his unwavering erection until her feet hit the ground. He held onto her for a moment, not at all embarrassed in showing her he had feelings for her…until he realized the silk shawl she’d draped across him now lay on the road by his feet.

Serina picked up the afghan she’d started out with. “You need this more than I do.” She wrapped the heavy cover around Lucian’s waist, all his personal parts concealed yet again. “At least until you find some trousers. You’ll be getting more than you bartered for, wearing these.” She reached up and ruffled his silky curls.

Serina watched as he bent toward her and prepared herself for the kiss she knew he was about to deliver. She wet her lips and closed her eyes…

He whispered behind her ear, “I am truly grateful for all you’ve done tonight. This should seem like the worst night of my life, yet it is the complete opposite. And I believe you to be the very reason.” He moved his hands to her cheeks, his thumbs brushing her soft skin. “Regardless, I want to spank you.” Lucian choked, and Serina burst out laughing. “I mean, thank you.” His cheeks burned a lovely shade of red.

“We’re quite the pair, you and I,” Serina conceded.

“Indeed.” And with that said, he placed a delicate kiss on her cheek. This was the first time he’d ever kissed a woman. Really enjoyed it. And didn’t think he could stop himself from taking her right then and there. A shudder of need ricocheted the length of his spine from his brain to his loins. Oh, how he just wanted to take her away and make her his. Lucian glanced around for a private spot.
Regain your brain,
the head atop his shoulders nagged.
Take your time with her.

His other head, the one below the afghan was not about to go down without a fight.
You’ll be sorry
if you don’t throw her over your shoulder and run! I’m not going anywhere all evening.
That you can believe.
A small groan escaped him.

Her first kiss ever. Trapped, like a fly in honey, she couldn’t have moved if she’d wanted to, and she didn’t want to. His aim, however, was shoddy. Serina wanted a real kiss, but she didn’t want to give the impression of being a tart, either, although bumping into and grasping his silky erection negated she should still worry. That minor catastrophe didn’t really count, since it was an accident.