The Taste of Magic (31 page)

"I had to see you, make sure you were all right." He reached out to touch her, but she jerked away. He lowered his hand.

"I told you I needed some time. But you can't help but control everything yourself. It always has to be your way, doesn't it?"

"Old habits."

"Don't play cute with me. From day one, you have been toying with me, trying to make me so in love with you, I'd do anything you want. And it wasn't for me, it was for my power."

He shook his head. "No, Kat, that's not true. From the moment I saw you…"

She held up her hand. "Don't. I know what you felt when you saw me that night. I'm not stupid, you know. I just want the truth, once and for all. Up until that moment, what did you intend?"

She was afraid to hear his answer, she was sure she already knew what it was. He hesitated for several seconds, and her heart pounded off each one. But she had to know. She couldn't take any more of his games. She wanted the truth.

"You know what my original plans were. I wanted your magic, and what it could bring me. You also know how those plans have changed, since the moment I saw you, and I…"

"Changed your mind. Yeah, I know. 'Hey, why not have an affair with her, get some kicks while I twist her around my finger and use her powers to make even more money.' Is that about the size of it?"

His eyes darkened with anger. "If all I wanted was your power, I would have had it long ago. Or have you forgotten what I am?"

His words made a strange sort of sense. He could easily have turned her and forced her to his will, and there wouldn't have been anything she could have done about it. That he hadn't should count for something. Still…

"Then why all the games? First the buyout of my company, then you blackmailed me into moving in with you by making it impossible for me to find work."

Regret twisted his mouth. "The takeover was already underway before your return. But the other…yes, I prevented you from getting another job."

She heaved a deep breath at the admission and closed her eyes. "Why?"

"Because I couldn't bear for you to be away from me. I wanted you with me, all the time. I still do."

"And my father? Was he just another way to keep me close? You promised you'd release him, and he still works for you. Why?"

"I did as you asked. You wanted him free of my service. He didn't. You cannot blame me for his choice."

She stood and folded her arms. "You sure can twist things around to suit your purposes. So why do you need my powers so badly? Surely not for more money, don't you have enough?"

"I have many goals, which will take years to come to fruition. Money is but one of them."

"So what are you aiming for, world domination?" He didn't answer, and looked away. Her eyes widened.

She fought the urge to laugh. "Adrian, I was kidding. Aren't you?" He couldn't possibly be serious. But he refused to look at her.

"Oh God, you're not." She paced for a few moments before stopping before him. He still wouldn't meet her gaze. "Why would you want something like that?"

He finally raised his eyes. "I am immortal, Kat. I have lived for many centuries and will live for many more. To create an immortal army that will last as long as I takes a lot of money."

"That's insane."

He stood, his eyes fading to gold. "Is it? You don't understand the lure of power. I've been a king, with many to serve my needs. I've also been hunted like an animal, forced to live on the run, hiding in caves and decrepit hovels. I prefer the former."

"But controlling the world? That's a little much, isn't it?"

"Until you have tasted what my life is truly like, you have no idea." His expression was hard, his eyes cold. She shivered.

"You're right, I don't. I'd be content with the billions you already have. You're practically indestructible, you could have any woman you wanted..."

"I only want you."

She was beginning to believe he meant it, since he kept repeating the words. Or did she just want to believe and would grasp at any excuse to do so?

"Adrian, I don't know…"

"Marry me."

Her mouth fell open. "What?"

"Become my bride."

"Are you serious?"

"Very. Would you prefer this?" He dropped to one knee before her and took her hands in his, placing a soft kiss to each one.

Her heart screamed yes, it was hard not to let her mouth follow suit. How could she marry him? She didn't want any part of his plans. He was a vampire, she was mortal.

"Adrian, I can't marry you."

The hopefulness in his eyes faded to anguish. He stood, but didn't release her hands.

"Why not? Surely you can see we share an incredible connection, a bond which was there from the beginning."

She had the sense he was referring to the long-ago night, when he'd been wounded and she a child. Knowing he'd felt the connection then as well only added to the swirl of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. She forced herself to focus.

"You're right, but you're a vampire, I'm mortal. I don't want to change." He nodded. "You know I won't turn you. I gave you my word."

"I know, but you have all these plans, and I just can't go along with them. Unless you swear off what you intend, I can't marry you."

"If that is what it takes, then so be it. I will no longer seek to control the world."

She stared. Was this just another game to placate her, or did he truly mean it? If he was truly willing to give up his plans at her request, then maybe she should follow her instincts. This was the first time she felt he was being totally honest with her. But there was one thing more she had to know. "Adrian, do you love me?"

"Kat, I care deeply for you, more than I have cared for anyone ever before."

"You should have lied this time." She turned away. She couldn't marry without love, especially since it was one-sided. For she'd come to realize tonight that was what she wanted from him. His love.

"If you had let me continue, I was going to say, I don't know what love is, but I do know I can't go on without you. I need you beside me. If you aren't with me, nothing matters. Nothing, except you."

She kept her arms wrapped tightly around herself. It was close, as close as he could probably get to admitting his feelings, but it wasn't enough. She needed more, especially with the baby coming. She needed a partner to help raise her child. Could he truly be the one to do it?

This was the perfect chance to tell him, to find out if he was that man, but she couldn't bring herself to say the words. Keeping her back to him, she replied, "I don't know. I'll think about it."

"Very well, I won't press you now. But you must come back to the castle. It's not safe for you here alone."

Recalling the amulet, she glanced at the sofa. The lead lined pouch poked out from under the cushion. She couldn't leave it here, but how would she get it without him noticing? With a deep breath, she silently recited a spell, and prayed it would work. The sudden heavy weight of the amulet in her pocket had her fighting a satisfied smile. She turned to him and nodded.

"Let me get my purse." She gathered her things, and stepped closer. His arms came around her, and for a moment, she allowed herself to savor the feel of his embrace. But then the rushing air sensation enveloped her and all else was forgotten.

She stood in the great hall, and Adrian still held her. She didn't protest. Truthfully, she wasn't ready to be free of him.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Katerina put down her pen and shut off the computer. The research had been the only way she made it through the last couple of weeks. Surprisingly, Adrian had left her in peace, but she knew it was because he was consumed with finding Machiavelli. But the time alone had unfortunately often left her with her thoughts wandering.

The fact there had been no hint of Machiavelli's presence anywhere had her on edge, too. As long as she remained in the castle, she was safe, but she was getting tired of being cooped up. She wanted to drive through the mountains, walk in the park, go shopping.

Sighing, she moved to sit in the more comfortable chair beside the bed. She knew the lack of success in locating their enemy troubled Adrian deeply, though he hadn't said anything. But she heard the phone calls, the late night video conferences in the castle's theater room. It had made Adrian tense and frustrated, and she knew when he disappeared during the night, he was hunting. It was all that could ease his frustration, especially since he seemed determined to honor his word not to push her. She appreciated his efforts, but she was beginning to miss him. They might reside in the same place, but the castle was almost the size of the town at the foot of the mountain. It was a simple matter to go days without seeing Adrian.

She forced herself back to the Machiavelli situation. What had they missed in their search? The only part of the plan proceeding smoothly was that many of the Italian's holdings were under close scrutiny by several agencies in many countries. The fines being levied against the corporation for various crimes were rapidly draining the cash flow, and Machiavelli would soon have to surface, to defend Machenicco. But it was as if he'd vanished. Which couldn't possibly be the case.

Katerina had spent the last weeks researching as much as she could about witchcraft and magic. She had to be ready. Without Stefan's lessons, she was only halfway capable of anything, and that could be even more dangerous than knowing nothing. Part of the problem was the fact she had no contact with anyone from the witch community, she had no idea where to turn to get her powers to their full ability. Her father had been of no help, despite her requests for him to find someone to teach her.

A fluttering sensation started in the pit of her stomach, and she went very still. Cautiously, her hand came to rest upon her belly, which had started to feel fuller in the last day or so. The flutter grew stronger, and joy such as she'd never known filled her, and brought tears to her eyes. Her baby was moving and growing, and the love she felt blinded her momentarily. Vaguely aware of someone calling her name, she shook her head. Adrian stood before her, but why did he seem so short? She blinked as she realized she was levitating several inches off her chair. As her emotions ebbed back to normal, she slowly descended until she was seated once more.

"That was an interesting surprise," Adrian said. There was a mischievous gleam in his eyes, and her guards went up. She forced her mind to go blank. She was getting rather good at this, and was starting to be able to shield herself from any intrusions. Not that he'd attempted any.

"I didn't realize…I guess I was lost in thought."

He nodded, his eyes narrowing as he folded his arms. "You know, I've never seen you use your powers, other than the night when Machiavelli…"

"There really is no need for me to use my powers. There's not a lot I can do." She tried to keep her voice casual, but knew she'd failed when he smiled.

"You're wrong about that." He leaned over her, then frowned. "Have you been crying?"

She swallowed nervously, then shook her head. "I was staring at the computer for too long."

He didn't say anything, simply studied her carefully. Nervous under the scrutiny, she shifted, anticipating him to try and invade her thoughts. Again, he surprised her when he didn't.

Suddenly, he smiled. "I gave you my word I would not push you. As difficult as it's been, I'm trying to uphold my end of the deal."

"But you knew what I was thinking just now."

"You have a very expressive face, Kat. And I know all of your expressions. Intimately."

He was so close now, his face mere inches away, the silky tendrils of his voice hypnotic. Her gaze was drawn to his lips, and she wanted him to kiss her. His smile deepened, and she knew he'd read her thoughts again, but not with their link. Her gaze shot up to his, and she was lost. When he finally brushed his mouth lightly across hers, it was all she could do not to wrap her arms around him and cling to him forever. He dared no more, and disappointment replaced her excitement. Cupping her face in his hand, he pressed another chaste kiss against her lips.

"I will not give you the opportunity to accuse me of manipulation again. You will come to me, when you are ready."

She chewed her lower lip to keep from screaming out she was ready. Damn, how could he leave her so witless? He drew away. She almost grabbed his hand. He retreated to stand across the room, and watched her thoughtfully.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"I'd like you to show me something of your skills."

Suspicion formed. "What do you mean?"

"I was thinking perhaps your powers could be put to use in our search. We received a lead this morning. Sophie was seen only a few miles away last night."

Katerina shrugged. "I don't know what you think I can do."