The Mirror Jennifer Cloud (c) 2004 ISBN 1-59578-076-9
The Mirror Jennifer Cloud Published 2004 ISBN 1-59578-076-9 Published by Liquid Silver Books, imprint of Atlantic Bridge Publishing, 10509 Sedgegrass Dr, Indianapolis, Indiana 46235. Copyright © 2004, Jennifer Cloud. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author. Manufactured in the United States of America Liquid Silver Books http://lsbooks.com Email:
[email protected] Cover Art by Fabiano Fabris This is a work of fiction. The characters, incidents and dialogues in this book are of the author’s imagination and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to actual events or persons, living or dead, is completely coincidental.
DEDICATION: To the things that go bump in the night.
Chapter One Eve looked in the mirror above her bathroom sink wondering if she was the same woman whose reflection had been there an hour ago. The lines were the same around her eyes—there were even a couple near her mouth. She didn’t feel the same though. Her bright green eyes watched her, but they couldn’t belong to her. The dark brown lashes that framed them, her pink lips, even her brown hair all looked like they belonged to Eve Angelise but an hour ago she’d been Eve Angelise Martin. The divorce papers had come today. A messenger boy had delivered them from Luke Martin’s attorney. The little pimple-faced punk stood at her doorway while she signed for them like they were some present being delivered. “Great,” she mumbled, still staring at her reflection. Never had she been considered sexy. That little problem contributed to her husband—or ex-husband—taking up with his secretary. Sure, men whistled and carried on from time to time, but overall she looked bookish. She dressed modestly. Many had told her that her demeanor was forbidding and unapproachable. A few guys at work called her a snob when, in fact, she was simply socially awkward. Men made her feel uncomfortable, especially if she was attracted to them. “Being married was easier,” she told her reflection. “At least I wasn’t alone.” She’d known the official documents were coming, although actually seeing them was harder than she’d expected. It wasn’t that her heart had been broken. On the contrary, she wasn’t sure what disturbed her. She’d never been in love with Luke. Only after she’d caught him in bed with Marcy had she realized that she didn’t care. The failure of the marriage bothered her much more than any emotional attachment. Eve picked up the pen then dropped it back on the counter with the papers. Another failure stared her in the face. She twisted one long strand around her finger as she looked at the tiny type. “I hate you, Luke, but I still wish I had started the divorce instead of you.” It probably had to do with her mother’s perfect marriage and with her sister, to whom Eve had always been compared. Both women never appeared touched by turmoil. They were true successes. Her sister, Denise, was a doctor with two kids and one on the way. Her mother had been a nurse and married for thirty-five years. Being compared to people without a single flaw was hard to take. All she had was a job with a software company, which she wasn’t crazy about, and a half-empty apartment uptown. She leaned on the counter, reading the papers when the telephone rang. It wasn’t her ex-husband. They’d stopped talking months ago. Odds were it was her overly cheerful friend Mitzi, calling to confirm their plans for the night. Nothing ever got to that girl, not even a string of bad relationships starting in bars and each ending with a note by her bed. “Hello?” answered Eve. She wasn’t in the mood to talk to Mitzi, much less hang out with her tonight. “Oh, girl, have I got plans for us.”
“Hi, Mitzi. I don’t feel like going out.” Eve glanced over the papers again. “They delivered the papers today. I think I’m going to polish off the ice cream in the freezer and veg out on the couch.” “You’ll end up like those broad-assed women from work if you do that. My plan is much better. We’ll get you back on the dating scene. I know this great place…” “No bars, Mitzi,” interrupted Eve. “I don’t want that kind of guy.” She wanted something she couldn’t have, a connection. All bar guys could connect with was their beer. “What kind of guy do you want? Another man who spends all his time at work or with his secretary instead of you?” “Cheap shot.” Maybe a businessman wasn’t the right guy either, and that didn’t leave much. “Listen, Eve, all I’m saying is that we should go out and celebrate your new independence. Think of those divorce papers as your ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ card.” Eve looked at the legal document as it lay staring at her with its tiny type. There were three pages, all to dissolve a marriage that should’ve never existed in the first place. There were pages describing why her ex wanted out. Hell, she knew why—he’d never loved her. “You know what, you’re right. I want to go out tonight. Maybe flirt a little, have some fun.” Maybe pretend I’m someone else for a few hours. “Good. I’ll pick you up in an hour.” Eve hung up the phone and looked back at the papers. This was the start of her life, not the end of it. She sniffled, then picked up a pen, scrawling her name on the line above the type spelling out her maiden name. Next she shoved them in the FedEx envelope. There was a drop box on the corner. First thing on Monday, she would be officially free of that man. She went to the closet and dug through her business suits. It had been a long time since she’d gone out. In the back of the closet was her little black dress, which she hadn’t worn since she’d been married. It was time to break it out again. There were a lot of things she hadn’t done in the year since her separation. In fact, it had been at least eighteen months since a man had touched her—not that she wanted to go down that road again. Pretending to be excited while waiting for him to finish was hardly satisfying. She slid on her dress and brushed her long brown hair. Not bad, she thought. Maybe tonight she’d find a way to leave the mousy Eve behind. When she finished applying her make-up, she heard a knock at the door. Mitzi had arrived early. Eve grabbed her heels from the closet and ran to the door. “Just a minute.” Eve jerked the door open before checking the peephole. To her surprise, it wasn’t Mitzi standing there but a man with his right hand raised, poised to knock again. He was dressed in black pants with a blue dress shirt and had shoulder-length black hair. “Can I help you?” Eve was a little surprised to see a man at her door, and more surprised by her immediate attraction to him. He was a pretty thing, magnificently tall with wide shoulders. “I’m sorry. I must have the wrong apartment.” He held out his hand. “I am Drake Fallon.”
Even his voice made her toes curl. It had been too long since she’d been with a man. “Who are you looking for?” She fidgeted, adjusting her dress then realizing that she’d pulled it too low, exposing the edge of her bra. Quickly she corrected the situation, but the damage was done and her confidence shot. “I think she must live on the floor below.” He didn’t move from the door, as if he really had business with Eve. “What’s your name?” She ran her hands down the sides of her dress wondering if her cheeks were flushed. She certainly felt hot. “Eve Angelise. I need to go. Sorry,” she started to shut the door. “I need to get ready.” “Big date?” He stuck out his hand and stopped the door from shutting. “I imagine a lady like you has men standing in line.” His smile was hypnotic and she’d never seen eyes that shade of gray before. “Well, I’m not concerned with men standing in line. Right now I’m just trying to shut my front door.” Her tongue felt too big, and a nervous giggle escaped her mouth. Immediately her hand shot to her lips as if she could pull the weird sound back. “My apologies.” His gaze went over her once more and she felt her nipples harden. “I hope your evening is pleasant.” He removed his hand, allowing Eve to shut the door. As a second thought, she locked it and put the chain across. There was something about her visitor. He felt dangerous but in a way that would make her wild. When a second knock came from the door, she checked the peephole. She’d expected to see Drake Fallon at the door again, wielding his smile like a weapon in order to gain entrance. “Come on, chick, let me in,” yelled Mitzi. Eve opened the door, then checked the hallway. There was no sign of her earlier visitor. She looked around the corner and saw no one. Still, she felt like someone watched her. It was silly, but the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. “What’s wrong?” Mitzi followed her down the hall and back to her door. “Why are you so nervous?” “This guy came to my apartment earlier. It was weird.” Her reaction to him was even more startling. “Let me get my key. I don’t want to leave my door unlocked.” “Did he try anything?” Mitzi licked her lips and looked around the hallway. “No.” Eve thought about his intense eyes—there was a presence to him. “He just creeped me out.” Then she looked at Mitzi, who would’ve made a prostitute look overdressed. “I guess this isn’t a girl’s night out.” “Oh, you, just because we’re out, doesn’t mean I can’t catch a few numbers here and there.” “Mitzi, I don’t want to be left sitting at some strange bar alone. If you’re looking for some man for the night, I think I’ll stay in.” “Don’t be silly. You’ll be leaving with a guy before I will.” Mitzi smirked, “Unless you’re waiting to see if your mysterious stranger makes a repeat appearance. Tell me, was he cute?” “You’re awful, Mitzi.” Eve looked at her door and considered calling their plans off. She didn’t want to be home alone on a Friday night, though. “That guy is the last person I want to see.”
“Well, I think he’s gone. Let’s get going.” Mitzi pulled up the edges of her already short skirt. “We’ve got all night and I don’t want to spend it in front of your apartment.” Eve went down the steps to the first floor with Mitzi walking behind, yammering about the great night they were going to have and all the men who’d be falling over themselves for a chance to buy them drinks. So far it sounded horrible and before they reached the bar, Eve wished she’d stayed at home. Ice cream and a good movie had to be better than walking through a bar like a contestant on display. Donovan’s Place was their first stop. It looked okay for a loud sports bar. There were dartboards, pool tables, a few booths for those dining, and a very long bar serviced by two bartenders. Mitzi had to sit at the bar, where they could be visible. It was a terrible feeling as she watched the men eye them from around the room. Mitzi was a dyed blonde with not enough clothes on, easily calling attention to herself. While Eve sat there, three different gentleman bought Mitzi drinks and two gave Mitzi their phone numbers as they left that bar for another. After twenty minutes of sitting there, a handsome blond man in a tank top came up to Mitzi. Another fifteen minutes went by with the two of them talking and Eve feeling like a third wheel. Finally the part came that Eve had been dreading. “Eve,” whispered Mitzi. “I’m going to catch a ride home from this gentleman. Will you be okay walking back by yourself?” She rolled her eyes and stirred her drink with that ridiculously tiny straw. “Sure. Not a problem. Have fun.” Eve watched Mitzi leave with her date for the night. After the door closed behind them, she counted sixty, then started to the door. It was only nine and her wild night out was ending an hour after it had begun. As she walked out the door, she looked back at the room of beer-swilling men who didn’t give her a passing glance. That was fine. None of them were anything special to her either. Eve stepped out to the sidewalk. Everything was dark and it was starting to grow chilly. There were plenty of streetlights to mark her way as she started the six-block walk back home alone. Tonight would’ve been better if she at least had a friend to talk to. Somebody she could bash her ex with. Mitzi wasn’t that kind of girl though. Her interests were only with men and what grew in their pants. Eve sighed and started back home. Somehow the walk seemed longer alone. There weren’t even many people out tonight. She looked across the road and saw a familiar car pull up to the restaurant there. It was a romantic spot her ex used to take her to. It was odd that she would think of him now. The car seemed too familiar—the red paint on the sedan, the scrape on the left front bumper. She realized why her ex had popped back into her mind. He was taking a date out to dinner, probably his secretary. She looked at the car as it pulled into line for valet parking. Here she stood, alone on a sidewalk. “Damn,” she muttered under her breath. There was no way she was going to be caught staring pathetically across the street. She ducked down the dark alley next to her. It wasn’t the wisest thing she’d ever done,
but surely to goodness she wouldn’t get mugged the one time she cut down a deserted alley. It would be easier if she went one street over and tried to keep her pride intact. Eve walked slowly, stepping over discarded bottles and various flyers that had blown this way. Ahead she caught a glimpse of something, probably a cat, or at the worst a bum looking for a handout. It was nothing to be afraid of and better than her ex seeing her. A shadow grew larger then split off, showing movement from not one person but two. For a second, it looked like a romantic embrace, perhaps lovers who couldn’t wait until they’d gotten home. Eve held her breath as one person fell lifelessly to the street and the other started walking in her direction. The fire escape and dumpster hid her from view, at least until whoever it was got closer. She slid next to the wall, feeling her heart hammering in her chest. While keeping her eyes on the approaching person, she slid up to a stack of boxes and crept behind them. Odds were someone was throwing out trash and there hadn’t been two people there at all, but she wasn’t taking any chances. She’d chosen a bad hiding spot anyway. A street lamp burned too close, exposing the center of the alley. It was too late to switch hiding spots though. She heard heavy shoes coming toward her. It sounded like someone, stopped directly across from her hiding spot. Legs shaking, she stretched her neck to see above the boxes. A chill went threw her as she caught a glimpse at his profile. It was a man—actually, it was the same man who’d been at her apartment earlier. She stifled a scream as the man in front of her stopped and looked up toward the sky, then glanced back at the middle of the alley. After what seemed like an eternity, Drake started walking again. It was a mistake. Eve should’ve run in the opposite direction, but curiosity held her in place, that and the light moan coming from the shadows where the two had split. Another person lay back there. She left her hiding place and headed toward the sound. Another moan led the way to a woman lying in the mix of trash and broken crates. “Are you okay?” asked Eve bending over her. She knew the woman wasn’t. The only sign that she still lived happened to be the moaning. “Wake up.” Eve touched her softly and the woman’s head fell to the side exposing a red streak on her throat. “Please wake up, we have to get out of here.” She looked at the woman’s throat again. It was more than a cut—there were two holes. A million thoughts flooded her mind. Vampires? No, that wasn’t possible. Vampires were fictional characters. “Eve Angelise, we meet again.” Behind her, a deep voice caused her to jump and gooseflesh covered her body. As she turned, she saw Drake. He smiled at her and for a brief moment she thought his grin held silver. “Get away from me,” she cried and looked for an exit. Crates blocked her on one side, and Drake stood too close to let her leave. “Stay back.” “Relax,” he held up a syringe. For a moment Eve feared he intended to shove the needle into her, when he moved by Eve to the fallen woman. With gentle care he pushed the woman’s skirt up, then gave her a shot in her thigh. “She’s a diabetic. I told her not to have the chocolate cake for dessert. The lady wouldn’t listen.”
Drake looked up from the spot between the woman’s legs where he knelt. All the fear in Eve had melted away, as he administered the syringe and the woman immediately began breathing steadier. “A diabetic?” Eve leaned against the stack of crates. “I’m sorry, I jumped to the wrong conclusion.” The woman on the ground opened her eyes. Eve leaned down as the stranger turned her head. There was a touch of red on her neck but no teeth marks. Eve blinked hard then looked again. “What’s wrong?” Drake looked at Eve then back at the girl on the ground. “I didn’t hurt her. She cut herself when she fell.” “This is so embarrassing. I heard someone in the alley and thought the worst.” Eve rubbed her hands over her face. “Is there anything I can do to help?” “Sure. She lives in your building. Why don’t you help me get her home? You know, open doors and stuff. Keep me from banging her head into a wall.” “Okay.” She didn’t know why she’d agreed to help Drake but she couldn’t imagine telling him no. Eve watched Drake lift the woman. He carried her as if she weighed nothing. The strange woman’s head lolled against him and Eve glanced back at her neck. There was no sign of injury, only a slight smudge of red. She had gone in and out of consciousness and not once had she seemed frightened. “I guess your night was a bust. How long have you two been dating?” Eve walked next to Drake, and suddenly felt very small next to him. He was at least a head taller with muscular frame. “We’re not really dating.” Drake looked over showing the most beautiful gray eyes she’d ever seen. “I’m a psychologist. The court ordered her to start seeing me because of some pressing problems. I can’t go into detail, but tonight was a test run for her.” “I’m guessing she didn’t pass.” “No. I’m afraid I’ll have to turn in a negative evaluation.” He sighed as if it troubled him. “Do you know her?” “I don’t know many of my neighbors. I keep to myself.” Eve felt the edge of the FedEx envelope poke her from the top of her purse. She’d forgotten to mail it earlier, but the white box at the corner reminded her. “Just a minute. I’ve got to mail something.” “At nine o’clock on Friday night?” “They’re my divorce papers. I want to get them in the mail as soon as possible.” She smiled as she pulled open the box near her apartment and slid the envelope inside. “I’m officially a free woman.” “It’s nice to see divorce agrees with some.” He smiled at her and again she still caught a hint of a silver sheen. “I see too many people who can’t cope. It’s sad.” “I guess I’m not coping all that well,” she confessed. “I ducked down the alley in order to avoid my ex seeing me dateless, while he brought his secretary out for a night on the town.” She looked at him and realized not everything in his story had been accounted for. “Why were you two in the alley?” “Lisa was getting sick and I wanted to get her off the street. I thought I would help her administer a shot. You don’t want people on a sidewalk seeing a chick hoist up her skirt and shoot herself in the thigh. Anyway, when we got into the alley, she realized she’d forgotten her purse in the restaurant. I was coming back with it when I found you.”
Lisa’s eyes flipped open again. She muttered something incoherent then giggled loudly. The odor of alcohol wafted up from her. She pushed against Drake, trying to stand. He let her down onto the sidewalk, only to have her fall against him again. “Relax, Lisa. I’m taking you home.” The woman pushed against him again and started falling onto the sidewalk. Drake pulled her up then slung her like a sack over his shoulder. Without a word, he started walking again and the woman on his back fell silent. “I’m guessing her diabetic problems weren’t from dessert?” “No. I was trying to cover for her.” He looked at Eve and she felt that strange attraction surge through her. “I thought a woman with a sweet tooth was better than an alcoholic. Please forgive the fib.” “It was very kind of you to try to cover for her.” He shook his head and kept walking. From his back came a strange groan. Eve didn’t like the sound of it. She looked around Drake to find a very pale Lisa with one hand covering her mouth, “I would set her down a minute if I were you.” Eve looked back again. “Set her down.” “Why?” Just then, Lisa retched, spewing vomit down his back. Drake didn’t drop her. He rolled his eyes and kept walking. The door to the apartment building was in sight. Drake seemed to focus on that. Eve opened the door and held it as he took Lisa up the stairs. On the third floor, he turned right and started down the hall. At the end of the hall, he motioned to Eve, then handed her Lisa’s purse. “Would you get her apartment key out?” “Sure.” Eve dug through the tiny purse and produced a key chain. After a moment she found the apartment key and unlocked the door. “Thanks.” Drake went inside. “I’d appreciate it if you’d stay a few minute longer. I need to clean her up and put her in bed. It would be nice if I had a witness so she couldn’t claim I’d raped her or anything.” Here was a modern gentleman, Eve thought. “I’ll be glad to help.” Together they took the woman into the bathroom, found some washcloths, and wiped off her face. The front of her shirt had become soiled, so Eve helped Drake undress her. When Drake realized she wasn’t wearing a bra, he turned his head. “I’m going to get a clean shirt from her room. Be right back.” Drake disappeared without giving the woman’s ample breasts a glance. In a minute he reappeared with a T-shirt. He stood behind Lisa, holding her upright, while Eve slid the shirt over her head. Next, Eve pulled off her skirt and watched Drake carry her to bed, pulling the covers high on her chest. “Oh, Drake,” mumbled Lisa. “Do you want to fuck?” The inebriated woman laughed then flicked her tongue at him. “Let’s fuck.” “Goodnight, Lisa.” Drake closed the bedroom door and looked at Eve. “Thank you for all your help. I don’t think I could’ve done it without you.”
“No problem.” She looked at his spoiled shirt. The back was covered and the stain continued down the back of his pants. “Would you like to come upstairs and get cleaned up?” “I would love to.” Drake followed Eve. It was strange, having a man coming up to her apartment. She looked back at him. Drake was incredibly handsome. Part of her wanted to run her hands through his hair. It was the color of midnight and she thought it would feel like the night, dark and soft. She unlocked the door and went inside with Drake following closely behind. Her apartment wasn’t the cleanest. In her self-pity, she’d forgotten to do the dishes or pick up the clothes lying on the floor. “Please forgive the mess. I don’t have company often.” The awkward feeling settled over her again and she couldn’t decide what to do with her hands. Eve looked up at him, unsure of what to expect. “You have a lovely place.” He looked around. “Not to be rude, but may I use your bathroom. I’m tired of smelling like Lisa.” “Sure. You can shower if you want. I’ll throw your clothes in the wash. It shouldn’t take too long.” “You are very kind.” A wisp of an accent carried in his words and for a moment she just stood there looking at him. “Sorry,” she came out of her daze. “Follow me.” Her bathroom was down the hall. She turned on the light and pulled a towel from the closet. Then she noticed a small array of her undergarments drying on the towel rack. She grabbed them, and put the towel in their place. “Pretty.” He handed her a pair of lace thongs. She snatched the panties from his grasp. “I think there’s everything you need in here. Just toss out your clothes when you’re ready.” She hugged her undergarments close to her body. “I’ll try to hurry and get your clothes washed.” Eve stepped out of the bathroom and shut the door. She relaxed against the wall, trying to slow her breathing, and heard the water come on. Drake would take a quick shower and then be out of here. As she stood there, the door opened. Drake stepped out, naked, and unashamed. Eve looked over his body. It wasn’t intentional but the beautifully sculpted muscles on his chest and abdomen called to her. Her gaze went lower and noticed his cock was large and erect. “Here are my clothes.” The deep voice touched her physically. She took them from him and averted her eyes. “I’ll get these washed up for you.” She glanced sideways, catching his form in her peripheral vision. “Thank you.” He touched her arm and she felt electricity surge through her body. “I’m in your debt, my lady.” “You’re welcome.” The nervous giggle tried to escape again. This time she caught it before making much of a sound. “Enjoy your shower.” Eve pulled away and heard the bathroom door shut behind her. He’d been naked. He’d been aroused. The image haunted her thoughts and she felt feverish. It wasn’t normal for her to be so attracted to a person she hardly knew
She had to get him out of here as quickly as possible. She went to her little laundry room, which wasn’t much larger than the washer and dryer that occupied it. On a short cycle it would take twenty minutes to get his clothes washed and maybe another thirty to dry them An hour with this guy? She didn’t think she could take it. Eve put the clothes in the machine and started it on cold. An hour? What would they talk about? Eve went into her bedroom and tossed her undergarments into a drawer. Next, she checked her make-up, then ran a brush through her hair. She wasn’t sure if she should change her clothes or not. Butterflies filled her stomach as another thought came to her. He didn’t have anything to wear until his clothes were dry. The water stopped running in the bathroom. Frantically she pulled open drawers hoping to find something that would fit him. The first thing she pulled out was a skirt, next she found a pair of sweatpants. They would have to do. Conversation would be awkward enough, but she didn’t think she could handle talking to him naked. A little smile crept across her face and she bit her lip. Conversation might be lacking if he were naked, but the view would be nice. “Eve,” he said from the living room. “Where did you go?” She turned as he came into her bedroom. He kept a towel wrapped around his waist. His hair was still wet and a few droplets of water clung to his skin. Through the towel, she could tell he’d relaxed, although parts of him still dominated the scenery. “Are you okay?” he asked her. “You’re just staring.” There was no way to tell how long she’d been standing there, staring at him. She felt her cheeks blush as she tried to find her train of thought. It was no use. All she could think about was him being naked. Salvation came when she looked at the pair of pants in her hand. “Sorry, I was trying to decide if these pants would fit you. Hanging out…” Eve stopped and shook her head. “Wearing a towel can’t be comfortable. Try these.” She tossed him the pants then started to leave. “Sorry I don’t have much to offer you.” “I think you’re perfect.” Eve turned, meaning to say something and saw him drop his towel. It was time to go. She nearly ran from the room. Her palms felt sweaty and her heart beat wildly. She sat on the couch, knowing she was too old to be acting this way. This was just a man in her house. Nothing more. “The pants are a little small but I think they’ll work.” She looked up and saw that the pants were comically small. The waist was okay, due to the elastic but they were eight inches short on the bottom. The crotch was also quite snug. “I’ll have your clothes ready soon.” She looked over at the laundry room and heard the washer running. “Um, do you need a shirt?” “No. I’m fine.” He certainly was. Drake sat on the couch. She wasn’t sure where she should sit, so she chose a chair to the side. This made him smile as if he sensed her uncertainty. The awkward moment grew worse as he watched with gray eyes that burned into her. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“No, thank you,” he replied without taking his eyes off her. “Why don’t you play some music?” “Sure. What do you want to listen to?” Music would at least cut down the tension. “Nothing too fast.” Eve turned on the stereo and listened to the sound of soft blues fill the apartment. When she turned to go back to her seat, she found Drake. He’d gotten up and stood in her way. “Would you like to dance?” He held out his hand. “Okay.” She wasn’t sure why she agreed, but he put one hand at the small of her back and the other took her hand. He pulled her to him, until their bodies touched while they rocked back and forth in her living room. In a moment she felt him, pressing against her. When she glanced down, she saw his erection pushing out the pants. This was unfamiliar territory. Was she supposed to pretend his hard cock wasn’t rubbing against her? Should she be offended? Should she go down on it? No—no. That’s not something she’d do. “Am I making you feel uneasy?” He pulled her closer and whispered in her ear. “Tell me if I am.” A scent of soap and pure man came to her. His damp hair brushed against her cheek and she briefly wondered what that hair would feel like tickling her breasts when he had his way with her. “You’re not saying anything, Eve.” His words were hardly more than a breath against her flesh. “Tell me what’s going on inside your head.” She tried to speak but only a muffled moan made it from her lips. He pulled her too close to his body for their dance to continue. The hand holding hers let go and touched her chin, turning her face up to his. “Let’s see what’s wrong with your mouth.” Drake moistened his lips and brought them to hers. She closed her eyes and let him kiss her softly. His touch was tender, as he teased her mouth open and slipped his tongue inside. She responded, letting her tongue touch his and follow it into his mouth. When the kiss broke, she opened her eyes to find him watching her. He brought his thumb across her lips, taking away the excess moisture and making them tingle again as she stifled her sound of surrender. “I shouldn’t have done that.” He took a deep breath. “Do you know how beautiful you are?” “Me?” she asked, honestly shocked over the question. Guys like him never called her beautiful. They were too busy falling over Mitzi. “You’ve never been made love to, have you?” His hand rested at the side of her face as if he had to touch her. She felt her mouth drop open. “I’m not a pristine virgin.” “Shhh,” he wiped his thumb across her lips again. “I never said you hadn’t had sex.” Eve shivered and closed her eyes, then jumped as the washer buzzed. This was her chance to get him away, but she couldn’t move. When she opened her eyes and looked at him, she found it difficult to even breathe. “Your clothes,” she managed through uneven breaths. “I have to put them in the dryer.”
He took a step back and she found the strength to go to the laundry room. Her hands shook as she tossed the clothes into the dryer. Once it started, she stayed there, listening to the machine run. There was a man she barely knew in her apartment and he’d kissed her. Her legs trembled and her fingers touched her lips. What am I going to do? “Am I making you uncomfortable?” Drake slid a hand around her waist. “I don’t mean to.” His mouth moved close to her neck. “Would you like me to leave?” Eve looked at Drake in the short pants with his large bulge pressing against the cloth. “You’d look pretty silly walking around town like that.” “Did you like it?” Her eyes jerked up and met his. Heat flushed her cheeks. “Excuse me?” “The kiss. Did you like it?” There were a million things she could’ve done at this point but she nodded silently and watched him draw closer. He leaned in, letting his lips graze against hers, taking her mouth for the second time. “Relax,” he whispered against her skin. His body brushed hers making her tremble. Never had she wanted a man so much nor been willing to sleep with someone after barely knowing his name. She couldn’t think about it though. He felt too good as his tongue invaded her mouth and his cock pressed against her abdomen. Eve tilted her head back. Something strange happened then, his body went rigid then pulled away from hers. His head turned to the side as if he heard something disturbing. “This isn’t the right time,” he mumbled while keeping his head turned toward the door. “Please forgive me, but I must go.” “Wait,” Eve looked back at the dryer. “Your clothes.” “I’ll collect them from you later.” She turned to open the dryer and retrieve them but he’d gone too fast. Before she had the clothes in hand, she heard the front door close. Drake had gone, wearing only her sweatpants.
Chapter Two Midnight came before Eve settled into bed. The apartment felt haunted since Drake had gone. She’d spent most of the night drinking wine on her couch and wondering if he’d come back. At eleven she’d stopped wondering and finished the bottle of wine. She washed her face and slipped on the satin shorts set she slept in. It was too bad Drake hadn’t come back. Sleeping with a man she hardly knew was wrong, but that’s exactly what she’d wanted. In fact, she still wanted it. The satin top felt nice against her breasts. She rubbed them against the cloth, then giggled like a schoolgirl. His hands wouldn’t feel like satin. They’d be rougher and warm against her flesh. Eve sighed. Her dreams would be filled with Drake tonight. It had been too long since a man had touched her or even brought out those emotions. She’d thought something was wrong with her until Drake’s kiss. In that moment, everything had been very right. Her hand slid to the edge of her shorts and she touched herself then laughed again. She hadn’t even masturbated in six months. Besides that wouldn’t fulfill her needs. She needed substance. The kiss had been a sweet sensation, making her knees wobble at the thought. His naked body didn’t hurt her feelings either. The image of his undressed, excited physique stayed burned into her mind. “Why did you have to go?” she asked the empty room, then turned off the light. At that moment, with the darkness settled over her, the room seemed to change. She pulled the covers higher and closed her eyes. The doors were locked. Even the windows were closed, but she wasn’t alone. Eve covered her head like a child and closed her eyes, trying to believe that her apartment was secure. More happened in the room though. She should’ve been frightened when she felt the cover move above her, she should’ve screamed or tried to run, but she didn’t. Instead, she lay there and waited. The room felt cool. She eased the edge of the blanket away from her face and saw mist throughout the room. Am I asleep? she thought, then pulled the blanket back over her head. Eve wasn’t sure how much time had passed with her gripping the blanket. She stopped being aware of everything until hands crept under the covers. Her skin goosefleshed as she felt fingers touch her arm, then pull at the edge of her nightshirt, arousing her. Even before she opened her eyes, she knew who lurked in her tiny apartment. It was as if Drake had touched her mind before her body, finding the desire she held for the handsome man who wasn’t much more than a stranger. “Drake?” she tried to say, but the night swallowed her words while he pulled away the blanket. He brushed her hair from her face. The light coming in the window from the street illuminated his naked body. Every muscle seemed pronounced, tightened, as he eased
into bed next to her. She couldn’t see his face completely. He studied her, keeping his eyes turned from hers. Neither said a word. She watched him touch her nightshirt and make the nipples harden underneath. His fingers trailed to her shorts, stimulating her and causing sensations to flow through when he brushed against her mound. She stifled a moan as his fingers touched her face, outlining her features with ticklish precision. He missed nothing, tracing each eyebrow, her nose. There were even light touches across her eyelids—and his mouth followed. Eve licked her lips, feeling his breath close to hers. His kiss was gentle, softer than anything she’d felt, but it didn’t stay that way. When she parted her lips to give him full access, he became deliciously wild as he plundered her mouth with a ravenous appetite that felt as if her entire body was being consumed. His hands made quick work of unbuttoning her top. She knew what was coming as he kissed his way down her throat, tasting each collarbone then continuing to her breasts, already taut from expectation. His mouth circled each, drawing closer to the sensitive nipples. An eternity seemed to pass before his hot mouth found them, flicking each nipple with his tongue before suckling the tender flesh into his wet mouth. For a moment, Eve thought she would come just from his kisses, but his mouth continued down. The satin shorts she slept in were too cumbersome for his impatient mouth. He ripped them away and tossed the ruined fabric to the floor. He settled between her thighs, licking each inner thigh and sucking the skin into his mouth. There in the crook between her thigh and her mound he nibbled, teasing her as she longed for him to go to the center and devour her. He didn’t make her wait long. At first his lips were shy, brushing against her center, then she felt his fingers open her, exposing her delicate parts to him. His mouth became ferocious as he lapped at her clit, letting his teeth graze against her, and causing her body to reel to his mouth. The contact was exquisite, and she felt urges racing out of control. Her body filled with energy, ready to explode against him. Drake seemed to sense her climax and drove his tongue into her. It felt like the world melted around her, but he wouldn’t let up. His mouth kept up an incredible rate. After her first climax ended, he had her building to a second. “Please, Drake,” she whimpered. He kissed his way back up her flesh, hesitating at her throat, then positioning himself over her. His hands pushed her legs wider, giving him access to her aching body, already dripping from his exploits. “My princess,” he whispered, then eased inside her opening. “It is time to know who you belong to.” Eve caught her breath as he filled her, stretched her and kept pressing into her body. His strokes were gentle, but she could tell it was a challenge for him to restrain himself. The wild animal in him begged to be freed and, for some reason, she wanted the primitive side of him unrestrained to do whatever he dared. “So tight,” he whispered against her ear. “Sweet flesh.” His body hesitated inside her then continued its compassionate pace. “I don’t want to hurt you.” “You don’t have to be gentle.” Her own desires burned out of control. “I want you to be Drake.”
She heard something close to a growl. For a moment she considered taking back her words, then he grabbed her hips, holding her in place. Gentleness didn’t come naturally to him. As he gripped her, then slammed into her body, sheathing himself with her, she knew the real Drake. His hips pounded into her, pushing too far, causing the sweetest pain she’d ever felt. Her climax was strong and immediate, but his desires wouldn’t be so easily filled. He pounded harder, deeper, until she screamed out his name. The pressures were intense and the sensations overwhelmed her. Drake said something, she couldn’t understand. Her fingernails dug into his back as he thrust into her. He bent down, burying his face in her neck. Something between a growl and a moan emanated from deep within him. Then she felt his mouth at her throat as a third climax rocked her body in time with his. His mouth locked against her neck in the deepest kiss she’d ever felt. Kiss … no … that’s his teeth, she thought, then everything went black.
Chapter Three Eve strained to open her eyes against the bright morning light pouring in her window. She felt next to her, but the bed was empty and she gripped the sheet tightly, wishing he were still there. She stretched, trying to work the soreness out of her body. Everything ached. For a moment, she thought Drake had been a dream, but the tenderness in her pussy told her otherwise. He had been there with her, and had run out before morning. “Asshole,” she muttered as she got out of bed. Her neck throbbed. She massaged it delicately as she approached the mirror on her dresser where a white piece of paper had been stuck into the edge of the frame. It was a note from Drake. Eve, I’m sorry I had to leave for work this morning. Please forgive me. I’d like to see you tonight. Call me. Drake On the bottom he’d written his phone number and underlined it. She touched the paper, tracing his signature, following the elaborate D. It was Saturday, but psychologists probably kept all hours with the number of crazies wondering the streets. She should’ve known, but after all the bad relationships she’d had, it was hard to believe a hunk like Drake would be interested in her. Eve smiled feeling the knot in her stomach dissipate. There was something wonderful about Drake. She wasn’t sure if she could fall in love with him, but she had like and lust already covered and the feeling was wonderful. As she looked in the mirror, something about her reflection grabbed her attention. There was a red dot on her throat. She looked closer, then touched it but found no wound or mark beneath. How crazy did things get last night? She went into the bathroom. It tasted like something had crawled into her mouth and died. No wonder Drake had left. A little toothpaste, mouthwash and she would be right again. At least she thought she would, until she heard a loud knocking at the door. It was nine in the morning, certainly not too early for guests, but she couldn’t imagine who would be visiting her unless Mitzi’s man had run off as quickly as Drake had. “Who is it?” Eve looked through the peephole. “Ma’am, I am Detective Greg Benson. I’d like to ask you a few questions.” He held up a badge she couldn’t see through the peephole. Eve cracked opened the door and took a closer look at the badge. “What’s all this about?” “May I come in?” Eve became aware that she only wore a long shirt and nothing else. Even the shirt wasn’t buttoned all the way. She smiled again, remembering the way Drake had ripped the shorts off her body. “Just a minute, please.” She shut the door. “I won’t be long.”
She dashed to her room and threw on a pair of jeans along with a less revealing Tshirt. While brushing her hair, she went back to the front door and looked through the peephole. The man was still there, impatiently looking at his watch. “Sorry about that.” Eve opened the door and motioned the detective inside. “I slept in this morning. What can I help you with?” “May I have your name please?” As the detective spoke, his dark brown eyes barely made contact as if she were beneath him. “Eve Angelise.” Eve replied, and suddenly became annoyed with the intrusion. “Do you know a woman by the name of Lisa Hendricks?” The detective followed Eve to the kitchen. “I can’t say that I do.” She tried to make coffee, spilling water on the counters. Finally she started the coffeepot. “Oh, wait, does she live on the floor below?” “Yes.” “I don’t know her well but she was sick yesterday and I helped her home.” Eve felt a little sick to her stomach. Something bad had happened. “She’d drank too much and couldn’t walk so well.” The detective began jotting down notes. “Has something happened?” “Was there anyone with you and Lisa?” Greg Benson’s voice sounded unsympathetic. “Yes. Drake Fallon was with us.” “Do you know where I can reach him?” The humorless man’s features drew tight. “I’m afraid I need to know what this is about.” Eve wrapped both arms around her middle. “Lisa Hendricks is dead, miss, and withholding information means you could be arrested for obstruction of justice. Now, how can I reach this Drake Fallon?” “He’s a psychologist. He told me that Lisa had been ordered to see him by the courts so I imagine you could find him in the phonebook.” She squared her shoulders and met the detective’s cold stare. “You don’t have his number?” “No.” She hoped he didn’t look around and find the note Drake had left. Something about this guy didn’t make her want to cooperate though. “Don’t you have a phone book?” “Were Drake Fallon and Lisa Hendricks involved with each other?” His words were robotic, going down a seemingly rehearsed list of questions. “She was his patient. They weren’t romantic, if that’s what you mean.” At least she hoped not. “What time did you leave Lisa?” “Let’s see.” She thought about it, drawing it out just to irritate the detective. “I left the bar around nine. Everyone was walking, except Lisa, who could barely stand. I’d say we arrived here fifteen minutes later, then left her around nine thirty.” “You and Drake left at the same time.” “Yes. Lisa had puked all over him, so he came up here so I could wash out his things.” “What time did he leave?” A little smirk crossed the detective’s lips.
She should’ve told him that he’d left a few minutes later. It was late when he’d come back and she wasn’t sure when he’d gone out this morning. Still, she felt a little protective and she didn’t like the way the detective looked at her. “He left this morning.” She smiled and poured a cup of coffee. “He had to go to work.” “He stayed all night and you don’t have his number?” “No.” She felt cocky. “Numbers weren’t necessary. He’ll be back later if you’d like me to pass on any messages.” “How do you know he didn’t slip out while you were sleeping?” “We did very little sleeping.” She put one hand on her hip, shocked by the words coming out of her mouth. “I would’ve noticed if he’d excused himself.” “Ma’am, you seem to think this is some kind of a joke.” He pointed his finger at her with every word. Hard eyes shot daggers as he spoke. “A woman died one floor beneath you. If you know anything, I need to hear it.” Eve fell slumped, letting her gaze fall to the floor. “I don’t know who would hurt her. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.” “Do that.” He put a business card on her counter. “Be careful what associations you make. Good-looking guys can be serial killers too.” Serial killer, did he just imply Drake was a serial killer? Raw anger made her look up. “Slander is an ugly term. Perhaps you are familiar with the legal ramifications?” Eve smirked, challenging him. “Keep that card. You might need it.” Detective Benson turned and went to the door. “I’ll be in touch.” “Goodbye, Detective.” She watched the door close, then locked it. A shiver went over her skin. The apartment had been locked up tight, but Drake had managed to get in. Then there was the matter of his attire when he’d left her. He couldn’t have gone far in a pair of sweats, no shoes, or shirt. He’d had at least two hours from when he left her until he’d gotten back— a lot could happen in two hours. Panic filled her. She wanted to get a look at Lisa’s apartment. There had to be something that pointed away from Drake, although things weren’t looking very good for him. Eve opened the door and went downstairs. Police filled in the hallway and a long piece of yellow tape blocked off the area near the crime scene. Detective Benson stood in the middle of the chaos with his unfeeling gaze leveled at the apartment where the crime had taken place. She almost went forward anyway, needing a glimpse, when her body chilled. The feeling of being watched crept over her although all the police were busy collecting evidence. From the corner of her eye, she caught movement. Quickly, she turned but no one was there. Then she noticed a man standing near the stairs. He had red hair, was clothed in black from head to toe, and wore sunglasses even though he stood in the shade. It was hard to tell with the sunglasses but she was certain that his attention focused on her and not the murder scene in front of them. Nothing about him looked menacing from a bystander’s point of view. He could very well be another curious tenant trying to see what crime had taken place in the building.
Instinct told her differently. His presence terrified her. When he smiled, her resolve broke and she went back to her apartment, practically sprinting up the stairs. Even as she ran, she feared the man crept up behind. She could almost feel fingers reaching out, even as air rushed by her face. With ragged breaths she reached the door of her apartment, only to stop with fingers outstretched, not quite touching the doorknob. Part of her wanted to scream but terror swallowed the sound, leaving her with an open mouth staring down at a pair of sunglasses setting on the floor in front of her apartment. It made no sense but they looked like the mirrored ones the redheaded man downstairs wore, although he couldn’t have beaten her to her apartment. She hadn’t been gone five minutes. It seemed odd someone would drop glasses at her door in the short amount of time especially when no one else had come downstairs after her. Feeling too afraid to touch them, she scooted them with her foot, half kicking them down the hall, then ran inside. After locking the door, she looked out the peephole. No one was there but the current events made her paranoid. She stood there another fifteen minutes just looking and waiting. The note Drake had left was still on the dresser. She abandoned the door and picked it up, wanting to call the number on the bottom. Five rings went by with no answer. Finally, it switched to his voice mail system, which advised callers to reach him at the office. She decided to take her own advice and got out the phone book. There were no listings for him in the yellow pages, although the white pages had a phone number and address. Quickly, she dialed the number and waited. There must be a logical explanation. It wasn’t possible for a man to kiss her, leave to kill her neighbor, then return hours later to make love to her. The whole thing with the guy downstairs had to be paranoia from the murder. Everything was fine. “Dr. Fallon’s office. This is Grace. How may I help you?” The receptionist’s voice shook as if she was elderly. “I need to speak to Drake Fallon, please.” “I’m sorry but he’s unavailable at the moment.” Her words were agonizingly slow. “May I take a message?” That figures, she thought. “This is Eve Angelise. Would you ask him to call me when he’s available?” “Oh, Eve, did you say?” There was the sound of papers being shuffled. “Eve?” “Yes, ma’am.” “Dr. Fallon left a message for you. He’d wanted me to tell you that he’d pick you up at seven.” “Seven?” What could she say? She couldn’t back out to the secretary. “Okay. Thank you.” Eve hung up the phone and sank onto her couch. There was nothing she could do but wait. But what was she waiting for, a date or a killer? Sitting on the couch watching the clock wasn’t helping matters any. She needed something to occupy her time. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten
since lunch yesterday. Some breakfast might make her feel better. She looked in the fridge but, unless she wanted to eat old sour cream and ketchup, she’d have to go out. A change of scenery sounded okay to her. Eve grabbed her keys off the hook by the door and left the apartment again, slowing in the hallway. She looked against the wall where she’d kicked the sunglasses. They were gone. Eve hurried down the stairs, not wanting to see the frightening guy again. She kept her focus on the stairs, this time not stopping on Lisa’s floor. She didn’t want to go near that cop either. Instead she continued to the first floor, looking for, but never seeing, the redhead who’d creeped her out. There was a coffeehouse on the corner that served great banana nut muffins to lots of people, nice normal people. The surreal feeling would vanish and she could feel safe again. Eve left the apartment complex feeling the sun on her shoulders. It was a little too bright this morning but much better than being cooped up inside. She started feeling better, out on the streets as just another anonymous soul mixed with so many others. The glass doors were just ahead. She pushed by a little crowd of women discussing all sorts of gossip and was greeted by the tinkling sound of the bell above the door. The scent of coffee eased her mood and her heart slowed just a bit. The coffee shop wasn’t very crowded, although, during the week she couldn’t find a seat and the coffee seemed to take forever to arrive. Today it was peaceful, in fact, she recognized a person from her apartment building sitting with another woman at a table. Her name was Margaret. The other lady Eve didn’t know by name, but had passed a few times in the hall. She placed her order and waited while the very young counter assistant started making her drink. After a few minutes, and several nibbles at her muffin, she got the rest of her order. “Mind if I join you?” Eve asked, carrying her cup of espresso. Usually she didn’t enjoy company but today she wanted to hear conversation. “I thought I’d head out for coffee today.” “Sure,” replied Margaret, who was at least twenty years older than Eve. “We had to get away from those cops too. Did they question you?” Eve nodded. “Some detective came to my door. He was an ass.” “I think I met him too,” chimed in the stranger. “Eve, do you know Casey?” “No.” Eve held out her hand. “Nice to meet you.” “I live on the first floor,” started Casey. “I hear everything from people on the stairs to the damn toilets flushing.” “At least you don’t have to worry about carrying groceries up four flights of stairs.” Margaret sipped her coffee. “Try bringing home Thanksgiving dinner for four. It’s a pain in the ass.” Eve felt a little jealous. Margaret was married and had two teenage daughters. To see the foursome walk out, they looked like the perfect family, right down to the father complaining about his daughters’ clothes. “What happened to Lisa Hendricks anyway?” Eve had to ask, but not entirely sure she’d like the answer.
“Someone broke in her apartment last night and strangled her.” Casey’s eyes grew large as she spoke. “One of the cops told me that it looked like the handiwork of a serial killer. He said there’s been two other murders with the same MO.” “Really?” Eve’s blood ran cold. “Do they have any leads?” “They believe it’s a man. That’s all I got out of him.” Casey scooped some whipped cream off the top of her drink and ate it. “Did either of you know Lisa very well?” Eve looked at her watch. Seven seemed incredibly far away, but it was coming, just like her gentleman caller. “I knew her,” Margaret spoke first. “I know everybody, even recluses like you.” She patted Eve on the arm. “The girl had some problems. She wasn’t bad news, just a troubled soul.” “I heard a few things about her, but never got a chance to know her personally.” Eve smiled trying to sound casual. “I saw her last night. She was pretty wasted. It probably wasn’t the best thing for her to do considering.” Margaret’s wrinkled her nose. “Considering what?” “Her diabetes.” “She didn’t have diabetes.” Margaret shook her head. “I bet your mixing her up with Harriett. They live on the same floor. Harriett is a little heavier. She has one of those little yappy dogs.” “Are you sure it wasn’t Lisa?” Eve felt her hands shake, wondering what was in the syringe Drake had used. “No. Lisa was a little bit of a party girl but she was in perfect health. Hell, I sent her peanut butter fudge at Christmas and watched her eat a good bit of it as soon as she opened the tin.” “I must’ve been thinking of Harriett.” Eve stopped eating the muffin. “Sorry about the mix-up.”
Chapter Four It was five o’clock before Eve returned home. She went up the stairs, stopping on Lisa’s floor. The police were gone, leaving yellow tape blocking the door along with a notice posted just above the doorknob. Eve took a step toward Lisa’s apartment. It would be locked, but she reached for the knob anyway, wanting to see inside. For some reason, it felt as if her life hung in the balance, but there was no way for her to find clues inside a locked room. “Drake,” she whispered. She had no idea what she was going to do tonight. If she told him her suspicions, he could kill her—of course the same thing might happen if she broke things off with him. It was time to go to the police. Eve went up to her apartment and unlocked the door, hanging her keys back on the hook. She felt sick about it, but she had to make the call about Drake. There were too many questions and she’d already caught him in a lie. The detective’s business card was still lying on the counter. She picked it up then grabbed the phone. A stranger had stolen her heart and made her feel stupid for allowing it to happen. Still, she ached as she started dialing the numbers. “I hope you’re not calling to cancel our date.” Drake stood at the door holding a bouquet of flowers and flashing a smile that quickly faded. Eve jumped dropping the phone to the floor. It banged loudly, bounced, then rested in the corner. She was too busy watching it to notice Drake coming closer. Only when he plucked the business card from her hand, did she realized that he’d moved. “Detective Benson?” He put the card back on the counter and a troubled line appeared between his brows. “What’s going on?” Her breath caught in her throat when she looked at him. “Lisa Hendricks was murdered last night.” Eve took a step back and found the wall. “Detective Benson has been asking all the neighbors about her.” “So you were going to call him.” He stepped closer to Eve, trapping her. “You look frightened. Do you think I had something to do with her murder?” Eve shook her head no. Her mouth went dry, her palms sweated. For a moment, all she felt was panic but looking at him, those eyes, she suddenly became certain he wasn’t the murderer. The feeling was illogical but she trusted Drake. He reached down and took her hand, pressing it lightly to his lips. “What have you told the police? Come on. Don’t hold back from me.” “Nothing.” The look on his face stopped her lie. “I told the detective that we helped her home and you stayed the night here. I didn’t think the rest of the details mattered.” “You didn’t mention me leaving or returning?” His eyes narrowed, as if judging her words. “No. I told him that we were together all night.” Eve felt the counter pushing into her back and relaxed. “I hope that was okay.” “I guess that does look pretty bad.” He pulled her to him and hugged her tightly. “I am no killer, my dear. If you want me to leave, I will. Just understand that there is no reason to fear me.”
Fear him? She could easily be terrified of him but as his scent wrapped around her, she found strength. “Where did you go last night?” “You want the truth, huh?” He took a deep breath. “I heard a noise downstairs and went to check it out. The sound was coming from Lisa’s apartment. I went inside and found her screwing some guy. I left.” “What then?” So far Eve didn’t like the story. Hearing someone a floor below sounded far-fetched to begin with. “It doesn’t matter. I came back when I saw your light turn off.” “We should tell the police, give a description of the guy you saw.” Eve tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. “No, Eve.” He kissed the top of her head. “The cops wouldn’t listen to my story. I do fear for your safety though. If there’s a killer in the building, then no one is safe. Perhaps we should make other arrangements.” “All the more reason to tell the cops.” “No, Eve,” he let her pull back. “Look at my eyes, Eve. You’re not going to tell the police anything. Not anything.” His gaze grew more intense. “You have a very strong will, Eve. It would be a shame to break it.” A strange feeling crept over Eve, like a waking sleep. She had to fight the feeling, but her mind felt heavy. There was something about his eyes and she tried to turn her head, then his voice took control. “Sweet Eve, there are a million things in the world you don’t understand, yet. Know this and believe it. I am innocent of murder. You trust me completely. We spent all night together, making love and holding each other. I never left, not until this morning.” Eve was vaguely aware that Drake picked her up and carried her down the hall to her bedroom. Familiar smells of linen helped her relax into bed while his words continued to trap her mind in his reality. She knew what he said wasn’t the truth. She also knew that soon she’d believe the lie. “You are going to lie here and sleep for thirty minutes, then get ready for our date. You won’t remember me being here early or have any doubts about me.” The rest of his words circled in her mind. She tried to hold on, tried furiously to remember what had really happened, but the more he spoke the more she found herself taking his suggestions. When he leaned down and kissed her on the lips, she fell asleep, reloading her mind with his version of events. She never heard him open the window in the living room that was four floors from the street with no fire escape or ladders to guide him down. He was a gentleman though, locking the front door and making sure the rest of the apartment was secure before jumping from the window and landing in the alley.
Chapter Five When Eve woke, she rolled over and looked at the clock. She only had an hour before Drake would arrive for their date. It didn’t give her much time, but her body felt unwilling to leave the comfort of bed. She sat up and rubbed her eyes, trying to remember her day. There was the coffee shop, then she’d visited a few boutiques. Vaguely, she recalled coming home and seeing Lisa’s apartment. The rest remained a blur. It was odd for her to take a nap in the middle of the day, especially in her clothes. In fact, she couldn’t remember going to bed at all. It was a little disturbing but considering the stress she’d been under, she was lucky she hadn’t started hallucinating all together. Eve stumbled down the hall and into the kitchen. She took a bottle of water from the refrigerator and gulped it greedily. As she set the bottle on the counter, she noticed a bouquet of flowers wrapped in cellophane. She touched the flowers, wondering briefly if she was still asleep and dreaming. The cellophane made a crinkling noise as she touched it and the flowers smelled sweet. They must have come from Drake but for the life of her, she had no idea when he’d left them. Her head started hurting when she tried to remember. Instead of going crazy over it, she took a vase from the cupboard, unwrapped the flowers and put them in water. Maybe he’d brought the flowers last night and she’d overlooked them. It seemed plausible. A shower would make her feel better. She went to the bathroom and started the water running. It took a few minutes to get hot, so she took off her clothes then searched the medicine cabinet for aspirin. There was a half a bottle. She took two then cupped her hand under the water faucet and swallowed the pills, hoping the pain eased off before Drake arrived. Standing at the sink, she looked at the reflection, mimicking her actions. There seemed to be something different about her today. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but she looked strange. Upon closer examination, she noticed her brown hair looked a little darker and her skin a little paler. She’d had highlights put in months ago. They must’ve grown out without her realizing. She slid into the shower and felt the hot water. It was nice, but she didn’t have time to linger. Drake was on his way and she didn’t want to make him wait. After so much grief over men, she’d finally found a nice guy. After her shower, Eve wrapped a towel around herself and wiped the mirror free of fog. She kept the exhaust fan running but it always hazed up. Once she had a clear spot, she started putting on her make-up. She never wore much, just a little color around her eyes and tonight she’d add some lipstick. Plain Jane looked a little hotter today. Maybe she had a chance at pulling off sexy after all. When Eve opened the bathroom door, she noticed something strange. There were candles. Several of them dotted the counter with flames flickering. She started toward the bedroom and found it also filled with candles. “Hello?” she called out. “Is someone there?”
As she stepped into the bedroom, she found Drake, standing there with a single carnation. He stepped forward, handing her the flower and kissing her lips softly. Before Eve could say a word, the towel slipped from her body. “I knew arriving early would be a good idea.” Drake kicked the towel away. “A very good idea.” Her hands immediately went to her breasts, trying to cover herself. Drake wasn’t amused and pulled her hands away, while going over her body with his intense gaze. He moistened his lips and smiled. Under his approving gaze, she felt her body grow wet with anticipation. A fever built, igniting deep in her and she felt weak. He didn’t touch her, not at first—his gaze was all the contact she needed. “Lie on the bed,” he instructed. She obeyed, lying on her back, completely exposed although he stayed dressed. He went to the foot of the bed, touching her with his eyes. The hunger in her felt maddening and when he licked his lips, she let out a moan. “Touch yourself.” He smiled wickedly. “I want to watch my lovely play.” Eve slid her fingers to the top of her slit, surprised by how wet she’d become. The tip of her fingers opened her lips, exposing her swollen clit and instantly arousing Drake, making his engorged cock press against the cloth of his pants. “Tell me what you’re doing.” Drake sat on the foot of the bed, watching her. “Tell me how it feels.” “It feels good.” She stroked her clit and lost all shame as her fingertips slid against her nub. “It feels good to touch myself.” “What do you like about it?” He pushed her legs wider. “Tell me.” “The way you’re watching me.” Her clit throbbed as her finger stroked it. “I like the way you want me. You make me feel desired.” “Slide your fingers all the way in.” She obeyed and felt an instant rush. It grew maddening as he took her hand and plunged it back inside her. He followed with several strokes. Both of them watched her fingers glistening wet as they plunged in and out. “Play with your clit again.” The room felt warm. She wanted to come so badly, it turned into an ache making her drip with desire as she spread her folds and circled her nub. He watched, never taking his eyes from her body. She felt her climax coming, but before she could finish, he took her hand and sucked the juices from her fingers. The need to come became maddening. Her other hand reached for her slit again but Drake stopped her by waving a finger. “Wait,” he whispered. “Touch your breasts instead.” Eve obeyed while he took off his shirt and pants, displaying the most attractive male body she’d ever seen. His erection was huge and she suddenly wanted it in her, filling her the way it had last night. “Suck it.” He got on the bed. “Suck it good.” Her mouth watered as she looked at the thick cock, swollen with a drop of come dotting it. She ran her tongue over the tip, tasting him, suckling the head as she drew his length into her mouth.
“Touch my balls. Like this.” He took her hand and cupped the sack. “Very good,” he breathed as she took his cock into her throat and stroked him. It was too big to take in completely. She tried taking him deeper, enjoying the feel of him, the way pleasure seemed to course through his body as her head went back and forth. “I’m going to come,” he breathed, and touched the top of her head. “Oh, Eve.” She sucked harder, feeling the liquid explode into her mouth. He growled, shoving his cock deeper into her throat and emptying his load. The feeling was wonderful and she sucked him dry. “Did I please you?” asked Eve, wiping her bottom lip and staring at the still swollen cock. “You know you did. Now I want to please you.” Drake pushed her onto her back, giving her slit a long lick, laving her with his tongue. His mouth pressed into her, teeth grazing her swollen nub. She moaned and nearly came, but he stopped too soon. When she looked at him, and the smile on his face, she knew he was toying with her. “Do you want me?” he asked. “Do you really want me?” “Yes. I need you, Drake.” He put his cock at her opening, touching her clit with his swollen cockhead. She felt her body shudder. Soon she’d come whether he wanted her to or not. She tilted her hips, trying to guide him inside, but he pulled back, remaining at her entrance. “I want you to be mine, Eve. Will you agree to give yourself completely?” Eve had no idea what he was talking about. After last night she couldn’t imagine giving him much more, but under the circumstances she’d agree to anything. Her world filled with him. She looked up at him and nodded. Drake ran both hands down her body, slowing at her hips, then pulling her higher. In one swift thrust, he slammed into her hips. Immediately she climaxed as his cock plunged deeper, stretching her. Her body trembled, she grabbed at the pillows feeling her body spill over him. “Drake,” she cried out. “That’s it,” he whispered driving into her. “Give control of your body to me.” His hand went to her breast, cupping it then pinching the nipple lightly while his hips slowed their assault on her body. His hands were cold, as he stroked her skin, making every nerve come alive while his cock pumped into her. “Our souls were bound long before this. You were destined to be mine,” he whispered. “Feel it. Let me in. Give yourself to me.” He wanted more than her body and as he pressed into her, she knew he wouldn’t be satisfied until she really belonged to him, heart, mind, and soul. Then she realized she would never be happy until he truly belonged to her. She looked into his eyes and they connected. Their bodies were locked together and somehow their minds touched during the union. Emotions raged in her that she’d never felt before. They were one, and tears fell from her eyes as they both climaxed.
Chapter Six Eve woke in Drake’s arms. The sun had set and the windows were open, letting in the cool night air. A few rays from the sun still lingered, in the sky giving it a gray look although the moon had already appeared. “I was wondering how long you’d sleep.” He kissed her softly on the cheek. “Did you know that you snore?” “I do not.” She cut her eyes and him and smiled. “What time is it?” “Eight. Are you feeling up to a night on the town or would you rather stay home?” “I’d like to go out.” She reached up and touched something wet on her lip. When she pulled her hand away, she found blood, dark red. “I guess I was a little rough on you. Of course, you weren’t complaining at the time.” He wiped her lip. “How about we get a bite to eat?” “Wonderful. I’m starved.” Eve looked down and realized she was naked, lying on top of the blankets,, although Drake had managed to get dressed while she slept. “Just give me a minute to dress.” She stood, fighting a moment of dizziness and grabbing the edge of the bed. After a moment, it faded. Eve rubbed her eyes wondering how a romp in the sack could make her feel so weak. Drake held a firm hand, steadying her. “Are you okay?” He smiled as if her weakness pleased him. “Sure.” She said pulling away from him. “Where are we going?” “Someplace nice.” He reached over and petted her breast, thumbing the distended nipple. “I think you’d better hurry and get dressed before I give in to temptation again.” Eve smiled and arched her back to his touch. As he reached over and kissed her, she wasn’t sure she wanted to leave. Then again, she was starved and he seemed to zap her strength. “Maybe we’ll make dinner quick.” It didn’t take Eve long to get ready. She found a little red dress and pulled herself together while Drake entertained himself in the living room. It felt nice to have a moment alone. She’d had more pleasant hangovers than this particular afterglow. Her neck ached, on the same side as this morning. Either way the pain kept her from turning her head completely. Eve looked in the mirror. There were no marks at her throat, no bruises. She must’ve been sleeping funny. She pulled some shoes from the closet then reached to shut the bedroom window. There caught in the edge of the screen was a hair. It wouldn’t be unusual. She shed all over the apartment but this one was deep red. “Are you about ready?” Drake poked his head in the room. “Coming.” She slammed the window shut and locked it. It’s nothing. I live on the fourth floor with the only fire escape near the living room. It’s impossible for anyone to peek in my window. “Sorry I took so long.” When she entered the living room, he looked at her with pure affection. “You look beautiful. I’m a very lucky man.”
“Thank you.” Eve stood on her tiptoes and kissed him. She almost mentioned the hair, but what could she say? So she dismissed it. The two walked out of the apartment and started down the stairs. Eve took a quick glance at the hallway where Lisa’s apartment was. She kept going though. The murder didn’t have anything to do with her or Drake. It was just another headline. They reached the first floor and the partial lobby with the mailboxes and postings of the maintenance schedule. She’d been unaware of when it happened, but she held Drake’s hand. As they started out the main entrance, she squeezed it, and realized she was happier than she’d ever been. “Hello, Mr. Fallon,” Detective Benson stepped in the doorway of the apartment building as they tried to exit. “Going out?” “Yes.” He pulled Eve closer to him. “Is that a problem?” “Mr. Fallon, I’m Detective Benson.” Benson waited for Drake to react. “I’d like to ask you a few questions.” “Ask your questions while we walk, because my lady is famished.” Drake pulled open the door, nearly knocking over the detective, who moved just before the side of it slammed into his head. Drake didn’t seem concerned, and held the door for Eve. “I’m sure you don’t want to do this on the street.” The detective grabbed the door and followed them out. “Some of these questions could be of a personal nature. You might want some privacy.” “Do your business and leave us.” The detective followed behind them as they started to the crosswalk. Drake didn’t rush, but walked leisurely as if he didn’t have a care in the world, while Eve tried to remember something to do with Drake and the detective. “Mr. Fallon,” the detective sounded annoyed. “I’d like to ask you about three patients who have died in the last month.” That made Drake stop. Eve’s breath hitched as Drake’s eyes glowed silver, then changed back to their normal gray. She blinked hard then looked again. Surely it had been a trick of light but for a moment it really looked like Drake’s eyes had been glowing. “Am I under arrest?” Drake looked down at the shorter detective. “Would you like to take me to the station?” “No. For some reason my boss doesn’t want to bring you in.” The detective shifted nervously. “So why don’t you tell me why three women have died in the last month and their only connection is you?” Eve’s mouth hung open. Three women … was he responsible for Lisa’s death? They had been together all night last night, hadn’t they? She looked back at Drake who looked more than annoyed, he’d grown furious. “I have a lot of clients. It is always sad when someone dies, but linking them to me is a bit of a stretch.” Drake stepped forward making the detective retreat a few inches. Benson looked at the walk, then back up at Drake. “Why does a shrink only have hours from three to seven?” “I have other things to do during the day. Mornings aren’t my best time. Perhaps if you’d gone to school longer, you could set your own hours too.”
“I think you keep late nights.” The detective took a step closer. “What do you do all night?” Drake touched the detective’s shoulder, pushing him directly in front of him. Then he leaned to Detective Benson, so close Eve thought Drake would kiss him if not for the burning anger. “I am not responsible for those deaths. Drake Fallon is no murderer and you will not bother him or Eve again. Do you understand?” Drake growled low. “Do you understand?” To Eve’s surprise the detective nodded in agreement and stood motionless as she and Drake walked away. Drake didn’t say a word, only walked with his hand wrapped tightly around her. Fear kept her quiet. She’d never witnessed a scene like that. The performance must’ve bothered Drake too. His body was rigid, every muscle tense as they went down the road. They finally reached The Garden Treat, an expensive restaurant a few blocks away. Ivy grew up the trellis arching over the entrance, giving it a nicer feel even this close to the street. “Will this do?” he asked smiling. “Drake…” she started then let the words die away as she looked at him. It was in his eyes and something kept trying to come back, like remnants of a dream. “This is perfect.” He smiled but she didn’t feel any better. Something was wrong, as if he’d hypnotized the detective. Had he done the same thing to her? She hoped not. Drake was the first man to make her feel this way. Oh, no. She was in love. She gasped as she realized. She’d fallen in love. Drake opened the door for her, and followed her in. Inside the entrance, a stream of water came from an opening in the wall then continued to a water feature where a statue of a half-naked woman poured water from a jug. Ivy circled the fountain while a hostess dressed in black stood at a stand waiting for them to approach. “Is something wrong?” he whispered. “Drake, we need to talk.” She touched his arm as he tried to move by and continue inside. “I’m serious.” “Very well.” He looked at the hostess. “Do you have take out?” Eve realized that talking in a restaurant would be better than being alone with him if there was a question of her safety, but she was in love. Surely he wouldn’t hurt her. She touched her throat. Drake would never hurt her, would he? “We could eat here. I’m sure we could talk at the table.” She kept one hand over the sore spot on her neck. Drake reached over and brushed away a few strands of her hair. “No. I think I’d like for you to see my home. We have a lot to discover about each other.” He kissed her hand. “More than you could imagine.” When he looked at her, the fear gripping her body released and she wanted to see his home. She wanted to learn all her man’s secrets, no matter how dark they might be. Every part of him felt important, even the nastier things she felt lurking just beneath the surface. “Then we’ll eat at your place.” Eve waited while he ordered for both of them. He glanced her way to see if it was okay, then continued when she nodded. Drake was caring, especially in the way he’d
attended to Lisa. A man like that couldn’t be responsible for a single death much less three. Lisa … why is she troubling me? She let the thoughts tumble around her brain. There was something missing there, something Drake had taken away. It kept nagging at her. “I need some air. Would you mind if I stepped to the sidewalk?” “Our food won’t take long.” Drake stepped forward, touching her arm, looking at her so intensely that she wondered if he could read her mind. “We’ll be leaving soon.” “I know.” She sighed. “That detective has me a little shaken. Would you mind if I…” she pointed to the door. “No, go ahead.” He agreed, but looked out the door, searching the street for a moment before letting her pass. “Don’t go far. The streets can be dangerous.” “I’ll be right outside.” She opened the glass door and breathed in the night air. Even the tinge of car exhaust helped her think. Drake was connected with Lisa and it was more than a chivalrous gentleman helping a lady home. “Why can’t I think?” she mumbled. A passing man looked at her strangely, then hurried on his way. The streets held scattered groups of people, but not enough to be considered crowded. In fact, there weren’t many people at all. The world seemed darker tonight. The moon wasn’t as bright or something. Despite the darkness, her eyes picked out every detail clearly, better than ever before. The cracks in the bricks across the road were clear, along with the insects flying in and out of them. There was a cat on the top of the building across the street, sitting on the edge licking its paw. A woman at the corner had a snag in the thigh of her stockings and there was a chip in the paint on the corner of a truck that had cleared the intersection at the end of the block. Eve’s mouth dropped open. She listened carefully, suddenly aware of the noises around her. The cars growled like lions when they passed. Somewhere a phone rang, a baby cried, the footfalls of pedestrians on the sidewalk were deafening and, as easily, she turned it off, grateful the heightened sounds were controllable. Hearing and seeing so much at once would drive her mad. “What’s happening to me?” A strange cold moved over her skin, although no wind blew. The cold came from the inside her, pulsing through her veins and the one thing that kept appearing in her mind were the two red dots on Lisa’s neck. Even as she stood there, doubting everything around her, she sensed movement in the shadows. The space between the bank and the florist wasn’t four feet wide, so it could hardly be considered an alley. Either way a shadow shifted against the bricks. Eve studied the darkness, looking beyond the trash and saw a form there. The details were lost but someone was there. She concentrated and the figure moved back. She’d known he watched her even before the eyes glowed like a cat’s and the creature jumped to the rooftop, disappearing before she got a clear look. Part of her knew it was a man and as she sniffed the air, she knew he’d been in the apartment building before. She’d noticed that scent lurking in the halls, maybe even in her own apartment but it hadn’t registered until now.
I’ve lost my mind. The only smells she remembered were of old carpet and mildew. Still, she understood more, sensed more. How long have you been watching me? “Eve, what’s wrong?” When Drake put his hand on her shoulder. She jumped, startled. The scent came to her again. The stranger across the street carried the same smell. It wasn’t cologne but something deeper, darker. “There was someone across the street watching me.” She pointed to where the figure had been before he’d leapt to the rooftop. “He ran off but I don’t think he went far.” How could I even see that? “Let’s get off the street.” Drake raised his hand and hailed a taxi. “My home will be more comfortable anyway.” “Sure.” He opened the taxi door for her and she slid inside, immediately taken aback by the smell of cigarettes and body odor. Still, when Drake sat next to her, she felt comfortable. He rolled down the window and stroked her hand as they rode. His attention stayed focused out the window. Drake didn’t mention what he was looking for, but she knew. He looked for someone following them. They drove for twenty minutes, heading to the edge of town and turning into a paved driveway with a large black wrought iron gate blocking the entrance. Drake leaned out the window and punched in a code causing the gate to swing open. She was amazed at the beauty of the house. It wasn’t a huge mansion, but a twostory home accented in fieldstone, with a garage and a long, winding sidewalk with steps connecting to the driveway. The taxi pulled in front and Drake paid, giving the driver a generous tip as they left the cab. He led her to the front where he punched in another security code. The door clicked loudly as the bolt slid out of place. “No keys?” “Can’t risk losing them. Besides, my system is impossible to break in to. Most locks aren’t nearly as secure.” That’s when it all came back. The taxi pulled way with the headlights shining on them. They stood in front of his open door and she didn’t want to move. One thing came crashing through her thoughts—he’d broken in to her apartment. She couldn’t place when or why but the idea bothered her. “Will you be honest with me, Drake?” She paused as he turned to face her. “How did you get in my apartment?” Drake stopped cold. He took her chin in his hand turning her face up to his as if he meant to kiss her. Then he shut his eyes. For a minute it looked like he was asleep but when he blinked them open, she thought she saw a hint of glow before they settled into the gray. “So you remember?” He smiled and she saw tears welling in his eyes. “I knew you had a strong will. I had no idea it was that strong.” “I need to know everything about you.” She looked into his face trying to find the answers. All she found was pain and it made her hurt like it was her own. “Please. We haven’t known each other long but I…” She stopped talking. She couldn’t admit her feelings. He might not feel the same. What if he considered her a fling? No, she knew better. They were much more.
“Shhh.” He touched a single finger against her lips. “Come inside and we’ll talk.” He opened the door and guided her by the arm, bringing her inside. They went past a small living room to a much larger room, a combined dining room and family room. Drake set the food on a dark wood table with high-backed chairs surrounding it. The entire house seemed to be furnished in dark wood, at least from what she could tell. “Don’t I get a tour of the place?” She was amazed at the décor. Much of it looked like antiques, including a table by the door. “It’s lovely.” “Of course. I’ll show you around. Forgive my rudeness, I don’t have company often.” Drake led her back to the living room. A fireplace was set in the wall, done in rock with an ornate mantel. Much of the furniture looked old, none was particleboard like the stuff in her apartment. The arms of the chair were carved wood and the cushions were leather. A series of photographs were on the mantel. Two of them were of a beautiful woman with long black hair and skin like porcelain. Next to her was a man with sharp features, too thin to be healthy. Drake wasn’t in any of them. “Those are my parents.” He touched the first photo. “My mother is a beautiful woman. I can’t wait for you to meet her.” “She certainly was beautiful then.” She looked at the modern-looking photo of a woman seemingly in her thirties. “When were these taken?” “The one on the end was taken, oh, let’s see … 1975. The one next to it was taken last year. I have more but decided to keep just a couple of photos on the mantel. I like simplicity.” “Your mother looked like this last year?” She touched the photo then looked at Drake who didn’t appear any older than his mother. “She must have one hell of a plastic surgeon.” Eve examined the photo closer. The woman could have passed for Drake’s sister. “What’s going on here?” “Shhh,” he touched her face and she knew she was in trouble. “I think when we make love tonight, you won’t miss anything.” “No.” She took a step back. He wasn’t going to seduce away her concerns. “I’m not used to being intimate with a man I barely know. Please, enough secrets. I am starting to have some serious feelings for you and that doesn’t happen often. Give me a little respect and tell me the truth.” “Are you sure?” His face looked grave. “There are some things you might be better off not knowing.” He looked at her, hard enough to steal her breath, but she wasn’t going to waver. “Ask your questions.” “How did you get in my apartment last night?” She put her hands on her hips and locked eyes with him. “I have a few talents. I guess you could say, breaking and entering are included in them.” He touched her face. “If you think I killed Lisa, you’re wrong. I heard trouble downstairs and went to check it out. She was with a man I suspected of killing two of my other clients. I waited for him to make his move. When he started to take her life, I fought with him, but Lisa still died.” His gaze dropped to the floor. “That’s the truth. For all my skills, I couldn’t save her.” Everything she’d forgotten returned when he spoke, even the moment of him staring into her eyes, manipulating the one thing she should have control over—her memories.
“How did you make the detective leave you alone?” Eve shut her eyes, remembering his face, hearing his voice repeat the things she was supposed to remember, as he’d done with the detective. When she reopened them, Drake’s eyes flashed silver again. “Just another one of my talents.” He reached for her hand but she pulled it away. “I haven’t done anything you can’t forgive. Don’t be mad at me for protecting my interests with a few mind games.” She steadied her self, gripping the mantel. Here was a man who could gain access to any home and remove a person’s thoughts. What kind of man could do all these things? Who was Drake Fallon? “I don’t understand. There has to be more you’re not telling me.” He sat on the couch and motioned for her to join him. As she slid next to him, she felt the tension coming off his body. He didn’t want to hurt her, but understood that the things he’d say would be hard to take. She knew all this and much more was going through Drake’s mind, as if the two of them could never really be separated. “I was born to loving parents.” He smiled. “My childhood wasn’t much different from yours, I assume. The timing was different.” He took a deep breath and started. “My mother’s name was Sarah, my father was Stephan. They lived most of their lives in England, coming over here in the 1900s and moved into a house up north.” 1900s? Did he say parents or grandparents? “I was born in 1910.” There he stopped and looked at her. “It’s not very old, considering my line. I’ve hung out with people born in the 1500s. There’s a charming gentleman who claims to have been born in the year 700. If you ask me, he’s much older than that. It all boils down to birth dates. What are those really? Just another dot in time.” “What are you telling me, that you’re immortal?” She stood and paced across the room. “The red dots on Lisa’s neck … I guess you’re a vampire?” She rolled her eyes in disgust. Out of all the fruitcakes in the city, she had to find a Goth with an overactive imagination. “My kind has different terms for it, but I do drink blood.” He wiped his mouth as if some were there. “You work day hours.” She stood up wanting to laugh and cry at the same time. The man she’d fallen for happened to be insane. “Good grief. Do you even know the diseases you could get from playing vamp?” “Nothing can live in my blood. Certainly no disease if that’s your concern.” Drake reached to Eve but she stepped back. “Okay, don’t mix up movie monsters here. I’m just a man. I have a few dietary distinctions and it’s true that I’m sensitive to morning light. Gives me the worst headaches, but I don’t explode.” He smiled. “Some mornings I think exploding would feel better, but that’s besides the point. I’m not evil, crosses don’t bother me.” He huffed. “Things that are incredible to you are a little more understandable to me. You’ll learn about them eventually. This is no big deal.” “I should go.” She shook her head. “You haven’t had dinner yet?” His hand balled into a fist. “Won’t you stay long enough to eat and let this situation quiet down?” “I’m not hungry.” She glanced at the door. “May I use your phone?” “Don’t you even want me to take you home?” Drake reached to touch her again but she moved back. “I think you’d enjoy riding in my car more than any cab ride.” “Not really.”
Drake let out a long breath. He smiled, but she saw disappointment in his eyes. “Very well. He pointed to the phone on the wall. “Help yourself. I’ll give you some privacy.” Eve walked to the phone, touching the receiver when she heard a door shut in the hallway. Pain so real and horrible filled her, but she couldn’t be sure if it was generated from inside of her or from Drake. “This is insane,” she mumbled. “Vampires aren’t real.” She picked up the phone then hung it back up. “1900s, my ass.” A large ornate mirror hung on the wall across from her. She looked in the silver surface suddenly captivated. There was her reflection, at least part of it was her. Her green eyes no longer looked back but had become gray. In fact, she thought she saw Drake staring back at her. “Why are you doing this to me?” she asked the reflection. “Because you were meant to be my bride,” came the answer from somewhere in her mind. “You are mine. Even before we met, you belonged to me. My kind experiences love at first sight when we find our destined mate.” Eve turned from her reflection and bolted down the hall. She’d never been in this house before, but she knew her way around. At the end of the hall was his room, door closed, silence inside. Without hesitating, she threw open the door. Drake sat on the edge of the bed, looking out the huge window. She felt his pain, felt his love as though it were her own. The feelings were so strong it overwhelmed her. “You had no right.” She sat on the bed next to him. “You walk into my life and decide I’m supposed to be yours?” “I had every right.” He grabbed her hand, not letting her pull away. “I have every right to make you mine.” She sighed and leaned her head against his shoulder. There had to be a logical explanation for everything. “I’m sorry. I can’t believe you’re a vampire. Those things don’t exist. You’re a nice guy. Maybe you’re just a little mixed up. Maybe there’s someone you could talk to. I’m sure you know other psychologists.” Drake pushed her down flat onto the bed, holding both of her hands in his one. “After everything you’ve seen, everything you’ve felt, you’d deny me?” His breaths came hard. “Look at me, then try to deny the truth.” His eyes glowed bright silver and in his open mouth she saw his canine teeth elongate. “Oh, my gosh,” she managed to say. “They’re real.” The strength drained out of her. The teeth were long, too bright to be white, and appeared very sharp. “You’re real.” “And I’m hungry.” Drake leaned on her and she didn’t fight his body resting against hers. Those fangs were headed for her throat and she tensed, but found some part of her wanting the feeling of his mouth buried in her flesh. They’d been there before. “Are you going to kill me?” she asked. “You know better than that.” Eve had given blood a dozen times and had never once enjoyed it. The feeling of a needle hurt and watching her life fluids going into a little plastic sack had never done much for her, except for the knowledge that she was helping someone else. This was a different matter though.
His lips touched her flesh first, then she felt his wet mouth open. The points of his fangs brushed her skin, and she found it strangely erotic. The sharp points were so close to breaking through the skin, but he teased her, letting the tips touch her flesh then pulling back. The anticipation built, then all at once he sank them in. Every nerve in her body tingled and when he began to suck, her thighs clenched together, her breathing grew fast while her nipples hardened. Eve felt a sudden flash of excitement so strong that it pushed her to the precipice. Her body had never reacted this insatiably before. She reached around him, pressing his hungry mouth tighter into her neck as she climaxed. Her body bucked against him. Drake slid one hand between her thighs, pressing against her covered pubis. When his mouth released her throat, he pulled back, eyes glowing and a drop of blood falling from his lips. She leaned up and wiped away the blood then kissed him, tasting herself on his tongue. Drake wasted no time in stripping her of clothes. This time, once he had her naked and lying on the bed, he moved his fingertips over every inch of her body. She was already light-headed, making his caresses mind-bendingly salacious. “I’m glad you like my kiss,” he said to her hand as he brushed it across his lips. “Much more and you would be unconscious.” He licked her knuckles. “That would’ve been a shame.” Next his mouth licked her neck. “Don’t worry. The marks fade within minutes.” “I don’t know what’s happening.” She ran her fingers through his black hair. “Why do you drive me so wild?” “Because we are meant to be.” His mouth dropped to her breasts, while he used his lips to gently pull, then suck her flesh. She liked watching him. The way he stretched her nipple then brought her into his mouth as if trying to consume her. Every inch of her body was touched, until she thought she’d go mad. When he spread her legs, exposing her delicacies to him, she nearly came. She knew what was coming and her slit creamed at the thought. “Take me, Drake,” she moaned. Instead he watched her with a strange smile on his face. When she shut her eyes she could feel him. He memorized her body, the way she looked on his bed and she realized he was happy. “I am a pure blood. Both my parents were pure bloods and there is no greater pleasure than finding your mate.” He leaned down and lapped her nipple again. “You are my mate, Eve.” She watched him above her, his perfect body, his amazing smile, and she knew she was loved. Then she felt him rub his cock against her slit. Her pussy ached to be filled. She arched her hips up, but he didn’t take her. “I want you on my lap this time.” He sat against the headboard and motioned for her to join him. She wrapped her legs around him as he guided his cock into her aching furrow. Only Drake could make her feel complete, so perfectly whole. “I love you, Drake.” She felt tears fill her eyes and spill onto her cheeks. “I don’t know why but I love you.” Then she realized as he pressed into her body that she knew him. Somehow, she knew all about him as if they shared the same memories. The first time he fed, he was
thirteen. The first girl he kissed was named Susan. His parents were alive and living in Connecticut. She locked eyes with him and realized that he was learning her in the same way. Flashes of their lives were mingling, passing between them as if they’d known each other for years and it made her love him more. “Sweet princess,” he pulled her harder onto his cock. “You’ve known too much pain in your life.” She watched his fangs lengthen again. “Far too much pain.” “Are you hungry again?” she asked in a moan as he eased his shaft back and forth inside her. She wasn’t sure if she could take another bite, but she was willing to try. “It’s your turn to feed.” Suddenly she knew he’d fed her his blood twice and once more would turn her completely and make her his wife. There was something else but she couldn’t hear it clearly, as if he was still hiding something from her. “I’m not ready,” she breathed, as he pressed harder inside. He made her gasp. “Please,” she cried. Drake ran his nail across his chest opening an inch-long gash then he pressed her face to the wound. She tried to pull back, but his arms were like steel, not giving her an inch as the thick stuff dribbled into her mouth. He held her there until she swallowed. Only when she’d downed several mouthfuls would he allow her face to leave his flesh. “Now you’re mine,” he growled. He thrust into her hard and fast until she came, soaking their thighs while he exploded inside her. Even after he came, he kept stroking, only slowing when her head fell back. “I love you, Eve.”
Chapter Seven Eve had always heard the term, sleep like the dead, but Drake put a new spin on it. He didn’t sleep in a coffin or anything morbid but he literally looked dead next to her in the bed. She lay in bed, looking at his pale face, his motionless features. Even his chest was still, not moving up and down like a living person although she thought he breathed like a normal person. This was too much to take. Tears filled her eyes. She was torn. Her love for Drake seemed real but he was hiding something from her. Violence lurked beneath his cool exterior. She’d felt it bubble out during their union. What have I done? The possibilities of vampirism seemed too amazing. She’d witnessed the feeding and still it felt too surreal for her to accept. Knowing, seeing, wasn’t the same as believing. Even waking up with the taste of death on her lips couldn’t convince her it hadn’t been a dream. The sun was rising outside, although from inside she couldn’t tell. No light came in the bedroom because of a heavy shade then thicker curtains that he’d secured last night before they’d gone to bed. It had been a late night, but she couldn’t sleep. Too many questions kept at her, making her wonder what she’d gotten herself into. She’d been married, divorced, and now some man claimed he was her soul mate. She got out of bed, and slipped on the shirt he’d been wearing the day before. Her eyes adjusted to the low light easily. She supposed that was Drake’s doing. He’d taken a lot of liberties that she had been unaware of. To him, he was simply gaining a mate. Being robbed of choices bothered her, no matter what feelings she had for him, or with which sweet words he proposed. She wasn’t sure she could trust herself. He could’ve planted the emotion there as easily as he manipulated the detective. It was nice being in love, whether it was of his creation or not. She wanted him so much. Only when they were making love, had he felt close enough to her. Even now, she wished he were inside her, joining his body with hers. “Drake Fallon,” she whispered, while watching him sleep. “Are you a devil or an angel?” Watching him sleep brought no comfort. It made her nervous to see him completely lifeless, although she knew he was fine. Part of her still found it troubling, and she gave up on sleep. She left the bedroom for brighter parts of the house. It was a lovely home. He had wonderful taste in detailed paintings and even in the furniture. The only things that looked out of place were the heavy drapes that hung on every window. Their dinner from last night sat on the table. She popped open the lid and found rare steak. Her stomach knotted and she closed the box. The next box didn’t look any more appetizing. The kitchen was beautiful with modern appliances and even had pots and pans hanging above the stove on a rack. Neither the stove nor the pots looked as if they’d ever
been used. She realized why when she opened the refrigerator. There was no food in the house. A quick look into the cabinets was equally dismal. This guy didn’t live on food. Eve found her purse on the couch and dug around. There was a granola bar. She always kept stashes in there in case she couldn’t leave work for lunch. It had never occurred to her that she’d need food in a vampire’s house. She slumped on the couch and noticed how normal everything appeared, yet this was the craziest place in the world to her right now. She took another bite of her bar, then jumped as the telephone rang. In the corner of the living room was a tall table with the answering machine. After four rings, it cut on, playing Drake’s wonderfully deep voice followed by the mechanical beep. “So Drake has a new lady.” The voice sounded like gravel, too low and strange to be human. “That didn’t take long. I wonder how long you’ll last.” There was a pause. “Come on. Pick up the phone. I know you’re listening. What is your name? Ah, yes … Eve.” Eve went to the phone and picked it up with trembling hands. “Who is this?” “I’m a friend of Drake’s and a better friend to you.” He laughed and it was the worst sound she’d ever heard. “Tell me something. How many times have you slept with him? Two or three?” “That’s none of your business.” She almost hung up the phone but his next comments stopped her. “Be warned, little lady. He’s a killer. Check the top drawer of his dresser. I think you’ll find something interesting.” The line went dead. Eve stood there for a moment with the receiver in hand. Someone had been watching her. She went to the window and peeked through the drapes. There was no one outside. A cold chill crept over her skin. She didn’t want to check Drake’s dresser but she found herself going down the hall and opening the bedroom door. Even in the dark, she navigated easily, opening the top dresser drawer and digging beneath the shirts. There in the drawer was a gray scarf. At least it used to be gray before the blood covering it had changed it to the nasty brown. There was also a woman’s locket inside although the inscription was too worn to read. She dropped the items onto the floor. Her new eyesight gave her every detail, down to the drops of blood splattering the gold locket. Drake had at least one dead woman’s things. The room seemed stuffy. She ran out, not stopping until she was out the front door with the sunlight on her shoulders. It was too bright and seemed to bore into her skull but it still seemed better than being inside that house. “He killed?” she asked the empty world. Suddenly she felt too exposed. Whoever had called her knew where she was. That person couldn’t be far way. Did Drake have a partner in his crimes or was the caller a good Samaritan? Eve went back inside the house and shut the door, clicking the dead bolt in place. She had to get out of here. Too much had happened, too many things flooded her mind. She needed to be alone for her world to make sense again.
By the answering machine was a pad of paper. She jotted a note trying to explain her need for space without going into detail. She needed a little time—some time to help her work this out. At the end of the note she wrote, Love, Eve. She tucked the note in the mirror of his dresser as he’d done at her home after their first night together. Her clothes were scattered over the floor. She found everything but her bra then she went into the living room and called a cab. Drake wouldn’t wake for hours, so she strolled to the end of the driveway and slid out through the gate. It was horribly bright this morning. Every color appeared washed out by its intensity. The night felt far better with cool air and subtle shades. Eve stood at the bottom of the gate for twenty minutes until the taxi pulled up. Her heart ached as she pulled away. Part of her belonged there with Drake—if only she could trust her feelings.
Chapter Eight It was noon before Eve woke in her own bed, stretching and trying to get the fuzzy feeling out of her head. Her dreams had been filled with Drake as if they had been communicating in their sleep. Eve looked in the mirror. There she was, but the woman in the reflection was a stranger. The little lines around her eyes were gone and her skin looked even paler than yesterday. As she looked, she wasn’t surprised to find Drake staring back at her. Instead of jumping or running from the glass, she touched it, knowing that Drake could feel her confusion. She tried to hide her fears from him but there was no point. He knew her soul. **** Drake looked in the mirror and saw Eve. It hurt him deeply that she doubted him. She couldn’t understand why he hid things from her. He had to. The past was painful and dangerous. The truth was, he had killed a woman and those were her things in the drawer. He’d kept them as a reminder, not of being a vampire, but of his failure as a psychologist. Worse, her death might cause Eve’s. He sat on the couch and contemplated his position. Carter would surely go after Eve, if for no other reason than her association with Drake. For the last year, Carter had been systematically removing women from Drake’s life, all in the hope of destroying his mate. “Maybe it’s time Eve learns the truth about me. The whole truth.” Drake looked at the phone. Telling her wouldn’t be easy, but they were bound and nothing would change that. He dialed her phone number. “Hello, Drake,” said Eve as she picked up the phone. “I don’t want to talk right now. I need a little more time.” “I understand.” He swallowed hard. “There’s something I need to show you. It might help you understand.” “Not now. We can get together tonight if you want.” Her voice shook and he felt the tears running down her face. “I don’t want to be apart from you. I just need to work this out.” “I’d like to see you tonight, but first I want you to go back to your mirror. When we get off the phone, I want to show you something.” “Drake…” “I know, Eve. Before you make any decisions about me, I’d like you to see the whole story. Just go to your mirror.” “Okay.” Drake hung up the phone and went to his bedroom. There he touched the mirror where he’d found the note and the surface rippled slightly. While he touched it, he sent out the memory, and let it play like a movie. ****
Eve saw images appear. At first the scene was fuzzy, but as she watched the images became clear. There stood Drake—but instead of just seeing his face, she saw him speaking with another man. This man had dark red hair that hung below his shoulders. Next to them was a woman, a blonde who appeared frightened. “Carter, she shouldn’t be handled this way.” Drake took a step forward to the woman. As the picture came in clearer, Eve could see that they were on the roof of a building. “She’s terrified. Look at what this is doing to her.” “This is none of your concern. I think you’ve done enough damage.” The one Drake called Carter reached for the girl. It was the same man who’d been in her building. “Don’t touch me,” she screamed and she backed toward the edge of the roof. “Don’t come near me.” “Calm down.” Drake raised his hands in front of him. “There’s no reason to be upset.” “Stop talking to her. She doesn’t need a doctor anymore.” Carter looked angry and charged at Drake. “She isn’t your business,” he screamed as he made contact with Drake, shoving him backwards. Both men started tumbling. A small scuffle broke out but what held Eve’s attention was the way the young woman moved toward the edge of the building. While the two men fought, she looked back once, then jumped to her death. Drake and Carter stopped when they heard her hit the ground. Carter was the first one to the side of the building. He jumped over the side after her. As the scene switched to the street Drake landed a few feet from the couple. Carter cradled the dead woman in his arms and cried. “I told you that she couldn’t handle this yet. You should’ve waited.” Drake turned his head from the scene. “You should’ve waited.” “No. This is your fault. She was my mate.” Carter petted her while his tears fell on her face. “Then when she is reborn, treat her like a mate.” Drake started walking away, then stopped. “Mortals have trouble with our kind. You should know this. Your own mother had trouble with the change.” “You leave my mother out of this.” Carter pulled the woman higher on his chest. “She came around in time.” “This woman would’ve too, if you’d let her.” The scene ended. This Carter person had to be the man who’d called her but she had to wonder if he was the same one who’d killed Lisa. Of course, everything could be one of Drake’s tricks. She slumped to the floor. Something else started bothering her. Drake had mentioned something about the change. Surely she wouldn’t become a blood drinker like him. She wasn’t even crazy about eating meat. That was ridiculous. She was the same person she’d been a week ago before she met Drake and heard his wild stories. This wasn’t possible. As she sat there, trying to find reasons why she was normal, a faint sound on her roof caught her attention. Instinctively, she sniffed the air. She knew that smell. It was the same as the alley, and Drake. It was a vampire, but Drake wouldn’t be on her roof. He’d come through the front door.
Eve picked up the phone by the bed. She had to call Drake. Her heart skipped a beat. Something terrible was getting ready to happen. She could feel it and wondered if she would die like Lisa. There was no answer at Drake’s house. There was no one to call, except for the police. She wasn’t sure what she’d tell them but the sound came down the wall toward her window and relieved any inhibitions she had about calling for help. Just as her fingers hit the first button, the window opened and in walked the man from the mirror story. “Hello, Eve. So nice of you to come home where we could talk.” Carter’s eyes glowed and a horrible smirk filled his face. “We have nothing to say to each other.” Eve looked around for a weapon but there was nothing she could use. “I think we have lots to talk about. You see I knew it was almost time for Drake to find his wife. The trick was finding you before the change came and I think I made it just in time.” Carter took a step forward and Eve looked into his glowing eyes. Death resided there. He stepped forward, too quickly for her to move from her spot on the floor. Cold, clawed hands reached around her throat, lifting her from the floor. “Please don’t…” she managed to whisper as her air was cut off. “Oh, you’re going die. Drake owes me and your life is the only way to pay the debt.” Eve kicked, landing her feet against his stomach, groin, and chest but nothing fazed Carter. His hold on her throat increased. The world sparkled around her, then turned fuzzy. “I would just drain you dry, but you’ve been contaminated. Half-blood doesn’t taste good. Watching you choke for oxygen will have to do.” He held tighter. Eve’s hands flew to her throat in a last desperate attempt to remove his hands. They wouldn’t budge. He was too strong and as his hold clamped down, the world went black and the cold sensation she’d been fighting off settled in.
Chapter Nine Drake was looking at the mirror and waiting for Eve’s reaction. The scene played and he felt her pain as the woman died in the reflection. As the scene ended, there was some understanding. At least she didn’t hate him. Carter on the other hand wouldn’t stand for anything less than Drake being alone for all eternity. Killing Carter felt wrong though. For a mortal to die, at least they would be reborn. No one knew if vampires were granted the same fresh start. Their deaths might be the grand finale. It made Drake wonder who really held immortality. He went to his desk and looked through tomorrow’s schedule. Mondays were always hard. It was his early day. The first appointment was at two with a crotchety old man who had been diagnosed with depression after his wife had passed. Drake tried to keep his mind off Carter, but he kept nagging at him. Then like a bolt he knew Eve was in trouble. There was someone near her and even she knew it was a vampire. There was no time to lose. He left his home, traveling fast for Eve’s apartment. He felt a tight hold around his throat, the air running out, although physically he was fine. The pressure grew too intense and he realized it was the link to Eve. Something terrible had to be happening to her. The world whirled around him as he arrived at the front of her building. Even as he flew up the stairs, he knew he was too late. He could no longer feel Eve and the worst loneliness he could imagine absorbed his heart. Drake threw open the door and ran to her bedroom just as Carter dropped her lifeless body to the floor. A thousand emotions flew through Drake. He charged Carter, knocking him across the bed and against the wall. “Bastard,” Drake growled. “I’ll have your head for this.” “Not before I have yours.” From under Carter’s trench coat, he pulled a long sword from its sheath. It was old, but sharp enough to take Drake’s head off his shoulders in a single swipe. Unfortunately, Drake hadn’t brought a weapon. “Is this the only thing that will satisfy you—destroying me?” “Yes,” Carter smiled showing pure evil in his features. “I used to admire you, taking such care of the fragile creatures. But the one person I cared about, you destroyed. A million donors and you let the one who mattered to me die.” Carter came at Drake, slicing through the air and missing Drake by inches. Drake turned, grabbing Carter’s hand. The sword swung around, slicing into Drake’s shoulder. In one tug, Drake knocked the sword from Carter’s hand. “Now things are a bit more even,” Drake said, as the sword landed in the floor. One punch knocked Carter toward the door. Drake landed a second blow and sent Carter into the hallway. Carter quickly countered, nailing Drake in the jaw. The two became locked, half wrestling in the hall and rolling into the living room. Drake gained leverage and struck Carter in the chest, knocking him away. Rage drove both men as Drake kicked Carter in the head, knocking the man into the kitchen.
Carter, bloody and angry, reached into a kitchen drawer and produced a butcher’s knife. “This should take care of you.” Drake displayed thick claws. He was tired of the games and the death. Carter would pay for trespassing here. No one should’ve touched Eve. It was against the laws. Carter came forward, but only one hand was on the knife. He put the other in his pocket. When it came back out he threw a fine powder in Drake’s face. Drake’s eyes started burning so badly that he couldn’t see—and Carter still had the knife. **** Eve felt her heartbeat slow, then it seemed to stop. She expected her spirit to rise from her body as she’d seen occur on television, but none of that happened. Darkness surrounded her without a light to guide her to salvation, although she was certain she had died. Her body felt lighter, even her throat had stopped hurting, but she imagined that was a part of dying. Surely pain wouldn’t follow her to the afterworld unless hell was her destination. There was a little pain left in her head, probably from the lack of blood and air. Her chest rose and she thought that her body still struggled to breath, although without a heartbeat there wasn’t much point. Then she heard a thump so low and slow that no mortal man would ever hear it, even with sensitive modern equipment. Like a woman surfacing in water, everything made sense. Eve opened her eyes. She hadn’t gone to heaven, hell, or even purgatory. She was still in her bedroom looking up at the ceiling. A loud slam pulled her back into reality. She stood, feeling new strength in her limbs. She started to the door when something on the floor sparkled in the light. She grabbed the heavy, silver sword and went into the kitchen. There she saw Carter sitting on Drake’s chest. Drake’s eyes were red, his face bloodied. Carter raised the knife above Drake’s chest. The bastard aimed for her lover’s heart. Eve didn’t announce her presence, just went forward, swinging the sword in a desperate stroke and catching Carter just below the chin. She was amazed at her strength as there was only slight resistance when Carter’s head separated from his body. Two squirts of blood came from the body, dotting the wall, then the creature turned gray. Drake realized what was happening and scooted out from under the mass as it turned to ashes around him. “Are you okay?” Eve asked, as she helped him move away from the decaying body. “Better now.” Eve guided Drake to the kitchen sink where he rinsed his eyes. Instantly they changed back to gray and the sclera eased back to white. He faced her as his vision came back. “I was afraid he’d killed you.” Drake kissed her lips softly. “I am sorry you were in danger. I shouldn’t have let it happen.” “I kind of thought I was dead.” Eve touched her throat and grimaced. “The change happened fast in you. It’s probably all that saved you.” He kissed her, letting his lips flutter around her face. “Only our head and hearts can kill us.” She shook her head. “You know, I thought you were nuts.”
“I know what you thought.” He kissed her again, pressing her firmly against his body. “You know, you’re in for more changes. You’ll have to feed soon.” The thought of drinking blood didn’t sound appetizing. “I don’t think I’m ready yet.” She looked over and saw Carter’s ashes dissolving, growing smaller by the minute. Even the blood that had splattered on the wall had faded to an old dried brown stain. “Well, I am weak from the fight. Come with me and watch. Learn what you’ve become.” Drake led her out the door to the street. The sun seemed especially harsh, but Eve didn’t mind. She was with Drake and he was innocent. “Wait for me here.” He reached into his belt and pulled out a plastic cylinder holding a syringe. “If the donor has a reaction, the shot helps steady their heart. No one should die from a little feeding.” “That explains a lot.” “Wait for me. I am starved.” He pointed to the entrance of an abandoned building. As directed, she went over, standing in the shadows and considering her new existence. Even when Drake reappeared with a twenty-year-old woman following obediently behind, Eve didn’t mind. In fact, a strange craving began to rumble in her belly and her mouth ached. “Open your mouth,” he instructed Eve. “Your fangs have come in. I want you to have the first drink.” He pulled Eve to him. “Don’t be afraid.” He touched the woman’s throat. “She doesn’t know what we’re doing.” He leaned the woman’s neck back. “Bite her here.” Eve drew closer to the woman and she could see the heartbeat drumming steadily in the stranger’s veins. She brought her mouth to the woman’s flesh and felt saliva gather in anticipation. It reminded her of her pussy wanting to be filled. Eve kissed the woman’s throat, loving the taste of skin, then set her fangs into the flesh. The feeling was beautiful. The woman moaned, then arched her hips as if hoping to take something inside her. Eve felt the woman grow near, then climax under her special kiss. Another moment, and the woman’s nipples distended and she moaned in ecstasy. “That’s enough,” instructed Drake. “My turn. We don’t want to take so much that we hurt this woman.” Drake pressed his fangs into the woman’s throat and Eve smiled. Their love was pure, even as they shared the drink, she could feel his satisfaction and during this she watched the victim come a second time. “I do love you, Drake.” He pulled back from the woman and licked the wound, causing the healing to begin. “Can you love me forever?” “I don’t think I have a choice,” she laughed. “You know my soul. What better love could there be?” The End
About the Author: Jennifer Cloud was born in Asheville, North Carolina, where she met her husband— who encouraged her to write after finding a partial manuscript in the bottom of her armoire. She now resides in Florida with her husband and two daughters. She writes romantic suspense, and paranormal and erotic romances. Visit her website at www.jennifercloud.com or email her at
[email protected].
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