Do you even need to ask? A light red eyebrow lifted in challenge.
He was powerless against her charms. Very well, spatzi, I will do as you request. But only for you.
“Thank you.”
His groin tightened at her secret smile. You may show your gratitude to me tonight.
She shivered. “I’m not getting any younger.” She poked him in the ribs.
He rolled his eyes but turned toward the werewolf, much to the undisguised amusement of Xavier. “I have been advised to offer you my apologies for behavior unbecoming a gentleman, Leighton.”
Xavier rose to his feet. He shrugged into his jacket then held out a hand. “Allow me to return the gesture.” His eyes glowed as Edwin briefly shook the offered appendage. “There is something about Hannah that has the power to soothe lifelong wounds.”
He clenched the fingers of his other hand into a fist as he considered decking the werewolf anyway. However, he quelled the urge, merely inclined his head. “She is an exceptional individual. I find myself wanting to make a conscientious effort to please her.”
“I’ll bet.” Xavier retrieved his cookbook and fedora, cocking the headgear at a rakish angle over his left eye. “Vigilance would behoove you. Take care of her. If I had a woman who looked at me as Hannah does you, I would take precautions to see she remained mine.”
“I anticipate no problems keeping her interested.” He stiffened when Xavier bowed from the waist to Hannah then kissed her hand. Maybe he would pummel the werewolf after all.
“Goodbye, Hannah Weybourne. Perhaps we will meet again.” The werewolf wasted no time leaving the area.
“Xavier, wait!”
“Hannah, let him go.” Annoyed when she ignored him, he followed her as she caught up to him.
She stepped in front of Xavier. “We’re searching for Andre Valkaret to rid the paranormal world of his evil presence. We’d appreciate your assistance.”
“Hannah!” Edwin hissed. He tugged at her hand. Perhaps, after all, she was too high-spirited for him.
“We could use his help.” She patted his cheek, and then turned back to the werewolf. “Please, think about it. If you do this, I will make it my mission to find you a mate.”
“What?” Both men shared the exclamation.
“That is hardly your concern.” Edwin pulled her to his side, determined to end the conversation. “Meddling in the paranormal world is not something to play around with.”
She snickered. “Like I haven’t been meddling in it all week? Would you have me take it all back if I could?”
He grinned down at her as his fingers gripped the curve of her hip. “No.” He gazed at the werewolf thoughtfully. “Perhaps we could use his help.”
Bowing again, Xavier’s amber eyes glowed with unconcealed interest. “I’ll be in touch.”
Hannah sighed. “He’s lonely. Don’t you remember when you felt the same way?”
“Unfortunately, yes, and that is the only reason I have allowed such behavior on your part.” He tugged her more fully into his arms to drop a playful kiss on her nose. “You have an uncanny knack of getting into trouble with the finest results. If I did not know you are one hundred percent a human female, I would say that you were one of the Fates conducting a masquerade.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, bounty hunter. I’m nothing that grand.” She kissed his dimple then went to retrieve the bags. “We’ve got a date with a hotel later tonight, and I don’t intend to miss it.”
As her hips swished in an exaggerated fashion, he groaned. Of course he would follow her anywhere. Hannah was his world, and she held his heart in her more than capable hands.
*****
“Edwin, what are you doing in there?” Up to her chin in rose-scented bubbles, Hannah didn’t really care what the vamp was doing. The bath was heaven.
They’d checked into the hotel only an hour before. As soon as they had reached the suite, Edwin had stripped off her clothes, wrapped her legs around his waist, and made hot passionate love to her against the wall. She smiled with remembrance. If he’d wanted to be certain she remembered only him in some stupid display of machismo, then so be it. Afterward, he had swatted her rear then drew a bath.
“I am watching a science fiction program which takes place on a starship. I very much like one of the crew members named Spock. His logical assessment of the issues is sound. That stupid Captain Kirk would do well to heed his advice.”
She smiled and drew her prune-like fingers through the bubbles. “I’ll be done in a minute.”
“Take your time. I know of your fondness for bubble baths. It is a marathon of this series, apparently. It is fortunate we have a television tonight.”
Her lips twitched. He’s so cute.
Vampires are not cute.
Draining the tub, she toweled dry then slipped on a satin nightgown of ice blue, trimmed with black lace. While Edwin had ordered room service for breakfast, she’d popped into the high-end gift shop to purchase the nightgown as a surprise. She liked it because it reminded her of his eyes. “I think I have something that might take your mind off the television.” She stepped into the bedroom and struck a pose. “Do you like it?”
The desire that flared to life in his gaze was answer in itself. “Did you think I would not?” He switched off the TV then propped himself up on a mound of down pillows. “I did not think I could be more attracted to you but I was wrong.” His eyes darkened while a lazy smile crossed his lips.
Hannah sighed. Butterflies stirred in her stomach. She climbed into the high bed and nestled under cool sheets of soft cotton. Luxury hotels were a definite improvement over bedding down in a hollowed out oak tree. “You are too kind, sir.” A thrill flashed over her skin upon discovering he lounged in bed nude. Damn, he’s sexy.
That is a word I will allow you to call me. He pulled her into his arms, a sly grin curving his lips. “I thought you required sleep.”
“Can’t a girl change her mind?” She twirled a finger through his chest hair, loving the feel of its coarseness. She slid her hands along his rock hard abdominal muscles and reveled in the pure, solid maleness of him. “You’re enough to drive me completely and utterly out of my mind.” Pressing tiny kisses all over his chest, she giggled when he held her wrists in a gentle grip and pinned them over her head. “What do you have planned this morning, bounty hunter?” She smiled up at him, anticipation causing a shiver to race through her.
“We need to talk.”
Cold fingers of dread gripped her spine. Nothing good ever comes from those words. She struggled into a sitting position. “Are you gonna break up with me? Just because we’re getting ready to go somewhere dangerous doesn’t give you the right to make decisions for me. We’re partners, remember?” Panic set in to cling like chilled molasses. Hannah swallowed around the fear that rose in her throat. I won’t let you leave.
“This tendency of yours to jump to conclusions is not a good character building exercise.” He pulled her into his lap and peppered her lips with soft kisses. “I am concerned about what will happen to you in the next forty-eight hours. When I told you days ago I did not want to become involved romantically with anyone, it was for this very reason.”
She steeled herself for his next words. He tipped her chin so she had no choice except to meet his gaze. “But—”
“Please listen.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes. “There is every chance that one or both of us may not make it out of the meeting with Andre alive. It will kill me, in more ways than one, to see your life end because of me.”
“We’ve already talked about this.” She traced one of his silky eyebrows with her finger, followed the strong line of his jaw to the sensitive spot near his Adam’s apple. “I’m in it for the long haul. If we’re going to die then we’d better take Andre out first.” She blew into his ear then smiled when he stilled her hands. “I want to leave knowing that the paranormal world is safe.”
“Honestly, woman, I can satisfy your appetite for sex
ual pleasure soon, but first you must listen to what I have to say.” Reaching over to the bedside table, he retrieved what looked to be an invitation and shoved it into her hand. “Read this. I found it under our door while you bathed.”
It was an invitation. Dark green ink scrawled across the beige vellum in a heavy hand.
“Edwin Mason,
You are cordially invited to the unveiling of a one of a kind museum.
Nowhere else on Earth will you be able to see such a unique menagerie.
Please feel free to bring Hannah. There is always room for one more… guest.
Cocktails will be served at 11:00 p.m. tonight.
Entertainment begins shortly afterward. No doubt the fate of the world depends on your participation. Please don’t be late.
Black tie required.
Signed, Andre Valkaret.”
“It’s just like my dream.” Hannah frowned. “He’s built a museum, but inside magical beings from all over the world are held captive. He’ll drain their power to merge with his own so he can challenge the Immortals—just as Danu told me. He feeds on power, craves it like a drug.” She met Edwin’s gaze and fear clogged her throat. “He’ll stop at nothing to get it.”
“Hannah…”
She tossed the invitation aside. “You died in my dream, Edwin. If I have a Gift like you believe, if you go to that party tonight, you won’t make it out alive.” Ice-cold panic welled within her, threatened to steal her breath.
“Spatzi, look at me.” His eyes swirled, catching her on their torrent, sweeping her away. “I have known this day would come for a long time. It is already part of the plan for my life—yours as well. I have no choice but to go.” He swallowed then brushed a thumb over her cheek. “Recent events have changed the outcome of the plan. Xavier will help. I can feel it. He may be many things, but he is dependable.” He gazed deep into her eyes as if searching her soul. “Please stay here. I am asking you to remain safe, out of harm’s way.”
“No.” She shook her head. “I can’t let you go alone. I’m not a coward. I want to fight with you.” Hannah licked suddenly dry lips. “To fight for you. It’s my destiny, too. Because I’m an Enhancer, isn’t that what you said? I’ll go. What kind of a woman would I be if I let you fight my battle for me?”
Edwin sighed, the long-suffering and defeated sound synonymous with his personality. “Somehow, I knew you would say that, but it makes me proud you are so brave.” He took the chain from her neck and released the three pendants it held. They clinked onto the comforter. “I want you to carry this.”
“Why?”
He removed the platinum ring from his finger then slipped it on the chain. “This talisman will keep you safe from harm as it has done for me.” Edwin fastened the chain around her neck. He pressed his forehead to hers, infinite sadness in his gaze. “If the unthinkable happens to me, find Xavier. Go with him. He will take care of you.”
“No.” Confusion clouded her mind. She tried to tap into his thoughts, but the thick gray wall kept her out. “I’ll stay with you, no matter what.” Tears threatened, but she ruthlessly shoved away. “Xavier is nice, but he isn’t you.”
“Please, do not argue with me. This is our last night together unless we witness a miracle. I would like to remember only happiness.” He brushed tears from her cheek. “Xavier will take care of you. If I cannot have you in my life, then at least you can be happy with the next best thing. I have known him for years. He is an honorable man. His biggest fault is his taste for expensive things.”
“Is that a joke?” Another tear escaped.
Edwin crushed her hands in his. “Promise me you will do as I ask, just this once, without question, without argument.”
She nodded, unable to speak around the lump in her throat. A cry of sadness welled from deep within. Hannah extricated herself from his embrace to huddle at the end of the bed, giving in to the tears that overwhelmed her. “I finally find the one man I can love without reservation, and you talk as if you’ll die. Maybe that will never happen.” Tears drenched her cheeks as she glanced at him. “I only had five days with you. It’s hardly a lifetime, but if that’s all I’m allotted then I can’t complain—much. Just know in those short days, I finally lived. I mattered. It was my soul that was redeemed—not yours.” Another sob. She collapsed on the bed, her sorrow complete.
“My poor, sweet Hannah.” Edwin pulled her down the bed and into his arms. “Your sadness does not eclipse my own. I searched years for you, remember. You have taken my twisted heart, gave it back as a gift, shining with hope and love. I can never repay you. I am in your debt and plan to spend my lifetime in the attempt to repay you.”
“But—”
“I am not finished.” He pressed a kiss into her hair. “If I love you any more, I will go completely insane, and be quite happy to do so.” He skimmed a hand up her leg to pause on her thigh. “You are in me. I am in you. We are a complete and equal part of each other.” His gaze met hers. “I love you.”
She nodded, distracting her sadness with a kiss on his Adam’s apple. “When did you learn such eloquent speaking?” She shivered when his hand moved over her hip.
“There are many mysteries you still need to uncover about me.”
“Then prove the universe wrong, and give me an eternity to learn them. Write your own destiny—with mine.” She teased one of his nipples with her tongue, heard his laughter rumble in his chest.
“You are not wearing under garments.” He stroked her hip, drawing lazy circles on her skin.
“Neither are you, bounty hunter.” Hannah wriggled her body against his arousal. His shaft hardened against her thigh. “Let’s make use of that fact.” She squealed with delight, her tears temporarily forgotten, as he took full advantage of the missing clothing.
Chapter Nineteen
“Will you be finished sometime in the next decade?” The irritation in Edwin’s voice matched his cagey pacing.
Hannah glanced at her reflection in the mirror that rested on the dresser and a frown marred the smooth lines of her face. “Almost.”
Earlier in the evening, he had called on the concierge to help find them suitable formal clothing. An hour later, a high-end black tux was brought up for him and a Vera Wang dress was procured for her. She had never worn anything so expensive. Shivery flutters of anticipation crept over her skin as she fingered the rich fabric.
Made of deep purple silk, the dress draped elegantly to the floor in soft folds of cloth. A halter neckline displayed her chest and brought out the green of her eyes while a wide cummerbund of black defined her waist. She wore the strappy silver sandals to complete the outfit. Would she be able to walk in them the whole night?
Since her body type was much curvier than the designer’s usual buying public, a seamstress accompanied the clothing for the alterations. The woman was a wizard with a sewing machine. Hannah primped in front of the mirror. Hmm, or was she truly a wizard in real life? I can’t tell anymore.
Two sparkling hairpins winked under the overhead light as she slid them into her hair. Edwin’s ring rested in the valley between her breasts, hidden inside the vee’d neckline. She met his gaze in the mirror. “Do I look okay? I mean, I hope this outfit doesn’t scream ‘I’m here to take down the host,’ does it?”
He blew out an exasperated breath. “Spatzi, if we were not compelled to kill the demon lord this evening, I would spirit you off.” He came up behind her, snaked his arms around her waist and nibbled her neck. “You are a vision of loveliness.” Edwin turned her then dropped a gossamer kiss on the tip of her nose.
You’re insatiable. We don’t have time for sex right now. “I’m trying my best not to think of anything beyond tonight.” She hated the catch in her voice.
“That is too bad, because I find myself thinking of nothing but the future.” He grinned, holding her gaze as his fingers brushed along her ribcage. And I do not just want sex. I want to make love to my future wife.
“What?” She stiffen
ed. “Are you asking me to marry you?” Hope surged through her mind in fluffy heart-shaped pink and gold clouds.
“Yes.” His eyes danced with blue happiness. “Once we deal with Andre, we will go directly downtown to find a judge or other official adjudicate. You are trouble, Hannah Weybourne. I do not wish to unleash you on the public without legally being able to keep an eye on you.” Edwin claimed her mouth with a kiss so hot it could strip the paint from the walls—his lips hard and demanding, his tongue searching out her secrets and giving all he had in return. “Is that an acceptable plan?”
Her knees buckled. She clutched his arms to keep upright. “A very acceptable plan, but I wish—”
“Hush. We will think only of the present if that will set your mind at ease.” He tipped her chin so she looked into his eyes again. “But we will have a future together.”
“I want to believe you.” As her eyes filled with tears, Hannah pressed a kiss to his palm then moved away to collect a tiny black beaded bag. “I’ve bound the population of my magical jar into this bag. I thought they might come in handy this evening.” Her smile wobbled. “Every little bit helps, right?”
“It is good to be prepared.” Edwin met her gaze, but his grin didn’t reach his eyes. “The car will be here soon.”
“Okay.” She nodded then wrapped a gauzy lavender scarf about her shoulders.
He checked his appearance one last time and tucked a turquoise pocket square into his breast pocket. The sight of him in formal clothes nearly undid her. The thought of barricading the vamp in the hotel suite until Andre had gone on his merry way crossed her mind. The turquoise vest, embroidered with an intricate pattern in silver thread, set off the inky blackness of his tuxedo. A black satin ribbon, tied at his nape, secured his shoulder-length hair.
It’s really too bad we have to waste the evening on a usurper to the Immortal world. I’d love to go dancing, take you out on the town and show you off.
The rumble of his laughter reverberated in her chest. “The consequences of leaving Andre to his own devices are much more hideous than ignoring him.” Edwin slipped his arms around her and claimed her lips. Sweetness and sorrow splashed across her mind’s eye in colors of rose and gray. “As much as I have wished we met earlier in life, I would not change one moment of the time we shared.” He kissed her once more. “Perhaps we can convince Andre to let us partake of a waltz before the end of the world tumbles down around our ears.”
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