by Julia Mills
“What?” I croaked, obviously in shock and still not sure what had happened.
“There is no time for questions.” His accent was thick and clipped. I had to remember to ask him where he was from, unless someone else tried to kill me before I had the chance. “I must dispose of the detective’s body and then get you to safety. It is the least I can do for Roarke.”
“Detective? Taylor?” I gasped.
“Yes,” was his only response as he went to the dead officer, threw his body over his shoulder as if it weighed nothing, and headed for the door. Opening it just enough to look out, he glanced over his shoulder and said, “I will be right back,” before disappearing into the dim light of the hallway.
Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long, since all I could do was lay in the darkness as the adrenalin wore off and the pain returned. My bed had been unplugged, making it impossible for me to even turn the light on, and I was somehow sure at least a few of my stitches had been torn so I didn’t dare move. Opening the door and striding in like he’d just had a latte, not disposed of a dead detective, Kristiyan walked straight to my bed and put the side rail down before stating, “I will be taking you to Madame de Beaufort at the Adolphus. It is not safe here. Do not worry, you will have the best of care. Everything here has been taken care of. Your Dr. Thomas has signed all the paperwork for you to have private care.”
“Wow, you’ve been busy,” was all I could say.
Nodding, he looked at my heart monitor and IV then asked, “Can you unhook all of this?” His hand motioned to the equipment. “I have been told by the doctor you will be in a bit of pain without it, but I promise to make the trip across town very quickly.”
Instead of answering his question, I asked one of my own, “Where is Roarke?”
Looking directly at me, the ancient vampire replied with a deadpan expression, “He is making the world safe for humanity.” He leaned forward and I felt myself falling into his eyes as he said, “You are too smart for you own good sometimes, are you not, Katharine Worthy?”
Nodding, because suddenly it was important I do and say whatever he asked, I listened intently as Kristiyan continued, “Now, you will sleep.”
Again, I was nodding. Something in my brain was screaming you’ve been mesmerized, but I didn’t care. It felt right to do what Kristiyan wanted and so, I closed my eyes and fell right to sleep.
The sounds of chatter and the smell of coffee pulled me from my slumber, closely followed by the growling of my stomach. Opening my eyes, I immediately recognized the bedroom in my suite at the Adolphus, but this time it was filled to overflowing with flowers. Some I thought I’d seen at the hospital, others looked new.
Then, as if the channel in my brain had changed, the recent past came rushing back. I remembered Detective Taylor trying to kill me. Kristiyan killing him and then being mesmerized. I thought about getting upset at the ancient vampire’s highhandedness but then dismissed the idea. It had been for the best. I was in no condition to travel while awake.
Looking to the side, I saw that my IV had been replaced. Pulling up a new hospital gown, I found fresh stitches and the drain tube removed. Kristiyan had assured me the best of care and it appeared that was exactly what I was getting.
Thinking about trying to get up, all my thoughts fled as the bedroom door flew open and in strolled Jacques. His mohawk was now flaming red, his outfit a pair of black leather pants that looked as if they’d been painted on, a leopard-print silk shirt opened to just above the navel, and knee-high black leather boots. He squealed, “Thank God, you’re awake, Doll. I thought I was gonna have to pinch you.”
“What? Why? How long have I been asleep this time?”
Throwing his head back and barking with laughter, Jacques replied, “This time… priceless. Only about thirty-six hours.” Plopping down next to my legs, he added, “Nothing like the time I partied with Alice Cooper. I think I slept for a week before waking up in a tour bus headed for Toronto with no pants and a Marilyn Monroe tattoo. But that’s a story for another day.”
Although I enjoyed Jacques and all his stories, I wanted to know about another man, the one who had been mysteriously absent since I’d been shot. The one who said he loved me. Waiting for my former dresser, at least I thought he was former and not present, to take a breath, I jumped in with, “Who all is here?” as soon as he paused.
A knowing grin curved his gloss-covered lips. “Just Madame and I. who were you expecting?”
Picking at the imaginary lint on my blanket, I shrugged, “No one in particular.”
“Liar,” he teased just as the door opened and in walked a private nurse and a tall, thin, serious-looking man who had to be the doctor. Jacques excused himself, promising to come back later.
For the next two hours, I was examined, helped with a bath, dressed in a gorgeous cream silk short-sleeved gown with matching robe, and put back to bed. The doctor had left after pronouncing me ready to have my IV taken out and instructed that I take oral pain killers as needed. He was shocked at how quickly I was healing. I almost laughed out loud while thinking Yeah, vampire blood will do that for ya’, but thought better about freaking out the guy helping me get well.
My nurse, Lillian, was a really nice, newly graduated RN who admitted to being nervous because I was also a RN. After assuring her that she was doing a great job, things seemed to go smoothly and we ended up laughing over shared stories of our schooling and training as I ate my chicken broth and Jell-O, which could’ve been Prime Rib and a baked potato it tasted so good.
Worn out from actually moving about after so many days in bed, I fell asleep not long after eating and dreamed of Roarke. The next morning when I woke, I was the one who was cranky and tired. I wanted to know why he hadn’t come to see me. Why he wasn’t staying with me. He had filled the damn suite with flowers, but I wanted him, not his gifts. What was happening? Did they get all the drug dealers? How were the kids? Why had Detective Taylor tried to kill me? Why was Kristiyan here? And most importantly, did he really love me?
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
It had been three weeks since I’d been moved back to the hotel in the dead of the night after damned near being killed. I still wasn’t released for anything but moving around the suite and taking my own showers. The doctor was still monitoring my liver functions but all seemed to be going well.
I had Jacques who kept me entertained, Vanessa who visited when she wasn’t working, and Madame de Beaufort, who was actually nice to me when she thought I wasn’t looking. Kristiyan visited every day, always with an excuse that Roarke was taking care of his business and I would see him soon. He was, however, able to fill in a few of the blanks regarding the drug dealers, Guillermo, and my kids.
“Guillermo was but a low-level henchman in what appears to be a worldwide drug cartel. With him dead, there is a hole in the operation here in Dallas that Roarke is working to make permanent.”
“There are more vampires involved in the illegal drug trade?”
Nodding, he tapped his chin with his index finger where it rested on his hand as he sat watching me. “But of course, vampires, humans, all manner of beings – the whole world is made of good and bad. One cannot survive without the other. It is a symbiotic relationship. We just have to keep the bad docile and that is what we shall strive to do as we discover more of this network of evil-doers.”
I had a feeling Kristiyan had not always been on the ‘good’ side but for what it was worth, I was glad we were compatriots in this war. But I still had questions. “And why did Detective Taylor try to kill me?”
“He was being paid by Guillermo, as well as other corrupt officers, for information and drugs that were in evidence being held at the police lock-ups all over the city. You simply knew too much. It was he and Monroe who planted the evidence and they made up the charges that you had stolen narcotics. As I understand, you were going to be incarcerated and then have a tragic accident. When that didn’t work and Monroe disappeared, Taylor had to improvi
se.”
“Wow, and all because I helped the kids they were abusing.” I shook my head as he nodded. “Speaking of my kids, how are they?”
“They are well. They want to see you but understand you are recuperating. I understand there are more coming and talk of an orphanage and school are in the works. It seems the network of drug-dealing vampires as you call it and their abuse of children is far and wide.”
I shook my head. “But at least y’all are working to make things right?”
“Indeed.” He scoffed. “Roarke more than I, but he knows I am available. He only need call.”
I smiled at the aloof vampire for about the hundredth time and then remembered something I wanted to ask. “Do all the old vampires only use one name like you and Roarke?”
Giving me a coy look, Kristiyan snickered. Well as much as I believe the stiff and formal Kristiyan ever snickers, and said, “You really should be asking Roarke about this. He is, after all, only a phone call away.” Then with a wink, “And is, after all, who you truly want to speak to.”
Pulling the afghan up to my chin, I snuggled into the mass of pillows Jacques insisted I had to have to feel better and grumbled, “Is his phone broken? I’m the one who was hurt.”
Kristiyan’s shoulders bounced as he held in his laughter. I knew I was being petty, laying around and pouting. Yes, I could’ve called him, but he was supposed to come to me. We were blood bound so I knew he was thinking of me, just like he knew I was thinking of him. No, I hadn’t heard any more of his thoughts, but all the emotions were there. He was cranky and pining and miserable. Besides, he was the one who’d said I love you. He needed to man up.
I was just about to say exactly that when the doorbell to my suite rang. Figuring it was another bunch of flowers and not wanting to have to smile and say thank you, I slid farther down into the couch and yelled for Jacques to get it. When he didn’t answer and the bell sounded the second time, I tried to look pathetic and even kind of whined when I asked, “Kristiyan, will you get the door for me?”
Shaking his head, he shrugged. “It is not for me. This is not my home.”
Throwing off the afghan, shoving my feet into my slipper, and standing up, I huffed, “Thanks, Kris. Just thanks,” purposely using the nickname I’d made up for him that he absolutely detested. Stomping to the door and grumbling about stupid vampires, I yelled, “I’m coming,” when the bell sounded for the third time.
Throwing open the door without looking out the peep hole, I gasped at the sight of Roarke, dressed in jeans, a sweater, and his leather jacket, handing me a single red rose. Before I could speak, he asked, “May I come in?” Then held up his hand and added, “But before you answer, make sure that if you say yes, I can stay forever.”
Chapter Twelve
I was stunned silent, staring at the man I loved, not sure if I was dreaming, when of its own volition, my hand reached out and took the rose. It was then I could finally speak.
“Did you mean it?”
“Mean what?”
The thought of slamming the door crossed my mind, but the look on his face said he really was confused. ‘Men, no matter of their species, really are clueless.’ Jacques’ words echoed through my mind. I gave us both a break and said, “When you said you loved…when I was dying…did you mean it, Roarke?”
He started to answer but the words wouldn’t stop. I had held it all inside for so long, my heart and soul had to be heard. “I mean, you left me alone. You didn’t call, you didn’t text, not even a note, just bouquet after bouquet of flowers.” I waved the rose in front of him. “Which don’t get me wrong is nice, but where were you? I needed you. I…”
His lips slammed to mine, demanding entrance, accepting nothing less than my unconditional surrender and acceptance of the fact that he was as in love with me as I was with him. My feet left the ground as he walked us into the suite, still kissing me, his tongue stroking mine, stoking the fires of desire and passion that was only and forever all for him.
I heard the door slam, but we were still moving. My legs wound around his waist. It seemed like forever since I’d seen him, touched him, held him in my arms, but also like we’d never been apart. Our hearts beat as one.
At the sound of a deep, rumbling chuckle, I tore my mouth from Roarke’s and laid my forehead on his shoulder, whispering, “Oh crap, Kristiyan.” Then a little louder but still hiding my embarrassment, “I’m sorry, K…”
Roarke took over where my words would’ve failed. “Good to see you, Kristiyan.”
“And you, Roarke.” I could hear the levity in his voice, making me blush even more. “I’ll let myself out.” Another chuckle. “Unless you’d like me to stay?”
I have no idea what Roarke said or what look he gave his old friend, but for the first time I heard Kristiyan laugh out loud. It was low and rumbling, like his speaking voice, but with a musical quality that made me smile. The only thing I heard before Roarke let go of my legs and I slid down his body was the opening and closing of the door.
Grinning up at Roarke, I giggled, “Did Kristiyan leave so soon?”
Placing his hands on either side of my face, Roarke gave me a quick kiss and smiled. “I have missed you so much.”
I knew it was probably the wrong time, thought about waiting until we’d properly made up, but that’s not the kind of girl I am. If something is bothering me, I need to get if my chest. So, placing my hands on his forearms, I looked deep into those beautifully expressive grey eyes of his and asked, “If you missed me, why did you make me wait so long?”
Taking a deep breath, he looked even deeper into my eyes and, in that instant, it felt like a door between our minds had been opened. I could not only feel his emotions but now, I could once again hear his thoughts, and every single one was centered around me. I tried not to smile, thought it might make me look egotistical, but in the end, I gave up and grinned from ear-to-ear.
Laying his forehead against mine, he sighed. “And that is one of the many reasons I love you.” He paused, kissed the tip of my nose, and went on, “I waited because I had this crazy notion that you had to make the decision to be with me on your own, that I might in some way influence your choice.”
I opened my mouth to speak but Roarke continued, “This is hard for me to admit. I suppose it would be hard for anyone to admit, but you must remember how old I am, how long I’ve lived, and in what time period I was born. I had to be sure. I had to know it was forever. After all, it was me who started all this.”
When he paused, I asked, “And why did you…start all this?”
Lifting his head and looking at me like I’d just asked if the moon was made of green cheese, Roarke narrowed his eyes and, with true wonder in his voice, he asked, “Do you really not know? How could you not know?”
Not sure what was happening but knowing whatever it was, it was going to be big, I shook my head.
“No, I guess you couldn’t know because I never told you.” Roarke nodded. “Do you remember the welcome speech the Chief Administrator gave on your first day at Methodist Dallas Medical Center?”
Nodding, I held my breath.
“What you didn’t know as you sat trying to stay awake for ninety plus minutes of boring bureaucratic rhetoric was that I was there too, and that I’d seen you, sensed you, from the first moment you walked into that auditorium. I had no idea who you were or why you meant so much to me, just that you did.”
“But that was over two years ago…” was all I could say.
“Yes…yes, it was, and for all that time, I wondered how to approach you, how to get to know you. I knew I wanted you. I knew you were the only one for me, so I waited. Time was, after all, on my side.” He let out a long breath then added, “I never thought I would get to know you as my courtesan, but when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it.”
“But…me?”
“Yes, you. I saw you and I wanted you. I knew it deep in my soul or my heart or whatever we vampires have, that you were the o
nly woman for me and I was willing to wait a lifetime to make that come true.”
I wasn’t sure what to say, what to ask, what I even wanted to know. It was all like something out of a romance novel. I loved him, he loved me but…but… Oh hell, that was all that mattered. With a world full of unhappy people looking for love, I had found mine. It didn’t matter that he was a vampire. It didn’t matter that he was way, way, way older than me. It didn’t even matter that he was going to live forever and I probably had about sixty years left. All that was important was that I adored him, he made me happy, and he completed me in ways I hadn’t known existed. The rest we’d work out as we went.
Smashing my lips to Roarke’s, I kissed him with everything in me. I wanted, no…I needed him to know that there had never been and never would be anyone for me but him. His arms came around my waist as he once again lifted me off the ground and headed toward my room.
Pulling me tighter and kissing up my neck, he whispered in my ear, “Katharine, I have missed you so much.”
Crossing the threshold, he tasted and teased his way back down my neck while his hands worked their magic, stripping me down to my black sports bra and panties before I knew what was happening. For a split second, I wished I had sexier lingerie on and opened my mouth to give a half-hearted protest, but Roarke was quicker.
Covering my lips with his, he kissed me with such passion and single-minded desire that all thoughts of everything but he and I together fled from my brain. The contrast of the cool air at my back and the trails of fire Roarke’s hands were leaving as he touched and massaged every inch of my body only added to the sensuality of the moment.
The fabric at my waist pulled tight. The ripping of fabric filled the air as I felt the cotton of my panties touch my legs as it floated to the ground. His hands closed over the globes of my butt and held me tight, rolling his hips against mine. Goose bumps covered my body as his denim-covered erection teased my excited clit. Tearing my lips from his, I gasped, unable to get enough air as every cell in my body pushed me to strip Roarke bare and show him exactly how much I loved him.