Soon after these reports, a few amateur self-appointed vampire hunters scaled the cemetery walls, armed with wooden stakes and crucifixes, searching for the errant vampire. The local police were at their wits’ end, harassed by the wealthy residents of Highgate Village, the situation itself, plus all the adverse publicity. Those events happened some twenty years before the emergence of the fictional Buffy and her cohorts, which seemed amazing to me. It appeared some humans really did believe in the paranormal, or at least wanted to. Not a comforting thought.
There was a considerable amount of damage inflicted on the elegant Victorian tombs and gravestones, as enthusiastic hunters attempted to dig up many of the graves in search of the vampire. Several members of the public were even arrested and charged with vandalism. The main protagonist was actually jailed. Unfortunately, vandalism was the only crime the law could charge them with. The cemetery was closed to the public for a long time after that, and even guarded for several months by the long-suffering police.
When the vampire attacks began again, it was somehow kept out of the press and the real ‘experts’ were called in. (Who would you call?) The renegade was tracked to an old tomb in the Circle of Lebanon section, and bricked up in one of the vaults. According to the reports, the people doing the sealing had the foresight to use cement mixed with garlic, and they had also sealed the cracks in the door with garlic. Apparently, the hunters sprinkled Holy Water everywhere inside the vault, as an added bonus, and left a few Holy Crosses too. I imagined the vampire wouldn’t get out of there any time soon, and I almost felt sorry for him.
I wondered whether Will had been living in Highgate at the time, and knowing how he felt about renegades, whether he’d been involved in some way.
I came out of my thoughts to find Will standing very close to me. He placed two fingers gently on my forehead.
‘It is very busy in there, your thoughts are like buzzing hornets,’ he said.
‘Will, what do you know about the Highgate Vampire?’
‘I know he was a renegade who endangered us all,’ he replied shortly. ‘Shall we go?’
I nodded. Clearly he didn’t want to say any more on the subject.
Instead of turning back toward the main gates, Will led me over to the high wall. He flashed a roguish grin at me, let go of my hand, and suddenly leapt straight upward with amazing speed. Grabbing the top of the wall with one hand, he pulled himself up to sit astride the wall, looking for all the world like a demonic jockey.
‘Now this is something you can do Elinor,’ he said. ‘Come on up.’
Oh crap. Me, the one person who never got chosen for any sports teams at school because I ran like a ballet dancer. No one wants grace when speed is of the essence.
I looked at Will in frustration. He had stretched out flat on his back, balancing effortlessly on top of the wall. He casually lit a cigarette as though he were lying on a sofa.
‘Of course I can’t,’ I said in exasperation. ‘I was always rubbish at sports when I was alive, and I can’t imagine it’ll be any better now. I’m a dancer not a … a high jump person.’
Will sat up in one fluid motion and dangled his long legs over the wall. He glanced down at me with considerable amusement. I could see the wicked glint in his eyes from where I stood.
‘You are a vampire,’ he said. ‘You have been asking me about changing into a bat or a wolf, wanting to know what you can do, things that you could not do as a human. Believe me when I say that you could probably jump higher than this wall, but you do actually have to believe you can, until you get more … accustomed to things.’
I looked up at him sulkily and pouted.
‘Help me then,’ I said childishly.
Will sighed theatrically, and rolled his eyes. ‘Very well,’ he said. ‘Do exactly as I say.’
He swung his legs behind him, so they dangled down the other side of the wall, balanced on his stomach, and then stretched his arm down towards me, holding his hand out invitingly.
‘Jump up to me.’
I steeled myself to jump, flexed my knees and bounced lightly on the balls of my feet.
Come on Ellie, get a grip, you’re a dancer. You can do this – just jump!
I jumped upward, putting all my strength into it, and stretched my hand out to Will’s at the same time. Without warning, he moved his hand, and swung himself back to a sitting position. He sprang lithely to his feet, and stood on top of the wall, watching me as my arms flailed in the effort to grab the top of the wall. To my surprise, I made it with ease, but it was no thanks to him.
‘You bastard!’ I yelled, after I’d pulled myself up to sit astride the wall. I tried to punch him, but he merely laughed and grabbed my hands, holding them fast. He hauled me easily to my feet so we were both balanced on top of the wall, myself somewhat precariously, because heights aren’t among my favourite things either. So many phobias.
‘Did I not tell you, you could do it?’ Will grinned wolfishly.
‘Will … ’ I said a little desperately, beginning to wobble.
He put an arm firmly around my waist, and suddenly launched us both off the wall. I gave an unattractive squeak as we landed easily on the other side, with Will still laughing.
‘Great joke,’ I said, the sarcasm heavy in my voice. ‘Like I haven’t been terrified enough in the last twenty-four hours.’
‘I thought a little light relief would chase away the blues,’ he said. ‘Allow me to escort you home.’
Insufferable. I glared at him, but he simply leaned down to kiss me.
‘I seem to remember you inviting me to your bed, or actually, back to my own bed,’ he raised an eyebrow. ‘“Cut the macho crap and take me to bed,” as I recall.’
‘Is that what you recall?’
‘I have also promised never to leave you alone whilst you are awake,’ he grinned. ‘That is a promise I intend to take most seriously.’
‘Uh-huuh,’ I said slowly. ‘How did I know that promise would somehow come back to bite me?’
‘No biting involved,’ he assured me blithely as he pulled my arm through his. ‘Unless you request it of course.’
I stifled a laugh, Will seemed to have regained his self-assurance.
It was still hours from dawn, and Will was happily channel surfing at a speed that made me dizzy. How he could take in programmes at that speed was beyond me. He stopped at an episode of Homeland.
‘Very restful,’ I said.
He put the remote on the pine chest in front of us, and swivelled around on the sofa to face me. For once his expression was serious as he put the back of his hand gently against my cheek. He stroked my cheek softly as his eyes searched my face for a reaction.
‘How do you feel about me this night Elinor?’ He asked. ‘Do you hate me for allowing the attack to happen? Are you angry with me for leaving you alone? I need you to talk to me.’
‘You’ve apologised enough,’ I said slowly. ‘But I would like to know why you haven’t been around for the last few sunsets. Although if the reason is another woman, I probably don’t want to hear about it.’
Will looked nonplussed. ‘Another woman? Why the hell would I want another woman?’
‘Please don’t make me spell it out,’ I said tartly.
He shook his head as he ran a hand through his glossy hair. ‘I want to sleep with you, Elinor. I have said so many times. I have no interest in other women anymore. I am more than prepared to wait until you are ready to make a commitment to me, but that will not stop me from encouraging you at every opportunity.’
‘Supposing I said I was ready now?’
Will moved in closer. ‘I would be ecstatic.’
I could see a huge explosion on the TV in my peripheral vision, not exactly the stuff that romance is made of, but I had probably the sexiest man on the planet
sitting in front of me, and he wanted to sleep with me. I moved closer until I could touch his face, and he turned his head to kiss the palm of my hand.
He looked back at me, his beautiful eyes glowing. His arms went around me, and he pulled me against his body.
‘Shall we retire early?’
‘Definitely.’
The TV was immediately switched off, and we both stood at the same time.
‘I could carry you downstairs …?’ Will’s question was only partly serious.
I rolled my eyes at him. ‘Don’t you dare try any of that clichéd macho crap on me.’
His lips twitched into a roguish grin, and he strode across the room to open the door. He motioned me through with an elegant gesture. Clearly, he didn’t intend to give me a chance to change my mind.
When we were both in the bedroom, I turned to find him closer than I’d thought, and a twinge of panic fluttered through my stomach.
Will leaned down and rested his forehead briefly against mine. As he raised his head, he cradled my face in his hands. ‘Elinor, I will never hurt you, you know that.’
His soft lips brushed mine, and his arms encircled my waist as he pulled me close. I breathed in his expensive cologne and the heady masculine scent of him, and reached up to wrap my arms around his neck. His tongue flicked a path along my lips as it sought its way into my mouth and began to tease my own tongue in a slow sensuous dance. Any coherent thoughts I had scattered, as I melted under the onslaught of his hot passionate kisses. I felt positive my legs wouldn’t support me for very much longer.
His hands slid down my back and, with one swift movement, he cupped my bottom, lifted me effortlessly, and carried me over to the bed. When he’d put me down, he positioned himself close to my body and propped himself up on one elbow, watching me with feral eyes that glittered with nefarious promises. I looked at his handsome face, so close to mine, as he ran his forefinger slowly down my neck and between my breasts. ‘We appear to have too many clothes between us.’
He leaned in closer, and trailed sultry kisses down my neck. The slight stubble on his jaw awakened chills of desire that shivered through my body. Gentle hands teased their way up my jeans-clad legs and my eyes closed. ‘Are you partial to this shirt?’
I heard the amusement in his voice and opened my eyes to look at him. ‘More macho crap?’
Big mistake. Will tore it in half as quickly and easily as though it were paper, and his hand traced a soft path to my breasts. With the consummate skill of a professional, he’d removed my bra in seconds and tossed it to the floor. His hungry gaze fixated on my breasts, and he ran his fingers gently over them. I arched my back off the bed to get closer to him when he took both breasts in his hands, and a soft moan escaped my lips as he caressed and teased them. He lowered his head, and pulled a nipple into the warm moistness of his mouth. His tongue licked its wicked way around the nipple and I cradled his head in my hands as I whispered his name. My aroused body felt sensitive to his every touch, and my breath escaped my lips in short gasps.
I felt the zip to my jeans slide down and trembled in anticipation as his hand slipped inside to fondle me. He kissed and licked his way across my breasts, up my neck and then settled upon my lips again.
‘Still far too many clothes,’ he murmured. He drew back to sit up in one slow sensuous movement. He watched me through half-closed eyes as he pulled his t-shirt over his head. I stared at that perfect upper body; so lean and muscled – my mouth almost watered at the sight of him. He dropped the shirt to the floor whilst I watched his every move. I couldn’t believe this incredible man actually wanted me, when he could have any woman he wanted. Desire for him coursed through my body as I continued to watch him. I’d never felt desire like this for any man before. It was almost as if just the very sight of him shirtless could seduce me. I wanted him close again. I suddenly needed to feel his naked body against mine.
He slid from the bed, stood up and very, very slowly unbuckled his belt. His eyes held mine the entire time. He pushed his jeans down and stepped out of them.
The fact that he’d been completely naked under the jeans somehow came as no real surprise to me. The vision that stood before me was utter male perfection. His pale body glowed like marble in the dim overhead lights. He looked so incredibly gorgeous, perfect in every way, like one of Rodin’s sculptures. His eyes glowed with their ethereal light as he edged nearer to the bed, and I lost myself in their green depths. My head spun as Will’s spicy, masculine scent filled my nostrils, and he moved in closer to kneel in front of me. I wanted to touch him – had to touch him. I couldn’t be this close and not touch him.
Without realising, I’d sat up and swung my legs around, to enable me to move nearer. I reached out with hands that trembled, and laid them gently on the smoothness of his chest. I felt the muscles flex against my fingers, and then he pulled me toward him. I sighed as I reached up to wind my arms around his neck. The moment our bare chests touched, it felt like a fusion of power, and the flicker of desire in my stomach became flames of passion. Sensations such as I’d never experienced before flooded through my body like molten lava.
Will planted soft kisses along my jaw until his lips found mine once more. He felt his way down my bare back with fingers so gentle that they were like erotic feathers brushing my sensitive flesh. His hands stopped short at the waistband of my jeans.
‘Allow me,’ Will’s deep voice startled me as he pulled my jeans off, pushing them to one side, and his gaze never left my own enthralled one. Strong hands gripped my waist and thrust me back on the bed. He began to crawl towards me, slowly and sensuously, like the predator he was, and a slight smile played upon his lips. A tiny panicky part of me wanted to run away. This man was an expert in the art of making love after all, and I had no illusions about my lack of expertise.
Without a word, he gathered me up in his arms and held me close, and the moment he did, I felt safe – loved – and very, very desirable. Will made me feel all of those things at once, and no one else had ever done that.
‘Trust me,’ he whispered, as he placed his lips on mine – gentle at first, then passionate and possessive.
The effect of his naked body so close to mine stoked the fire in my belly again, and I moaned softly as sensuous thrills ran through my body from the top of my head to the tips of my toes. Every nerve ending tingled, eager for his touch. Will didn’t disappoint, his hands teased and caressed my body as he kissed his way to my ear, then licked the inside of it with his sinful, talented tongue. I squirmed as the unfamiliar sensations continued to course through my body, but he was relentless. He suddenly turned his attention back to my lips, with hot, intense kisses. Never had I been kissed like this before.
His lips traced down to my belly button, and I sighed as his tongue swirled around inside it. He licked the place where the silver belly bar used to pierce my flesh. I ran my hand through his dark lustrous hair, and it felt like expensive, heavy silk – just like I’d known it would – as it slithered through my fingers.
Will licked his way even lower, and my stomach clenched in wary expectation. He hooked his strong fingers into the top of my lacy underwear, and pulled it down out of his way. His tongue flicked and teased its way over my small mound of curls to the centre of my body. He gently pushed my legs apart with his hands to allow him easier access. I gave a surprised gasp as his persistent tongue darted and swirled intimately inside me, and cried out as the first orgasm shook my body. Still he continued, whilst I clutched at his hair as wave after wave of orgasms erupted through me.
Just when I felt I couldn’t take any more, he pushed the underwear completely off with his foot and made his way up my trembling body. He slid his hand up the inside of my thigh and slipped two fingers inside me, as I writhed and pressed against him.
With well-practised ease, those sensitive, skilful fingers teased and probed. Another org
asm built, and I screamed in ecstasy.
Will whispered endearments both in English and Italian, swiftly rolled us both over, and pulled me on top of him. His eyes, darkened with passion, captured my own almost drunken gaze, and his hands held my hips to keep me still, while he eased himself inside me. The feel of him, so strong and so sure, was almost too much.
‘Will!’
His hand cupped my neck, and he pulled me toward him so his lips could claim mine again. I gasped when he penetrated me in a steady slow rhythm. His free hand guided my hips as I rode him. The tempo rose and the strong, pulsing sensation of each thrust caused wave after wave of mind-blowing orgasms to rack my body. Starbursts lit behind my eyes as I clung to him.
Will flipped us over again in a dizzy blur of speed, and took complete control. The momentum of each powerful movement made me moan with pleasure. Then I heard his own husky groan of satisfaction as he relaxed on top of me.
He held me close against his sweat-slicked chest, and then eased us both back onto our sides. He pushed a hand through my hair, and twined long strands of it through his strong fingers, as he kissed me gently on the lips.
‘Elinor, Elinor, what have you done to me?’ he whispered.
He remained inside me, with my legs wrapped around his hips, where I would happily have stayed forever, but he slowly pulled out, and playfully nipped at my shoulder.
He brushed the backs of his fingers down my cheek, and smiled as he followed the outline of my lips with his forefinger. ‘So, how was it for you?’ A redundant question, because he knew exactly how it had been for me.
I smiled back, feeling languid and satisfied. I’d never experienced anything so breathtaking and wonderful in my former, and frankly rather dull, sex life.
‘Incredible.’
He leaned in to kiss me. ‘For me too.’
‘Even after all those other women?’
Nice one, Ellie. Go ahead and ruin the moment.
Moving closer, so our bodies touched again, he rested his hand on the curve of my hip, and brushed my sensitive flesh with the pad of his thumb. ‘Most of those women were purely recreational.’
Dance Until Dawn Page 20