by Tamsin Baker
His sad gaze slammed into her gut. “Will telling me the truth put me in danger?”
Shock flooded his face. “No. I’d never hurt you. Or let any other.”
“What about Olivia?”
“The same applies to her.”
Amy unlocked the door and stepped back. He entered, his tall, hard body sucking the air from the room. He came toward her and she ran to the bedroom door.
“Amy, I said I wouldn’t hurt you.”
His quiet voice should have calmed her. It didn’t. “You know what happened?”
“Yes.” His jaw tightened. “Adam knew who you were and came to me.”
“How?”
“Your body holds my scent.” He paused. “He told me what happened and apologises for frightening you.”
“Frightening?” She paced the room. “I don’t know if I’m terrified or insane.”
“You’re not insane.”
She glared at him. “I should be terrified?” Her body convulsed with shivers. “I can’t believe what I saw.”
“What did you see?”
The images slammed into her mind. She puffed out a breath. “It can’t be true.”
“Tell me.”
“They were having sex and he bit her.” Amy raised a hand to her neck, where Etienne had done the same. Oh God, does that mean… She shook her head. “His eyes, teeth.” She slammed a hand to her mouth. “The blood. He was drinking her blood.”
“That’s what vampires do.”
She blinked. “What?”
Etienne rubbed his stubble-darkened jaw. “You’re not the first human to realise the resort was more than advertised.” He came closer. “But you’re the first to hear the truth.”
Amy backed away. “How could you keep this secret? How long?”
“Hundreds of years.” He followed her. “We have ways.”
That doesn’t sound good. She wrapped her arms around her torso. “Will you do the same to me?”
“Yes, for the family’s safety. Please understand.”
I’ve spent the past several days with him, he shared his body with me, but I don’t know him. “Tell me.”
His face hardened. “Over half the inhabitants of this island are vampires. We’ve lived here in secret for hundreds of years.”
“Thierry? Chantelle?” She slumped onto the sofa. “You?”
He stood tall. “Yes. I am Etienne La Blache, born human in Paris, France in 1482.”
The gasp burst from her open mouth. “You’re over five hundred years old?”
“Yes, I was made vampire when I was thirty and came here ten years later.”
“You created this island resort.”
“What I told you yesterday was the truth. I came here to die. Others—humans—showed me how to live again. Then more vampires, escaping persecution and their terrible existence, came to find peace, to start a new life. The resort evolved from that.”
She frowned. “What happened to you?”
“You believe me?”
Amy shook her head. “I don’t know what else to believe.”
Etienne sat beside her and she forced herself not to flinch.
“Believe what I tell you now.” He focused on her. “I was the eldest son of a lord and did live outside Paris on a large, family estate. I would have followed my father into the family business, married a woman of my status and continued my family bloodline.” He swallowed. “That changed the night I was attacked. One minute, my mind was on organising staff to plant the season’s crops, the next I was ripped off my horse and vicious teeth were tearing into my neck. I awoke two days later in my family crypt, with my attacker hovering over me.”
Amy sucked in deep breaths. “Oh my God.”
“No, he’d already forsaken me.”
Moisture filled her eyes and she blinked. “I’m so sorry.”
He shrugged. “Not as sorry as I was. The creature who’d attacked me abandoned me to my new existence a few weeks after, leaving me to fend for myself. I eventually met others like me and we survived.” Etienne stood and held out his hand. “Will you walk with me?”
Amy paused, then took his hand. She followed Etienne to the beach. This is impossible. She shook her head. Why would he create such a crazy lie?
“Hard to believe, isn’t it?” He stopped and flattened her hand on his chest. “This is my truth.”
Her fingers kneaded his cool, hard flesh—as she’d done many times over the past days—and the truth exploded into her mind. He has no heartbeat. She stiffened and stared at his handsome, sad face.
“My heart is dead, as am I. It hasn’t pumped blood or beat in my chest for centuries.” He gazed over the beach. “Isle Ambroise was my prison, my crypt. Now it’s my home.”
Amy dropped her hand. “Why did you come here?”
“Marie.”
“Your wife?”
“Yes.” Etienne raised a hand to cup her face. “You remind me of her.”
He still loves her. “How did she die?
“Does it matter?”
Yes, I need to know. “Was it in a fire?”
“Who told you?” Etienne stepped away. “Was it Thierry?”
“No. I wouldn’t ask that of him.” She paused. “I saw something—when we were in the cave.” She touched her neck. “When you bit me.”
He briefly closed his eyes. “Yes, her careless actions caught the attention of the authorities. A mob trapped us in our home and set it alight. It would have been my funeral pyre if not for Thierry. When he tried to go back for Marie, he couldn’t…” He shook his head.
“His face. The fire.”
Etienne’s face saddened. “I owe him my life.”
“He didn’t come with you here?”
“No.” He gestured down the beach and they walked along the damp shoreline. “I hated myself, life, everyone. I didn’t want to stay in Paris to have constant reminders of the things I’d done. I escaped, left without a word to Thierry or the others and ran. From the persecution and the bitter memories.” He laughed, the sound sharp and sad. “But I couldn’t run from the tormenting demons, not when they lived inside of me.”
Deep sorrow enveloped her. “Oh, Eti. You must have gone through hell.”
“Some would say I deserved it. They’d be right.”
“Why here?”
“Fate—or the winds—brought me to the island. The sailing ship anchored off-shore during a violent storm and stayed a few days, the crew gathering fresh water and fruit from the trees. I came ashore one night, found a cave in the mountain and waited to die.”
“You didn’t.”
“No, I survived—how, I don’t know—until another ship landed. These people were on a journey to find a new home and liked the island. They set up a camp where the main building is now and started to create their new life.”
“And when the other vampires arrived, you had your family.
“Yes and no.” His brow creased. “Understand that I wasn’t the same person I am now. I was a savage beast then and despite Marie’s actions and her death, still the same.”
Amy rubbed her brow. “I don’t understand.”
“Not all the vampires travelled to the island. Some, I created.”
Amy backed away. “How?”
“You’ve read the books and seen the movies.” He paused. “I fed from the new inhabitants and turned others into my kind. We slept in the caves during the day and fed at night. It was a brave girl who changed everything.”
“What?”
A small smile lifted Etienne’s mouth. “This young thing—about eleven years old—asked me to stop killing her friends and be part of her family. That she’d heard the town elders talking about trying to kill me and my kind and she didn’t want that either.” He shrugged. “Somehow she got both sides to meet and come to an arrangement. We’d help construct their homes. They’d keep our secret safe and provide fresh blood to sustain us.”
“What a brave girl. And what forward-thinking peopl
e.”
“Yes. The first of my family—both human and vampire.”“You’re the oldest vampire here. You’re their sire, their Lord?”
Etienne’s face darkened. “The original settlers were the last humans I made vampire.” He paused. “They named the island for me. Ambriose means immortal one in Greek.”
He’s been through so much. The rhythmic, pounding, ocean waves echoed Amy’s slowly beating heart. I can’t blame him for lying. He’s protecting his family.
“I’ll take you back.”
His sad, proud face punched a deep ache into her. “Sure.” I’m at a resort full of vampires. She shook her head. “I still can’t…”
“Yeah, sounds crazy doesn’t it?”
“No one would believe it.” She pointed to the buildings. “Vampires running an exclusive singles resort, giving guests a good time while really giving them a good time at night.”
“Yes, the family takes care of our guests and each other.”
Amy stopped. “You’ve kept this quiet for a long time.”
“We haven’t hidden the fact that the resort is for fun-loving singles to come make new friends and enjoy themselves.” Etienne’s mouth lifted in a small smile. “The only thing we don’t advertise that some of these friends offer ‘benefits’ with a bite.” He paused. “It takes hard work to keep everyone safe.”
Amy traced the two raised dots on her neck. His bite, his mark. “Everyone has sex and drinks their partner’s blood.”
“Yes.”
“You do that too?”
“No.” He halted. “In the past, I did feed from others, but nothing more. I haven’t fed for a long time.” His gaze speared her with its intensity. “Only with you have I done both.”
Pleasure flashed through her. I can’t believe I’m happy a vampire is only doing it with me. She shook her head. No matter how damn sexy that vampire is.
They arrived at her bungalow.
Etienne kissed her fingers. “I’m sorry for keeping the truth from you. Until a few days ago, you were a stranger, but now…”
Amy’s body swayed, wanting Etienne to hold and touch her, to make the past hours disappear. Now I know, and I can’t forget.
“You won’t see me for the rest of your stay. The non-human family will be told to stay away from you until it’s time to leave.” He released her hand. “I would ask you not to say anything to Olivia.”
Amy nodded. “She wouldn’t believe me anyway.”
Etienne cupped her face. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Amy.” He caressed her cheek with his thumb. “I’ll never forget you.”
Her heart ached. “Will I forget you?”
Etienne dropped his hand. “It must be that way. For our safety.” He disappeared into the night.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Amy lounged in the wicker chair, facing the open doors leading to the deck and the beach beyond. Leaves spun across the empty sands while choppy, grey-white, foam-capped waves pounded the shore. Birds rested on the swaying palm fronds, screeching in protest from their bucking perches.
She sighed. The weather matched her tumbling emotions. Thick clouds—in different shades of grey—blanketed the sky and hid the sun. Muggy heat surrounded her, despite the intermittent cool breeze that dusted across her face and played with her hair. Rain had been constant over the past hours, sometimes a light sprinkle, other times a vertical wall of water.
I can’t stop thinking about Etienne. She stood and paced the room again, her mind replaying what he’d said. He’s a vampire. Flashes from their nights together hit her. His kindness, his words, his loving. Her body ached, tingled, heated. Knowing what he is doesn’t stop me wanting him. Her fingers traced the faded mark on her neck. Is it because of this? Has he hypnotized me?
Amy slumped into the chair. He’d never told the truth to anyone else. Warmth—with a slight twinge of fear—swamped her. Does that mean I’m special to him?
It doesn’t matter. She shook her head. Only a few days before I leave. She glanced around the room, then outside to the summer storm. Soon, this will only be a memory. She tensed. What will I remember about this holiday? She rubbed her suddenly aching brow. What did they do to the guests to make them forget anything that might risk the resort?
Chills raced through her. How can everything change in only a few days? How do I go back to normal life after finding such an amazing, unique man?
Amy rested her head against the chair back and closed her eyes. Etienne, I need you. I need you to hold me, reassure me that somehow things will be work out. That what I feel is not one-sided.
Sorrow welled up from her chest, choking her. He can’t be here. It’s day. We’ll never sit together or walk on the beach in the sunlight. He’ll forever be in the dark.
Amy hugged her body, her hands gripping her upper arms. With what I know, with what he is, we could never have a future together. We’re totally opposite, yet when we’re together, he makes me feel alive. She took several deep breaths, a heavy stone of sadness settling in her gut. Can I live in darkness with the man who brings light to my life? Or do I return to Melbourne and live through a millennium of sunshine-filled, lonely days.
“Amy.”
Amy jack knifed upright, slammed her eyes open and scanned the room. “Etienne.”
He stood in the door, his tall silhouette blocking the outside storm.
“What are you doing here?”
“I had to see you.” Worry clouded his face. “I’m sorry I’ve made you sad.”
She jumped to her feet and cuddled against his body. His strong arms surrounded her. “Are you crazy? What are you doing out during the day?”
“There will be no sun today.”
“What if the clouds clear?”
“No chance.” He pulled a mobile from his jeans pocket. “The weather GPS shows rain-cloud cover until tomorrow.” He showed her the screen with active weather updates.
Amy frowned. “I thought there wasn’t any mobile coverage here.”
“That’s what we tell guests.” He put his phone back into his pocket. “We have technology to block all cellular signals except ours. And we check all devices before guests leave and remove anything that could cause problems for us.”
Etienne hugged her close and kissed her brow. “How are you?”
“Still thinking I dreamt last night.”
“No, everything I told you is true.”
Confusion and longing swirled through her. “I don’t know what real is anymore.”
“My reality is not much different from yours.”
“How?”
“I get up each day, I have a job to do. I experience the same emotions—good and bad—that you do.”
“You left out a few things. Big things. You live on a tropical island, you own a resort housing hundreds of vampires.” She paused. “The real biggie—you’re their five-hundred year old Lord.”
“Only a few differences.” He clasped her hand and led her to the deck. Heavy clouds filled the sky. The rain had stopped again. “Come on.”
Amy stopped. “Where?”
His face fell. “Don’t you trust me?”
“Yes, but—”
“When I make a promise, it’s a bond.” Etienne cupped her face. “I will not harm you.” He tilted his face up. “Not afraid of rain, are you?”
“No.” I’m afraid of how quickly you’ve made me feel so much.
He raised her hand and brushed his lips on her skin. “Please.”
Amy nodded.
They headed along the resort shoreline, Etienne explaining what the buildings were, showing her areas she’d not seen.
Amy’s heartbeat raced. I can’t believe it. Etienne’s hypnotic presence and sexy, French accent sent tingles shooting through her. He’s more stunning in daylight. His relaxed face and intense gaze made her heart ache. I wish he was mine.
“I said this before. This place is amazing.” They were at a bungalow that was larger and more lavish than hers. “The resort would st
ill be popular even without the special staff services provided.”
“Thank you.” Pride radiated from him.
“There’s a lot of people out today. More than normal, despite the weather.”
“Yes, the weather is perfect.”
It took a moment for Amy to understand. “Of course. These are your family members.”
“Yes. No one stays indoors on an overcast, rainy day.”
They walked past the dining area, now covered with large brightly-coloured triangular canopies, and full with guests enjoying an early lunch.
“Do you want to have a meal?”
“No, I had a late breakfast.”
“Okay. We’ll head down to—”
“Amy.”
Olivia and two men came towards her. One dark-haired and skinned. Amy jerked back. The other blond, with a face she recognised.
Etienne glanced at her hand squeezed tight in his. “Don’t worry.”
Amy took a deep breath. Adam can’t hurt me.
“Hi, are you having fun?” Olivia stared at Etienne.
She focused on Olivia. “Yes. You?”
“Yes. Peter and Adam are showing me around this fabulous
place. It’s much more than a resort. I love it here.” Olivia’s face was red-flushed, her smile wide, and her eyes glassy. She raised a hand to Adam, her upper arm covered with three fresh bruises. “I don’t want to leave.”
Etienne ran his thumb over Amy’s hand. “Excuse me, ladies. I need to get an update from these two.”
They moved down the path and Olivia whistled. “Damn, I thought I’d gotten lucky with Thierry and now these two.” She winked at Amy. “You’ve won the jackpot. He’s gorgeous.”
Amy’s heart sank. He is. And still a vampire. As are your friends. “Are you with them?”
Olivia’s grin widened. “Maybe.”
“What about Thierry?”
“What about him?” She shuffled her feet. “We only have a few days left. I’m not going to say no when fun is offered.” Olivia fanned herself. “I’m totally hooked on sex.” She wriggled her brows. “I’m never going to forget this holiday. You know what they say—what happens on holiday stays on holiday.”
Olivia watched the three men. “Damn it, I left my mobile at the bungalow.” She winked. “I’ve taken so many photos.”