by Tamsin Baker
“I haven’t taken one.” Your photos will probably be deleted and you won’t remember taking them. “I’m glad you’re having fun.” Fun you might not remember once we leave. I wonder what they do to make us forget.
Amy shook her head. What’s more strange? Being told I’ll forget the most fabulous holiday I’ve ever had, the most explosive sex I’ve ever experienced. Or the fact that it’s been told by an ancient, sexy French vampire.
The men returned and Olivia left with Adam and Peter.
“Amy, shall we continue?”
She gripped Etienne’s hand. “Lead the way.”
Etienne headed towards the mountain, waving and talking to many people, humans and not. Everyone seemed happy to be working and living on the island.
The path inclined and curved around the mountain base. They came around a bend to reveal a vast plateau hidden away from the resort. The land cut into cultivated plots where people tended crops. Rows of fruit trees rimmed the garden plots.
Amy’s mouth fell open. “Wow.”
“If you could see your face.” Etienne laughed. “We grow our own fruit and vegetables for the resort menu. We—the vampires—don’t need to eat, but we can. Also, supplies from the mainland haven’t been the best in the past. Poor quality or deliveries delayed by bad weather.”
“Who works here?
He led Amy down to the fields. Many aromas enveloped her—the rich, earthy soil. The damp foliage, the ripening fruit and vegetables.
“With today’s weather, my kind enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors and work the land. Others tend the fields and pick the produce during the night to be stored in the refrigerated warehouses.” He pointed to two large sheds on the right. “On the normal sunny days, it’s our human staff that do these tasks.”
“Are those structures hot-houses?”
“Yes. We can grow a variety of produce all year round in a controlled environment.” He gestured into the distance. “We also have a small farm to supply poultry, eggs and meat products.”
Amy shook her head. “This is an outstanding set-up.”
“Thank you. It’s all due to their hard work.” He glanced upwards. “Another storm’s heading in. Let’s get inside.”
“Sure.” He led them towards the mountain. “Where are we going?”
“To my home.”
“You live in the mountain?” She stopped. “In a cave? The same one since you first arrived here?”
“Yes.” Etienne threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, my dear Amy. Your face is very expressive.” He tugged her close and covered her mouth with his in a fleeting kiss.
His face, that laughter. Amy sighed. That kiss. “What am I expected to think? I hear ‘cave,’ I think damp, dark and cold.”
Etienne grinned. “I can’t wait to see what you think of my home.”
“You did all this.”
Amy ran her fingers along the long, stone walls of the tunnel. Some areas were natural formations, others cut back by human or vampire hands. The compacted earthen floor showed years of travel and the ceiling held numerous cables from external solar panels to light bulbs placed along the length.
“Yes, we all did. There are many tunnels throughout the mountain range leading to various rooms for the family.”
“How many people stay in one room?”
“It’s personal choice. We have dorm-style rooms and private ones.”
The tunnel continued to slope down and the air cooled. Amy shivered. “How deep are we going?”
“Not much longer.”
“Really?” Sorrow flowed through Amy. He lives in a hole, deep underground. She followed the tunnel as it curved. Away from the sunlight, away from harm. How could he live like— “Oh, my.”
The tunnel opened into a large cavern with high ceilings. The space was impressive, even without Etienne’s transformation.
“You’re kidding me.”
“What?” Etienne’s deep laughter echoed around the room. “Did you think I slept on a dirt floor? Or in a coffin?”
“No.” Her face flamed. “Well…”
“Come on, I’ll show you around.”
Couches and side tables filled the main room—bright from overhead lighting—and decorated like the elegant French suite she’d stayed in during her Paris holiday years ago. Two huge screens at each end showed scenes from outside the mountain. “This is spectacular.”
“Thank you.” He pointed through an archway to a room filled with computers and large monitors. “My office is through there.” He placed a hand on her back. “Would you like a drink?”
She nodded and let him guide her through another archway. “Oh, no way.” She stood, blinking at the modern kitchen before her. Overhead industrial beams supported wiring and pipes. “How?”
“Over time, family members learnt trades—carpentry, plumbing and electrical. This is the result.”
Amy perched on a stool beside the stone island bench. Etienne opened a steel cabinet. “You have a fridge.” Etienne grabbed a soda can from a shelf.
Several plastic bags filled with a dark fluid lay on the second shelf. A shiver rushed through as the answer slammed into her mind. Blood.
“Amy.” He patted a bag. “This is how I survive.” He closed the fridge and handed her the can.
“You didn’t have to explain.” She opened the can and sipped the cool, sweet liquid. “You’re fully equipped here.”
“Yes. This didn’t happen overnight. Don’t forget how long I’ve been here, or how old I am.”
She smiled. “That’s easy to do when you’re so gorgeous.” She filled her mouth with the soft drink, before she said something she shouldn’t.
“Thank you.” He stood taller. “No one has ever said that of me.”
“Really? They’re blind.”
“Come on.” Etienne went through another tunnel and stopped at an opening. “This is my room.” He led her inside the small cavern with a king size bed at one end and an ensuite at the other.
Amy blinked. “You have a rock pool in your bedroom.”
“Yes. A few caverns have natural running water and I knew I knew this one would be mine the moment I saw it.” He chuckled. “I like my comforts.”
“We all do.” The stylishly decorated room suited Etienne. Racks of clothing filled one area, three large shelves laden with books were near the bed. “This is nice.”
“This is nicer.” Etienne’s arm’s enveloped her. “I’ve tried all day to keep my hands off you.” He brushed his lips against hers. “I can’t do it anymore.” He cupped her arse and ground her body against his. “You feel so good.”
“Not as good as you.”
His lips left light kisses all over her face. “I should take you to your bungalow.”
“Why?” Amy stepped him back towards the bed. “I’m right where I need to be.” She pushed his chest until he sat. “With you.”
“Yes.” His arms wrapped around her waist and brought her between his open legs. “You’re wearing too many clothes.” His shaking fingers unbuttoned her top and tugged it off, then did the same to her bra. He sighed, his hands covered her breasts and squeezed. He kissed the skin from her stomach to her breasts, took a nipple into his mouth and sucked.
Amy groaned. Her knees folded and she slammed her hands onto Etienne’s shoulders.
He tugged her onto his lap. “I’ve got you.” His hot breath warmed her breast.
“Eti.”
He kissed her neck, licked his way to her ear. “Oui, Amy.” His whisper tickled her skin.
“I want you inside me.”
He nipped her earlobe. “Your wish is my command.”
Etienne kissed her hard, deep and long. His hands traced her body, every curve and indent. He lifted her and yanked off her shorts and underwear. His fingers played her flesh, plunged into her time and time again until she screamed her release.
“Nice.” Amy slumped against his chest, her body trembling. She sucked deep breaths into her lungs, his
hot, spicy scent making her giddy. She splayed her hands on his hard chest, then trailed her fingers down his stomach to his jeans and the hard bulge inside. “Take it off.”
“With pleasure.”
Etienne stood and flipped her onto the bed. He threw off his clothes and covered her with his hard body. “This is much better.”
“Yes.” Amy opened her legs and cradled his hips as he pressed his hard cock close. She grabbed his arse cheeks and pulled him into her. “Don’t make me wait.”
“Never.” He plunged into her, his thrusts hard, deep, long.
Amy arched her back and ground her hips against his, taking him deeper and harder into her pussy. “Yes, oh yes.” She rubbed her hands over his body, squeezing his hard muscles. Told him without words how she loved what he was doing to her, how she loved sharing her body with him. How I lov…
Etienne moaned and kissed her. He licked her neck and sucked on it. Nipped her flesh with his teeth, hissed and pulled back.
No, don’t stop. “Eti, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
Amy caressed his face. “You’re holding back. Why?” His face was flushed and pained, his jaw tense.
“I shouldn’t, now that you know.”
Amy touched his lips and the long fangs behind. “I want you to.”
“I can’t.” He halted, his face pensive.
“Is something wrong?” She frowned. “Does my blood taste funny?”
His face tightened. “It tastes like blood, metallic, smooth. Yours is special.” He groaned. “Addictive.”
Amy slammed her hips against his. “Eti, make love to me.” She cupped his face near her neck. “In every way.”
Etienne sighed against her neck and thrust into her, again and again. His arms tight, his hands possessive.
Amy angled her head to the side, sucked in air as heat rumbled through her. “Please.”
He kissed her skin then sank his fangs in.
Amy screamed.
CHAPTER NINE
Amy walked around Etienne’s study and sipped her orange juice.
“I won’t be long. I need to check if some emails have arrived.”
Amy shook her head. “Some cave you live in.”
“You made the assumption, and technically, it is a cave.” He grinned. “I couldn’t live without my gadgets.”
“I can see that.” The room had four laptops and a bank of large screens projecting images from security cameras. “You certainly can’t miss a thing.”
“I have to. My family’s safety depends on it.’
She moved close to rub his arm. “It must be a heavy burden.”
He shrugged. “Yes, it’s—”
“Etienne, did you see next week’s guest list I left on your desk? It should be…” Thierry barged into the room and slammed to a stop. He studied them and where her hand lay.
Etienne placed his hand over hers. “Thierry, you remember Amy.”
“Yes.” His brow furrowed. “How are you?”
What’s wrong with him? “Good. Etienne’s spoilt me with a guided tour of the island and his fabulous home.”
“Has he? That’s nice.” He turned to Etienne. “We need to talk.”
“Sure.” Etienne kissed Amy’s brow. “I’ll be back in a moment.” Both men headed into the next room, Thierry handing Etienne a file and talking to him in a thick French accent.
I thought he lived in a coffin, hiding away from the world. She chuckled. It’s an underground mansion filled with every luxury and technical gadget money can buy.
The monitors flicked from one island location to another, displaying resort guests enjoying the fabulous surroundings created by Etienne over many years. Unbelievable.
Amy finished her orange juice and rinsed the glass. She shook her head. Incredible. The kitchen, better than the one in her Melbourne home, could have graced the pages of a luxurious homes magazine. Could I live here with Etienne? Her stomach churned. I’m actually considering staying here, when I don’t know Etienne feels about me. And I don’t know what the hell I’m feeling. Is this a holiday fling or something more?
The large screens in the lounge transmitted images of the mid-morning warm sunshine bathing the island. Could I stay here and change my lifestyle to be with him?
Amy bit her lip. What if something happened? What if I got sick again? Would Etienne still want me? She shook her head. It wouldn’t work. I need to be back in Melbourne, back with my family and friends. Back to civilisation, with chemists to provide the drugs I need. Close to the doctors who’d keep me healthy or treat me if anything went wrong.
Amy rolled her shoulders, sharp pinpricks of tension digging in hard. Etienne might find someone else. Or if I stayed, I couldn’t stop time. I’d get old and he’d be the same gorgeous, immortal vampire. Amy closed her eyes. What am I going to do?
Etienne came back into room. “Sorry, I have to cut the tour short. Something’s come up.”
“All right.” Tension radiated from him. “Can I ask what’s happened?”
“Transport issues I thought were sorted out.” His jaw tensed. “I’d rather be with you.” He lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it. “I’ll see you later?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll get someone to take you back.”
A mobile rang behind him. Thierry answered it. “It’s Xavier.” He handed the phone to Etienne. “I’ll take Amy back.”
Etienne frowned. His head swivelled between Amy and Thierry, and the mobile phone. “Fine.” He squeezed her hand, then spun around and put the phone to his ear. “Oui.”
Amy shivered. When he speaks French…
“If you’re ready.” Thierry waited, his face stark, guarded.
Amy examined the spacious room. It’s empty without him. “Sure.” She followed Thierry through the maze of tunnels. “Thanks for taking me back.”
“That’s my job. Doing what needs to be done.”
His casual yet slightly ominous words sent shivers through Amy. What else have you done?
Etienne sat in front of two laptops, one showing various open files, the other a draft email. Damn it, focus. His gut churned—not from the demands of the charter company who’d demanded more money to transport guests—but because of Amy. How they’d made love and he’d bitten her. Again. His tongue tingled still from her taste.
Merde. He rubbed his hand over his eyes. I’m in deep and there’s no way out. His beautiful tormentor appeared on a monitor. Etienne followed her movements towards her bungalow, the camera feeding his obsession.
He slouched back in his chair. Her lovely smile, her curvy body. He groaned. I shouldn’t have bitten her. Her body under him, on top of him not long ago. Riding him into unforgettable orgasms. All the memories flashed through his mind. I said I wouldn’t do it again. He closed his eyes. She’s a temptation. My weakness.
Etienne sat up, attempting to finish the email. His vision swirled and his brain became too fuzzy to comprehend. Damn it, nothing’s more important than the resort. He fisted his hands. Not even Amy. She’ll be leaving soon and life will return to normal. As it should be.
“What’s wrong?”
He hadn’t heard Thierry enter the room. Snap out of it. “I’m furious.” He pointed to a file on the desk. “I should have listened to you years ago.”
“He’s done it again, hasn’t he?”
“For the last time.” Etienne stood and paced the room. “I’ve agreed to the new rates—for now.” He ran fingers through his hair. “We can’t jeopardise the guest arrivals for the next few months. After that…”
“You’ll tell him what he can do with his run-down ships and over-the-top money demands.”
“Exactement.” Etienne indicated to some documents on the desk. “Update your information on leasing two ships versus setting up our own company and buying brand new ones with the relevant crew. Either way, it’s worth it to ensure our future.”
“Definitely.” Thierry studied him.
Etienn
e frowned. “What?”
“I’m worried about you.”
“Why?”
“You’ve never brought a woman—a human—here.” Thierry grimaced. “Is she special to you?”
“Thierry, I don’t ask you about your sexual partners. Why are you asking about mine?”
He was silent for several moments. “Because you haven’t had any.” He paused. “I know you. I’m concerned how you’ll be when she leaves.”
Etienne’s shoulders tensed. “It will be no different.”
“It already is.” Thierry stared. “Will Amy be leaving?”
No. Dread coursed through Etienne. Yes, she must. The dread solidified into sorrow. “Of course.” The thought of Amy leaving is tearing me apart.
“I see how she affects you. I smell her on you.”
Etienne bowed his head. “She’s driving me insane.”
“I’m sorry.” Thierry placed his hand on Etienne’s shoulder. “It can be that way. You have to learn to be detached when you drink from humans, as if you’re drinking soda from a can. Otherwise, it can affect you.”
“I can’t be detached.”
“How many times have you taken her blood?”
Etienne paused. “Twice. The first, a few nights ago and again in the last few hours.”
Thierry’s brows rose. “Only twice.”
Etienne closed his eyes. “Isn’t that enough?” He sighed. “I couldn’t help myself.”
“That’s saying something, since you’ve been drinking from a bag for years.” Thierry shook his head. “Amy was acting smitten when she met you on the beach. I assumed you’d bitten her.”
“No.” Etienne marched around the room. “I tried to resist but seeing her every day, touching her, I…”
“I was right.” His eyes widened. “She’s your mate.”
“No.” Etienne spun around. Red-hot hunger and utter joy roared through him. Yes, Amy’s mine. My mate. He’d thought centuries earlier that Marie had been his mate, but their union had been destroyed by her corrupt mind and ruthless actions.
“It’s true.” Thierry nodded. “She wants you. The way her breathing catches, her heartbeat jumps, and her scent intensifies when you’re around.” He glanced to the now-empty monitor. “She didn’t want to leave here. Her mind was on you, no matter what I said. And other males have tried to catch her attention, with no success. She’s yours.”