Marked: A Vampire Blood Courtesans Romance

by Gwen Knight

“Your table, sir.” The hostess swept out an arm toward a table in the back corner.

  Ethen led me around to the side, then pulled out my chair before I could sit. I was hardly surprised, but the hostess blanched at the sight, her eyes practically bugging from her head. Doubtless word would soon spread about this.

  In one smooth motion, Ethen guided me in behind the table, then took the seat next to me.

  “May…I start you off with some wine?”

  “A bottle of red for the table,” he told the hostess with a cold look. “And a glass of A positive for me.”

  Flustered, she nodded and vanished from our table, likely hiding in the kitchen to regain her senses. I hid a smile, equally amused and unnerved that he’d chosen my blood type.

  Now veiled in the darkest corner of the room, Ethen turned toward me and smiled, a hint of mischievousness twinkling in his eyes.

  “You little devil,” I laughed. “You purposely intimidated that poor woman.”

  “I did no such thing,” he countered with a secretive, albeit wicked, grin. Everything about him stole my breath. With me, he was so open and honest, but for the public, he donned an almost boorish mask. “My associates will arrive shortly, I’m sure. I’m not known for tolerating any sort of tardiness.”

  “Shocking,” I teased, my chin braced on the heel of my hand as I studied him.

  “When they arrive, I suspect they will take much interest in you.”

  I frowned. “What? Why?”

  “I’ve never brought a lady to any sort of public gathering before. That you are here will rouse quite a bit of chatter, I fear.”

  I waved a dismissive hand. “So, let them gossip.”

  “I’m not well versed in social behavior,” he admitted under his breath, his dark lashes framing his bright eyes. “I prefer to keep to myself while many of my kind seek the attention of others.”

  Emboldened by the relaxed ambiance and feeling a touch brave, I leaned forward and brushed a hair back from his face. “So, you don’t enjoy the company of others.”

  “I enjoy yours,” he murmured, his hand catching mine before I could pull it back.

  My breath hitched. “You do?”

  “A great deal. For someone with no experience as a courtesan, you certainly know how to charm your way into a vampire’s life.”

  “But you’ve only just met me.”

  The tips of his fingers stroked my palm. “Does that matter?”

  Did it? Truthfully, I enjoyed his company as well. Not only was he nothing like the monsters my family had described, but he was also far more civilized than the boys I’d met in college. “No,” I murmured. “I suppose not.”

  “You sound surprised.”

  I opted for a little honesty. “I had no intentions of liking you.”

  “I find myself hoping for a but at the end of that sentence.”

  “But…” I tossed him a bright smile. “Despite my better judgment, I do.”

  “The horror,” he teased. “Whatever would your father say?”

  The smile slipped from my lips. My father. I already knew what he’d say, and it wouldn’t be pleasant. But at what point did I stop living according to his beliefs and decide to live for my own?

  “Winter?”

  I shook my head clear of those dark thoughts in time to notice two others headed in our direction. “Ah. I assume those are who we’re waiting for?”

  Our server returned with Ethen’s order the same moment his two associates joined our table.

  “Perfect timing,” one mumbled as he seated himself across from me. As the server poured the wine, his gaze lifted to mine and his mouth parted. “Well, now, who do we have here?”

  “Allow me to make introductions. Winter, this is Kade,” Ethen responded, gesturing toward the one who had spoken. With what I was sure was meant to be a charming grin, Kade pushed his hand back through his tussled brown hair while his tongue flicked against his teeth. “And this gentleman to his right is Alexei.”

  The blood in my veins turned to ice. Alexei. My gaze instinctively leapt to his and I winced at the startling green peeking out from his long, blonde hair. What were the chances that this was the same Alexei? It was hardly a common name. It had to be Tessa’s hustler.

  “Winter?” Ethen murmured.

  Alexei lounged back in the chair as though he hadn’t a care in the world, his lean legs crossed at his ankles. Nothing about him screamed evil, and yet I couldn’t slow my pulse, a symptom I was sure they all had noticed.

  “Winter,” Ethen called once more.

  I snapped out of it and bobbed my head. “Nice to meet you both.”

  “And you,” Alexei commented. “I must confess, though, I feel as though we’ve met before. Your name, it must be a surname, yes?”

  Ethen’s gaze narrowed on me as he studied my reaction.

  “I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure,” I said, ignoring his question. I dragged my attention back to Ethen. “Where is the ladies’ room?”

  He frowned but pointed me toward it.

  I grasped my clutch and rose from the seat, noticing that Ethen had done the same. The entire walk to the restroom, I felt his gaze on me. How quickly a pleasant evening could take a turn. I couldn’t believe Alexei was here, and me without my dagger. I hadn’t thought to bring it. Where would I have even hidden it? This dress left little to the imagination. A steel blade would have stood out.

  Once in the bathroom, I slipped into a stall, fished my phone out of my purse, and dialed Tessa.

  “Winter?”

  “Alexei. Does he have blonde hair and green eyes?” I demanded in a quiet whisper, trusting the surrounding din of the restaurant to veil my voice.

  Her sharp inhalation was answer enough. Shit.

  “Is he there with you right now?”

  “I’m at a dinner with him.”

  A flurry of words rushed through the line. “All right. It’ll be all right. He has nothing against you, just me—”

  “Did you forget I stabbed one of his vampires?”

  “With a kitchen blade,” she pointed out. “A minor annoyance, but no severe injury. I doubt he even cares.”

  “Tessa…”

  “Stick to your story. You became a courtesan to pay your way through college. Nothing else.”

  “Don’t you think they can sniff out a lie?”

  “A lie? No. They scent emotions and study body language. Don’t show fear and you’ll be fine.”

  That was her advice, seriously? Fake out a walking lie detector? “Tessa…”

  “Go,” she said. “Don’t give them a reason to suspect anything.”

  Too late. We ended the call with a series of well wishes, then I slid my phone back into my clutch, and paused to stare at my reflection in the mirror. I could do this. I could. If they questioned my motives as a courtesan, I would deviate the conversation back around to them.

  Nodding, I turned and left the bathroom, only to collide into someone.

  “Oh!”

  Firm hands gripped my shoulders and steadied me, but it was my pulse that took a leap when I met Alexei’s gaze.

  “I was hoping we would run into each other.”

  “Really.” I glanced back at the table to find Ethen and Kade deep in conversation, their expressions serious.

  He leaned toward me with a feral grin, then whispered in my ear. “I know who you are.”

  My head snapped up with a wide-eyed stare. “What?”

  “You think I don’t know about Tessa’s little roommate? Think I didn’t dig up every dirty little secret in her life?”

  Good. Then there wasn’t any reason for me to pretend with him any longer. I stole another glance at Ethen, only to find him thoroughly distracted by Kade. “You’ll get your money, and when you do, you’re gone. Out of her life forever. But you touch one hair on her head, and I’ll end you.”

  He tossed his head back as laughter erupted from his mouth. “How rich! Do you honestly think the money will save
her?”

  “No,” I admitted, my mouth a grim line. “But I will.”

  “You’re adorable.” Amusement quirked his brow. “Such a brave little kitten staring down a lion.”

  “And in this scenario, you’re the lion?”

  He chuckled, the light catching the tips of his fangs. “I think I like you.”

  “My dream come true,” I snipped. “Now if you don’t mind, I have a dinner to get back to.”

  “Ah, yes.” His hand clamped down around my arm. “I must give you two some credit. Bravo. Rather ingenious, using the madam to procure the money Tessa owes me. I wonder what she would say, though, if she were to learn the truth. Or Ethen, for that matter. Does he know of Tessa’s debt to me? Did you inform him of my little relationship with her? Tell him how she broke the rules, and now you’re cleaning up her mess?”

  Fear churned in my stomach. “Why would he care?”

  “Perhaps he wouldn’t,” Alexei commented. “But he might care that you lied to him. I can’t imagine you were honest with him.” He gazed back at the table. “Ethen is an odd sort. He prizes honesty and loyalty above all else. And you, my dear, have already lied to him. How long until you betray him?”

  “You don’t know a thing about me,” I hissed.

  “Is that so?” Without pause, Alexei leaned down and once again pressed his lips against my ear. “I want my money. And I’m getting impatient. Tessa’s time is almost up, and when she fails, her life is mine as payment. As for you…you should be more worried about yourself. These are dangerous times we live in.”

  I glanced at Ethen again. His head turned, and the moment he caught sight of Alexei and me, he pushed to his feet. I knew that look—it was the same one he’d worn when he’d rushed to defense against Luke. Hoping to avoid making a scene, I plastered a smile on my face and eased away from the vampire at my throat.

  Alexei’s laughter made my skin crawl. “Oh, and don’t for one moment think I’ve forgotten about that little stunt you pulled on Calix.”

  After a knowing wink, he made his way back to Ethen.

  I followed him back to the table, my pulse roaring in my ears. While Ethen appeared troubled, he didn’t question my newly sullen mood. Instead, his hand found mine beneath the table and gave a reassuring squeeze.

  The rest of the dinner passed in silence for me, my mind only half present as they discussed business. All I wanted was to go home.

  Tessa and I were so screwed.

  Chapter 11

  “Are you going to tell me what exactly happened tonight?”

  The sound of Ethen’s voice resonating through the car startled me. It was the first either of us had spoken since we’d left the restaurant. I shot him a quick glance, then turned back to the window. “Nothing I can’t handle,” I said.

  “Did he proposition you?” His words vibrated with rage.

  “No.” More like threatened me. And Tessa. And hell, everything. Now more than ever, I knew Alexei would never relent. He was hoping for our failure if only to sink his teeth into Tessa. But why wait? If he wanted her, why not take her? Why put her—and subsequently, me—through this charade? Was it all a game to him?

  “You’re frightened,” Ethen pressed.

  Terrified, but I couldn’t admit that aloud. I raked a hand through my hair, feeling the waves settle against my shoulders, and sighed. Tessa and I were completely over our heads, and a large part of me yearned to contact my father. But I’d made a promise, one I refused to break. Tessa might have broken my trust, but I wouldn’t do the same to her. As much as I loathed and distrusted the vampire, Alexei had affirmed the money would suffice. All that remained was for me to fulfill the contract with Ethen, get the money, and pay off Alexei. Afterward, nothing else mattered. I would be free from this responsibility, Tessa would be safe, and Ethen never needed to learn the truth.

  Exhausted, I leaned my head back against the seat.

  Ethen pulled up in front of the gate and parked the car, but rather than open the door, he turned and gave me his full attention. “Winter. What’s wrong? You’re distressed.”

  “Sniffed that out, did you?” I asked, my voice cold.

  His expression flattened, the blue in his eyes burning in the darkness. “If you don’t wish to discuss this, fine, but—”

  “I don’t,” I interrupted. What the hell would I say?

  Frustration tightened his jaw. After a moment’s pause, he opened the door and slid out of the car.

  I dropped my head back against the seat once more. I was fucking everything up. Ethen only wanted to help; I understood that. But there wasn’t much I could tell him, not without admitting everything. And even though he had a right to know, I couldn’t muster the words, couldn’t bring myself to disappoint him. Best he never found out.

  My door swung open, and Ethen waited, his hand waiting outside the car. Annoyed with me, and he still maintained his manners. Why couldn’t Tessa have found a vampire like him instead of that rat bastard, Alexei?

  Our fingers touched, and a jolt of desire shot through my chest.

  Nothing was ever easy. Of course, Tessa had involved herself with a jackass like Alexei. And, of course, I was attracted to the vampire whose money would bail her out. Because that was how the world worked. One slap in the face after another.

  I climbed out of the vehicle and trailed after him into the garden. My mood already morose, this time I didn’t pause to stroke the petals.

  Once we reached the stoop, Ethen turned and faced me with a resolved expression. “If you don’t wish to stay here, I will not hold you to the contract.”

  Baffled, I stared up at him, memorizing his fierce countenance in the moonlight. “What?”

  “You clearly aren’t enjoying yourself. I have no wish to force my presence on you. I know I’m not the most…” He sighed and dragged his fingers through his hair. “I know I have my flaws and that most, if not all, of the courtesans fear me. But I’m not cruel. If you don’t want to be here, I give you leave.”

  “Ethen—”

  “I will contact Madam da Silva, and—”

  “Ethen!”

  He blinked, his mouth snapping shut.

  I climbed the first step of his porch and stared him in the eye. “I don’t want to leave.”

  His lips parted with the intent to speak but instead, I threaded my fingers through his soft hair and brought our mouths together in a passionate kiss. Our first kiss. The moment our tongues touched, colors grew sharper and the air sweeter, as though I’d taken my first fresh breath, and all because of his touch.

  I melted into him, my arms sliding around his neck as I held him close. I’d never felt anything this powerful with anyone else—not that I had much experience. Still, my entire body came alive for him. Without question. There was something about Ethen that heated my blood and made me quiver.

  Breathless, he broke away from our kiss and met my gaze. “Amelia…”

  That was what I wanted to hear. No more Winter, not from him, never again. It was insane that I could feel like this for someone I’d met three nights ago. Yet, here we were, clinging to one another on a darkened stoop, stealing passionate kisses beneath the ivory moonlight.

  He pushed the mussed waves of hair back from my face. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

  I was. Our future was unknown, and I suspected darkness hovered on the precipice, but for the first time, I knew what I wanted. Nothing else mattered. Not right now. Nodding, I closed the distance between us and brushed my lips against his. “I’m sure.”

  Lust flashed through Ethen’s eyes. His nostrils flared before he released a deep, rumbling growl and claimed my mouth in another searing kiss. Every stroke of his tongue kindled within me a desire I’d never known, nor thought possible.

  “Inside,” he commanded in a deep voice.

  The door behind us slammed open, seemingly of its own volition. With a gasp, I whirled around only to find the entryway clear and empty. Not a soul other than us. />
  Ethen’s hands found my waist and he guided me inside. “Apologies,” he rumbled near my ear. “I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

  “You did that? Opened the door?”

  “Part of being a vampire,” he said before turning me and pinning me against the wall. His mouth found the soft skin beneath my ear, and he nibbled his way down my throat.

  It was the first I’d ever heard of a vampire moving things with his mind. I wanted to question him about this power, but he took that moment to rake his fangs against my skin. I shuddered against him, my knees weakening as my mind returned to the night before. Memories flooded me, and I found myself eager to experience it all over again.

  “Not yet,” he murmured, as though sensing the direction of my thoughts. “Blood is like a fine wine. The more I pleasure you, the sweeter you’ll taste. I intend to savor every last drop.”

  Drawing back, he slid down the length of my body until he knelt at my feet. Much like our first night together, his hands delved beneath my dress and removed my shoes. Afterward, I expected him to rise. Instead, he gripped my dress with both hands, and, with a devilish grin, split the material like the Red Sea.

  My laughter caught in my throat when he rose and suddenly hoisted me onto his hips. Then we were moving, faster than physically possible. The house blurred around us as he went, leaving me to cling to him for dear life, and him never pausing to open the doors.

  Thanks to my last experience, I expected him to toss me onto the bed and have his way with me, but I should have known better. Ethen was far from a brute. He lowered me to my feet, his hands sliding down my body.

  “You ruined the dress,” I said with a breathless chuckle.

  “Worth it.”

  With an arched brow, I slid my hands beneath his suit jacket and pushed it off his shoulders. “Except, now I can’t ever wear it for you again.” It wasn’t until the words left my mouth that I realized my mistake. “I mean…”

  “Shh.” He dipped his head and caught my mouth.

  Even though his hands were in my hair, the dress tore higher, the bodice splitting in half and the two pieces falling away from me.

  “Show off,” I rasped.

  Ethen leaned back and stared down at me with a mixture of hunger and adoration. “You’re so beautiful,” he said, his gaze taking in the sight of me nude.