Honeymoon Bite (Golden Vampires of Tuscany)

by Sharon Hamilton

  She brought them to her apartment. It was clear she was a pro. Her place looked more like a seduction stage than a living space. She offered them the use of her full bar. She didn’t ask for money. Robert didn’t know what had been agreed on, but Gary was the expert with call girls.

  They each took a long necked beer from her refrigerator and popped them open. They sat on her command and watched as she peeled off the layers of her clothing. They were both squirming in their seats, eyes lapping up the scene.

  When she stood before them, almost naked, her perfectly formed breasts of double D variety staring straight out them, she undulated her narrow waist and started to slip down a black thong panty, moving her hips from side to side in a figure eight pattern. Robert noticed she looked directly at him. She leaned forward to remove the little article from her ankles, her breasts full and extended towards him. Gary was enjoying the view from the back just as well. He stood, then came behind her and rubbed against her ass through his pants.

  She rose up and leaned back against him, but her gaze stayed on Robert. Gary’s hands were all over her chest, squeezing her breasts. Her heavy breathing and that dark stabbing stare at his groin told him she was becoming aroused. She licked her red lips with the tip of her tongue, her eyes still pinned to Robert.

  Then she turned and kissed Gary. Robert saw Gary’s hands on her white bottom, his fingers dimpling her skin. She looked over her shoulder at Robert before she reached down and caressed Gary’s member through his pants.

  Robert felt drawn into her like a moth to the flame. Something told him he was about to have the greatest sex of his life. He never liked the truly bad girls. This would be his first. He sensed he would never be the same afterwards.

  She parted from Gary and reached out her hand, the red fingernail polish shimmering. It matched her toes. It matched the red of her tight nipples. It matched her wet lips. Robert grasped her fingers like they were a lifeline. She walked to the bedroom, hooking Robert behind. They left Gary in the other room. Robert didn’t even look up to see if this was okay with him.

  Everything in her room was red. She clicked a little black device and some sultry music began to play, laced in with some kind of Gregorian chant. There were candles lit everywhere that seemed to come on with a flick of her fingers. He knew he was about to have a full-on religious experience.

  She dropped his hand and leaned against the door. With a click, it locked. “You’re the one I wanted,” she said.

  “Well that suits me just fine.” Not sure why it mattered, he asked her, “And what do I call you?”

  “Maya.”

  Robert thought to himself. Three hits. Thank God it’s a hit, not an out. The girl knew how to treat a guy right. She didn’t even ask him about his neck, or look at it once. He realized just before his lips covered hers that at last his day was looking up.

  Chapter 14

  The next morning, Marcus was out in the vineyard inspecting his grapes when Maya suddenly traced behind him. She leaned against him, then threaded her arms around his chest, squeezing her breasts against his back. At first he startled, then willed himself to relax a bit, not wanting her to see how uneasy he was around her. She had not used the formal protocol of asking if she could visit. She had just appeared.

  “Marcus, have you no space in your heart for me? For our son?”

  He turned to look at her face, which was beautiful as ever. Her generous bosoms were heaving. They were hard to miss. He unpeeled her arms from his around waist. He was trying to be gentle, calm, but everything about her spelled danger. He remembered their bedding, how he never could lose command of his faculties out of fear of her. It was intensely sexual, their relationship, but he couldn’t say it was very pleasant. And he couldn’t feel love for her, although he had tried, for the sake of the boy.

  “How is Lucius?” It was about the only subject he could discuss with her openly.

  She sighed, twirling a lock of hair between her fingers. “He’s fine. But his mother is hungry. Hungry for a real man’s touch on her flesh. Hungry for his love, for his bite. Only one man can do that for me.” She flashed her gaze up to meet his.

  Maya was about Anne’s size, only a darker version of Anne. He had always been attracted to shorter women, but only if they were powerful. This woman was too powerful for him. And there would be no other women now that Anne had appeared in his life.

  “Who tends to him when you are . . . traveling?”

  “My mother. And I’m not traveling. I’ve taken an apartment in town, not that it makes much difference. The month is up and you’ve not claimed her, so I thought we could explore our way to getting you fated, perhaps experience being a family.” She sauntered back up to him.

  She was very good, he noticed. He would not deny he was getting aroused. That body would arouse anything living. But he knew he could control any urge she would throw his way. Before she could toss her arms around him and lock onto his lips, something they had done hundreds of times over the years, he stopped her. “I am not comfortable with you here. You didn’t announce. You can’t just appear. We are not fated, and we never will be.”

  Maya frowned, twisting her head to the side. She crossed her arms and quickly pulled off her red satin top, revealing a lacy red bra she would never need. He knew it was for him. He had a fondness for fancy underwear on his women and she delighted in showing them to him any chance she got. He stood there looking at her and noticed his arousal did not deepen. This was not love. This was lust. Small compared to the feelings he had for Anne.

  “You have no effect on me. Cover yourself up. This is why you are not welcome here.” He turned and began walking up to the house. She followed him.

  She traced in front of him, her shoulders glowing in the morning sun. “You said you would try. You aren’t giving us much of a chance. Come on, Marcus.” She walked to him and let the tips of her nipples that showed through the red sheer fabric rub against his shirt. “Can’t you try just a little bit for the both of us? For Lucius’s sake?” She rubbed her hand against Marcus’s pants. “No need to hold yourself back. All can be forgiven.” She rubbed her mound against his bulge. “All can be as it was before. Remember, Marcus, how right we were together? Don’t you miss those days?” She leaned into him further and raised her lips, but he pushed her away in disgust.

  “Get out, or I will tell the council.”

  “The council will be told you are not even trying to fate me. They will be none too pleased with my report.”

  “I am pursuing the honorable path, doing what I think is best. You must not interfere. You are bridled.”

  “Yes, I must keep my distance from the woman. But I can’t stay away from you. Would you be able to stay away from her, Marcus? That’s how I feel.”

  “Your decision to move to Healdsburg is a bad sign.”

  “Yes, it is. I don’t like to be turned down. I don’t lose gracefully. You know this. I can wreak a lot of havoc. But if you were willing, and a little compliant . . .” She started moving towards him again.

  “Then I will ask for an injunction. I’ll get it, Maya. They’ll let me have this.”

  “Very well.” She walked away, backwards. She waved her fingers, then disappeared.

  Marcus was worried for Anne’s safety, even though Maya had been bridled. He hoped Maya had enough sense not to go against the council’s wishes.

  He spent the rest of the morning doing chores. Hard work helped him think. He worked on one of his tractors, then experimented with the sugar content of the fruit at the ridge overlooking his villa. Harvest would be soon, and he was ready. He hoped there wouldn’t be a late rain. The conditions this fall had been perfect.

  He went into the kitchen refrigerator and drank the procured blood from the blood bank.

  He sat on the stone balcony that overlooked the valley floor and thought of Anne. He could see the very spot he had laid the blanket down, where she had drunk from him. He did this on purpose. He wanted to see the site ev
ery morning of every day he stayed here. He was going to take the grapes that surrounded the little area and make his own special wine. He wanted to drink from the fruit that had watched their love blossom for each other. That elixir would be priceless.

  He entered his bedroom chambers, through ornately carved oak doors. When he had bought the property, he had decorated the house with her in mind. There was a pink marble-topped vanity that was hundreds of years old, probably older than he was. He had bought a gold mirror and brush set and which sat on the top of the vanity, waiting for their mistress to come and use them. He touched the engraved letters AM, for Analise Monteleone, the name he would call her, the name he would use when he claimed her. She would have his family’s name and would bear his children here, overlooking the vineyard and the place where she had first tasted her fated love.

  He eased himself down in the rose colored high-backed chair in the corner, and with his elbow on the chair arm, he rested his fingers at the side of his cheekbones. Anne hadn’t called him last night and he missed her, so he traced to her bed and watched her sleeping.

  Like a sentinel, he watched her rest, making sure her sleep was uninterrupted. He watched the reflection of moonlight against the flowers in her bedroom wallpaper. Fog covered the street and blurred the dull light from the corner streetlamp. Her face was smooth as alabaster, a light blush at her cheeks. Her lips formed a smile as he kissed them softly, being careful not to awaken her. Did she sense he was watching over her? Was she having any second thoughts about sending Robert away? Had Maya contacted her at all? Her body was getting used to his blood, to the fating that would surely take place soon. So he waited, certain it would be any time now. As she rose to the bright yellow sunlight, he left her to her morning routine.

  Anne had gone back to bed after the scene with Robert and slept until the next morning. She hadn’t slept this deep in months, but suspected the evening before with Marcus and the fight with Robert had something to do with how soundly she had slept. Her dreams had been vivid, sensual. Marcus had been everywhere around her, kissing every inch of her body. They had flown through the night sky to the temple. They had made love over and over again in rooms she had never been in before. Big rooms, with beautiful views of ocean and greenery. Her dreams felt like visions of her future spread out before her.

  Only thing stopping that future was Robert. His refusal to release her would delay the mating ritual she so desperately wanted with Marcus. What a time for Robert to finally come to his senses, even though too late. What would have happened had Robert realized his flaws earlier in the year and had made reparations? She might not have been so attracted to Marcus.

  Somehow, that was not a logical thought. Loving him was the most natural thing in the universe. And for once, she was ecstatic to know she would live forever.

  Yesterday, she’d almost thrown all Robert’s things out on the front porch but had stopped herself. She wanted him out of her life but didn’t need to punish him or destroy his possessions. She didn’t want to be cruel. Cruelty wouldn’t get her the desired result, especially if it made him fight the release she needed.

  She stretched, still wrapped in her fuzzy robe, naked underneath. She felt groggy but wonderful. She wished Marcus were here with her. She was hungry. She decided to shower and then give him a call.

  As she was rubbing herself dry, she noticed blood left behind on the towel. She looked all over her body for an errant bite she hadn’t noticed. Then she felt the dullness in her lower belly. Cramps. She was bleeding.

  She looked at the pinkish red stain again. Not a lot of blood, but something she hadn’t seen in two months, ever since the rehearsal dinner. She wondered if that meant she was fertile. Thank God nothing was wrong with her. She couldn’t possibly be pregnant since she hadn’t had sex since before the wedding. But now perhaps she could get pregnant.

  She brought her phone to bed with her and pushed the number. Marcus’s instant response told her he had been waiting for her call. After he greeted her, she said, “I sent Robert away with some of his things. But he wants to work it out. He wouldn’t release me.”

  “I see.”

  “I feel sorry for him, but my mind’s made up. Can I come stay with you while he moves his things out? I just don’t want to be around him.”

  “I’d rather you asked it another way.”

  “You and your questions. I can’t believe I’ve only known you for a few days. Can you come over here?”

  “Not safe, Anne.”

  “Why do you say that?” Anne could tell something had shifted. “Is there some kind of bad news?”

  “No. I must wait for an appointment with the council. I’ve requested it, but there are more pressing matters.”

  “I thought you said . . .”

  “Patience. Plus the fact that every time we are together it is all I can do to keep from . . .”

  “Why can’t I come over there? I need you now. I’m starving. Are you on the other side of the world or something?”

  “No, I’m right here.”

  She looked up to see him standing at the foot of her bed. She threw herself into his arms. The pink robe opened up the front to expose her breasts to his hands, and then his lips. He pressed her down and peeled back the robe as slowly as he could, as if she was some fragile china doll. She watched with greedy eyes, her breasts moving up and down from her heavy breathing. The muscles between her legs twitched. He kissed her hip, her bellybutton. He kissed down her stomach, moving lower and lower until he was at her puffy, hairless lips. She inhaled as he extended his tongue and licked her sex.

  He grew tense and sat up. “You bleed.”

  “Yes, I noticed that this morning. It’s the first time in almost two months. She watched him as he thought. “Is this a bad thing, Marcus? I mean, you said . . .”

  He was serious now. “Get yourself packed. I think I have a solution to your problem about staying here.”

  “We’re going to your place?”

  “No, I have to go somewhere. You are coming with me, if you are willing.”

  He smiled as she squealed with delight and writhed on the bed. Going on a trip with Marcus, just the two of them. How exciting.

  He was next to her in an instant, his mouth covering hers. He rolled to his back, pulling her naked body over him. He tugged his shirt away at the collar, exposing his jugular. “We haven’t much time. Feed. Then pack your things and meet me at Starbucks, as soon as you can, okay?”

  She nodded, then popped his buttons off, laid her breasts against his bare skin, and dug her fangs into his neck. They both groaned. She took him fiercely, needing to feel his blood course through her. Marcus laughed until he cried.

  She spotted Marcus’s long, lanky form while he leaned against the Ferrari, a cappuccino balanced in one hand. She parked the bomber by itself in a deserted area, not knowing how long they would be gone. She wanted to protect the car.

  She wasn’t going to kiss Marcus and make a scene, but she saw in his eyes that he expected some display, so she ran headlong into him, causing him to juggle the coffee without spilling it on either of them or the car. He felt warm and hard for her. His dark eyes smiled at the corners all the time now. It was thrilling to see him so happy and to know she was partially the cause.

  “You going to teach me how to trace with baggage?” she asked as she sunk into the Ferrari’s leather seat. He slammed the door and quickly came around to the driver’s side. He got in and leaned over, then planted a quick kiss on her lips.

  “No, we’re flying this time. I have things I have to bring as well.”

  The Ferrari kicked in and her head slammed into the headrest, something she was quickly getting used to.

  “Don’t you ever drive slowly?”

  “Why?”

  They both laughed. Instead of heading to San Francisco to the big airport there, they drove up 101 to the Sonoma County Airport. They parked the black beast and were greeted by a short man in a pilot’s uniform, who gesture
d for them to follow. He knew Marcus.

  “No ticket?” she asked.

  “Not when you own the plane.”

  Anne raised her eyebrows up, impressed.

  Marcus leaned into her. “There are things you can do on a jet you can’t do when you trace.”

  “Oh.” Another new experience.

  All by itself, a sleek white jet stood on the runway. They headed straight for it. A cabin steward who asked if they wanted something to drink greeted them.

  “A little red wine, I think, or would you like champagne? I have an excellent Merlot Champagne, gorgeous color.” Marcus was waiting for her answer. Anne had always loved champagne. She had not had any since her wedding day.

  “Is it okay to have alcohol?”

  “Sure, as long as you don’t have too much.” Marcus took her arm and led her to the back as the steward dispatched to get the glasses and the bubbly. There was a desk with computer console and telephone, a combination printer/fax machine, and swivel lounge chairs done in butter frosting white that had the smoothest grain of leather she had ever felt. He took her hand and showed her a full bathroom with shower and double vanity. Two fluffy white robes with an M emblem on the breast pocket lay at the lip of a substantial tub. Anne’s eyes grew wide as she looked over everything.

  Marcus grabbed her hand and took her to the very back, which was a bedroom. He pulled her to him with a huge hand around her waist, hungry for her. She always felt he was hungry for her. She wanted to do nothing else but please him and give him back her love in return.

  His mouth covered hers. He knelt before her and pulled up her top. He kissed her stomach, his long fingers reaching under her bra. She took her top off and showed him the black piece she had bought at Victoria’s Secret.