by Elliot Love
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
Her blood-dragon lover killed a man with the power of his mind. No wonder I've been feeling all these changes. He possesses staggering power.
A swarm of mixed emotions swirled around in her mind. The reality of his mystical world began to reach full force. She had bitten a man, taken his blood and now he was dead. Yet she hadn't been the cause of his demise. This strikingly gorgeous rock star she'd loved in her idyllic fantasies possessed a dark side. Amid the sweet talk and sensual lovebites lurked a man more dangerous than she would have ever dreamed possible. His outward charisma easily concealed the internal ferocity. Regardless, she still loved him more than anything. Deep in her soul she knew he'd never hurt her. Trey'd had plenty of warning. Yet, even after Savion's brutal beating and verbal threat, he still chose to interfere. He deserved everything he got—even this. One less despicable man to deal with.
That's right, Summer. Always trust the man who saved you.
I know, Nahtosha ... I will.
* * * *
Somehow Summer managed to get through the rest of the day without falling apart. No doubt Savion's presence had held her together. She could only imagine how bad her day would've been if Savion hadn't been there. His calm, cool character saved her from Dori and Trey's intrusion into her personal life. What right does she have to determine how I 97
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should live? She's never been a real sister to me. Only some distant figure born of the same parents. She stood with Savion waiting for the attendees to filter out. Many stopped to offer their condolences. Some expressed their sorrow over Trey. Nothing seemed to unnerve Savion. Even Dori's frequent glares failed to shake his composure.
When the last of the guests had finally gone, Dori marched over to them and got right in Savion's face, poking at the air with her finger.
"I know you had something to do with Trey's death, you evil monster," she said for only them to hear. "Just watch your back, Mister Rock Star. Her husband is on his way as we speak. He'll never let Summer run off with you. He's a powerful man."
A wry grin curved Savion's perfect lips. "Be careful who you point that finger at, little miss. Someone might ... bite ... it off."
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Twelve
Savion escorted Summer via limousine to a cozy, upscale restaurant for a late-evening dinner. It had been a trying day, and he wanted to help her unwind and forget about her boorish relatives that she'd most likely never see again. He had no fear of Dori's threat. Even if Eric did show up, he'd not stand a chance in hell of taking Summer away. Not now. Not ever.
His invitation to dine out couldn't have been more welcome. Summer had gratefully accepted without hesitation. A maître d' led them to a private booth in the back of the room, then took their drink orders.
"Is your whole band in town, or did you come alone?" she asked as they prepared to order from a menu.
"We're all here working out of Blaze's studio right now. We live in L.A. when not on Dunalino. The timing of your trip is impeccable. You made it easy for us to be alone."
"You didn't have anything to do with..." He put a finger to her lips. "Never. I would never harm an innocent woman. Your mother's passing was purely by fate, my sweet."
She smiled with relief. He read her so easily. A waiter approached the table with their drinks, his gaze sliding over Summer, who sat gracefully in her silky blue dress. Savion kept a watchful eye on the server as he placed the drinks on napkins before slowly walking away. Summer appeared oblivious to the effect her increased sensuality was already 99
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having on the men in her proximity. It was clear she was unaware that since receiving his first bite one of the transitions included heightened sex appeal—something that would grow each time he tasted her blood.
Some men openly gawked while others stole secret glances, drawn to her by an unseen force. Savion delighted in their reactions to his new woman, knowing how much they wanted what belonged to him. She would be a sure-fire attraction on Dunalino—this he knew for certain. Only one man posed a threat to their ultimate consummation, and that man was Blaze, the lead singer of their band.
Savion wondered if Blaze had learned about her yet, or of the means by which he had found such a treasure. Blaze had been snooping around for information on how to find the Senhora Do Sangue or fine points on what she might look like. But Savion had taken great lengths to keep hidden those specific details given him by the old man. His fellow bandmates didn't need to know everything. They seemed happy enough enjoying the private pleasures on Dunalino. However, Summer would need to know about the power in those stage clothes in order to protect the bond already strengthening between them. She had already become instinctively protective over the garments as demonstrated during her scuffle with Trey.
His gaze drifted over her as she studied the menu. Bloody hell, I want her right now! With an arm draped casually over her shoulders, he leaned into her and peeked down her neckline to admire the sexy cleavage.
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"Decide what you want yet?" he whispered close to her ear before lightly biting her lobe. In the dimly lit corner nobody could see his hand drop over her shoulder. Or his fingertips trail lightly over her breast.
She sighed at his discreet caress, feeling suddenly very warm. "I'll have the prime rib ... rare ... and I mean just seared on each side."
"Feeling carnivorous this evening, love?" he teased. A smile touched her lips over finding it very difficult to speak, with him moving in on her—in public yet! How deliciously wicked he is! She sucked in a deep breath, forcing herself to maintain composure as his other hand moved along her thigh beneath the table.
Even as the waiter stood before them, Savion continued his loving caresses while he gave him their order. Summer stared into Savion's hot gaze after the young man left their table. She didn't want anyone else to see the expression of pleasure on her face. Public affection had been taboo in her old life. Eric had never permitted it. His socialite friends had felt the same—never giving so much as a kiss to their man in front of others. If only those old crows could see me now!
He lowered his head and spoke quietly. "Every man in this room wants you. Your scent is irresistible. I'd love to bite your sweet neck right here and now."
His lips caught hers before she could object. She sighed delightfully as his tongue explored and tasted her luscious mouth. Her old ways needed to be vanquished before going to Dunalino. Savion felt eyes upon them but didn't care. Her body relaxed against his. A definite indication that he had 101
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acquired her complete submission. Slowly his mouth left hers, kissing his way to her ear, then dipped lower.
"Relax," he whispered, and felt her shudder. She let her head lean back into the soft leather backing of their seat. With one arm coiled possessively around her shoulders and a hand on her thigh, he arched his neck to bite the opposite side of hers—therefore, concealing her face from public view. She let out a tiny whimper, then a gasp, before the heady taste of her blood filled his mouth. Instantly her essence mingled with his. A commanding jolt of sensuality snowed him under, delivering an incredible high. She trembled in his embrace as he tenderly sucked her neck. Savion didn't let up until feeling her release. Summer had a vise-grip on his arm beneath the table. Her nails pierced the skin as her body erupted into what he knew must be one hell of an awesome climax.
Summer wanted to scream. Scorching heat blazed through her core, making her writhe in the booth, pinned beneath his hard body. Silky hair hung over her face as he leaned over her. Dominating every fiber of her being. Permeating her senses
with his aura. She gasped for air. How dare my body defy me in public! Yet nothing in her could've resisted him. When the overpowering spasms subsided, she released her hold on his arm to slide her hands into his gorgeous blonde hair.
"Very sweet." His lips brushed her neck as he spoke in a low whisper. "Your surrender to me is oh so sweet." 102
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He kissed her tenderly, lingering for a few short kisses before pulling away. His eyes searched hers. She looked hotter than hell.
"I'm in love with you, Summer," he whispered. "Bay-beh, I love you."
She stared back at him, awestruck, her lips softly parted.
"Savion ... I love you too."
A beguiling smile swept his face. She couldn't look anywhere but into his captivating eyes. Nor did she want to.
"Well, well ... what have we here, mate?" a commanding voice interrupted their intimate moment.
Savion glanced up with a Cheshire grin. "Hey, Blaze, what are you doing here? Where's your date? Surely you didn't come alone with so many lovelies to choose from." Blaze replied in a thick British accent. "Aye, she's in the loo. We popped in for a bite and a pint. Looks like you've been holding out on us. Who's the babe?" Summer felt her face flush with heat, having been caught in a very private moment by a stranger. She gave Blaze a quick once over. Long blonde hair hung straight, several inches past his shoulders, not in stylish layers as Savion's but rather in lank strands. He stood very tall with long arms and legs, dressed completely in black: leather trench coat, trousers and silk button-down shirt.
Like Savion, he possessed strong charisma, but not the kind that attracted her. Blaze emanated a raw sexual charisma that felt intimidating. His icy green eyes studied her intently, making her feel a bit uneasy. Instinctively she snuggled closer to Savion.
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Blaze took a seat on a chair opposite them. "Oh, I see." He immediately picked up on the closeness between them.
"You've already taken the wench, 'aven't you?"
"All's fair," was Savion's cool reply. He glanced at Summer, then nodded towards Blaze. "Summer ... meet Blaze. You'll get used to him ... maybe."
Blaze reached out with a long arm to brazenly move her long braid aside, but Savion blocked his touch with a swift upward movement of his hand. Their eyes locked briefly.
"And you've marked her as well." Blaze shot him a perturbed look. "Breakin' all the rules now, are we?"
"You know what they say about rules."
"We'll just see how she holds out on Dunalino then." And with that Blaze pushed off his chair, said farewell to them and vanished into the crowd.
Summer tried to see where he had gone or perhaps what his lady looked like, but he simply disappeared. His visit left her with more questions.
"Where did he go?" She glanced around. "He sounds angry."
Savion softly kissed her cheek while his eyes followed Blaze into the mass of people. Though Summer had lost track of him, Savion hadn't. The power struggle between the two men had created heightened awareness between them.
"Don't worry, I'll protect you." He turned his eyes back to her. "Now that he knows about you, there is more I need to tell you."
She stared into his eyes expectantly, waiting patiently for more details surrounding this mysteriously irresistible man. 104
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The waiter returned with their food, placed it on the table, then hurried away. Summer noticed he seemed a bit uneasy. Perhaps Blaze's abrupt appearance unsettled him too. As they ate and chatted, Savion seized this private time with her; he had things that needed to be said.
"It won't take Blaze long to put it all together and figure out how I found you. There's a bit more to the auctions than you realize."
"They helped us meet, right?"
He nodded. "But not by chance as you thought. I set up the auctions to find the right woman. I believed ... that if the virginal woman the old man spoke of existed, my only chance of finding her was by sending something especially personal of my own into the universe. So I gave Dustin nine pieces of my wardrobe to list—stage clothes that held the best memories for me—hoping that the elusive woman said to exist would see them and win at least one. Imagine my shock when Dustin told me that one woman won four! I had to have you, Summer. Forgive me for dragging you into this."
"You don't need forgiveness. Remember, I willingly gave myself to you." She touched his face affectionately. "Is there more?"
He laced the fingers of one hand with hers. "There is."
"Please explain the connection then ... with the clothes."
"Until you receive my blood, the strength of our bond is in the outfit you chose to wear that afternoon ... the day I bit you for the first time. It was up to you as to which items would hold the power."
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"My favorite garments of yours became charmed because they carry the most energy."
"Yes. When you put them on a tangible pathway opened, enabling me to physically come to you." Her unflinching gaze impressed him, as did her astounding intuition. No fear in her. Just sheer wonder. She was utterly captivating, staring into his soul with those sultry blue eyes. A bigger picture began to unfold. He started to believe that they'd been traveling the same wavelength for a very long time—as if Nahtosha, herself, had guided their destiny to this very day. Savion had believed he was the first element in the venomous sea-creature's plan. However, Summer's fervent acceptance of his bite and everything surrounding it blew him away.
Surely, Nahtosha had set her sights on Summer long ago, as the chosen woman to fulfill her plan.
"You never cease to amaze me, Summer. I swooped into your life, bit your neck, bound you to an undisclosed immortal fate, and you simply take it all in stride. As if you've been prepared for this entire ordeal."
"My whole life has been an ordeal." She let out a short, soft laugh. "You offer me a new kind of freedom. I've loved you in my dreams for so long ... sometimes I think I'll awake to discover this has been just one more." He sensed she felt suspended between reality and fantasy.
"I hope that when you realize this is the real deal and we are bound forever ... you still feel free." Her eyes sparkled as she gazed up at him. "Forever with you suits me just fine. You are my freedom." 106
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"My appearance in your dream was to see if you fit the description given me by the pious old man. Then my spirits sank when I saw you were married. But when your heart cried out to mine, I knew you were the woman I've been searching for." He lifted her hand, kissing her fingertips. "I'm so glad I came back for you, my love."
"So am I," she said with a soft smile. "I never want to be without you."
"Blaze will be looking for what we used to establish our connection. Knowing him as I do, he will be the most likely man to make a power play. Even though he has several girlfriends, Blaze prides himself on his reputation as a ladies'
man. I think fame has gone to his head." His expression deepened. "We must guard the auction clothes until our consummation ceremony. I've noticed that you've already developed a heightened sense of possessiveness over the garments."
"They make me feel close to you."
"I know, my sweet. And when you cry out to me I hear your call because of that constant link between us." Summer pondered his words while they sipped drinks and finished their meals. Everything he said lined up with all the strange feelings she'd been having: her automatic reaction to keep Trey from taking her precious backpack and its contents; the overwhelming sensuality experienced when wearing Savion's clothes. Now she finally understood the phenomenon behind the elite white vest and designer jeans. Yet, her new life was just beginning to take form.
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Thirteen
"Tomorrow I need to check in with the band. I know Blaze makes you uneasy, but would you like to accompany me to the studio anyway?" Savion glanced around her hotel suite as they walked in. Everything seemed in order.
"I'll come with you. Blaze might try to shake me up, but I've dealt with impossible men all my life. I won't let him get to me." Summer headed straight for her backpack to check on the clothes. "I guess the best way to protect these is by wearing them."
"Hmm, I sure will miss looking at those bare, sexy legs." He winked mischievously.
"Well," she began with a flirtatious smile, slipping her shoes off, "I don't have to wear anything when I'm with you. I feel unbelievably safe in your arms." She reached into the bag and began rooting around.
Her response pleased him. Dunalino would present many challenges, and he was happy to hear the determination in her voice.
"What are you looking for, love?" Summer pulled out a purple guitar pick. "This!" She held it up for him to see. "I wanted to make sure I didn't lose it. I never got a chance to thank Dustin for the bonus items." Savion stretched out on the sofa, patting the cushion as an invitation for her to join him.
"No need. He did what he was told." 108
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She sat down beside him, flipping the pick between her fingers. The name "Sav" had been signed on the back in black ink.
"Is this how you sign your name?"
"Sometimes. It was a bit hard to fit 'Savion' on that little pick. What made you bring it with you?" He looked up at her with a curious smile.
"I found it exceptionally intriguing and tucked it into the jeans when I first put them on. Everything happened so quickly after that. When I found out I'd be flying to Los Angeles the next morning, there was barely time to see Eric off for his business trip let alone pack for myself. I grabbed some favorite clothes and of course the ones from you. I didn't have much time to think. This special memento came along for the ride. I'm so relieved that I didn't lose it. I remember thinking about the many songs you must've played using this little thing."