by Elliot Love
Woman, you have me spellbound ... raging with desire 134
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
Give me all you've got, girl, baby, take me higher Speak softly to my heart ... as only you can do Cause, pretty baby ... I am so into you
Speak softly to my heart
When I lay you down so sweet
Tell me, bay-beh ... what I long to hear
Speak softly to my heart ... baby, baby
When I have you oh so near
Your words of love are what I long to hear Speak softly to my heart ... as only you can do Cause, pretty baby, I give all my love to you" Summer was completely aglow by the time he finished singing the song clearly written for her. The hauntingly, sweet melody lingered. Everyone sat quietly for several minutes, mulling it over.
Finally Reece spoke up. "That's fucking awesome. She inspired that?" He looked at the two of them with scrutinizing blue eyes, running a hand through his cropped blonde hair.
"Yeah," Savion replied. He gave her a sexy wink that made her ache for him.
Summer wanted to throw herself into his arms at that very moment, but forced herself to remain composed during her first meeting with the band. Excitement was coursing through her at an unbelievable level. When he had sung, " Give me all you've got, girl, baby, take me higher, " the deep longing in his soulful blue eyes made her heart race. She grasped the hidden message and sensed the time neared for her to return his bite. The thought made her tingle.
135
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
"It's good, Savion ... really good," Miles added from behind the drums. Warm brown eyes smiled from beneath a tossed mop of graying brown curls.
Even Blaze agreed the song was good. "Well, Summer baby, looks as if you've made quite an impression on our man, Savion. Welcome to the clan."
Though his words voiced welcome, she still felt a hidden challenge in his tone. Either way, she didn't worry over it. Savion had just created a musical masterpiece for her. She couldn't be happier.
Blaze gave Savion an inquiring nod. "Is she coming back to Dunalino tonight? We can take these songs back with us and work them out. We've been out here for weeks. I'm ready to head back to the island for some partying. What say the rest of you?"
Reece and Miles nodded in agreement.
Savion consented with a slow grin. "Yeah," he said softly, pausing to look at her. "She's coming with me. I think my baby's ready for Dunalino."
[Back to Table of Contents]
136
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
Sixteen
After leaving the studio, he'd taken her back to the hotel, helped her pack, then suggested she check out. They rode by limousine to a private airstrip where the band was preparing to make way for Dunalino.
Summer eyed the small jet with apprehension. It perched on the runway in the dark like a giant bird waiting to take flight. Her first flying experience had been quite a rush, and the jumbo jet felt sturdy. But this aircraft—as sturdy as it might be seemed rather small for such a long trip. What if it runs out of fuel? She knew next to nothing about machines. Nevertheless, Savion had obviously made the trip before, and she did trust him. The flight crew finished their inspection then boarded the aircraft. A knot in her stomach began to form as Savion led her closer. I can't get on. That plane is too small. It's still a baby! She didn't realize her pace had slowed until Savion gave her a gentle slap on the behind.
"C'mon, babe, get your fine arse on there," he said with a laugh. With one arm draped casually over her shoulders and her carryon bag in his free hand, he ushered her towards the plane.
She sucked in a calming breath as they climbed the metal steps. Her gaze darted nervously behind them when the ground attendants took the stairs away. Trapped! The oval door closed behind them and locked. Her breathing quickened as she struggled to fight off her anxiety. Once inside, she saw 137
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
the entire band sitting with their girlfriends in seats lining both sides of a center aisle, facing each other. Smaller than the commercial jet she'd ridden to L. A., yet well equipped for comfort, the band's plane had a casual feel with a full-service bar in the front corner, oversized love sacks nonchalantly strewn about on the floor and a large screen TV mounted to the rear wall. Quite impressive!
Perhaps this won't be so bad.
"Hey, Summer baby!" Blaze said in greeting. "So you really did decide to come after all. Thought maybe you'd chicken out. Think you can hold your own with us seasoned rock and rollers?"
Great, as if I'm not already on edge. She forced a smug grin in spite of her nervousness. He infuriated her, yet at the same time had begun to grow on her just a bit. Straightforward and arrogant as hell—Blaze still carried a unique charisma that explained why women found him appealing.
"I'll do my best, Blaze. I might surprise you. Country girls are pure, home-grown passion. We learn the natural way ... you know, in the fields and hay. We can wrap ourselves around our man like a well worn blanket." He gave her a studious look. Her continual comebacks to his taunts piqued his curiosity. His failure to unsettle her with blatant remarks proved she was tougher than her little-missinnocent-face let on. Savion had chosen well the woman to be his Senhora Do Sangue. That luscious body and fresh blood
... Blaze felt his sex rise to attention at the notion of having a taste.
138
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
Savion introduced her to the other women as they buckled into their seats. Each greeted her politely but with some reserve, unable to hide their slight jealousy over the newcomer.
Blaze's girlfriend looked her over, wondering if this new addition to their clan would be an asset or a hindrance. Sultry blue eyes. Wild, gold-streaked, blonde tresses tumbling over bare shoulders. Even dressed in Savion's white stage outfit she looked every bit the vixen. A far cry from a demure country girl the guys had portrayed her to be. Though she was not Hollywood skinny like them, her voluptuous figure did not lack appeal. Page had been with Blaze a long time. Not a woman around would refuse an invitation to jump into the bed of the band's lead singer. She couldn't do anything about Blaze's desire for multiple girlfriends. However, as the dominant female in his clique, she did prefer to have a say in who shared her man. She discreetly studied Summer, hoping that she truly loved Savion for all the right reasons and wouldn't fall prey to Blaze's innate charm. Feeling their eyes upon her, Summer pretended not to notice and leaned back in her seat. The plane had begun its taxi. Within minutes she felt the odd sensation of being catapulted into the air.
"Relax," Savion murmured, feeling her nails dig into his palm.
"First time flying?" Blaze asked. "How the hell did you make it all the way to L.A.?"
Not feeling obligated to explain her jitters or that it was only her second experience traveling by plane, Summer gave 139
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
him a demure smile—determined to thwart his attempts to expose her naivety. "I took a bus." Everyone laughed—but not at her. She watched as they directed teasing glances at Blaze. They appeared to like her unexpected wit.
"She's too cute," Page said to Blaze. "We must have her over to our villa for some fun."
Blaze nodded with an agreeable smile. "If we can tear her away from Savion."
Savion smiled with satisfaction. Not only was Summer holding her ground with Blaze, but she also seemed to be winning over the women—notably Page. Having Blaze's leading lady as a friend instead of a competitor would be a major plus. Page had a sweetness all her own and, as the lead singer's first girlfriend, held the respect of subordinate women on the island.
"There will be no tearing her away from Savion," he said lightheartedly.
Page looked up with a wrinkled brow. "Aw, Savion, you used to play. Be
a good sport."
"Sorry, Page. I've waited too bloody long to risk losing her now. And I'm not feeling inclined to share. Perhaps Summer will choose you as her hand-maiden for the ritual." Summer gazed around with wide eyes, listening to the talk over her and the ritual. She began to understand Blaze's undertone when he had challenged her ability to hold her own on Dunalino. It seemed that her greatest challenges still lay ahead. She hoped to prevail and make Savion proud. 140
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
Stealing a subtle look at the petite Page, she admired her polished beauty. The woman's shoulder-length, shiny paleblonde hair was perfectly straight, she had large, cat-like green eyes and her full lips were heavily coated in pale pink lip color. She was thin like a model, in Summer's opinion, wearing a gossamer cropped top that revealed her flat, tanned stomach and contoured her perfectly shaped breasts. A belly button ring sported a shimmering jewel, and she wore a thin rope chain around her waist that hung low, just above the waistline of her flimsy miniskirt.
An unexpected wave of insecurity washed over her as she considered the tropical beauties that must live on Dunalino. No doubt many had cast their eyes on Savion and would not welcome his new woman with kindliness. She'd read stories about rock star groupies and how vicious they could be when competing for the same man.
Once in the air, Savion brought them drinks from the bar, offering Summer a rum and Coke. Everyone left their seats to relax in the huge love-sacks scattered about. Savion pulled Summer onto his lap as they snuggled into a velvety, oversized beanbag chair off to the side for a little privacy. Discreetly Summer studied the other two women. Ciara and Kacie sat across the aisle chatting with their respective boyfriends, Reece and Miles. Both were beautiful, dressed in skirts and skimpy tops with plenty of bling dangling from their thin, seemingly flawless bodies. Their refined appearance made her feel out of place dressed in Savion's clothes. Ciara's short red hair enhanced her lovely, amber-colored eyes. She and Reece made a striking couple, as did Blaze and 141
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
Page. While sipping her rum and Coke, Summer secretly observed Kacie. With a more exotic, natural appearance, she didn't carry the flash as the other two. Quietly nestled against Miles, her long black hair hung down her back in a tight braid. Her dark skin and deep brown eyes led Summer to believe Kacie might be Native American. Their eyes met when Kacie glanced over. For a moment Summer felt awkward, having been caught staring.
However, Kacie smiled warmly and scooted across the floor. "I'm glad Savion finally found true love. Now the family will be complete again."
"Again?" Summer lifted a curious brow.
"Yes. His wife divorced him after we learned about the whole blood-dragon ordeal. She wanted no part of it."
"Kacie..." Savion shot her a cautioning look.
"She was going to find out anyway," Kacie argued.
"Well, I've already given her more than enough to digest. Summer doesn't need to be overburdened with my past personal life. Which, by the way, is of no importance to me anymore."
"I can handle it." Summer touched his hand reassuringly.
"I want to know everything about you." Savion nodded, so Kacie continued.
"It's not much more than you must already know. Savion's wife refused to let him bite her, which rendered him ... er, impotent. All the men suffered nearly the same after-effects, including loss of virility. They were quite ill for many weeks following the attack. When they recovered, the bizarre cravings began. It was by pure accident we discovered that 142
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
by letting them bite our necks, we restored their virility. Months of abstinence can drive you to venture into the unknown."
That's an understatement! Summer thought. Years of virginity had flung her straight into the arms of Savion without hesitation. Never even questioning his motives. She listened intently as Kacie went on. Gradually the others slid their cushy seats closer, forming a half circle around her and Savion.
"Savion could've had any woman on the island. But after Paula left, he decided to go off in search of answers. He blamed himself for our affliction. After almost a year he finally returned and told us the story of Nahtosha. Also, that only a pure woman could ease his suffering—an elite individual willing to take his fate unto her own. A woman like that would have to love him with all of her heart." Kacie paused as if she'd just posed a challenge.
Silence.
Kacie smiled then added, "Savion's scar is the only one that wouldn't fade. As the object of Nahtosha's revenge, he has endured the most torment. We've been waiting a long time for him to find the right woman."
"Yes," Blaze added. "A very long time indeed." Summer remained quiet. Unsure of how many details Savion had released, she didn't want to risk exposing whatever facts he chose to keep secret. She noticed all three women had similar marks on their necks. Some fresher than others.
143
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
"All the females on Dunalino are marked," Kacie said, obviously noticing Summer subtly checking them out. "We are never forced to do anything. But if a woman wants to stay on the island, she must accept a mate and his bite or is asked to leave. Once crossing that plane she may stay forever even if she never bites him back. Nevertheless, she must always allow her mate to feed."
"Sounds fair." Summer smiled in agreement. She didn't blame the men for their one condition. It would be sheer hell for them living on a remote island with gorgeous women and not being able to make love. Moreover, why would any hotblooded female want to live with these handsome men without bedding them? Summer concluded that the stipulation seemed fair for everyone choosing to cohabitate on Dunalino. Her excitement mounted over reigning at Savion's side.
"Where are you from, Summer?" asked Page.
"Back east."
"Were you married?" Ciara finally broke into the conversation. She had been quietly observing Summer with scrutinizing eyes.
"Yes, I was married to an extremely wealthy, powerful man."
Ciara inched closer. "Like some old tycoon? You strike me as a kept woman."
Summer raised her eyebrows, surprised by the comment. Savion gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Something like that," Summer replied. "He didn't permit me to have any independence."
144
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
"Oh, I've heard of men like him," she said, nodding her head while stabbing at the fruit in her glass with a plastic pick. "Rich old men who keep their wives locked up like some kind of trophy."
Summer shifted uncomfortably. The probing questions touched too close to home.
"So..." Ciara continued. "How'd you get away?" Summer glanced at Savion. He gave her a wink, sending shivers over her skin. Tell her the truth.
"He killed himself." Summer met Ciara's shocked expression without flinching. "And please ... don't say you're sorry. Because I'm not."
"Whoa, Summer baby." Blaze laughed outright. "There is more to you than meets the eye."
"Stop drooling." Page shot him a fiery look. Blaze sat back with a cocky grin. Page offered Summer a gracious smile, setting her at ease over the intense conversation. The others didn't appear overly concerned with Summer's past, for which she was grateful. With the initial getting-acquainted formality over, the band settled into jovial conversation, mostly about concerts, record deals and parties on the island. As the conversation began to wane, Savion put a movie in a DVD player and they sat back to enjoy visual entertainment for the rest of the flight. Hours later Blaze stood up, set his drink at the bar then buckled into his seat. "We'll be landing soon." Everyone followed his lead and buckled themselves in. By the time their plane touched down Summer felt somewhat more comfortable with the other women. She inwardly 145
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
deemed Kacie the most grounded. Ciara was clearly the nosiest and possibly overbearing. She made a mental note to keep an eye on her. And Page—definitely her favorite so far. Bright, friendly and charming, with a natural element of class that matched her appearance. Summer felt they'd clicked from the start.
"When is the big night?" Blaze asked out of the blue as they were exiting the plane.
"When she's ready," Savion said glancing back, looking very nonchalant.
"No need to rush." Blaze placed a hand on Summer's shoulder. "Let her enjoy the island and its perks before having her take the plunge."
Savion pushed Blaze's hand away, then wrapped his arm around her. "I'll decide when my woman is ready." Blaze gave Summer a once over. "What's with the clothes?
I thought you auctioned those old rags off for charity." Savion hedged the question, sensing Blaze was honing in. Apparently Blaze had seen the auctions, which didn't surprise him. He knew Blaze had been lurking for information on how to find her—keeping a watchful eye in hope of sneaking under Savion's radar once the elusive woman came into being. He'd always sensed Blaze as the strongest threat and had no doubt that Mirror Image's lead singer wouldn't hesitate to make a grab for Summer.
"Time to unpack. We're home." Savion refused to let Blaze find inroads.
146
Savvy My Heart: Love Bites
by Elliot Love
The two men briefly stared each other down. Blaze tried to steal Savion's thoughts but had no luck. Savion smirked before walking away with Summer on his arm. Savion was on high alert, and Blaze realized he'd have a tough time getting close enough to Summer for a stolen taste of her blood—and maybe something else if circumstance fell to his favor. He was no fool, though, and recognized Savion's deliberate intent to draw attention away from the clothes. Blaze knew that whatever Savion used to find Summer would serve to protect their bond until the consummation celebration.
Obviously, Summer already possessed a high level of energy by the way Page had been drawn to her. His number one girlfriend rarely warmed up to other women with such ease. She cracked the whip on Dunalino to keep the new females in line. Page's open invitation for Summer to join them had taken him by surprise. Summer already exhibited the incredible sensuality rumored to exist in the chosen one—