Tempted

by Anthony, Alexandra

  Once again, we'd reached an uneasy standoff but it had nothing to do with our feelings.

  Then again, nothing had ever been easy between us. From our first days together, I’d fought our attraction and Nick had fought his inner demons to think he deserved happiness. Even our admittance of love was hard-fought. Neither of us wanted to be the weak one, to show that we cared. Our love had been an unspoken presence, but now that the emotional floodgate had opened, neither of us was prepared for the rush of new emotions we were feeling. It was overwhelming and strange.

  Nick was unsure of himself now that he was officially in love. Since we’d both come clean, he seemed to be questioning everything. Watching him play his guitar and the way it had put him at ease was utterly sexy. His body was beautiful with his flexing muscles and flawless grace.

  Now he was an arms length away, towering over me. His carnal eyes locked with mine as his mouth parted slightly, his tongue swiping across his bottom lip. It took all I had to hold in the moan of want as I watched him, but it all flew out the window when one long finger curled, beckoning me to come closer.

  "Love..." His voice wandered off. He opened his arms, his expressive brown eyes begging for understanding. They said the things he couldn’t. They told me that he loved me. And he was terrified that at any moment I’d slip away.

  If only it was that easy. I was in so deep there was no way I could leave him now.

  I rushed at him, falling against his hard chest. His arms lifted me effortlessly, tossing me over his shoulder. He moved us quickly into his bedroom and gently dropped me in the middle of the bed. With catlike grace, he crawled towards me until he had me backed into the headboard, his soft mouth capturing mine in a kiss. It started off gently but increased in its power. Our tongues tangled together desperately as his hand drifted to cup my breast. When he lifted his mouth from mine, I was breathless.

  "For the first time, I don’t know what to do. I can't put into words what you do to me. I didn't think it was possible to feel this much." His voice shook as he spoke, his eyes glowing so brightly they seemed lit from within.

  Reaching a hand to caress his face, my fingers brushed over his jaw and neck. "Nick, you don't have to play the romantic hero with me. I know how you feel."

  A glimmer of hurt flashed across his handsome face and his lips tightened into a thin line. "I know I don't have to romance you. That’s not you, Savannah. I want to tell you how much I love you." He grabbed my hand and placed it against his silent chest. "When I touch you, I feel human even if only for a second."

  Wide eyed, I could only listen to his impassioned words. Who wouldn't want to hear a gorgeous, sexy man declare their love to them? Even as new as it was to me, I was spellbound by his admission.

  He plowed on. "So I'm telling you I love you. And I fucking need you. I want you here with me, Savannah. I don’t want us to be apart. Ever."

  I almost launched off the bed to wrap an arm around his muscled shoulders, bringing our faces inches apart. When I opened my mouth to talk, our lips met instead. His gentle hands held my face, securing me to him. I could feel the emotion in his kiss. We'd been together for weeks, but now everything was different. We were in love.

  Realization dawned on me through the haze of lust. He was desperate for reassurance that I loved him and needed him. And I could tell he hated every second of his neediness. I was willing to bet he thought love was a weakness.

  For some reason, it only made me love him more. He was my beautifully flawed dark angel.

  Before I lost my nerve, I pushed him back and climbed astride him. My fingernails clawed at his t-shirt, tearing it down the middle and exposing his finely sculpted chest. I ran my fingers over every inch of his silky skin and my mouth followed eagerly behind, licking and exploring every hard muscle and rigid curve.

  I raised my eyes to find him watching me. They were dark and hooded, expectant and openly crazy for me. His long fingers tenderly followed the line of my cheek and jaw, his thumb trailing down my neck.

  "I love you, Nick. I want to be here with you, no matter how hard it is," I whispered. My voice never faltered. "I may make you feel human, but you make me feel alive. I don't want that to stop."

  His eyes didn't leave mine as he unbuttoned my blouse and pushed it over my shoulders. He seemed to lose his focus when my pale pink lacy bra was exposed. His probing fingertips traced over my nipples through the fabric, smiling crookedly as they pebbled under his touch. He pushed one strap over my shoulder, his cool hands setting my skin ablaze. The cup fell away from my breast and before I saw him move, his lips had surrounded it. His tongue laved circles around the hardened peak, his blunt teeth nibbling gently.

  I moaned louder than I'd intended, the wanton sound encouraging him to continue. The sharp sting of his fangs met my tender skin, causing need to coil inside of me like a tightly wound spring. As he drank from me I was focused on getting him undressed. There were too many layers separating us.

  He took a final pull and licked the tiny punctures closed, healing them. He moved from underneath me on the bed and flicked the button of his jeans open. His hands stilled and I looked up at his lustful gaze with confusion.

  "Nick? Why did you stop?"

  "Savannah." His voice was as smooth as silk, wrapping around me like a sensuous glove. "I want to feel more. Your hands...your mouth…"

  Rising to my knees, I crawled towards the edge of the bed. Hooking my fingers in his belt loops, I tugged him closer. My mouth scattered kisses over his chest and circled his nipple, biting the tender skin with my human teeth. My hands were pushing his jeans over his narrow hips his when his body tensed.

  I was surprised when he pulled away, cocking his head to the side. He heaved a heavy sigh and pressed both arms on the bed. “Malcolm has arrived. In fact, he’ll be here in less than a minute. This,” he gestured a hand between us. “Will have to wait until later.”

  I scrambled to find my clothes, retrieving my discarded blouse and hastily buttoning it just as Malcolm burst through the door with no warning, his lanky frame darkening the doorway. He smiled widely, his wild curly hair in its usual disarray. Popping out from behind him came a streak of red hair and pale skin, nearly knocking me off my feet in her enthusiastic embrace.

  “Savannah!” Siobhan squealed, spinning me around. She stopped and looked me over critically. “You look like you haven’t been eating enough. Is Nick not feeding you?”

  “Von!” I cried, letting her pull me into another bone crushing hug. I shot a questioning look over her shoulder at Nick and Malcolm.

  “Relax, Savannah. Siobhan knows. Uh, it seems like someone advised her that she needed to ask me questions that only I could answer. Any idea…or clue who would have told her such a thing?” Malcolm asked, his eyes twinkling under his smoky lensed glasses.

  Blushing, I shook my head. I bit the inside of my cheek to stop my smile. “Not a clue.”

  Malcolm wrapped his arm around Nick’s shoulders. “She’s going to fit in fine, brother. Let’s talk while the ladies gossip.

  ***

  Siobhan and I retreated to the bedroom while Nick, Malcolm and Ian talked strategy, comparing all of the notes and speculating on their next move.

  “I’ve heard two rumors, one of which was confirmed. There are pictures everywhere of you and Nick in Rome. I’m impressed, but pissed you didn’t give me the exclusive. I didn’t know you had it in you.” Siobhan reclined back on the bed and kicked her shoes to the floor.

  “Thanks, I think.” I picked at a loose thread on the comforter. I asked the question, even though I already knew the answer. “What’s the second?

  “I’ve heard whispers about some sort of sex tape. Dad has been calling every judge he knows. You know it doesn’t matter, Savannah. It’ll get leaked regardless,” Siobhan sighed. “How did we get mixed up in this mess, Blondie?”

  I stretched out beside her. “You wouldn’t believe it if I told you.”

  She giggled and rested her head on my s
houlder. “We’re involved with mythical creatures. Try me.”

  For a split second I felt like a teenager, giggling over boys and crushes. “Nick recognized me from a picture. The night we were at the party…”

  “And he was eye-fucking you?” Siobhan cut in impatiently.

  I nodded. “It was a total coincidence. But he remembered me and the attraction was there…”

  She smacked me playfully. “See? If you’d listened to me that first night…” Siobhan let her voice wander off.

  Grinning, I shoved her back. “Really? If I’d listened to you, we’d never gone to Karaoke. Maybe you and Malcolm wouldn’t have hit it off.”

  She stuck out her tongue at me. “Yeah, yeah. I hate it when you’re right.” She glanced up at the ceiling. “What are you going to do?”

  My brow furrowed in confusion. “I think I need a vowel. What am I going to do about what exactly?”

  She let out a frustrated sigh. “About Nick…he’s going to be around a long time. You’re not getting any younger.”

  I bounced up on the bed. God, I didn’t want to go there. “We’ve not talked about it. We’ve been busy. Working.”

  She sat up and crossed her arms. “You may have not talked about it, but I know you’ve thought about it and I’m damn sure he’s thought about it. You overthink everything to the point of where I worry that you need OCD medication.”

  Rolling my eyes, I started to get up from the bed. Her startlingly strong grip stopped me. For being so tiny, she was freakishly strong.

  “Von, please. I have enough to think about…I can’t focus on this.” I begged, exhaling softly.

  She was in my face instantly. “That’s exactly why you need to think about this. What if something happens to you and you can’t be saved? Or you get older? Have you thought about any of that or what it would do to Nick?”

  Embarrassed, I shook my head. When had my flighty friend become the voice of reason?

  “Malcolm told me about his history with Nick and I know this much about him. If he let you into his life, I’m willing to bet he isn’t willing to let you go,” Siobhan murmured. She leaned closer until her lips were at my ear. She lowered her voice to a barely audible whisper. “You need to have some sort of plan so that if something happens, he’ll know what to do. He’s too proud to ask you and too frightened as to what your answer would be if he did. So do him a favor, Blondie. Think about it.”

  Without hesitation, she scooted back on the bed and reclined back. “So let’s see that sex tape I’ve been hearing about.”

  “Gossip monger,” I teased, happy for the subject change. I flipped my hair over one shoulder and grabbed my laptop. Opening my e-mail, I started to page through when a new e-mail from Elliott caught my eye. It was flagged with an explanation point.

  “You should open that. Dad never marks them like that unless it’s something important.” Siobhan pointed out.

  “You’re right,” I agreed. I clicked open the e-mail and scanned it quickly. “Oh shit! Nick!”

  I didn’t have to look up to know that he was in the doorway. “What’s wrong?”

  Glancing up, I bit my lip nervously. “Isabelle Kelley is missing.”

  Nick blurred to the bed, peering over my shoulder at the e-mail. He read it aloud. “Savannah, Isabelle Kelley is missing. She boarded her flight in Florence and landed in Los Angeles. She hasn’t been seen since leaving LAX. Just thought you should know. E.”

  For the briefest of moments, I thought I would vomit. The room spun and everything went dark. My flippant words about karma floated through my head…I’d been joking. I’d never wanted this for her. I grabbed Nick’s hand tightly and swallowed hard. “What do you think?”

  Before he could answer, Malcolm pushed the computer aside and lounged back on the bed. “Do you need to ask? She’s dead.”

  Looking between Nick and Malcolm, my blood ran cold. “How do you know this?”

  Malcolm took off his glasses and fixed his bright crimson eyes on me. I must have shrunk back because he gave me a smile of understanding and nodded. “It’s shocking. It’s some strange abnormality. It’s why..why I wear the glasses. It helps keep them hidden. I know it’s a shock to see them the first time. But back to Isabelle. She’s dead because whoever is sending Nick those letters is trying to get his attention. She’s the perfect choice. She’s well known in Hollywood and her death would raise eyebrows. Luckily for you both, you have alibis.”

  “It could be unrelated,” I whispered, partially in denial.

  Siobhan moved over to sit next to Malcolm. Her fingers weaved through his glossy curls.

  “You and I both know that’s highly unlikely, Blondie.” Her gaze moved to Nick. “My father?”

  “He’s being watched, Siobhan.” Nick assured her, squeezing my hand tightly. “We need to pack up and head to London. The band took the bus so we’ll need to charter a plane. I don’t want our names listed on any plane manifest.”

  “I’m on it.” Malcolm ruffled Siobhan’s hair as he blurred from the room. I watched as a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth at his touch.

  She caught me staring and shrugged her shoulders. “Not one word,” she warned. She also stood and headed to the door. “I’m going to see if he needs any help. Think about what I said.”

  “Do I even want to know what that was about?” Nick questioned. He tugged me to him, pulling me to my feet. He buried his nose in my hair and inhaled deeply.

  Wrapping my arms around his narrow waist, I hugged him tight. “No. But you can help me pack.”

  ***

  Malcolm had pulled some strings, calling in a ‘favor’ to get us the use of a private plane until we returned to the US. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to know what ‘favor’ was owed to him and no one asked. Even Siobhan said nothing, just exchanging a knowing look with me across the room. We’d known each other for so many years that I could almost read her mind. Siobhan was no dummy. She knew exactly what Malcolm and Nick had and could be capable of doing if necessity required them to act.

  We’d been quiet since leaving Rome, each lost in our own thoughts and worries. Everyone was being watched, every phone call monitored. We were on pins and needles, waiting for the other shoe to drop and the tension it caused was stifling. I dreaded the resolution, but longed for the end of the worry.

  After dropping Malcolm and Siobhan off in front of an apartment in Kensington, the limo slowed for the second time as we pulled up in front of the majestic white stucco building in the Hyde Park area of London. As the car glided to a stop, Nick pushed open the door to the limousine and offered me his hand.

  I placed my hand in his, looking up and squinting my eyes. “Where are we?”

  Nick grinned widely, his dark sunglasses obscuring his eyes. “My home. C’mon.”

  He led me up the steps into his flat, his fingers a blur as he punched numbers in a security keypad and unlocked the door.

  His home in Malibu was beautiful, but this house was stunning. Everything was light and modern, decorated in stark whites to pale cream. The ornate fireplace was the centerpiece of the high ceiling living room, the enormous ceiling to floor windows obscured with pale cream window coverings. The furniture and accent colors were all a dusky blue…from the wide couch with silky cream pillows to the abstract art that lined the wall. I could see touches of Nick here and there. Over the fireplace hung the Hartwell coat of arms in a sleek, black frame. Next to the fireplace was an antique set of pokers and an andiron that looked as if it could be from another era. I crossed the room and let my fingers glide over the pokers and the mantle of the fireplace.

  “It was my mothers.” Nick answered my unspoken question, setting down our luggage in the foyer. “After my fathers…death, I was able to retrieve a few things I wanted to keep. I have other things that are stored away for safekeeping. I keep these in England to remind me of her.”

  When I turned to face him, he was already at my side. He’d moved stealthily and I jumped to see him s
o close. “Give a person a little warning.” I poked him in the ribs and wrapped my arms around his powerful bicep.

  We were quiet for a moment. Nick was lost in his memories and I was content to wait until he was ready to talk. “It’s nice to be home.”

  I smiled up at him and pressed a kiss against his neck. “Take me on a tour of the house?”

  He nodded and took my hand. We stepped down into a large dining room with yet another antique, heavy table and cushioned chairs at the table. He then led me through the bright kitchen with top of the line appliances, the granite counter tops gleaming.

  Shaking my head, I would probably always find it amusing that a vampire would not only have a fully functional dining room, but also a formal dining room.

  The tour continued and he started pointing out rooms. “Guest bathroom.” He jutted his chin to the left. We passed a large bedroom that had been converted into a music room and study. “This room needs no explanation.”

  We turned the corner and headed up a small flight of carpeted steps. This floor only contained the master bedroom. Almost the size of the entire first floor, a massive four-poster king bed took up most of one wall. The baroque style bed was carved in deep cherry wood, the bedspread the same dusky blue as the rest of the house. Two walk in closets sandwiched a giant bathroom with a shower big enough for four people. All in cream tile, the enormous vanity was almost dwarfed by the massive mirror that hung on the wall.

  “Explain exactly why you live in Malibu when you could live here?” I teased. I turned around in circles, trying to take everything in.

  “I’d prefer to live here. I try to get away every few months and just seclude myself. It’s very private here. Neighbors keep to themselves so there is no reason for anyone to notice me.” Nick looked around the room and sighed. “If I lived here, I’d never have met you. Maybe someday…if you’d be willing.”