She padded through the huge mansion in soft slippers of a matching color studded with what she hoped were clear rhinestones. Nervously, she searched room after room and listened for any sound that might lead to discovery. Not one trace of her sister could be found, and she thought sadly of Melanie, feeling as if she’d never see her beautiful, innocent sister again. She set her jaw; perhaps she’d just come out and confront Remann. He didn’t seem dangerous. At this point she doubted that he really drank blood as Melanie had written in her diary. Maybe he just liked Bloody Marys.
Her stomach growled loudly, and Kate decided to see if dinner was available. She walked into the foyer and was again distracted by the room’s opulence. The crystal chandelier was lit and its reflections dazzled her eyes as she studied the golden-tiled ceilings. The home was really more of a medieval castle in style. She studied some rich, old tapestries behind protective glass that decorated the walls. Their colors were still vibrant, detailing scenes of women and mounted knights, running stags and dark forests. Each told a story, and Kate could imagine the fairy tale behind each piece of art.
She felt a presence in the room and turned.
“I see you appreciate fine art,” Remann said, as always beaming a broad smile.
Kate’s face flushed. She felt as if she’d been caught doing something suspicious. He crossed the distance that separated them.
“These are Renaissance tapestries from the early sixteen hundreds, an era when they were at their richest and most expressive.” Remann waved a hand toward the tapestry she had been studying. There was a note of pride in his voice over the collection.
“They must have cost a fortune,” Kate said as she let her gaze scan the other five hanging in the foyer.
Remann laughed loudly, the sound bouncing off the walls of the room. “You just have to catch things in the right markets.”
He offered his elbow, and Kate took it hesitantly. He led her to a small study that had a dining table set up in the center of the room. A white, lace tablecloth adorned a dark wood table with matching chairs sitting at opposite ends. It was just large enough for two people with several candles lit within crystal votives. A cart with silver-covered dishes sat next to the table, the aroma of food making Kate’s mouth water. The low lighting of the study mixed with the candlelight had her cocking a brow.
“I sincerely hope you’ll allow me to join you for dinner, my lovely Kate,” Remann said.
Kate crossed her arms, feeling uncomfortable with the intimacy of the room.
“I promise to be a perfect gentleman in every way.” He walked to the table, pulling a chair out, and Kate walked to it.
She’d never had a chair pulled out for her. She awkwardly took a seat. She picked up an embroidered napkin folded on a fine china plate and laid it across her lap, then looked warily at the forks lined up to the left of the plate.
“The trick is to start from the outside and work your way in,” he said in a hushed voice as he served her a crisp, green salad with cranberries and walnuts. Remann drizzled a light vinaigrette dressing over the greens before serving himself. He filled their wine glasses with a deep red wine and took a seat. He unfolded his napkin and laid it across his lap.
Kate sipped the wine in an effort to calm her nervousness. She wasn’t particularly fond of red wine but found the flavor was quite good. She took a deeper drink as Remann lifted his own glass in a toast.
“To my lovely dinner companion, Kate,” he said before placing the glass to his own lips.
Kate watched him, wondering what it would be like to share a romantic dinner with Aiden.
Chapter 5
Where is Aiden tonight? Kate picked up the fork farthest from her plate as Remann had instructed and speared a piece of arugula. The sweet dressing took away some of the bitterness of the green and was tasty. Her stomach growled loudly, and she shifted in embarrassment.
“What brought you to me?” Remann asked before he took a bite of salad.
Kate studied her food, trying to think of a believable response.
“I heard some girls talking about you at a day spa. I was curious,” she said, shrugging. Kate speared a big bite of walnuts and arugula and shoved it into her mouth.
“Well, I sincerely hope they spoke of only good things,” Remann said.
Kate chewed her food slowly.
“I hope you’ll satisfy my curiosity when I ask what they said exactly.”
There was something beneath his words that made Kate squirm uncomfortably in her chair.
“Um, just that you were a popular ladies’ man. So where are your lady friends this evening?” she asked, deciding to ask the questions for a while.
Remann sat back and savored his glass of wine. “Most likely in their homes living their usual lives,” he answered, his odd-colored eyes glued to hers. She found herself again shifting in her chair. “Tell me about yourself, Kate.”
“Not much to tell. I’m just your average woman.” She took a big drink of wine, feeling its effects at last.
“I don’t even know your last name.”
“It’s Smith,” Kate lied.
Remann seemed to mull over her answer. “So, Miss Smith,” he said, pausing. “I can assume it is Miss, correct?”
Kate nodded and shoved the last of the salad into her mouth. Remann rose from his seat and cleared the table. After he refilled both their wine glasses he lifted the silver cloche off the main course. The aroma had her mouth watering.
“Pork loin roast with pomegranate sauce.” He sliced a good portion onto a plate and set it before her.
“Thank you,” Kate said, wanting to dive into the juicy looking meat. She hadn’t had a good meal in two days.
It was interesting having a man wait on her like Remann was doing. She couldn’t imagine any of her former boyfriends doing so.
“How long have you lived in this mansion?” she asked before she placed a piece of roast into her mouth. It nearly melted over her tongue, and she groaned in pleasure.
Remann smiled brightly. “I’m glad you’re enjoying my cooking,” he said happily. “We’ve lived here for many years. Are you a native of Chicago?”
Kate took a very unladylike mouthful of her dinner. She shook her head.
“Missouri actually,” she said over the bite.
Remann sat back in his chair, the rest of his meal untouched. His eyes glittered. He took a deep breath before he brought his wine glass to his lips. “How is it you can tell my brother and me apart so easily?”
Kate paused then brought another bite to her mouth.
“Like I told Aiden, you’re just different people.” She lay the fork down on her plate and lifted her wine glass. “So where is he this evening?” she asked as she brought the wine to her lips.
Remann’s face fell perceptibly, but he quickly recovered his ever-present smile. “I’d say he’s out on the town.” He paused. “Or with Deidre for the night, I suspect.”
Kate’s hand trembled, and the wine sloshed a bit in her glass. She set it down as her appetite fled. She desperately wished for her running shoes, which were most likely a pile of melted rubber and ashes.
“Thank you for allowing me to stay here until I find something of my own. I won’t impose on you too long, just a couple of days.” She looked around the room, searching absently for the exit, as her fingers wound in her hair.
Remann cocked his head to the side, watching her intently. “Please relax, Kate. I don’t bite—not unless provoked anyway.”
His tone was teasing, but Kate wanted an escape. She placed her napkin next to her plate and rose from her seat. Remann immediately stood.
“I apologize if I’ve upset you, Kate.” A look of concern crossed his features; his mismatched eyes mirrored his anxiety.
“No, you’re okay, I just remembered I have calls to make,” she said as he came around the small table. “About my apartment fire and all.”
Remann’s look said he wasn’t buying her excuse, but he didn’t push the
issue. “Well, I hope you’ll take the room that you were in earlier. Please, accept our hospitality and stay as long as you need. An army could fit in this massive home and we’d never know their whereabouts.”
“Thank you,” Kate said and nearly ran back to the hallway of rooms.
After several tries she finally found the right bedroom and burst through the doorway. A painful lump lodged in her throat as she searched for her cellphone. After she collected herself she placed a call, which went to voicemail. She realized that her mother and stepfather were most likely at church.
“Hi, Mom and Danny, nothing new to report, but I’m still looking into it. I’m fine, but I had an apartment fire and I’m staying at a friend’s for now. I’m okay and was out at the time. Call me on my cell. Love you guys.”
As she disconnected the call a soft knock sounded at her door. She opened the door and found the cart of food with the bottle of wine sitting outside the door. Kate searched the hallway, but it stood empty.
She pushed the cart into the bedroom and poured wine into a glass, filling it to the top. After downing the entire glass of tart liquid, she refilled the glass and examined the items on the cart. The roast remained along with a chocolate mousse that was too tempting to pass up. Taking the chilled bowl, a spoon, and her glass of wine back to her bed, she set the glass on the nightstand and scooped a spoonful of the light, fluffy chocolate into her mouth. The dark chocolate had a hint of orange liquor, and it melted over her tongue in an explosion of taste.
“Oh God, this is amazing,” Kate said. She shoveled the mousse into her mouth.
Setting the empty bowl on the nightstand, she sank back into her silk-covered cloud, quickly falling fast asleep.
* * * *
Darkness filled the bedroom in which Kate slept soundly. A figure emerged from the shadows and approached the side of the bed, and mismatched eyes roamed over the figure beneath the comforter. The figure shifted ever so slightly and inhaled deeply the feminine fragrance that mixed with her enticing human odor. Sharp canines lengthened and the dark figure stood trembling with a mix of hunger and raw lust.
Yet something else mixed in his blood, something that tugged at his heart. An emotion that was both intriguing and terrifying swirled around within him, leaving him confused and vulnerable. He was helpless to the feeling, and as he quietly slipped from the room a name whispered from her peaceful, ruby lips.
“Aiden.”
The name tore into him like a jagged knife to his heart.
* * * *
Kate awoke feeling rested despite a dull headache the red wine had left behind. She stretched her limbs and wondered at what point in the night she’d removed her dress. As she yawned, the smell of the food on the dinner cart filled her nostrils.
Kate needed a shower desperately, and she remembered the bathroom she’d been shown just a few rooms down. Her dress lay neatly at the foot of the bed, and she slipped it over her head before she padded down the hall. Finding towels and toiletries, she walked into the oversized shower and adjusted the spray. Hot water washed over her, easing the dull throb of her headache.
Feeling human again, she wrapped a big, fluffy towel around her body and went back to her room. The dinner cart had been removed and in its place was a tray with orange juice, fresh fruit, and pastries. There was also a pair of jeans and a t-shirt with a pair of white, lacy panties and matching bra laying on the bed. She dressed, happy to have more sensible clothes to wear, and enjoyed the breakfast she’d been provided.
“Remann, no doubt,” she said to herself.
She had to find Melanie. Kate felt guilty over the days she’d already lost and decided to search the other wing of the mansion.
She put on the slippers from the day before and walked down the hallway, through the opulent foyer, and down a long hallway she had yet to explore. Paintings of men and women dressed in medieval clothing hung on the walls, and Kate felt herself drawn to them. One in particular brought her to a halt. A tall, brooding man towered within the painting, seeming ready to step from its aged colors. He had dark hair and a broad, stout physique. What had her attention were the eyes of the man, one a blue shade and the other dark. She tangled her hair between her fingers as she studied the painting closely.
“Uncanny resemblance, don’t you think?” a female voice said.
Kate let out a little squeal as she spun around. A blonde stood in the hallway. Kate’s face heated, and she fell speechless at being caught snooping. The woman walked toward her, the gentle swell of her hips swaying side to side. A smile curved her lips. She wore a mini-skirt and a top that hugged her full breasts. She made walking in four-inch stilettos look effortless.
“I didn’t mean to startle you,” she said.
She came to stand next to Kate. The blonde’s eyes moved over the painting before they settled on Kate’s face. She studied her features, and Kate squirmed inwardly. After a moment the woman cocked her head to the side.
“You must be Kate Smith,” she said at last. She extended a hand. Her handshake was firm, and her grip lingered on Kate’s hand.
The woman’s scent was a soft floral mixed with vanilla and something that was piquant and familiar. And appealing. Kate became more uncomfortable as her body stirred at the woman’s nearness. She’d never felt an attraction for a woman.
The woman’s hand loosened on Kate’s and she let her fingertips trace a tantalizing trail down Kate’s palm until just the tips of their fingers touched. Kate moistened her lips. The woman watched the movement of Kate’s tongue before her eyes focused on her throat. Her delicate nostrils flared slightly as Kate swallowed.
“I’m Deidre, by the way.”
The name struck a familiar cord, but Kate found herself pulled into an odd spell the woman was casting over her. Her fingers tingled as their fingertips touched. Deidre lifted a hand to stroke Kate’s hair back from her shoulder. Her hand moved to Kate’s throat, her fingers leaving a fiery trail down her flesh.
“Kate, you are positively gorgeous.” Deidre brought her gaze back to Kate’s. Her eyes were a swirling blend of blues and greens, and they slanted slightly, giving her a cat-like look. “I can certainly see their fascination with you.”
Kate’s thoughts tumbled as Deidre stepped closer.
“It’s been so long since I’ve been with one of your kind.” She lowered her head and inhaled.
Her mouth came to rest a mere breath away from the side of Kate’s throat, and she felt the woman’s hot breath on her equally heated flesh.
“Gorgeous Kate, tell me…”
Deidre paused and brought the fingers that rested on Kate’s throat down to lightly graze Kate’s breast. Her body instantly responded and she felt herself growing wet. Kate’s breathing became shallow gasps as her lids drifted close.
“Tell me, have you ever been pleasured by a woman? Have you ever had a woman’s name on your lips as she brought you to orgasm?”
The words whispered across Kate’s neck, and her whole body shuddered as Deidre’s scent filled her head. The world began swimming as Deidre traced light fingertips around Kate’s hardened nipple.
“Deidre.” The voice was stern and authoritative, somewhat piercing the fog in Kate’s mind. She swayed on her feet and leaned against the wall, sucking in breaths of cool air. “What is this?” the male voice demanded.
Kate realized it was Aiden, and her heart tripped up. Her eyes tried to focus on the tall, dark form that towered over Deidre. A soft, feminine chuckle echoed down the hallway.
“I happen to know from experience that you like to watch, Aiden,” she said.
Aiden growled, and his fists clenched at his sides. “Get out, Deidre.”
She shook her head, not in the least cowed by his demeanor.
“It’s more than…” Deidre paused and tilted her head to the side. “...her body that you want I’m afraid.”
She turned to Kate.
“Goodbye, my gorgeous Kate. Don’t let this man give you the run-around.
” She winked and then was gone.
Aiden came to her side and examined her closely. His hands steadied her trembling shoulders. She felt both woozy and embarrassed.
“I don’t know what came over me,” she said, her voice sounding small in the expansive hallway.
“Deidre has that affect on people,” Aiden said as his thumbs stroked along her collarbones.
“Deidre...now I remember.” Kate tilted her chin and forced her legs to hold her better. “She’s your lover, right?”
The question seemed to catch Aiden off guard. “Yes, from time to time.”
“She’s very… Well, I’m straight and I was ready to do her I think,” Kate said.
Aiden’s hands tightened ever so slightly and a muscle ticked in his strong jaw.
“She won’t be back. Let’s go have some lunch.” He put an arm around her shoulders and guided her back the way she’d come. Kate cursed inwardly, frustrated by the interruption to her investigation.
Melanie, please be all right. I don’t know what I’ll do otherwise. Her head began to ache and her shoulders slumped in defeat.
* * * *
Melanie curled beneath the rug she’d found on the grimy floor of the room she was trapped in. She couldn’t recall how she’d gotten there or where her clothes had gone, but she’d been there for quite some time. It was so cold, especially when nighttime fell. Light filtering through the yellow-discolored windows high overhead were the only way she had of judging the time. Her last memory was of hanging out with her friend, Sarah, at the other girl’s apartment. Now, she was here.
A couple of bottles of water and a box of granola bars kept her alive day after day, but the supplies were running low. Melanie said a silent prayer as she huddled beneath her filthy, makeshift blanket that smelled of mouse pee. It had been the home of too many creepy-crawlies.
“I finally have the money for that trip to Hawaii we’ve planned since I was thirteen, Katie,” Melanie said to fill the empty space of the room. It was the same conversation she’d held with herself each day, trying in vain to keep the loneliness and fear away.
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