Page 45 of Shadows of Eternity

She huffed an impatient sigh.

“Yes, I’ve been with a lot of women. I may be a vampire, but I’m still a man with all of a man’s needs.”

It was the answer Leia had expected, but it hurt just the same. She knew it was foolish to be jealous of his past. After all, he’d lived hundreds of years before she was born, and he’d live hundreds more when she was gone.

Rohan muttered an oath as he put his arm around her shoulders. “Leia, don’t think about it. The past is past. The future isn’t guaranteed to anyone, not even me. There’s just now.”

She snuggled against him. He was right, of course. And then he was kissing her and nothing else mattered but his arms around her, his mouth hot on hers, his voice telling her he loved her. Would always love her.

Leia was a nervous wreck the next evening as she dressed for their double date with Janae and Trent. What if the men didn’t get along? She didn’t know Trent Frumusanu very well. He’d always been polite, if a little reserved, when she saw him but he was also very stern and at times, a little overbearing. He was also very strict with his boys, though he treated Janae like a queen.

“Stop worrying,” Rohan said, coming up behind her. “It’s just a movie with your best friend.”

“I know, I know. How do I look?”

He whistled. “Like a million bucks, darlin’. Why don’t we skip the movie and stay home and make love?”

“Is that all you ever think about?”

“You’re thinking about it, too,” he said with a wicked grin.

“I am not!” she exclaimed. Although she was now.

“Come on, it’s time to go.”

With a sigh, she took a last look in the mirror, grabbed her handbag, and followed him out of the apartment to his car.

“Nice ride,” Trent remarked as he opened the back door of the Challenger for Janae.

Rohan nodded. “Thanks.” He closed the passenger side door for Leia, then walked around the car and slid behind the wheel.

Leia knew a moment of relief as they pulled out of the parking lot. She’d been worried when Janae had made the introductions earlier, but nothing untoward had happened. The two men shook hands and exchanged a few pleasantries while Janae grabbed her coat. Now, she glanced at Rohan, wondering if she was imagining the tension she felt between the two men. She told herself it was just her imagination. There was no reason for any strain between Rohan and Trent, but she felt it just the same.

Rohan winked at her. “Stop worrying.”

With a sigh, Leia settled back in her seat. It was only one night. Rohan parked the car and the four of them walked a short block to the theater. The men paid for the tickets. Trent bought popcorn and a Coke for Janae. Rohan bought a frozen lemonade for Leia.

They found four seats in the middle of the theater. Leia and Janae sat side by side, flanked by the men.

Rohan put his arm around Leia’s shoulder and gave her a squeeze. “Relax, love.”

She forced a smile. “I’m fine.”

He chuckled. “What are you afraid of? That I’m going to bite your friends when the lights go down?”

Leia glared at him and then burst out laughing. A moment later, the house lights dimmed.

Leaning toward her, Rohan whispered, “I might bite you, though.”

“So, where shall we go for drinks?” Trent asked as they returned to the car.

“Anywhere is fine with me,” Janae said. “As long as they have a dance floor.”

“The Velvet Room is nice,” Leia said.

“Oh, yes,” Janae said. “Let’s go there.”

“The Velvet Room it is,” Rohan said as he pulled out of the parking lot.

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