Page 20 of Another One Bites the Lust
I kissed her on the lips and growled, “I missed you.”
“You were wonderful tonight,” she murmured, and her grin spread wider. “And last night as well.”
I chuckled. “And tonight, too, I hope.” I couldn’t stop touching her, stroking her arm.
“Yes,” she whispered, her voice low and raspy, and my entire body tightened with anticipation.
But I wanted more. More than just a fling for her while she was on vacation. This was real to me, and I had to show her I was serious. “How about we go dancing tonight?” That was what the older, more sophisticated set did. They didn’t come to our shows to hear rock covers. They went to the Celestial Lounge for piano and slow songs they could dance to, or to fancy restaurants or the theater or art auctions.
Her eyes sparkled. “Sounds magnificent.”
Minutes later, I had her just where I wanted—a pure moment wrapped in my arms under the moon and stars. Music drifted from the piano lounge nearby, and we swayed to it—a perfect moment.
“This is where I met you,” I murmured. “Celeste. In the Celestial Lounge. Must be fate.” I was only half-teasing.
“Must be,” she agreed with a gentle laugh.
We talked and laughed as we held each other. Then my senses heightened. I searched around, vigilant for her ex lurking in the shadows.
“Van? Everything okay?” Celeste’s voice pulled me back.
“Yes.” I wasn’t going to let that damn vampire ruin this otherwise magical night. She was mine.
Well, not yet—not technically. But she would be. If I could find a way to win her heart.
CHAPTER 13
CELESTE
Emotions warred within me. Ever since I woke, my mind had been in turmoil. Last night, when I bit Van and my heart beat—truly beat with one loud thump—I knew he was the one. But then, upon awakening, doubts began to creep in.
How could this work? With someone so different from me and generations younger. He lived and worked on a cruise ship while I resided at my villa an ocean away.
Worse, what Lucien had said slithered beneath my skin, poisoning me with more toxins. What if Van was just like Lucien? Using me for my money? Having fun with me until the next younger, shinier attraction came along?
This attractive singer with the captivating voice was adored by countless women. I’d seen the way their eyes tracked him. OnceI’d left, he was sure to forget me and move on. And where would that leave me? No better than when Lucien had betrayed me.
Betrayal never became easier, no matter how many years I’d lived. The knife slipped beneath the bones, twisting and taunting with the questionshouldn’t you know better by now?
And I should. I had centuries of experience. I shouldn’t let common sense be overruled by sensation with how I felt in Van’s arms, tasting his blood, feeling his heartbeat. Or by being wrapped in his embrace now, dancing with the ocean surrounding us and the stars and moon shining above.
Both Van and Lucien were young and blond. Did I have a type—one that would continue to be a mistake? If I were smart, I would consider this cruise a magical voyage before we went our separate ways. And yet, the idea tormented me. How could I let go of someone who made me feel the way he did?
We spentthe rest of the night exploring the ship. He suggested a musical, which he didn’t appear to be invested in, but I appreciated the gesture.
After we left the theater, we returned to my suite. He furrowed his brows as he studied me. “Is something wrong?”
“No, of course not,” I said quickly. I walked over to play some music, selecting something gentle. “You know, I really liked dancing with you up there, but the whole time, all I could think about was us being alone again.” I extended my hand. “Dance with me again?”
He gave me a panty-melting smile that I was certain had captured countless hearts at his shows. “There’s nothing I’d rather do, darling.”
When he took me in his arms and we danced, a vibration rumbled in his chest. I placed my hand over his heart, feeling the faint tremor.
“I feel that rumble… Is that a good thing or a bad thing?” I asked.
He chuckled. “A very good thing.” He caressed my face with the back of his knuckles. “It means you make my jaguar very happy. And you make me very happy.”
“Oh.” A flutter of happiness bloomed within me. I wished I could capture this moment in time, so it would never disappear.
