Page 8 of Another One Bites the Lust
“Thank you. Courtesy of no longer aging.”
We chatted more while we drank, and I grew more comfortable for being a fish out of water in this opulent space.
“Where are you from, Celeste?”
“I spend most of my time in the south of France.”
Ah, that explained her accent—rich and lush, like a soft melody with a hint of sensuality?—
“And you?” she asked.
“Florida, before I joined this ship earlier this year.”
Her brows arched up. “I’ve heard about ‘Florida Man.’ Does that also apply to shifters?” she teased.
“Some, maybe,” I agreed with a grunt. “But not me. I’m more of a go-with-the-flow guy. As long as I can play my music without anyone ruffling my fur, it’s all good.”
“I see,” she said with an amused glimmer in her eyes. “Well, I’ll be sure to keep my hands to myself.”
No, you can touch me anytime.I bit my lip to avoid coming on too strong to this elegant vampire, confusion raining down on me. Since when did I avoid the chance to flirt? Well, Marielle’s curse had definitely given me pause. Then again, I’d never met someone quite like Celeste before—someone who made my jaguar rumble with a possessive instinct.
We chatted as we finished our drinks. Although I didn’t want to go, I also didn’t want to overstay my visit.
“Maybe I should leave.” That was the opposite of what I wanted. I’d rather wrap my arms around her again, wake up still holding her, breathing in her scent. Crickey, what had gotten into me?
I shook my head. “If you need anything—or if your ex gives you trouble—come find me. I play in the Nocturnal Lounge both nights.”
She walked me to the door. “Thank you, Van. And yes…hopefully Lucien gets off at the next port in a couple of days. But until then—” She hesitated.
“What?” I prompted.
She met my gaze. “Would you consider pretending…for a little longer? Pretend to be my lover?”
I blinked at her while my jaguar purred inside. Was this really happening? This beautiful woman wanted me to pretend to be her boyfriend.
“I’d make it worth your while,” she added. “I’d compensate you, of course?—”
I raised my hands. “No, no. Of course I’ll help you. No payment whatsoever.”
Her smile lit up her entire face, and damn if it didn’t do something to melt my heart.
“Great,” she said, beaming. “When are you playing next?”
“Tomorrow night.”
“I’ll come to your show.”
CHAPTER 6
VAN
After a night of vivid, erotic dreams about Celeste, I woke in a cold sweat. My jaguar stirred as well, rumblingmate.
I felt his longing, shared his agony to be near her.
The problem was I didn’t know what the hell to do about it.
I took the stairs up two at a time to the spa. Fortunately, Maribelle was at the reception desk, so I didn’t have to wait.
