Page 76 of Chasing the Red Queen

“Don’t shut me out,” he said once more leaning across the table. “Look at me,” he said and his voice by no will of her own pulled her eyes to him. “Break down that wall surrounding your heart,” he said, the power of his eyes hypnotic. “Give yourself to me, all of you. Deny me nothing Donja. Let me in.”

Enthralled by the power of his voice and his eyes which were washing over her, she searched for words, but none would come. She took her drink and sipped, avoiding his gaze which she was convinced, held power over her.

What magic do you possess?

Finally, as her heartbeat lessened, she raised her head, shielding her eyes behind long lashes. She focused on the candelabra, avoiding his hypnotic stare. “This is delightful,” she whispered, her voice wavering.

“Look at me,” he whispered, luring her back to his web. She met his eyes. “The correct name is Mojito,” he continued, “it’s a perfect blend of white rum, lime, mint and sparkling water, but go slow” he said with a glint in his eyes, “the rum can sneak up on you.”

“Rum, hmm. Not good. I’m underage and if my mom finds out you’ve been plying me with alcohol she’ll kill me.”

He rocked his head and it was the first time she saw him laugh. Her pulse quickened and though she had no idea if it was the buzz of the rum, his powers or his mesmerizing aura, she found herself spellbound as his ebony eyes sparkled and his perfect lips curled to a heart stopping smile.

How can any man be that handsome? He’s almost too handsome, too perfect.

“You’re a diamond, Donja, a Red Queen, wanted by so many,” he said, his contagious smile fading to seriousness which was demanding of attention. “Forget about your mother, for I suspect you’ll soon be a consort.”

They shared an intense look which lasted forever. Finally, Donja broke the tether and raised her drink, peeking over the rim and she wanted to ask, beg, plead as to what he meant, but she couldn’t.

Suddenly, his eyes widened. “Oh, please,” he said as they shared a look, “that song, so beautiful, it’s Torna a Surriento. Let us dance.” He sashayed around the table. He pulled her to her feet with half-closed eyes, lost in the music. Donja’s hands came to rest on his chest as his own found her waist. She glanced up to his face. “You are so different than I would ever have imagined.”

“Like I told you, I am what I am, but be careful of assumptions. You’ve thus far only scratched the surface. He took her hand and raised it to his lips, eyes locked on her face. “Magnifique,” he smiled with a thick accent.

On the dance floor, he held her like a delicate possession, eye to eye, his nose resting softly upon hers. He slow danced her around the floor, nuzzling her neck.

Lost in the moment, she tilted her head to one side, inviting the wolf to the lamb. She felt his breath warm on her skin. She shivered, her heart hammering her chest.

He placated her with kisses so tender and sweet that she found herself swooning and had he not held her tight, she would surely have fallen. She clutched him tighter, his lips to her ear, kindling flames.

Is this real…am I falling in love?

She opened her eyes and found his face which was as intoxicating as the rum. He pulled her tighter, so much so that she couldn’t breathe, but she didn’t care, she was lost…completely.

With their bodies tangled, Torin danced her into the shadows. Donja rocked her head and as his lips found her neck kissing her softly, she noticed a couple beside them. The man spun the woman with her red hair flying, then pulled her tight, her hands in his hair. Torin spun her and as her eyes came back to the couple, Donja saw fangs inching from the man’s mouth, golden eyes like a fiery lantern as he sank them deep in the woman’s neck.

A shudder of some intensity rocked her from head to toe. Ripped to a reality she was not ready to accept, she peeled herself away from Torin, horrified eyes locked on the couple.

This is wrong…terribly wrong, we’re just a body to be used, fed on.

Torin followed her gaze, then scooped her into his arms and headed across the dance floor to a glass door, which didn’t open easily, so he kicked it wide with his foot. It opened begrudgingly and then he marched onto an enclosed terrace. He marched down a stone path that curved beyond a fountain, before unfolding into a beautiful garden. Finding an ornate bench beside a fish pond, he sat down in the shimmering glow of solar lights. He pulled her into his lap. He caressed her hair, rocking her back and forth.

Donja, who just moments ago, thought she was brave and even offered her soul to the devil, felt her facade crumble. She pulled her hands under her chin, closed her eyes and buried her face to his chest. The battle of her mind, Iridescents, fangs, Becky’s murder, death to her family, blood and gore, it all came crashing upon her, the story book romance fading to a brutal reality. She fought her tears.

I can’t do this. I thought I could, but I can’t.

“I’m sorry you had to see that,” he whispered, stroking her hair, “but please, listen, it’s not what you think. It’s natural, as natural as a kiss. It’s love Donja, my kind of love, it’s sharing, and it’s not forced…but desired.”

Desired?

She grimaced.

How could a bite be desired? I would have to be mindless and that’s where you’re taking me, isn’t it? Your incredible good looks, your voice, those hypnotic eyes, luring me in, making me think it’s love when really…I’m just being used for my blood.

Her heart battled her mind. She wanted him, desired him but she was scared. This might be wrong…very, very wrong.

She began to sob and she felt him tense. He held her tight, caressing her hair and she could feel his corded muscles contracting as he rocked her. Later, with time a blur she found a bit of composure and wiped at her face.

“Better now?” he whispered, kissing the top of her head.

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