Page 21 of The Vampire’s Temptation
They walked past the wrought iron gate and continued down the stone path toward Alessandra and Toni’s small, bright-purple house. The only two-story on a block of taller buildings, what it lacked in size it made up for in character. Impeccably maintained, with a large front porch and two hanging flower baskets in the front, it was as picture perfect as the woman who stood next to him.
“Yes, it always has. The wrought iron balcony, I suppose.”
“Nice night. How about we have a drink on the porch?” Tyler said. “Beer or wine? We’ll go inside to grab the drinks.”
Bless the buffoon.
When Toni began to protest, Kenton cut in smoothly, “Beer, if the lady will allow for one nightcap before she retires?”
He released her arm and, much to his delight, caught the slight nod Alessandra gave to Toni. When the redhead shook her head, Kenton nearly laughed at her tenacity.
“Go ahead, I’m fine,” Alessandra said finally, taking a seat on the porch swing.
Toni wanted to argue but didn’t. She followed Tyler inside as Alessandra gestured for him to sit with her. Brave girl.
He lowered himself next to her, his eyes dropping to her bare legs. The black sleeveless dress she wore left little to his imagination, which, when it came to her, needed no encouragement.
Extending her legs out in front of her, she set the swing to swaying.
“The inn reminds you of the Quarter because the wrought iron was designed by Marcellino Hernandez,” he said, “the same artisan responsible for the balconies of Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré and the Cabildo.”
“How do you know that?” she asked in astonishment.
He sighed. “I know it as I know all things. A lifetime of curiosity, much like your own.”
“I’m not curious—”
“Oh, but you are.”
He watched as her eyes widened in fear. And something more.
“And you’re curious about me.”
“You? But I—”
“You’re wondering if you are safe with me.” He spoke quickly, lest she should scream. “Which you are.”
“I . . . I’m not sure what you—”
He’d told her the truth. No need to point out that the reason she was safe was the shadow lurking just across the street, the man who had been following them all night. If he leaned over and sank his teeth into her, it would leave him vulnerable. Only for a moment, yes, but long enough for Lawrence to do real harm. Not to mention the difficulty of covering up such a thing.
If his years on this world had taught him nothing else, they’d taught him caution.
“I know Lawrence spoke to you earlier today. And I’d like to explain everything, if you’ll allow me.”
She started to stand.
“Alessandra, I will not hurt you.”
Tonight.
He relented. “Lawrence is out there, watching us. And your other unknowing protector will be out here any moment with our nightcap. So rest assured, you are safe.”
She sat back down.
“Now please. Allow me to explain.”
* * *
