Page 7 of The Vampire’s Temptation

“What are you doing here?”

Her low, sultry voice took him aback, as did her words. Was she always so direct?

“Pardon?”

She looked toward the stage and then back at him.

“You haven’t glanced their way once. Or shown any interest in the music. So I wondered why you’re here, at this concert.”

“My interest lies elsewhere,” he said, the truth falling easily from his lips.

“Clearly.”

She was dressed simply, the black sundress clinging to her enough for him to clearly see the outline of her breasts and hips. Her long, dark hair, which she’d pulled up atop her head after the third song, fell in wisps around her face, subtle makeup bringing attention to her striking features.

Unbidden, he pictured her in his bed covered with nothing more than a white sheet, the swell of her breasts peeking out to taunt him.

Damn Cheld.

“It appears your friends are watching you,” he said.

When she turned back to them, he took the opportunity to raise his bottle to Lawrence, the mock salute further angering her protector. If he were not so focused on his prey, Kenton would have relished watching the former chief squirm. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than the agony of a member of Clan Karyn.

“Let them watch.”

He’d best be careful with this one.

“Kenton Morley,” he said. “And you are?”

“Curious,” she said, her eyes flashing at him.

And feisty.

“You’re a tourist, I presume?” she added.

“Of sorts.”

He couldn’t think of a more glorious time for the band to take a break than that very moment.

“Fresh air?” He nodded toward the entrance.

Whether it was simply a healthy dose of self-preservation or a sign her abilities were beginning to manifest, Alessandra frowned in indecision.

If I wanted to kill you, you’d already be dead. You’re safe tonight, love.

“Sure. Hold on,” she finally said.

He watched as she made her way through the crowd to her redheaded friend. They looked his way, spoke a moment longer, and then Alessandra was back by his side.

“Ready?”

He led her back upstairs, to the position from which he’d watched her earlier, and then out onto the deck that wrapped around the building. As he led her to the railing, people clustered in groups of two or three or more filtered out around them. Drinking, laughing.

One of the eternal truths he’d learned in his long, long life was that people craved companionship. Luckily, he was hardly a person any longer. And he craved nothing but keeping his brother safe. Life held no meaning for him beyond that task.

“You were watching me,” she said, giving him a sidelong glance.

Yes, she was bold, this one. Despite himself, he felt a thrill of interest. It had been a long time since anyone had captured his interest. Life had gotten . . . dull.