Jordan Summers - Gothic Passions (Ellora's Cave).htm Read online

  He snuffed out the light, and then opened the door. A quick glance up and down guaranteed there was no one in the hall. Richard stepped out pulling the girl behind. He’d taken four or five steps when a door opposite theirs swung open and a portly gentleman stepped out blocking Richard’s way.

  The man’s forehead leveled with Richard’s chin. His gaze went to Richard’s face, then past him to the girl. The man’s eyes widened and he leered, but said nothing. He stepped aside and let them proceed on. Richard glanced back. The man continued to stare after them, a look of obscene envy plainly written on his pudgy features.

  Richard shrugged off the tension in his shoulders. He didn’t give a fop about what the man thought. He knew he’d done the right thing. Richard escorted the child out the back way and pointed out his carriage before pushing her on. The girl clamored down the stairs, then raced for his transport.

  Upon encountering Hurley, she pointed over her shoulder to where Richard stood. He gave his valet a quick nod then returned inside, not missing the final wave the child had sent him. Richard smiled. The girl would be safe. He’d set up a dowry for her upon his return to Oughterard. In the meantime, Katherine, a dear friend, would take good care of her.

  His lips thinned as he thought about Josephine. She would not take the escape of her prize possession so well. He’d have to make it worth her while. He walked to the gambling area, hoping to spot the lovely Madam. Instead he encountered the same man he’d seen earlier in the hall.

  The rotund man sat at a whist table, losing what appeared to be a substantial amount of money, his blue eyes locked on Richard’s face. The man continued to stare as he pushed a fortune in blunt forward to match his opponent’s bet.

  An inkling of familiarity raced up Richard’s spine, but he knew he’d never met the gentleman. Richard broke away from the man’s weighing gaze to locate Josephine. She stood across the room flocked by several young dandies, attempting to catch her favor. He could hear her delicate laughter over the din of the gamblers.

  Richard strode across the room, keeping his eyes on his quarry. The ebony-haired beauty glanced up in time to see his approach, a brilliant smile pasted on her handsome face. It only took her a second to decipher his expression. Her eyes widened and she stepped away from the gentlemen, excusing herself so she’d be able to meet him halfway.

  “What’s wrong, darling? Was she not to your liking?” she purred.

  Richard reached up and grabbed her elbow, his firm grip looking deceptively light.

  “Richard, darling, you’re hurting me. If you don’t stop I’ll be forced to summon Luc and Armand.”

  “That won’t be necessary.” His words came out on a hiss. He gave Luc and Armand a look that stopped them in their tracks. Richard released her as they exited the room and headed for the small parlor across the hall. He could easily dispatch both men with little effort, but explaining how he’d done so might cause unwanted attention.

  Josephine’s smile was back, the line tight with strain. “You must tell me what happened.”

  “You sent me in to deflower a mere chit of a girl,” he seethed. “You know my tastes, Josephine or need I remind you.” He rolled his shoulders, power vibrating off him. “There are other establishments that wouldn’t make such a mistake.”

  Worry momentarily flitted across her sculpted brow, before returning to its usual placidness. “I only wanted to make you happy. I’ll be sure and punish Amelia for her insolence.”

  He choked a bitter laugh out, imagining how easy it would be to squeeze the life from Josephine without ever laying a hand on her body, then quickly dismissed the thought. He wasn’t a monster, at least not wholly. “That won’t be necessary. I’ve rid your establishment of her presence.”

  “You what?” Josephine’s voice rose unchecked.

  “I knew from the quality of your chattel you would not want someone like Amelia sullying your reputation. As you know, a child couldn’t legally sign a binding agreement. I’m sure the magistrate would agree.” Richard tugged at his ivory cuffs. He knew Josephine would read the threat between his words.

  Her eyes widened momentarily, then her lids dropped. “Don’t threaten me, Richard. It’s positively vulgar coming from you.”

  “I did no such thing. I’m appalled you’d even think it, Madam.” He cocked his head and arched a brow, giving Josephine his most condescending look. Richard wanted more than anything to let his mask of civility drop long enough for Josephine to see the creature beneath, then she’d truly know what a threat he really was to her. But he’d never purposely harmed a woman and he wouldn’t start now.

  She straightened. “Very well.” Josephine sauntered over to a small curio cabinet as if viewing the items contained there. “But you’ve put me out at considerable cost to my person.”

  “Of course, I will compensate you for your loss.” Richard stepped forward closing the distance between them. “And I’ll take Rose for the evening. She is aware of my special needs, has already been accommodated, and is able to please me well.”

  Josephine swung around, her face aglow. “I’ll get Rose set up in a room. I knew you would not leave me in such a… a precarious situation.”

  He inclined his head. “No, indeed.” Checkmate.

  *

  After ensuring Josephine received the proper funds, Richard returned upstairs to the room he’d vacated a couple of days before. Rose lay on the bed, her vermeil-colored hair flowing over her shoulders, and around her pink nipples. Richard sucked in a breath as his cock leapt to attention. The woman wasn’t a true beauty, age having faded her, but she was striking. Her creamy thighs were spread and awaiting his arrival. The oil lamp had been lit, sending a soft glow across her pale skin. Her full lips parted in a welcoming smile. He grinned back.

  “Rose, you look good enough to eat,” a growl rumbled from his chest. Richard ran his tongue along his teeth and over his fangs. “And I think I shall.”

  He loosened his cravat as he crossed the floor. Rose giggled, then reached down and lifted her nipples up for his inspection. They beaded instantly, flushing a deeper pink.

  “Lovely,” he rasped, as he shed his coat, shirt, and boots.

  In a matter of moments, he was left standing before her in his gray breeches and nothing more. Richard heard Rose’s sharp intake of breath, then the sound of her heart as it sped up with excitement. It took every fiber of his being not to pounce on her. Rose’s eyes stared, transfixed on his hands, as he unbuttoned his breeches. His impressive cock sprung free.

  “Have you recovered enough to play, Rose?” he rasped.

  She nodded.

  He stood before her in all his naked glory. To Rose he must appear a man in his prime. Richard glanced away as he realized the truth of his age would horrify both her and Lily. Then just as quickly he returned his attention, locking Rose with his fathomless gaze. Richard moved to the end of the bed, sinking to his knees between her spread thighs. Rose squirmed and tilted her hips exposing her pouty lower lips.

  Moisture glistened on the thatch of curls between her legs. Richard reached out a finger, stroking her pussy gently. The room smelled of Rose’s sex and sweet blood. He closed his eyes for a moment and inhaled deeply, then set about pleasing the woman before him, since he couldn’t lay hands upon Lady Lily Devlin—yet.

  He grazed her clit with his thumb, causing her hips to buck beneath his touch. Richard circled the hidden button until Rose writhed, begging for release, then he dipped his head so he could lap at her folds. She moaned, her hands instinctively reaching for his head, burying his face deeper into her cunt. Richard dug in and continued to eat at Rose, until she cried out her first release.

  As the spasms hit her, he pulled away, sinking his fangs deep in her inner thigh and began to drink. The second they merged Richard’s mind plunged into Rose’s, colliding with her tumultuous emotions. Beneath the layers, in her hidden depths, she longed for a man like him, but older—more settled, someone she could call her own without
society looking down on the union. Richard felt the white-hot pain pleasure increase the sensation of her orgasm, her body’s tightening as it surged toward a second completion. Rose screamed, careening over the edge again, her body convulsing. Richard held her down with his strong hands.

  She shuddered in ecstasy beneath his lips, her eyes blinking closed, as Richard continued to feed. Thoughts of Lily filled his mind, her creamy skin and blonde hair. Would the crisp curls covering her woman’s center be as fair? What would her skin feel like beneath his lips? He longed to experience the same mind connection with her. Richard’s cock throbbed, demanding release. Unfortunately, he found the thought of driving into Rose’s wet channel tonight decidedly unappealing since meeting Lily at the ball.

  Damn her, what had she done to him?

  The coppery sweet taste of blood filled his mouth, regenerated his body, leaving him drowsy and content. Richard stopped himself, when he heard Rose’s heart skip a beat. He sealed the pinpricks with a swipe of his tongue, then kissed her on the already healing bite marks. She began to lose consciousness and would sleep for the rest of the night and in all likelihood all day tomorrow. He’d visit her again in a couple of days after she’d sufficiently recovered.

  He glanced down at her spread legs. Rose’s pussy was swollen and flushed red from her orgasm. A musky odor that was all woman enveloped him. His cock bucked in response. Richard once again considered fucking her, simply to assuage the pain in his shaft, but decided against it. The only woman he wanted to sink his aching cock into was Lady Lily Devlin.

  He stood, staring down at Rose’s content form. Guilt over what he was about to do clawed at Richard. After she’d learned his secret, he’d never been dishonest with Rose. But he also knew he couldn’t hurt her feelings or explain his sudden change in behavior, at least not yet. He did not want to get her hopes up.

  So with a heavy heart Richard used his powers and planted a pleasant memory of wild sex in Rose’s mind. She would wake sated with more money than she could have made working six fortnights, having nothing but wonderful words to say, when it came to her evening with Lord Lyon.

  Thanks to their mutual exchange… she always did.

  Chapter Three

  Richard returned to his home as the sun began to rise and immediately sought rest. He could feel the tiredness the day brought on all the way to his bones. Hurley wouldn’t disturb him until the evening was once again upon them, unless there was an emergency, in which case he could try, but they both knew it was like attempting to raise the dead. He smiled at his own wry humor.

  Evening came quickly, like clockwork Hurley stood at the door ready to help his master prepare for tonight’s masked ball. Richard shook his head at the number of invitations he’d received. So far he had been scheduled to attend forty-eight balls, sixty or so parties, and at least thirty dinners. He’d turned down all requests for breakfasts or afternoon tea soirees. The hostesses assumed his time would be taken up with other manly activities such as gaming or sport at Watier’s. He glanced up at his bathing tub, which sat before the fire, waiting to be filled.

  “Did the girl get sent off on time?” Richard asked, although he knew there was no need. Had there been a problem, Hurley would have informed him immediately.

  “Aye, she did. Katherine will receive her with open arms, just like she does all the strays we send her.” Hurley laughed.

  When no one was around Richard allowed Hurley to address him casually, after all they were friends first and foremost.

  “Well done.” Richard nodded. He could always count on Hurley to get any job done, and Katherine. She had been a dear friend for almost four hundred years now. In that time she’d cared for every human Richard had sent her way.

  “Hurley, my good man, please draw up a bath, while we consider what I shall be for tonight’s events. I have a very special quarry I wish to trap.”

  “A lady has caught yer’ fancy, my lord?” Hurley didn’t attempt to hide the hopeful note in his voice.

  Richard smiled. “You could say that.”

  Hurley grinned, exposing several missing teeth. “‘Tis about time you settle down.” The man’s gray eyes sparkled with mirth. “Your days of prancing about as a young cock should have been over long ago.”

  “You are worse than an old hen, fussing over me.” Richard teased.

  Hurley laughed again before slipping from the room to fetch hot water for the bathing tub.

  Richard stripped off his clothes and took a long hard look in the mirror. He still bore the scar from his fatal wound so many years ago. Strange how becoming a vampire hadn’t been able to remove the painful reminder of his family’s demise. He ran his fingers across the angry white gash that still tingled beneath his touch. Other than the scar, nothing marred his white skin.

  He considered his appearance, trying to imagine the look on Lily’s face when she’d first catch a glimpse of his naked form. Failure did not cross his mind. Would she shrink back like a timid virgin or would lust tinge her fair skin a lovely shade of pink?

  Hurley returned, finished filling the tub and then excused himself, leaving Richard to his privacy. Richard sank into the water, the warmth penetrating his bones.

  He considered the lady in question, trying to imagine her naked, lying before him like an offering to an ancient god. His hand stroked down the length of his chest, nearing his hardening cock. Richard clasped himself, enjoying the weight in his palm. The thought of entering Lily’s tight opening had him groaning. Richard squeezed once, before releasing his cock. He would not seek completion by his own hands. He had something far more pleasurable in mind.

  An hour later, bathed and dressed as the great Asian conqueror, Genghis Khan, Richard departed. His costume was a bit of a private joke, considering he’d actually met the man and received the helmet he wore from the warlord himself. Tonight he felt like a bit of a conqueror. It would be nice if he could reach out and seize what he wanted, without the dictates of society interfering. But just like the times, his behavior had to adjust for him to keep up the appearance of civility.

  Lady Melbourne’s ball teetered on the preposterous, but everyone who was anyone in the haute ton, wanted an invite. Richard gained permission to enter the lady’s house from the butler. To this day, he had no idea why permission was needed for him to enter any home, only that it was—peculiar yes, unfortunate perhaps, but one of the many things he’d had to learn to live with over the years.

  Fortunately he only needed permission once, and then he could go and come as he pleased. That small fact didn’t stop Richard from asking for entry, especially if he’d been away for a year or two. It couldn’t hurt to be cautious. He checked his reflection in the mirror and straightened his helmet. He chuckled at the thought of vampires being unable to see themselves in looking glasses. Utterly ridiculous.

  He made his way down the hall to the grand ballroom. The room was a flurry of costumes. Many of the ladies wore elaborate masks, disguising their faces, leaving them with a feeling of anonymity they seldom experienced. They’d probably be shocked to know he could identify them by scent alone. Their thoughts blurred in Richard’s mind.

  Richard acknowledged the hostess with a deep bow and then entered the throng. He had one thing and one thing only on his mind; Lady Lily Devlin. Richard knew she had to be here somewhere. He also knew that if he got close enough to her, he’d scent her immediately. So he could flirt with her outrageously under the pretense she was one of his dalliances, without letting on that he knew her true identity.

  He smiled and moved deeper into the crowd. Richard had fed before arriving, so that no clumsy mistakes like nibbling would occur due to his insatiable hunger. He was pretty sure the thief he’d encountered in the alley would by now have repented or at least thought twice before trying to accost a gentleman.

  Richard’s thirst was unquenchable, like a living, breathing thing, it clawed at his insides as if he hadn’t tasted a drop of blood. Being around so many warm bodies with crim
son churning through their veins was enough to tempt even the most devout. That’s why he so desperately needed to find out if Lily could possibly be his bloodmate. Anticipation rushed through him. It wouldn’t do to get too excited, nothing had been determined as of yet.

  Richard passed a small group of men and women gathered off to the side of the dance floor. He’d taken two steps beyond when Lily’s sweet scent filled his lungs. He stopped, turning on his heel to join the group.

  After general greetings, the gathering continued their conversation of fashion and the rare bit of gossip, careful to skirt true scandal. Lady Lily stood dressed like a Greek goddess, gold adorning her sandals, as well as being draped in her hair. An ivory and gold mask hid her face from his prying eyes, but it didn’t take much imagination to picture her pert nose and creamy skin.

  “Mademoiselle, would you care to dance?” He held out his hand. “I’ve never held a goddess in my arms.”

  The group around them burst into giggles, as they all paired up and headed to the dance floor.

  Lily stood eyeing Lord Lyon from behind her mask. He was far too handsome for his own good. And dressed like a conqueror he was positively lethal. She willed her fingers to stop trembling as she allowed him to take her hand and place it on his strong arm. Electricity shot through her body, sending tingles racing over her skin. All her awareness focused on the man at her side.

  Even with the false moustache secured to his face, his profile was striking. From the arch of his noble nose, to the strength of his squared jaw, power clung to him. His lips were perfect, not too full, and not too thin. For the first time in her life Lily wondered what it would be like to have those firm lips pressed to hers, sharing one breath.

  The air caught in her lungs as heat swept through her body. Lily tried to tug free only to have him press his fingers upon her hand. She glanced around hoping the revelers didn’t notice the intimacy of the action. Lily didn’t need anyone thinking there was anything going on between them, and heaven forbid if her father received word. It would be a position she couldn’t easily extract herself from.