A Vampire's Rise by Vanessa Fewings Page A

better man than I.” Although fascinated, I felt no such loyalty. Royalty only existed to control the people and tax them well. My opinion would remain my own. I pointed to his medal. “Why did they give you that?”
    He glanced down at the dangling metal that resembled a coin. “My regiment ambushed the enemy’s camp.” He peeled back his shirt to show me a scar on his chest. “A memento.”
    “How did you get that?”
    “Their king resisted arrest.” Salvador sighed. “War is not how you imagine it. Rules that I learned as a junior officer didn’t apply in battle.”
    “Life is already so short.”
    “And if heaven does exit,” Salvador said, “I’m not sure I’d get in.”
    I burst into laughter.
    His smile widened into a grin. “Now that I’m home, I’m going to make the most of every moment.” He gave me an affectionate nudge. “What do you want?”
    My gaze fell to his lips.
    He fell back and laughed.
    I rested my head on my hands. “What do you want?”
    “I think . . .”
    “Careful what you ask for.”
    “You know I’d do anything for you.”
    “And we’ve only just met.”
    He turned to face me. “Some people are more likable than others.”
    “I might just put that to the test.”
    “Try me.”
    “Bring me the girl.”
    Salvador sat up.
    I leaned in close to his ear. “Bring her to me.”
    “I believe she’s with the senator.”
    “Then you’d better move fast.”
    Salvador leaped to his feet and stared at me.
    I had nothing to lose. I’d soon be reunited with Alicia, my last link to my family. All this time, she’d been with Felipe who’d poisoned her mind, no doubt. When I found her, I’d explain everything. The promise of vindication was real.
    * * * *
    Salvador headed fast toward me. When I saw that he was alone, I felt disappointment.
    “I’ve been on some dangerous missions,” he said, “but this one beats them all.”
    “What happened?”
    “We were just in time,” he said. “Felipe had her taken to his guest quarters. She’s terrified. You do realize if he ever found out—”
    “Take me to her.”
    Disappointment danced in his eyes.
    I rested my thumb on his lower lip and his mouth parted. An uncommon arousal stirred as Salvador’s pout met mine and our tongues brushed. He opened his mouth wider to deepen our kiss, and there came a passionate surge so fervent that it seized my breath.
    I broke away.
    Salvador looked disconcerted.
    We ascended the stairs, quickly reaching Salvador’s bedroom. He opened the door and signaled for me to enter. Silhouetted at the window stood the beautiful flamenco dancer.
    “It’s tradition to spoil our guests.” He gave me a wink and then closed the door as he withdrew.
    The dancer backed away toward the bed.
    “You’re safer going in the other direction,” I said.
    Her cheeks blushed.
    “What’s your name?” I asked.
    “Annabelle.”
    Her hands scrunched the material of her dress, lifting it slightly off the floor.
    “You’re safe now,” I said. “Will you dance for me?”
    She hesitated.
    I gestured, “Please,” and then settled upon the edge of the bed.
    Her demeanor changed.
    Where there had stood a virgin, now an exotic creature struck a graceful pose. Her chin pointed down with desire. A flurry of evocative steps, a señorita’s yearning, she tapped into her emotions and translated them into movement, twisting and turning, stomping and then stepping delicately with pointed toes, a wondrous performance.
    Though no words passed between us, we spoke. With all my will, I resisted the urge to pull her into my arms. Annabelle was once again a young girl. She broke into ripples of laughter.
    “You move like a goddess.” I sighed.
    She gave a coy smile.
    “You don’t say much, do you?” I folded my arms.
    She fluttered long eyelashes.
    “Well?” I said.
    “They ordered me to wait.”
    “For the senator?”
    From her expression, I could see she didn’t like the idea, either.
    “I won’t let him