A Vampire's Rise by Vanessa Fewings Page B

touch you,” I said.
    Her shoulders dropped their tension. Her clenched fingers relaxed.
    “Where are you from?” I asked.
    “Seville.”
    “You look Spanish, but something else—”
    “My grandfather was Egyptian.”
    Such lineage had bestowed an exotic mix, delicate, noble features, and a petite dancer’s frame.
    “You’re beautiful,” I said.
    A noise outside startled her.
    “The senator doesn’t know you’re here,” I said.
    She ran to me and buried her head into my chest. A hint of lilies wafted. Even though she held me, I was the one who felt safe. I marveled at her serenity as she snuggled into me. Time ceased at that very moment, and I was unable to recall the last time I’d experienced such affection. A few maids had bestowed relief over the years, but none of them had captured me like her.
    “You can’t stay here. Look.” I led her over to the window and pointed. “Head for that house. Give this note to the butler.” I scribed quickly.
    She accepted the folded paper.
    “That’s my home,” I said. “Stay for as long as you like.”
    She stared off at the great manor.
    “You’ll be safe there, I promise.”
    She hugged me again.
    “Now go. A warm meal and soft bed awaits you.”
    With her fingers wrapped around the door handle, she turned and smiled.
    Something internal melted. She’d penetrated my very core, by passing my life-long wall, and I didn’t even know her.
    She was gone.
    I hoped to be the one to win her over. But a more pressing matter tormented me, Alicia. A terrible feeling came with the knowledge that Felipe had used her to get to me.
    Alicia, I’m coming for you.
    From the window, I watched Annabelle run along the garden pathway, making her way north toward the estate. The full moon guided her steps. I sighed as I left the room, captivated with the idea that I’d stolen her away, and I offered a quiet prayer that she’d make it.
    Staff were reluctant to divulge Salvador’s whereabouts, but I wouldn’t take no for an answer. They relented and pointed in the direction of the servant’s quarters.
    From outside, noises in the room hinted at a tussle. Unable to resist, I opened the door ajar and saw Salvador, completely naked, embracing a male servant. The inner rush caused me to freeze. Taking pleasure from the moment, I enjoyed the view. I slid through and lingered in a shadowy corner. I’d trespassed into a risqué rendezvous. It felt wrong, but it felt good, too. I considered that my kiss had alighted such passion and here now unfolded the result of my flirting.
    Once hidden beneath a dashing uniform, Salvador’s muscular physique was now exposed.
    I turned to go.
    A long groan drew me back. The man leaned forward with outstretched arms against the wall, supporting both he and Salvador, his fingernails digging into the granite.
    And that could have been me.
    Salvador, this dashing conquistador, still a virtual stranger, and yet we’d connected immediately and our rapport had fired our imaginations, kindling something impossible to ignore, impossible to turn away from.
    Beads of perspiration shimmered over both of them. Candlewick flickered, throwing dancing shadows. I exhaled, unsure of when I’d taken my last breath, hoping that they’d not heard my sigh.
    The sublime affection they shared was stirring to watch.
    Salvador regained his composure. And then he saw me.
    “Out,” he directed his servant.
    The man grabbed his clothes and ran past me, avoiding eye contact. I opened the door for him.
    Salvador cringed. “I thought you were with the girl.”
    I smiled. “If you’re going to tell me this is not what it seems . . .”
    “Like to watch, do you?”
    “You’ll have to make your indiscretion up to me.”
    Salvador nibbled on a fingernail. This man had faced the most ferocious of armies and yet with me, he yielded.
    “Don’t you ever knock?” He reached for his trousers.
    I snatched them out of his hand. “And spoil your fun?”
    He rested his hands