vampires of san francisco 07 - suckers lost and found by Jessica McBrayer Page A

the water. I shiver and Basilio shakes out a cashmere blanket. The water is cooler than I thought it would be. He puts the blanket over both our laps. My beetle buzzes.
          Basilio continues with his running commentary, but now his hand moves over to my leg. I gasp when I feel his hand on my thigh and look at him. He smiles at me. I see my little beetle begin to twitch.
          “That loggia held a dinner party, oh, about five hundred years ago. I was invited and after the host insulted me I drained him dry.” I shiver involuntarily. He puts an arm around me while keeping the other hand roving up and down my leg. I swear I can feel at least five hands. 
          “Your Majesty, Basilio, I am very committed to Sebastian.” He shrugs and smiles at me, turning up his charm.
          “But there are so many other flavors of love to be tasted. Wouldn’t you like to experience some of them? Besides, jealousy adds spice to a relationship.”
          “You are too charming, Basilio. But I love Sebastian.”
          We continue on our ride. Going under a bridge, Basilio whispers in my ear.
          “I can respect that you love him. That doesn’t mean you can’t sleep with me as well. I am much older than Sebastian. I have much I could teach you as a lover. Let me show you, bella.”
          “But you barely know me!”
          “For one as old as I am, it doesn’t take long to know when we have met someone original.”
          “I am honored. And flattered, Basilio. Truly I am, but I can’t sleep with you.”
          He continues as if he hadn’t heard me speak. Ugh!
          “You are like a drug, Lily. Just one kiss?” He leans in.
          But he leans over a little too far and then Aidan helps him the rest of the way.
     With a very undignified yelp he splashes into the filthy water. I stifle a grin and offer a hand to help him back into the boat. His guard quickly step forward.
          “Basilio, oh my goodness. Are you all right? Please, take the blanket.”
          I wrap him up in it. He is scowling. It wasn’t very romantic or debonair to fall in the water. I fuss over him a little more and that calms him down. We have to turn the gondola around and go back to the mansion. I get a glimpse of Sebastian and he is grinning from ear to ear. I give him a surreptitious wink.
          “I’m sorry our trip was ruined, bella. I will make it up to you. I planned a ball for tonight. I want to show you off.” Every vampire of any standing in Western Europe will be here.
          “That’s very generous of you, Basilio.” I hesitate and run through my wardrobe for something suitable. “I’ll have to go shopping.”
          He laughs.
          “I hoped you would say that. I arranged for someone to take you and the rest of your party out later this afternoon. The best stores in the city are open to you on my credit.”
          “Again, that is very generous of you, thank you. You really do have this seduction thing down, don’t you.” 
          “Again, piccolo, I have years of practice.” He whispers in my ear, “Just think what that would translate to in bed.” I wink at him as our gondola glides into the dock in front of his mansion.
          “About the shopping, it is nothing. I want you to enjoy yourself. And I will be expecting you to act as hostess at tonight’s gala.” 
    Gulp. How am going to get this past Sebastian? As soon as my feet are on the dock, Sebastian scoops me up.
          “See Sebastian, no harm done. She had to take care of me!” Basilio says.
          “Yes, all seems well enough,” Sebastian says. His voice and gaze impassive.
          The King has the audacity to pretend like his behavior was above reproach. His people hurry him inside to change. Armand approaches me.
          “The King would like to extend his generosity to you and your party at