My Lord Immortality (Immortal Rogues #3)(38)
Author: Alexandra Ivy

Tossing the woman aside like a piece of rubbish, Drake produced a snowy linen handkerchief to wipe the blood from his lips. Then, reaching out with his thoughts, he called to the minions who waited above.

Within moments he could hear the uneven scuffle of heavy boots upon the stairs. He moved toward the door as the two burly men entered. Only a few days before, the ruffians had been the undoubted rulers of the underworld. Brash, ill-tempered, with an ugly habit of killing those who opposed them, they had possessed little fear of the elegantly attired gentleman who had strolled into their dingy alley.

They had still been laughing when he had reached out his hand to crush their minds. Now, under the grim grasp of his Compulsion, they no longer laughed. The broad faces were slack, their eyes devoid of intelligence. They would stand in place until death unless he commanded them into motion.

"Take these bodies to the river," he ordered with a wave of his hand toward the dead maidens.

"Then re-tarn here. We have a very busy night ahead of us."

As if being jerked forward by invisible strings, the two henchmen crossed the cellar to obey his commands. Assured that his scheme was properly set into motion, Drake left the gruesome task to his servants.

He needed to change into something more formal, he decided with a cold smile. Tonight he would gain command of the Medallion, and crown himself the ruler of all vampires. It was only fitting that he appear suitably magnificent.

His soft laugh echoed eerily through the darkness.

The heat was unbearable.

Stripped to the waist, Sebastian left the closed con fines of his chambers. He was restless.

The house slumbered in darkness as he silently prowled through the halls, but there was a hint of disquiet in the thick air. It was that barely discernible unease that made it impossible for him to settle down for the night.

Perhaps he should seek out Drake, he thought as he pushed open the door to the library. If nothing else, he could reassure himself that the treacherous vampire was not plotting anything foul. Of course, that would mean leaving Amelia here alone. His heart gave a squeeze of alarm.

No. He would not leave her unprotected. Not on this night.

Stepping into the room showered in silvery moonlight, Sebastian moved toward the center before he came to a sudden halt.

Just for a moment he wondered if his brooding thoughts of Amelia had conjured up her image.

If so, they had managed to create a dangerously faultless illusion.

His breath was stolen as he regarded her standing next to the window. The silver light bathed her slender form with a soft glow and shimmered on the long hair that flowed like satin down her back. The flimsy silken gown easily revealed the enticing curves of her body. She might have been a creature of moonbeams. A delicate nymph made of iridescent shadows.

Then the warm, potent scent of her skin assaulted his senses and a shudder raced through him. No, this was no magical nymph, but a full-blooded woman who stirred his passions to a searing pitch.

Sebastian struggled to rein in the hunger that flowed through his blood. A hunger that was dangerously close to overwhelming his reason.

"Amelia," he called softly.

No doubt already aware of his presence, she slowly turned to face him, her expression troubled.

"Good evening, Sebastian."

Instantly on alert, he moved forward, not stopping until he was a mere breath from her.

"What is the matter, my dear?"

Her gaze rested briefly on his bare chest before reluctantly lifting. "Nothing. I could not sleep, so I thought perhaps a book …"

The words trailed away as she moistened her lips in a revealing motion. Sebastian gritted his teeth, feeling the fierce awareness of her own smoldering desire. He should return to his chambers, he sternly warned himself. The heavy pulse of awareness was too potent on this night.

It would take one glance, one touch for both of them to be consumed in flames.

But even as he acknowledged the peril, he discovered himself lost in the dark beauty of her eyes.

"Ah."

"I am sorry if I woke you."

"No, I was not asleep."

The small pink tongue once again peeked out to touch the fullness of her lips. Sebastian swallowed a groan.

"It is very warm, is it not?" she demanded in husky tones. "I do not recall a summer in London so smothering before."

If it had been warm before, it was now blazing. A fine sheen of perspiration spread over his skin.

"Yes, it is very warm. Do you dislike the heat?"

"It can be discomforting," she admitted.

His lips curved in wry acknowledgement. "Indeed."

As if realizing he was speaking of more than the ternperature in the air, her absurdly long lashes fluttered downward. The hint of confusion was oddly erotic.

"At least William is settled for the night. He was rather restless earlier."

Sebastian sucked in a deep breath. The last thing in the world he desired to discuss was Amelia’s brother. Not when she was standing mere inches from his stirring body. Not when the scent of her filled his senses. Not when he had only to lower his head to capture the sweet lips in a kiss that would sweep both of them into paradise.

"I know that it is difficult for him to remain hidden," he followed her lead with an effort. "It is little wonder that he is restless."

"Yes." She paused before wrinkling her nose. "I fear that he sneaked the kittens into his bed. It was very naughty of him and I have made him promise to return them to the kitchen the first thing in the morning. I hope you do not mind?"

"Of course not." He regarded her pale complexion for a long moment. "You are very patient with him."

She lifted her gaze in surprise at his words. "He is my brother. And I love him."

"You speak of it so casually, but such devotion is rare. I can think of no other maiden that I have ever encountered who would willingly surrender her own needs to ensure the happiness of another."

A hint of color touched her cheeks. "That is absurd."

"Is it? Tell me how many of your acquaintances are struggling to provide a home for their family rather than fluttering their way through the Season?"

The blush only deepened. "Sebastian."

Sebastian offered a slow smile. She would never admit that she had done anything extraordinary in saving her brother from the asylum.

"Very well." His gaze shifted on its own to the provocative shimmer of her pale skin. The brief distraction had done nothing to ease the tension that throbbed between them. "I will leave you to find your book."