CHAPTER NINE

Thomas looked up from his PC. Eve stood hesitatingly at his study door. He watched her silently as she advanced into the library. She was pale and wan. He must have taken more blood than he first thought.

“Sit down, Eve.” He poured a tall glass of orange juice and slid it across the desk. “It’s freshly squeezed. Drink up.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled. She drank deeply and plunked the empty glass down. “I was thirsty.”

“Did you sleep well?” Thomas inquired politely.

“Yes.” Eve’s hand went unconsciously to her throat. She closed it around the golden crucifix her grandmother gave her. She had strange, unsettling dreams and was up at dawn’s first light. She winced a little. Her neck felt tender to the touch. Maybe she was coming down with something. The action didn’t go unnoticed. “Lovely,” he indicated with aly asking.” Eve looped a strand of hair behind her ear agitatedly. “Why would you care?” She rose and crossed the library. She stared out the window broodingly.

Her life before she crossed paths with Thomas seemed like a far off dream. Everything was so muddled and secretive. She was caught in the middle of something and for the life of her she couldn’t figure out what it was.

Thomas crossed the room silently and placed his hands lightly on her shoulders. He felt her tense.

“Eve?” He turned her around and placed his finger under her chin, tipping it up. “You have no reason to fear me, don’t you realize that yet?” She gazed into his piercing eyes searching for… she didn’t know what. She swallowed wincing a little at the pain in her throat. “You…you’re a strange man, Monsieur Lord. You’re whole household is odd. I don’t belong here.”

Thomas felt an unfamiliar pang. It bothered him that she felt that way about him. That she thought him strange. He knew what he was. Until this moment he didn’t realize how much her opinion meant to him.

“You belong here, petite fluer. Soon you will come to understand how things work.” He grasped her hands in his large ones and led her to a small sofa. “Why do you find me strange?” He asked softly.

“Don’t you think we’ve gone way past the point of formalities,” he interrupted sharply. “Address me by my givin name,” he snapped, his eyes narrowed and glowing fiercely. “It’s Thomas, so use it S’il vous plait.”

Eve felt anger well up inside her. “See? That’s exactly what I’m talking about, Thomas,” she stressed. “You blow hot and cold. I…I never know from one minute to the next how you’ll react to things. Kato, while kind, is a complete mystery to me. You’re house is filled with these weird ancient religious artifacts, there are …monsters lurking outside your property. I can’t figure out why I haven’t had a peaceful night’s sleep since I arrived here.” She took a trembling breath. “And sometimes…sometimes you don’t seem human to me at all,” she whispered.

Thomas stared at her for a long beat. “Why don’t tell me how you really feel,” he said in a voice as cold as a gravediggers. He stood abruptly. “We have a lot of work to do today so I suggest we get down to it.”

Eve immediately felt bad. She wished she had kept her big mouth shut. All she did was make things ten times worse. “Thomas…” she began contritely.

Thomas sat behind his desk and completely shut her down. “These three chapters need to be revised. While you’re doing that I’ll finish up what I have written so far. You’ll have enough to keep you busy for the next several hours,” he said remotely.

His face was closed and implacable. He slipped on a pair of glasses and began typing rapidly.

“Fine,” Eve said sourly. If he was going to ignore her then she would do the same.

They worked for the next few hours in complete silence. Thomas was absorbed in his work.

Eve stole a glance at him through her lashes. His face was intense and serious. He swept his hair away from his brow absently. The man was incredibly handsome. She’d have to be blind not to acknowledge that. He removed his glasses and set them on his desk. “We’re done for the day,” he announced coolly.

He stood and flexed his shoulders. “I’m going out for the evening. Let Kato know when you wish to dine.” He turned and walked out of the library without waiting to her reply.

Eve felt tears prick at the back of her eyes. Those careless words hurt far more than she had ever imagined. She was left alone with a mixed bag of emotions, but most of all, regret for the way she had spoken to him.

****************

Thomas walked along the darkened beach at a fast clip. He was angry and in a dangerous mood. He wanted to hunt, he needed it to ease the pain he felt.

His preternatural eyes scanned the deserted landscape. He smiled coldly. He found his prey. He ran swiftly down the shore, his muscles exalting in the freedom of movement. He sliced through the air, a silent killing blur. Richard Glenn stumbled down to the sand. He was high on crack and feeling smug. He rinsed his bloody hands in the cold seawater.

He had raped and murdered a pregnant mother of two not more than an hour ago.

He had a pleasant ache in his groin. He laughed nastily; the cops had no clue who he was. He had raped countless times before and they still hadn’t been able to catch him.

He stood up and dried his hands on his jeans. He turned around and was surprised to see a man a couple of feet in front of him. He stood smoking a slim cigar.

“Yeah?” Richard said belligerently. “What the fuck ya staring at asshole?”

Thomas ran his tongue over his teeth. “Welcome to the jungle,” he hissed.

In a flash he clamped his hand around Richards throat. Thomas took flight and as Richard helplessly tried to pry Thomas’s hands off him. He began screaming hysterically. They were one hundred feet off the ground and in the middle of the vast ocean. He took his cigar and touched the tip to Richard’s hands. The man howled in pain and began kicking violently.

“I wouldn’t advise you to squirm too much,” Thomas said coolly. “It’s a long way down.”

Richard’s eyes bulged out of his head. This was a nightmare. One he couldn’t wake from.

“That’s right, Richard. Welcome to my nightmare,” Thomas said impassively.

“Guess you now know how it feels to be truly afraid, huh you piece of shit? Just like that pretty young mother you raped and stabbed was afraid. Right? You killed her out of sheer meanness and nothing else. You stabbed her eighteen times right in the stomach. You delighted in it. Well…now you’re gonna know what it feels like to be devoured.”

Thomas growled at the back of his throat like a wild animal. He sank his teeth brutally into the side of Richard’s neck tearing his throat partially open. He plummeted straight into the ocean and dragged the man’s body until a stream of his blood perfumed the water.

He yanked him out of the sea and waited until he saw the unmistakable fin of a great white shark headed swiftly their way. Richard began screaming in terror.

The shark lifted his enormous head out of the water. Its jaws were grotesquely spread wide. Thomas looked Richard straight in the eye. “If you think you’re gonna feel pain now, it’s nothing compared to what you’ll feel in hell…for all eternity.”

Thomas dropped the flailing man right into the mouth of the great shark. He flew straight into the air, as the Richard’s tortured screams echoed horribly in the night sky.

*************************

Gerard sat with the Prince in the ink-black cavern. He knelt before the beast and waited.

To be continued…

CHAPTER TEN

Eve sat in the silent dining room eating a solitary breakfast. She pushed the fluffy scrambled eggs around her plate and wondered for the umpteenth time where Thomas spent his evening.

Liar. More like whom he spent his evening with…

She sighed deeply and pushed the unwelcome thought from her mind.

“Are you finished, Miss Knight?”

Kato stood before her with his hands folded in front of him. As usual he came in on little cat feet. He had a habit of appearing out of the blue.

“Yes, thank you Kato. It was delicious as always.” Eve patted her mouth and laid the linen napkin beside her plate.

“You barely touched your plate child,” he scolded gently. “You must keep up your strength.”

She smiled as he cleared her plate and disappeared to parts unknown. Restless, she scraped her chair back and wandered through the large house. She wound up in front of Thomas’s bedroom door. She knocked lightly.

“Oui? Entre.”

Eve turned the knob and entered his private domain. She was surprised to see him in bed. She almost turned and walked out.

“What’s wrong Eve? This a little too human for you?” He stacked his hands behind his head arrogantly and fixed her with a penetrating stare. The snow-white sheets were draped over the lower part of his body. He was obviously naked underneath.

His deep chest was bare. His crucifix shone metallically in the sunlight. Eve cut her eyes to where the sheet ended. An unsettling and very lifelike tattoo of Saint Michael adorned the flat plane of his belly under his navel.

Way under.

It was just a breath away from the silky pubic hair of his groin. She stared at it mesmerized and dry-mouthed.

Thomas smiled and glanced down at his stomach. “Never seen a tattoo before, little girl?” He asked snidely.

Eve snapped out of her trance. “Of course,” she replied stiffly. “Are you always so rude and sarcastic in the morning?”

Thomas raised an eyebrow. “Excuse me? Are you giving me attitude? Aren’t you the one who barged into my bedroom, ‘tit catin?”

Eve’s face flushed with anger. She marched up to his bedside and slapped him smartly across his cheek.

“How dare you say that to me, you…you…tcheue poule!”

Thomas’s eyebrows shot up in disbelief. His look of utter surprise was almost comical.

He narrowed his eyes and sat straight up. “Okay, first of all… ouch! And second, did you just call me a chicken ass?”

No one ever dared speak to him in this manner, especially not a slip of a woman. She actually struck him!

Eve glared at him. “Damn straight I did, buster. I don’t appreciate being called a prostitute!”

“What? Buster?” Thomas interrupted sourly. “For your information ‘Tit catin means little doll in Cajun! It only mean’s whore in traditional French.”

He curled his fingers around her wrist and yanked her down on the soft bed.

He brought his mouth down hard on hers. He lay sprawled on top of her, thoroughly aroused at the delicious turn of events.

Eve struggled at first, then moaned softly, wrapping her arms around him matching him kiss for passionate kiss. She was spiraling out of control and powerless to stop herself. It was as if a stranger invaded her body.

With surprising strength she flipped him so that she was on top. Eve bit his lip gently and blazed a trail of open-mouthed kiss down his neck. She ran her hands up his chest and curled them into the soft hair, plucking at his nipples until they were hard and pebbled.

Thomas felt the hunger surge up throughout his body like a deluge. He wove his hands through her hair and was about to sink his teeth into the flesh of her neck when sanity returned.

Not now…it’s too soon. She isn’t ready yet.

Eve moaned and shyly wrapped her hand around his sex, gloving it tightly.

“Holy shit,” Thomas exclaimed.

This was rapidly getting out of out of hand. He was ready to bury himself inside her and he needed to stop before he frightened her.

Yeah, try telling that to your cock.

“Eve,” he groaned, gently trying to extract himself from her embrace. He grasped her arms and lifted her up and away from him. “Please, stop. Think about what you’re doing.”

His cock was hard and throbbing painfully. He ran his hands through his hair and pulled the sheet over his erection.

Eve trembled from head to toe. “I want you,” she breathed, still in a sexual haze. She launched herself at him again, nearly knocking him back onto the bed.

“Eve! Stop! I don’t want you! Not like…” He scooted out from under her and dragged the sheet with him. He quickly wrapped it around his torso. He was uncharacteristically rattled and that had never happened to him before.

The sensual mist evaporated around Eve. “What? You don’t want me?” Thomas briefly closed his eyes. The hurt look on her face was awful. She scrambled off the bed as if it were on fire. She put her hands to her flaming cheeks. Dismayed at her total lack of control.

How could you have behaved that way? He thinks you’re a tramp …and a joke.

Thomas sighed in frustration. “That’s not what I…”

“Please,” Eve interrupted with her hand up. “You do not need to say anything else, Thomas. My behavior was…disgraceful. It will never happen again,” she choked out.

She spun around and raced out of the room in complete shame. Thomas stood with his jaw hanging open over what had just transpired. “FUCK!” He shouted in disgust.

He embarrassed her and that was the last thing he wanted to do.

************************

A few hours later Thomas walked into the study. Eve was seated at her desk bent over his manuscript.

Her hair was pulled back severely in a twist. She had on a plain white shirt buttoned to her throat with a slim navy blue skirt. She looked prim and untouchable.

Thomas cleared his throat and sat behind his desk. He fiddled with a pencil wondering what in the hell to say.

Eve mustered up all her courage and looked him straight in the eye. “I finished these chapters…”

“Eve,’ he interrupted gently.

“So all you need to do is check them out,’ she continued. “If you have those other chapters ready, I’ll look over…

“Eve…please this is silly…”

“Don’t Thomas,” Eve said a touch hysterically. She took a deep breath. “Look, there is no need to say anything, okay? I’m sure woman fling themselves at you on a regular basis. I was a fool I admit it. Just chalk it up to…I don’t know, stress.”

Thomas felt like shit.

She thinks you pity her.

Nothing could have been further from the truth.

He stalked around his desk and yanked her up. His face was angry and intense. “You think I feel sorry for you, Cherie? Hmmm?” He grabbed her hand and placed it on his cock. “Feel that? I’m hard, Eve. I’m hard for you. I wanted to fuck you till your ears rang. I wanted to bury myself inside you until you begged me to stop.

The only reason I didn’t is because I didn’t want to hurt or frighten you. Because when we do make love I will devour every inch of you. Comprendez?”

The words reverberated through the room.

Eve felt the air leave her body in one sudden whoosh. His eyes were lit from within. She licked her lips nervously. The way he was staring at her, he really did look as if he wanted to eat her.

I awakened something feral inside him. Now it’s out and not going to go away.

A part of her was thrilled, another scared to death. He was more man than she was used to. Thomas was like a beautiful panther, one that allowed you to pet it, but there is always the risk of attack.

“I…don’t really know what came over me, Thomas,” she stammered out, suddenly uncomfortable with him towering over her. And with the new and confusing feelings she was experiencing.

“No?” He purred silkily. He lightly toyed with the top button of her shirt, deftly unhooking it, and another two. “I think you do, pichouette.” He smiled slyly and pressed an open mouthed kiss on her collarbone. Eve stood as still as a statue. His mouth felt like silk and she began to tremble.

“I have an idea,” he murmured against her satiny flesh.

“What?” Eve whispered, trying to concentrate on what he was saying rather than his warm breath dancing over her breasts.

He raised his head and smiled whitely. “I feel like you need a break. Everything’s been so damn serious around here so I thought we’d have some fun for a change.”

“Fun?”

“Yes Eve,” he teased. “You know…fun. Two people doing something light and enjoyable, maybe even laughing a little…”

Eve smiled, relieved that the charged atmosphere between them had cooled down a bit. “What kind of fun?” She wanted to know.

Thomas pretended to be in serious thought. “Hmmm… let’s see. What about dinner and dancing?”

“You dance?”

Thomas sighed dramatically. “Oui, little cat. I can dance. Astounding isn’t it? And are you in the habit of answering a question with a question?”

Eve raised an eyebrow. “Do I do that?” She grinned.

Thomas chuckled enjoying her playful side. “Then it’s settled. I know of a place and I think you might enjoy it.”

“What shall I wear?” Eve asked.

“It’s formal, Cherie.”

Her smile faded slightly. The woman he went out with were probably as wealthy as he was and could afford couture garments for both day and evening. She had nothing even remotely resembling that. “Thomas,” she began.

Thomas smiled, reading her mind. “Go in your suite. You will find everything you will require,” he said gallantly. He bent over her hand and touched his lips to her pulse.

“I must attend to some business. I want you to spend the afternoon pampering yourself. We will leave at eight o’clock, n’est pas?”

Eve nodded. “Oui,” she whispered shyly.

Thomas bowed slightly and left. Kato appeared as if by magic. “You are going out this evening, Miss?”

“Yes,” she laughed. “I’m not exactly sure where we are going, but we’re going.”

Kato beamed at her. “I took the liberty of drawing a bath for you. You will find everything you need. I will bring a light meal to you later, child.” He drifted away and Eve was alone with her thoughts. She smiled softly to herself, thrilled at the prospect of an entire evening with the mysterious Thomas Lord.

***********************

Eve stared at her reflection in the ornate mirror. She smiled and hoped Thomas thought her beautiful. She felt beautiful.

When she entered her suite earlier in the afternoon she was amazed. Several boxes were stacked on her bed.

She slowly lifted the lid of the biggest one and gasped softly. “Oh my God,” she whispered in awe. The gown was breathtaking.

It was a vibrant red and the style harked back to the forties. She fingered the cool silk reverently. Red pumps also in the forties era, graced another box.

She blushed to the roots of her hair when she lifted a fragile lace teddy and stockings from their tissue nest. To think that Thomas chose this intimate apparel was thrilling.

She soaked in a fragrant bubble bath and began to mentally picture how she would look.

As she stared at herself in the mirror Eve decided the two hours of primping was well worth it.

She turned this way and that, enjoying the feel of the cool silk against her legs.

She looked as though she stepped in from another time. The gown was held up with satin straps around her neck and cut daringly low in the front. It was very form fitting until it hit her knees. Then it flared gently away from her body. She looked like Flamenco dancer.

Her back was completely exposed. The fabric met her tailbone. She had never worn such a reveling dress in her life.

She decided to follow through with the Spanish style of the dress and wore her hair in a sleek knot at the back of her neck. Her mouth was vivid red and her blue eyes, shadowed and mysterious.

She glanced at the tiny cloak on her nightstand.

Eight o’clock.

It was time to meet Thomas. She picked up her jeweled ruby evening bag and left the room quietly.

********************

Thomas turned as Eve entered the living room. They stared silently at each other.

Eve’s heart was thrumming wildly in her chest.

He looked devastating.

He wore black Armani. The tuxedo showed off his broad shoulders and slim waist.

His hair was pulled back away from his face in a shiny ponytail. Black velvet held the luxurious mane in place.

Thomas held her gaze.

She looked incredible.

The dress snaked its way down her lovely body invitingly. He glanced down at her legs, made sexy by the ankle straps of her high heels.

He slowly walked toward her. He lifted her hand and pressed his mouth to her palm. “Ma belle,” he whispered. “So incredibly lovely. I am honored to be on your arm.”

Eve smiled shyly. “Merci, Thomas. You look very handsome, I’m the lucky one.”

He smiled, pleased. “The dress is perfect, but it’s missing one thing.” He picked up a flat velvet box from the coffee table.

He handed it to Eve. Curious, she opened the box. She put a hand to her heart. “Thomas…” she murmured faintly.

Nestled in the black velvet was a large ruby teardrop necklace with matching earrings. She looked up at him in shock.

“It was my maman’s,” he said softly. “I know she’d want you to wear it this evening.”

“Thomas, it’s so expensive. I…”

“Hush,” he smiled. He lifted the necklace from the box and walked behind her. He fastened the tiny clasp. And then gently affixed the vintage earrings to her velvety lobes.

Eve shivered in pleasure as his warm breath feathered over her shoulders. “Thank you,” she stammered.

Thomas led her to a mirror and stood behind her. Eve gasped in wonder. The Ruby teardrop rested gently in between the hollow of her breasts. The jewels burned red fire at her ears and throat.

Their eyes connected. Without taking his eyes from hers, he kissed the side of her neck fleetingly. “Let’s go shall we?”