think you can simply select me to become yours and I will comply?”
“Viviane, you have been granted such independence—” He stopped abruptly, checking his words.
“It bothers you, my freedom? That does not speak well for my future. As you’ve said, I have been granted independence. An independence I expect to retain, at all costs.”
“That would be a steep price. Viviane, the relationship you had with Henri was unique.”
She’d been so young when Henri had taken her under his care. Too young to be pressed into a sexual relationship. And he had never pressed, bless his kind heart.
“Please, let’s not speak of him. My heart still aches for his loss.”
“Of course.” He lifted the talon from around her neck and let it fall from his fingers. “Forgive me. But please consider what the two of us could create.”
Quite sure she did not favor being forced into making a decision, Viviane swung her foot and glanced to the floor beside the settee where she spied a box.
“What is in the box?”
Constantine’s eyes sparkled. “Curious?”
“Of course. Anything secreted within a red satin box and tied with a bow would make a woman’s heart beat.”
“But you avoid answering my request.”
“Show me what is in the box, and I shall consider your request.”
“Ah, so you shall decide our fate by how you judge the value of what I’ve brought you?”
Of course. If it was of value, and she could use it to pay off one of Henri’s debts. “Constantine, you know I will come to you … eventually.” It was a sad truth she must soon face. “I need time.”
“What if you have not time?”
“I have gone well over six months without drinking from Henri. I am … unique. Older.”
“Perhaps it is because you are pure blood.”
“If you distract me with whatever you’ve brought along, perhaps …”
Perhaps she could summon a reason not to answer his question. Ever.
“Very well.” He placed the box on her lap. It was flat, narrow, and the red satin box was tied with a froth of black moire ribbon that wavered like oil under the candlelight.
“There is a craftsman in Rouen who designs astonishing pieces of jewelry. I once asked why Marie Antoinette had not summoned him, and he said she had, but he did not enjoy the fuss. Can you imagine?”
“Not everyone lives for the queen’s summons, Constantine.”
She knew he craved a connection to mortality she would never understand. As well, the fame.
“I saw this piece and immediately decided you must have it. It is as if it were made for you.”
Viviane struggled with the knot, but refused to slip the ribbon from the box, as was possible. To delay the surprise was the best moment, and she always took her time when opening the few rare gifts she received.
For his part, Constantine did not rush her. She felt his eyes creep along her face and down to her breasts.
Marriage? He was a fine man. Handsome. Powerful. A tribe leader. All Dark Ones in Paris looked up to him. He could have any female vampire he desired, and she in turn should feel gratitude she’d been chosen by him.
And yet, Viviane had always avoided attachment to men for the very reason immortality meant forever. A woman promises her heart to one man and, centuries later, he may still be in her life. She wasn’t ready for that. She’d never fallen desperately or head over heels in love.
And if she should, forever was too long for a commitment to a man whose eyes reflected babies. A baby tucked to her breast was the last thing Viviane envisioned for herself.
Pushing off the box top revealed a wide network of what initially looked like chain mail. Closer inspection found the pewter links were elaborate filigrees, chased and polished to a gleam. Hematite stones were set into the filigree. They shone like polished metal.
Constantine caught her reaching hand. “Careful. The tips of each link are sharpened to fine points.”
Viviane lifted the box to eye level to see that indeed, the links were embellished with tiny points, like miniature fangs. “It’s absolutely medieval. Like a torture device.”
“Do you like it?”
“I believe I do. How delightful, yet dangerous.”
“Much like you.”
“Thank you, Constantine. It pleases me.”
Setting it aside, she dipped her head before his face to accept a kiss. He answered without reluctance. This kiss was hard and demanding, much like—no, she would not think of that other kiss.
The kiss from a man who intrigued.
VIVIANE LINGERED AFTER Constantine had departed.
“You’ve a letter. Just delivered by a messenger.” Portia dropped it on her mistress’s lap. “So busy today with the visits and correspondence.”
Pressing the crisp paper beneath her nose, Viviane scented the earthy odor and immediately guessed from whom it had come.
“Who is it from?” Portia asked.
“Monsieur Hawkes. Read it, will you?”
Sitting beside her, Portia carefully popped the red wax seal.
The seal of red wax fell away and Viviane caught it. Interesting crest. The design featured a fleur-de-lis surrounded by pine bows. So provincial. She set it on Portia’s lap.
“’My dearest LaMourette,’” Portia began, yet commented, “He addresses you like that? Presumptuous of him.”
“I thought you favored him?”
“I do, but the propriety. Please.”
“Continue, Portia.”
“’My dearest LaMourette. Since we parted last night I have thought of nothing but your warm lips.’” Portia delivered Viviane a gaping O of her mouth.
“Read,” Viviane persisted.
“’I know you will take no favor in my listing the many different ways I have thought of our encounter. Nor will it appeal that you have invaded my heart and I’ve no intention of fighting you from the vanguard.’”
Viviane yawned and patted her mouth dramatically.
“’But I do know how to win your heart, my dark, delicious queen of the night.’”
