We walked into the hotel and a gentleman dressed in a tuxedo and wearing white gloves handed Lance a key card. He thanked him as we walked straight to the elevator. It was a relief not to have to linger at the front desk. As tired as I was, I would have fallen asleep in the limo if the hotel hadn’t been so close. Lance punched a number and the elevator opened on the top floor. A few short steps down the hallway, and we were at the penthouse.
We walked into a luxurious living room, adorned with flowers and beautiful furniture. On the farthest side of the room was a door that I assumed led to the bedroom. There was also another door. “What’s in that room?” I asked pointing to the door.
“It’s a mini salon,” he said, eyeing me with a mischievous grin.
“Wow! You are really trying to spoil me, aren’t you?” I teased, too tired to check it out.
Suddenly, Lance swooped me up into his arms and headed towar
I woke the next morning and the shades on the windows were already drawn in the hotel room. The shades must have been specially made, as there was no light streaming in through the windows at all, although it was clearly morning. Lance was still behind me, spooning me in his sleep as a broad smile spread across his face.I slid out of bed, careful not to wake him, then headed toward the bathroom and quickly showered. Afterward, I slipped into a luxurious white robe that was hanging behind the door, reminding me of the robe in Lance’s penthouse. I looked into the mirror and my cheeks were bright and rosy, my blue eyes wild, and my hair knotted, matching the wild look in my eyes. I laughed, deciding to look for a brush. I hadn’t packed much. Angela had taken care of the details and I had no idea what she had packed for me.I looked over and on the counter was a small travel bag. I opened it and inside was a complete brush set, blow dryer, my favorite shampoos
A part of me wanted to rest, but another part of me wanted to take advantage of his offer and shop while I had the chance. “Okay, you talked me into it. I’ll go.”A broad smile spread across his face. “That’s my lady,” he said, then crushed his lips down onto mine.“But when I get back, I’m going to rest,” I amended, rubbing my tummy, which was slightly bigger. I was already feeling tired and I hadn’t even left the hotel.“Leila, if you don’t feel up to it, I can bring the runway to you,” he stated, then gently kissed my forehead. “Also, be sure to get some baby clothes … whatever you’d like.”“You, my dear, are spoiling me,” I said, giving him a light peck on the lips.“That’s the whole idea,” he replied, then added, “but stay with the limo. My driver will stay with you today.”“I will.&rdquo
In the limo, I looked out the window, taking in the sites. It had been a long time since I’d been to New York. Steven had traveled here often on business and I was rarely invited to go with him, but I couldn’t blame him entirely. I was married to my work at the time. Looking back, it was a wonder that we had stayed married for as long as we had. Maybe that was why he had taken a mistress. Steven had needed someone that would be there for him. I quickly pushed those thoughts aside as we pulled down Fifth Avenue. My heart leapt with excitement as I spotted high-end stores, such as Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, De Beers, Gianni Versace, Bergdorf Goodman, and much more. Then, I spotted Prada. “Stop here, Clarence,” I said, and he quickly obeyed. There were no parking spaces and the street was crowded, so he said, “Dr. Reynolds, I’ll circle the block and will be right back. If you finish before I return, wait for me.” I nodded and wal
I froze, not quite sure what to do as my hand went instinctively to my stomach.The other man already had his hand around Clarence’s throat. It was then I noticed that they were both more than human, but not vampires. Their eyes were bright blue, and vampires’ eyes are green and, from the way this man was handling Clarence, they also had super-human strength. I waited, confused. “You, dear sir, are coming with us,” he said, looking directly into Clarence’s eyes.“He was compelled,” the man standing before me said in a low voice. Suddenly, he looked familiar.“How do you know about compulsion?” I asked, astonished. Obviously, these men weren’t human. If they were, they knew much more than normal humans were allowed to know.He gave me a weak smile. “My name is Garrett, and this is Patrick.”“Pleasure,” I said, leery of my rescuers.I looked over and Patrick wa
Lance took her hand in his and clasped it with both hands, but didn’t raise it to his lips. “Yes, thank you for coming so quickly.” Then, Lance turned to me. “This is Raven, and she possesses the gift of magic.”“She’s a witch,” I said, nodding my head, wondering what other supernatural creatures might walk through the door next.“Yes,” she said, circling me slowly as a cat would size up a mouse. “And you are?”“Lance’s fiancée,” I said flatly. I was in no mood for a catfight or to deal with catty women.“Yes, well,” she said, turning her attention back to Lance, “he never mentioned you.”“And he never mentioned you,” I returned, wondering what her past relationship had been with him. Obviously, she wanted it to be more than it was. Get in line, lady.She suddenly laughed. “Lance and I have been friends f
“Really?” I asked, truly amazed.Suddenly, it felt as if I was getting a crash course in Paranormal 101. “But you’re so …”“Lovely?” Raven finished. She crossed the room to me, looking into my eyes. “Thank you for that.” She smiled and then continued. “So, you see? We have many powers and compulsion is just one of them.” She took a step closer to me. “And now do you see why witches are reluctant to do the linking spell?”I nodded, understanding.Lance nodded. “I could not ask that of you.”Raven then turned her attention back to me. “Do you really think you can develop a serum so that vampires can walk in the sunlight?”I nodded. “Yes, quite sure. I have an idea, but I need to test it first.”“You are with child, are you not?” Raven asked, matter of fact.“I think so, but I won’t find
“Why don’t we go downstairs to dinner while Garrett and Patrick clean up?” Lance said, indicating the crimson pool of blood on the floor where Clarence’s body had been.“I’m sorry about Clarence,” I said, rubbing his arm. Lance had calmed down considerably. We still didn’t know who was after the baby or me, but at least we were a bit closer. We knew that I was pregnant and that someone was after the baby. A shiver went through my body at the thought.Lance took a deep breath. “He was loyal,” Lance said, lost in thought. “He definitely had to be compelled. I trusted Clarence with my life.” He took a deep breath, shaking his head. “He deserved better than this.”I nodded, not quite sure what to say. After all, what was there to say to someone who has lost a friend? Then, a thought occurred to me. “Lance, does this mean that you can go out into the sunlight now?”
“May I take your order?” a pretty blonde woman asked Lance, holding a pad and pencil, waiting. Great. Another admirer. Obviously, the hostess had told her about him. I guessed that I would have to get used to it. Anyone as gorgeous as Lance would definitely attract attention.“I’ll have the Seafood Alfredo and a Coke,” Lance said, handing her his menu, and then turned his attention back to me.“I’ll have the Penne Pasta with Chicken and a Coke Zero,” I said, reaching across the table to hold his hand.“I’ll get that for you right away,” she said, dejected, as she walked away.“Lance, you can order a drink, you know,” I said, smiling. “I won’t mind.”He gently squeezed my hand. “Not while you’re pregnant, love,” he said.I smiled as I returned the squeeze. It was nice that he didn’t want me to feel uncomfortable.Lanc