Chapter 32
T he night was magical. That’s the only word I could think of to describe it. I’d been spending time with Matteo enough to recognise other vampires. It wasn’t just the way they moved, or the hunger in their eyes, but something inside them sent warning bells off in my head. Other than Gabriela, I figured out three others were there. I spotted Carlos.
Matteo had told me enough about Carlos for me to know he was a lot older than him. Not one I wanted to be near, though. Even at the distance between us, the hungry look he gave me, everything about him screamed, ‘Stay away; avoid at all costs.’ Just as it had the first time I met him .
“He would like to join us,” Matteo whispered in my ear. “If you want to?”
He hadn’t spoken much of Gabriela, and I had the feeling he didn’t like her all that much. But Carlos was important to him.
“I’m not sure,” I admitted, aware Carlos would hear me at this distance. “Gabriela was enough for one night.”
His lips moved, as he said something that Matteo no doubt heard clearly across the room. Matteo chuckled. “He says he promises not to bite.”
I gave in. Surely Matteo would keep me safe. I nodded, and Carlos started to move towards us.
Matteo’s hands slid around my waist, pulling me against him. “You’re okay,” he reassured me.
Carlos was lean, he didn’t look as if he had the muscle definition Matteo did, but I figured that meant nothing. He’d be just as strong as, if not stronger than Matteo.
“Good to see you again,” Carlos said, and before I could move he’d grabbed my hand, bringing it to his lips in the same way Matteo did. “A true beauty. Has he tasted you yet?”
I shook my head, unable to speak; and as his eyes lifted to mine, I couldn’t look away. The intensity of his gaze was hypnotic, and I half-wondered if he was compelling me. But somehow I didn’t care. I leaned against Matteo, his firm body against mine, arms holding me up. Carlos dropped my hand.
“It’s a pleasure to meet a human with such a power over Matteo,” he declared and finally looked away, releasing me. His intense blue eyes lifted to Matteo’s. “I do hope you’ll allow me to dance with her. I want to get to know her. Find out what kind of dance partner she is. ”
I pressed myself further into Matteo’s body. I did not want to be alone with Carlos.
“I don’t think she’s ready for that yet,” Matteo moved his arms, wrapping around me entirely.
His voice was light, but there was a tone of warning to it. I wondered if there was something else they were saying in their words.
“She looks like she’d suit a faster dance, more daring, like the Flamenco. The Waltz is so boring.” There was mischief in Carlos’s eyes.
“But she’s comfortable with the Waltz,” Matteo said. “Until she wants otherwise, that’s what we’re sticking to.”
Again, I had the feeling they were talking about something else. Their conversation switched to Italian, only adding to my curiosity as to what they were talking about. Matteo’s voice took on the possessive tone that I’d heard with Dan. Carlos backed off.
“Pity,” Carlos said, and shifted his eyes back to me.
Again I was pulled in by his intensity. W hat is it with the gaze of a vampire that I can’t escape? He smiled and bowed. “A pleasure, again,” he said. “I’ll see you soon.”
“Did he really just bow?” I asked. “What was that?”
Matteo turned me around to face him. “He wants me to share you,” he said. “Uh, in bed.”
Oh. While I appreciated Matteo’s honesty, that was not what I expected. “I get the feeling you’re not the sharing kind.”
“Especially not when I haven’t yet had you myself,” he attempted a smile, but I felt like something bothered him.
I put my hand to his chest. “It’s okay,” I murmured. “You don’t have to share me. I don’t want anyone else, I want you.” I put meaning into my words, hoping he knew what I meant. “Just you.” I glanced around the room, watching Carlos, annoyed that he’d bothered Matteo so much. “Can we leave?” I asked. “I’d like to have you all to myself for the rest of the night.”
The intensity of his eyes almost matched that of Carlos. An almost feral look rose. “I can do that,” he said and with effort, he led me from the dance floor.
I waved to Mia and Lilith as we left. The two of them were wrapped up in each other, but managed to give me a smile. I knew what they were thinking about my early exit. They’d be asking questions the following day.
Matteo guided me to the limo and helped me in, the interior warm. Sitting opposite him, I couldn’t help but look him over.
“I have a surprise,” he told me after a few minutes of driving. “I’d like a chance to enjoy the peace and quiet before we go back to the city.” The limo stopped. “It’s going to be cold, though, so you might want to put that on.” He pointed to his winter jacket that I’d noticed on the seat when we’d ridden to the masquerade.
I pulled it on, loving its heaviness and warmth. As Matteo opened the door and climbed out, he held out his hand to me. I reached for him before the crashing of waves on a beach made me freeze. Not realising, his fingers closed around mine and he pulled me to him.
“You brought me to the beach,” I could barely speak.
He stilled. “You don’t like the beach? The full moon’s reflection on the water is beautiful, I thought you’d appreciate it.”
“No, please take me home,” I pleaded, closing my eyes. “I told you last time. I can’t be here.” Tears threatened to spill over, and I grasped the dolphin pendant.
His arms tightened around me. “What happened?” His voice was gentle, full of concern.
I opened my eyes to find Niamh watching me. “My sister…” I choked on words. “She drowned, and her body washed up not far from here.”
He pulled me out of his arms to meet my eyes. “You avoid the beach because of her?” I nodded, tears welling up, stinging. “That’s the pain you carry.” Once again I was in his embrace. “I’m sorry,” he murmured. “We can leave.”
“Quinn,” Niamh whispered. “You don’t have to fear the ocean. Find the calm it once gave you. Let Matteo help you. He smells like that for a reason.”
I burrowed my face into his chest, breathing in his scent. I choked back a laugh. Trust me to fall for someone with that scent while trying to avoid the sea.
“I’m okay, Quinn,” Niamh reassured me. “I can’t move on until Luke joins me. But you need me, too. I have to guide you to let go of your fear. You’ll find your happiness with him. Just as I found mine with Luke. Don’t let go of him.”
“Let me take you home,” Matteo said into my hair. “I thought to be romantic, not to cause you pain.”
Niamh smiled at me and walked towards the sound of waves crashing on the beach. I forced myself to listen to the sound of the waves.
“No.” My voice trembled, vibrating into his chest. “I can’t avoid this my whole life.”
“Do you want to walk on the beach?” he asked.
“Not yet.” I pressed into his embrace more. “Just stand here. ”
We didn’t move, and silent tears fell from my eyes. His presence helped steady me somewhat.
“Do you want to tell me about her?” I jumped as his voice broke the silence.
“No,”I replied. “Not yet. Sorry I’m being so emotional.” I was ruining the night. Maybe it was time to face the music. Or go home.
“Take all the time you need,” his warm breath tickled my ear. “We’ll stand here all night if you need.”