Chapter 74
CHAPTER 74
VALARIC
A deep ache settles in the center of my chest as Juliet disappears back into the manor. I glance down at my hand, flexing my fingers at the memory of her touch. I long to hold her in my arms again, but I must be patient.
Eben emerges from the shadows. “Is that it?” he asks incredulously. “Is that all you’re going to do?”
“What else can I do?” I snap at him, irritated. “I cannot force her to remember me.”
“Last I checked, you are a Vampire.” He crosses his arms and arches a teasing brow. “Aren’t your people known for your irresistible charm and all that? Isn’t that how Vampires lure beautiful maidens into their thrall?”
I purse my lips. “If you are speaking of my powers of compulsion, I would never do that to her.”
“That’s not what I was suggesting.”
“Then, what were—”
“Why are you still standing here?” he asks, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Go to her, Val.”
His urging sends a pulse of resolve through me. He’s right. If I want her back, I must woo her. I have to fight for the future I want. And what I want is her.
Determination steels me as I head for the ballroom, Eben walking beside me. The cacophony of music and laughter assaults my senses when we enter. But all of it fades away when I see Juliet in the crowd.
Her silken lavender gown accentuates the sensual curve of her breasts and the gentle flare of her hips. Her long hair spills down her back like spun gold. My heart stops when a man takes her hand and guides her out onto the dance floor.
He is tall and—unfortunately for me—what some might consider handsome, with a charismatic smile that she returns with one of her own as she laughs at something he has said. Jealousy floods my system as his hand drifts to the small of her back as he twirls her around the floor.
“She’s smiling,” I growl under my breath, my eyes narrowing as the man whispers something that makes Juliet laugh even louder.
Eben leans in, his gaze tracking Juliet and her would-be suitor. “Who is that?”
“I do not know,” I grit through my fangs. “But whoever he is, he needs to take his hands off of my wife before I remove them for him.”
Primal possessiveness surges through my veins. Unable to help myself, I push through the throng of dancers, my focus solely on Juliet and her suitor. When I reach them, I don’t bother with pleasantries.
“Dance with me.” The words come out sounding more like a command than a request as I stare deep into her green eyes, my control hanging by a thread.
“Can you not see that we’re—” the man starts but stops as he turns toward me, all the color draining from his face when he realizes what I am.
Ignoring him completely, I extend my hand to Juliet. “Dance with me,” I say again, but this time much softer. A plea instead of a demand.
My ears detect the quickening of her pulse. “Yes,” she whispers, and slips her delicate palm in mine.
I thread my fingers through hers, relishing the feel of her skin against my own, and draw her into my arms. Together, we move across the floor, spinning and weaving among the other couples.
Her scent is intoxicating as I pull her even closer, so close that her body is nearly flush against mine. Juliet is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I am determined that she will be mine again.
I’m vaguely aware of all the people watching us, but it matters not. She is all that I see. The world around us blurs into obscurity as my eyes remain locked upon hers.
When the last notes of the dance are played, I find myself unwilling to release her from my arms.
“You’re still holding me,” she says softly.
My heart clenches painfully at her words, echoing a tender moment from our past.
“Do you want me to let you go?” I ask, trying to temper the hope that burns deep within as I wait for her answer.
She hesitates, her small brow furrowed softly.
Before she can reply, her brother interrupts. “Juliet, Mother is looking for you.”
Annoyance flares as I try to hide my anger.
In truth, I admire his bravery and how much he obviously cares for his sister. He does his best to appear unafraid when he pulls her away from me, but the scent of his fear is unmistakable.
She glances at me over her shoulder. “Please excuse me, but I must leave you.”
It takes everything inside of me to let her go.
Agony spears my chest as I watch her depart, each step leading her further from my arms.
“How did it go?” Eben walks up beside me, his voice low. “Are there any signs that her memory is returning?”
“I’m so close, Eben.” Frustration burns in my veins. “I believe her memories are still there… locked inside her mind.” On the balcony, she mentioned that I feel familiar. “Something inside her recognizes me. I’m sure of it.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I won’t give up,” I state firmly. “Not until she is mine again.”