aAlexei,a she whispered, akiss me one last time.a aOf course, my love.a His lips brushed hers then settled, a mark of possession as his taste exploded in her nervous system, far more potent than the morphine and much more desirable. Their tongues tangled as she clung to him, their hearts beating as one. Head spinning with the power of his touch, he nibbled the line of her jaw and she tipped her head back, offering him free reign over her body and soul.
Her fingers twined with his as he caressed a blazing trail to the base of her throat, the movement as intimate as any embrace theyad ever shared.
Her breath left in a rush as his teeth pierced her skin, his offering of eternity or death, and she raced to embrace her destiny as the world faded away.
Epilogue.
New Orleans, 2030
Alexei inhaled the fragrant smoke from his clove cigarette, its scent blending with the crush of human bodies, spilled liquor and utter decadence that was Mardi Gras.
How he loved this gracious old city with itas myriad of wrought iron balconies, hidden gardens and colorful personalities. But now he had more essential things to do than admire the architecture. He had an important meeting to keep.
He crushed the remains of the cigarette under his heel before moving into the crowd. Music swirled through the dark sky as costumed revelers made their way down the street. A Crewe parade was in full force as he moved through the throng, resisting the lure of the music that beckoned his gypsy soul. He left the wildness of Bourbon Street and walked down Orleans to Jackson Square. Few people were in the square and he scanned the area for the person he sought above all others.
Then he saw her and his heart almost stopped.
Standing near the fountain, she was a vision in full gypsy getup. Her long sable hair hung in wild ringlets to the small of her back and a daisy crown adorned her head. Her pale shoulders were bare, the sleeves of her peasant top pulled low to expose her skin to the kiss of the moonlight. A vividly colored scarf encircled her waist and hung to lick the hem of her ruby-colored skirt. He smiled when he saw her feet were bare.
She was looking away, her profile a perfect cameo as he approached. She turned, her gaze curious and unalarmed.
He gave her a sketchy bow. aMadame, at last we meet.a Her brow arched. aDo I know you, kind sir?a aNo, but I know you.a Her eyes widened and she gave a half-step backward, one hand fluttering to rest at the base of her throat.
aDonat be afraid.a He held his hand out. aI would never hurt you for Iave been looking for you for years.a She tilted her head to the side. aHow many years?a aAlmost thirty.a She rolled her eyes. aNot nearly long enough I think.a Then she turned away.
He grabbed her about the waist, startling a laugh out of her. aNot long enough?a he growled, dipping his head to kiss the base of her neck.
aThe last guy told me three hundred years.a She sighed as he licked the sensitive patch just below her ear.
aAre you trying to drive me crazy?a he asked.
She gave a throaty chuckle. aIs it working?a aYes.a aGood.a She twisted in his arms to face him. aAre you glad to be back in New Orleans?a aYes, very.a He brushed a stray lock of hair out of her face. She never could keep her hair under control and it didnat bother him a bit. aWhat would you like to see first? The parade? Listen to some Blues? Or maybe visit with Dirk and Veronique and their mult.i.tude of great-grandchildren?a aSeven great-grandchildren do not make a mult.i.tude.a aIt does when they all gather in the same room.a aI have a better idea.a Her playful expression softened. aHow about we inspect the bed in our suite instead?a He wiggled his brows at her. aI like the way you think. We have eternity to examine the charms of the city.a She tipped her head back to expose her throat to the moonlight and his gaze as she laughed. At the base was a tiny scar, a memento of Elaineas last moments as a human, their last kiss. How close head come to losing her. He brushed his finger over the mark, then pocketed the unwanted thought. This time, head wona"theyad won.
As he pulled her into his arms for a kiss, he knew that an eternity would never be enough for them, but it would do for a start.
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