Rubbing her nose at the potent stench that clogged the air, Juliet was considering the nearest warehouse when her skin abruptly prickled with warning, a chill wrapping around her.
A dark premonition crawled up her spine and with a gasp she whirled. Her heart lodged in her throat at the sight of the Marquis DeRosa, his raven hair pulled back to reveal the stark beauty of his face and his eyes shimmering pure silver in the moonlight.
“Now what, I wonder, would entice a young and innocent maiden to the docks at this hour?” he mocked softly.
She pressed a hand to her churning stomach, her brows drawing together in annoyance.
“My lord.”
“Victor.”
“I wish you would not sneak up on me.”
The cape swirled around his powerful body as he stepped toward her, reaching out to cup her chin in his slender hand.
“You should be thanking whatever god you pray to that I am the one sneaking up on you. It is beyond foolish to be wandering the streets alone.”
With a shiver, she jerked from his touch.
How could a touch so cold send streaks of fire through her body?
“I am more likely to curse the evil spirit that crossed our paths. What are you doing here?”
“Attempting to keep you from an early grave.”
Her eyes widened. “Did you follow me?”
His aquiline nose wrinkled in delicate distaste. “I can imagine no other reason to bring me to such a repugnant neighborhood.”
Her hands clenched at her sides at his blatant confession. “Why, you…”
A raven brow flicked upward. “Yes?”
“You have no right to spy on me. I am not one of your concubines.”
The silver eyes flashed with a ruthless intent as he framed her face in his hands, his intoxicating scent filling her senses.
“No, never my concubine,” he agreed, lowering his head to stroke his lips down the curve of her cheek, halting to nuzzle the corner of her mouth.
“Halt that,” she breathed, desperately attempting to fight the acute pleasure of his touch.
God almighty, she craved this vampire. She logically comprehended that the beautiful demon would be a lethal addiction for any female stupid enough to fall victim to his seduction. Still, her body ached to be in his arms, the feel of his fangs feeding greedily at her neck as he plunged deep inside her.
Which was far more terrifying than any hidden dangers that lurked among the docks.
Closing her eyes, she poured her thoughts into the amulet hung about her neck, feeling its heat prickle over her skin until Victor abruptly jerked his hands away.
He narrowed his eyes, astonishingly appearing more aroused than offended by her little parlor trick.
“Ah, you enjoy playing rough, little one?”
“I simply want you to go away.”
“Juliet, be assured that hell will freeze over before I allow you to remain here alone,” he said, the cold power of his voice sending the rats scurrying in fear and making the humans glance over their shoulders in unease. They would have no notion of why they were suddenly fidgety, only that they wished they were at a nearby pub. “Tell me why you are roaming these docks.”
Her jaw tightened, but she was not entirely stupid. Beneath Victor’s polished charm was a dangerous edge that warned he would not leave until he was satisfied.
“I am searching for a friend.”