A Whisper of Eternity - By Amanda Ashley Page 0,66
atTracy . "Want to give it a go?"
"Why not?"
Somewhat tentatively,Bryan took her in his arms.
He was a pretty gooddancer, though not nearly as smooth as Dominic... she slammed the door on that train of thought and focused on the music. The jukebox was playing an old Heatwave tune,Always and Forever .
Tears stungTracy 's eyes and she blinked them back. Dominic had vowed to love her forever.
Their table was ready when the song ended.
Tracyordered shrimp.Bryan ordered steak.
Abruptly, he reached across the table and took her hand. "Tracy, you know I'm in love with you."
She blinked at him.
"If I decide to go back home, I want you to come with me.As my wife."
"Bryan."
"I know this is sudden. I don't even have a ring to offer you, but I had to tell you how I feel before Host my nerve."
"Oh,Bryan ."
"I guess that's a no."
"I don't know what to say." She had known he thought he was in love with her, but a proposal was the last thing she had expected.
"I don't guess you need to say anything else."
"It's just so sudden."
"Maybe you could think about it?"
"I will."
He brightened a little at that.
They were walking down the street toward the theater whenTracy saw Petrina and Zarabeth coming toward them. Petrina wore a short black miniskirt, a black crop top, and knee-high black boots. Her long black hair framed her pale face. Zarabeth wore skin-tight black leather pants and a blood-red tank top. Her blond hair was cut short, dyed black on the ends.
The two vampires stopped in front of them. Petrina glanced fromBryan toTracy , a smirk on her face. "Aren't you going to introduce us?" she asked.
"Bryan, this is Petrina and her friend, Zarabeth . Ladies," Tracy said, emphasizing the word, "this is Bryan Longstreet ."
Petrinaran her fingertips downBryan 's arm. "So pleased to meet you," she purred.
"I'm happy to meet you, too,"Bryan replied."Both of you."
"Does Dominic know you're out with another man?" Petrina asked, and then answered her own question. "Of course he doesn't."
"Where are the two of you going?" Zarabeth asked.
"Uh, to the movies,"Bryan said, obviously ill at ease.
"Sounds like fun," Petrina said.
"Yes,"Tracy agreed, takingBryan 's hand. "Too bad you can't come with us."
"Oh, but we can." Petrina smiled. "Can't we, Bethy ?"
Zarabeth nodded.
With a sigh of exasperation,Tracy pushed past the two vampires, pullingBryan with her. "I'm sorry," she whispered.
"Who are they?"Bryan asked.
"Just a couple of... of girls I met. They're friends of Dominic's."
"Ah,"Bryan said, as if that explained everything.
Bryanbought their tickets and they went inside to find their seats.
Moments later, Petrina and Zarabeth slid into the two seats behind them.
Tracywas glad when the lights went down and the show started, though she found it difficult to concentrate on the movie, knowing there were two vampires sitting behind her. Now that she had sent Dominic away, she was no longer under his protection, making her fair game for the vampires. The thought sent a cold shiver down her spine. Even if she was still somehow under Dominic's protection,Bryan wasn't.
Tension seeped into her and by the time the movie was over, she was ready to shatter at the slightest touch.
She clung toBryan 's hand as they left the theater, acutely aware of Petrina and Zarabeth strolling along behind them, their heads close together.
What mischief were they planning?
"Hey, Trace, you all right?"Bryanasked.
"Yes, sure, I'm fine."
"Are you cold?"
"No."
"You're shaking."
"Oh. I..."
Before she could come up with an explanation, Petrina and Zarabeth moved up beside them, one on either side.
"We've decided you should come to The Catacombs with us," Petrina said.
"No, thanks," Tracy said, her hand tightening onBryan 's. "We have other plans."
"We won't take no for an answer," Zarabeth said.
" Petrina,"Tracy said, trying to keep her voice from shaking. "Not tonight."
"Oh, yes, tonight," the vampire insisted.
"You heard the lady,"Bryan said. "We have other plans."
"And you heard Zarabeth ," Petrina said, taking hold ofBryan 's arm. "We won't take no for an answer."
Bryanwinced as her hand closed over his arm like a vise, her fingers digging into his skin.
Tracylooked up atBryan . "I'm sorry."
"It's okay," he said, trying to sound nonchalant about the whole thing. ButTracy saw the sweat bead on his brow.
When they reachedBryan 's car, Petrina and Zarabeth climbed into the back seat.
There was no conversation on the drive to The Catacombs.
"I don't remember ever seeing this place before,"Bryan remarked as they exited the car. "Is it new?"
"New?" Petrina laughed as her fingers curled possessively overBryan 's arm."Hardly. It's been here for years."