threads in need of tightening. The coat was old, a comfortable piece. He was not a Nava tribe member then, for they deemed a man worthy by not only his unbaptized state, but as well by his dress and aristocratic bearing.
The observation distracted her, and she needed that. Breaths settled. And her heartbeat resumed a normal pace.
His scent, earthy and rich, like a wide-open meadow or a vast, enclosed forest, appealed. Complex. Not dusty or perfumed as so many of her kind preferred.
Realizing her fangs had lowered she willed them up. Tucking her head, Viviane chastised her body’s irrational reaction. Anxiety always put her to defensive mode.
Yet so did desire.
“I thought you were Constantine.”
“Sorry to disappoint.”
“I am not disappointed.”
“Pleased?” he asked hopefully.
“No.” She wobbled, grasping for the wall.
Rhys Hawkes pressed his body against her, hugging her from breast to hip. It was a lover’s easy pose. His eyes held hers and he bowed to her. Would he kiss her? Dare he?
“We stand outside your home.”
For the first time she realized the wall behind her shoulder was the Chevalier stable. Truly her mind was out of sorts.
“I would escort you inside,” Rhys said, “but fear the invitation will not be offered.”
He slid a hand down her thigh—she’d forgone underskirts for the hunt; much quieter that way—and bent to squat before her. His hand moved over her shoe, tied with red moire ribbon, and up her ankle. Though she wore silk stockings, it felt as if his skin touched hers. Warmth burnished her flesh. He could wrap his whole palm about her ankle, contain her, control her—
Viviane realized he was feeling for the bites, not trying to accost her.
“I am sure any bites have already healed.” She pulled her ankle from his touch, yet regretted the lost connection. “Were you following me?”
He shrugged.
“When have I ever given you the suggestion I appreciate your company? You’ve spoken to me but once, and that was most unpleasant.”
“It wounds me your memory of our meeting was so foul. I found it most enjoyable. I think it was something I saw in your eyes. They are the color of a bright summer sky.”
Viviane looked away. The last time she had seen the bright sky …
Deprived of daylight for two centuries, she often wondered what it would be like to touch sunlight streaming through paned windows, and could still recall watching dust motes dance in a sunbeam before she’d been blooded at puberty.
She possessed a vague recollection of summer fields dotted with fresh cornflower and clover. Now all she had opportunity to see was the occasional moth on a suicidal mission toward a flame. Still, pretty in a macabre manner.
“Go away,” she whispered.
Monsieur Hawkes leaned in and delivered a wicked grin. “Make me.”
He stroked a curl of hair along her neck, so she swatted his hand none too lightly.
“Ouch. Do it again?” He snickered.
Viviane’s blood rose at the challenge. A gentleman would walk away. A rogue would have kissed her by now.
“You may like the vintage of my blood, Viviane.”
She bristled at his use of her name. It was too personal. He invaded her comfort. “I wager it is a less desirable vintage than I am accustomed to, Monsieur Hawkes.”
“Yes, I am to understand you city types sneer at the country appellations.”
“Only because they are so uncivilized and illmannered.”
“Are we still talking about blood, or have you turned to my person?”
“It is all the same.”
“Of course. You are the aristocracy.”
“You do not claim the same?”
“I am a humble provincial at your beckoning, Mademoiselle LaMourette. Ask me to slay all the rats in the city and I shall.”
She could not prevent a chuckle. “If but you could.”
Moonlight filtered between the nearby rooftops, gleaming on the harsh planes of his square jaw. Dark eyes glittered with the stars she could not see for the clouds. His thick, long hair was dashed with a gray streak as wide as two fingers. So wild.
He could have her if he but swept her into his arms and carried her inside. And then she would receive the satisfaction she craved this night.
He placed a hand above her shoulder on the wall. “Rumor tells you require a new patron?”
“My patron was Henri Chevalier,” she said tightly. Anger spilled over the tender wanting. “Constantine believes a wolf killed Henri and his wife in cold blood.”
Rhys shifted against her, leaning in closer. “Not all wolves are vicious.”
“What do you care for the wolves?”
“I mark no man my enemy, no matter his breed. As Rousseau says, ‘All men are created equally.’”
Henri had once quoted the same. She’d thought him a revolutionary. And she had admired him for his bold, independent thinking.
Her anger subsided as she looked over her rescuer’s face. Square jaw and bold nose. Not outwardly handsome, yet indicative of a warrior, and strong, powerful men always attracted her. Desire again scurried to the surface, reducing her need to put up the offensive. Rhys was attractive, more so for his teasing gentleness.
“Thank you for the rescue.” And then she leaned in to kiss him.
A connection, two mouths meeting in the night. Testing. Taking measure. Wondering. She kept it chaste; his lips were soft and yet firm, willing to give her her way. This kiss was hers to direct, and while she fought with the insanity of it, she was proud of her independent heart. It never led her too far astray.
Tonight her heart took what she craved. Flesh to flesh. Sharing of body heat. A sample of pleasure she could either pursue or flee.
How she wanted to pull him to her, crush her breasts against his chest, and dive into the deepest of intimacies. But no, this simple moment must be savored. This first kiss, not at all awkward for their mouths met as if destined, she would remember always.
Breaking the kiss, she leaned back, but Rhys followed her, forehead to forehead.
“You surprise me, LaMourette. I thought my presence offended you.”
Indeed, she surprised herself.
“Regarde moi,” he said.
No, she would not look at him. Could not. Her bold heart grew trepid.
“It was nothing more than a thank-you kiss, Monsieur Hawkes. Lost in a moment of relief.” She exhaled resolutely. “I assure you, now I’ve gained my senses, I will ask you to leave.”
“I am honored to have earned your kiss, even if in a moment of nonsensical folly. Good eve, LaMourette. Until we next meet.” He glanced upward. “Full moon in less than a week. What is it Shakespeare wrote? Well met by moonlight?”
“I believe it was ill met by moonlight.”
“Ah? Well then, forget I said that. Meeting you has been beyond a pleasure. Au revoir.”
She lifted her chin and did not look until he’d broached the cross street and his silhouette filled the alley. Broad-shouldered and solid. He was built like a peasant who worked the fields. Not refined. Brusque. And such