The Vampire's Protector. Michele Hauf

life?”

      He nodded. “Same as when I touched you.”

      “Huh. You never had that ability before? In your previous life?”

      “No. Do you think it’s a condition of my new existence?”

      “I’m sure it is. But whether or not it’s good, bad or ugly remains to be learned. How about we head west for the French border? If I drive all night we should gain Paris by morning. You can take a nap.”

      “I don’t feel tired. But I do wish I’d have brought along that last bottle of wine. Might we stop by another tavern along the way?”

      “Depends on how nice you are to me.”

      He tilted a genuinely concerned look at her. “I have no reason not to be nice to you, Summer the vampire.”

      “True. And I did give you a second chance at life.”

      “Yes, well, at what price?”

      She glanced at him. The guy tilted his head as if to say “You did this to me.”

      And she could undo it. Maybe. No matter, he’d better be nice to her.

      “You said you resisted the offer from the Big Guy?” she asked.

      “The Big Guy—oh, er, the Dark One?”

      Good. He was on board about not speaking Himself’s name too much.

      “Of course I resisted. Wouldn’t you?”

      “Yes. But power is not an easy thing to resist. And playing such an exquisite violin.”

      “The not playing was the hardest part. But you know, the black violin that raised me from the grave was not mine?”

      “That’s the part where I get confused. I thought your prized violin was on display in a museum.”

      “Il Cannone?” Summer knew that was the nickname he’d given his prized violin. It referred to the explosive sound he had been able to produce with the instrument. “It is still around?” he asked.

      “As far as I know, it’s still in a museum in Genoa. The Guarnerius?”

      “Yes, made by Guiseppe Guarneri. I played that instrument for decades. It was my beloved. But after I fell ill I couldn’t make my fingers move as quickly or hit the right notes. I donated it to the city of Genoa as a means to put that torture out of my life.”

      “So how does this other violin come into play? The black one I found?”

      “It is the one the devil Him—er, the Dark One offered me. He told me I would be restored to health and could play again. Would have all the powers he possessed. Would become a god walking this mortal realm. He made me that offer many times over my lifetime.”

      “Really? And you always refused? That takes a lot of courage and bravery.”

      Nicolo shrugged. “I was talented by my own right. I did not need the dark evil. Nor would I ever accept. I did not want my son to see his father become a monster. But the Big Guy—as you call him—did not relent in his temptations.”

      “I give you credit for resisting. I had a run-in with him once.”

      “Is that so? What great temptations did he offer you?”

      “None. I was just a baby. He kidnapped me and used me as bait to get my brother, Johnny, to come to him. He was trying to steal Kambriel’s soul, and Johnny was in love with her. It’s a long story. Suffice it to say, Johnny got me out of there safely. But ever since I’ve had an allergy to demons.”

      “How does that affect you?”

      “Whenever one is around I start sneezing. It’s weird, but kind of handy when you want to avoid the bastards.”

      “I hate demons.”

      “Tell me about it.”

      “Really?”

      “Uh, no.” She smiled at him. “That’s just an expression of agreement. So, I’m sorry. For the bringing-you-back-to-life thing. Because we don’t have any clue now if you’re going to go evil or—” Best not to make assumptions and make him feel worse than he must already. “I gave a witch friend of mine a call. She lives in Paris. I think if she touches you she might be able to tell us what you are. Would you be okay with that?”

      “Yes, I suppose. I don’t feel evil. But I do feel as though I have so much to explore and learn now. I want to do it all, Summer. I have been given a new life, and I mustn’t waste any time in diving in.”

      “Such as with the sluts back at the bar?”

      “Sluts?”

      “Women of ill repute. They were looking for a good time. And I had to pay for their wine.”

      “I thank you for paying the bill. I ate fish-and-chips.”

      “I guessed at the chips. What did you think of that?”

      “Exquisite. They were crisp and savory. I have never seen a fish cooked in such a manner, but it was delicious. I want to taste all the food. I want to drink all the wine. And I want to hear music again. How I have missed it.”

      “I can help you with that.” Summer tapped her cell phone, which sat in the dashboard holder. She scrolled to the music app. “This might blow your mind.”

      “Is that similar to freaking out?”

      She chuckled. The guy was sweetly innocent. Something that felt so refreshing in her life right now. “Same idea. This is what music has evolved into since your time.”

      She flicked through the various playlists and decided to take the first song that came up. Thanks to her dad’s obsession, she’d grown up listening to a few of the country-music classics. Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire” blasted through the car speakers.

      Nicolo gaped and eyed her, then touched his ear as he tried to comprehend.

      “Pretty cool, huh?”

      “That’s—” He turned his head, checking around the inside of the car. “Where is that coming from? What sort of music is that? Is it magic?”

      “Better. It’s technology. Let me find some rock and roll. With your background in music I think you might appreciate the head-banging stuff.”

      “It comes from your tiny box? Surely that is witchcraft. And that thing is a witchbox.”

      “Whatever works for you.” Black Veil Brides blasted through the speakers. “This is called heavy metal. The band actually incorporates a violin in some of their songs.”

      Nicolo, while touching his ears intermittently and then touching the dashboard in seek of the source, gradually allowed a huge smile to trace his face. And when his eyes met hers, dancing with delight, Summer felt her heart drop.

      The guy was a job. And before said job was over, she may need to kill him.