Page 73 of Eternal Obsession

“What is?” she asked softly.

“It’s late, Ingrid. Why don’t you stay?”

“But where?”

“I have to see a . . . gentleman about a painting,” I said.

“You art dealers keep strange hours.”

“You have no idea.”

Ingrid scanned the room. “You have a suite?”

“Bed’s in there.” I pointed to the adjoining door.

“Very nice.”

I opened the door for her and she entered.

I liked the feeling of being close to a female again. In fact, Ingrid rather reminded me of Catherine. Perhaps that is why I allowed myself this little indulgence.

“I don’t usually do this kind of thing . . .”

I stopped her, resting a fingertip on her full lips. Her mouth opening a little, as though offering a kiss.

“You’ll be safe here.”

I withdrew.

At first, she stood quiet still, stunned by my vanishing.

Waiting just outside the suite door, I sensed her movement within.

Unable to walk away.

She made me feel—such a simple thing, and yet an extraordinary feat, as though she had awakened something long buried beneath centuries of loneliness. Desire stirred in me, dark and potent, sensations I had long believed extinguished. She was human, yes, achingly mortal, and yet there was something in the way she moved, in the curve of her form, more worldly than any creature I had ever encountered. Instinctively, Ingrid tiptoed around the room and explored, searching for any evidence that might reveal more about me. She would find nothing. Had it not been for the champagne dulling her senses, she might have found that suspicious. Walking into the bathroom, her gaze fell upon the huge bathtub. Ingrid locked the bathroom door.

Without hesitating she removed all her clothes, carefully placing her new dress on a coat hanger on the door. Pouring the thick liquid soap into the bathtub, she watched it froth under the running water, breathing in its opulent foaming scent. Climbing in, she enjoyed the warmth, surrendering to the feeling of relaxation.

The following morning, I arranged for room service to deliver a delicious selection of pancakes, fresh fruit, orange juice, and Earl Grey tea. Although it was a decadent move, I thought it a nice gesture to provide Ingrid with her favorite breakfast.

Chapter Thirty-Two

ORPHEUS

With my matchmaking skills a success, I awaited Jadeon’s visit. He had enjoyed the few hours he had spent with Ingrid and was sorry to leave her company, but he knew as well as I that to pursue any kind of relationship with a mortal was futile. He was also eager to head toward Belgravia and check out my club, exhilarated to be so close.

My plan to entice him was flawless. He looked dashing in Savile Row, all tailored and striking, the consummate gentleman.

Two hundred years, and at last he stood outside my domain—Belshazzar’s. The darkened windows made it impossible to view the interior, and he was unable to judge what kind of place this was. A bouncer stood on guard at the doorway. Jadeon approached him.

“What is the code word, sir?” the guard asked.

Jadeon studied the muscular tattooed bouncer, a worthy opponent to any unwanted visitor. The guard unknowingly informed Jadeon of the password.

“Of Vampires and Angels,” Jadeon answered.

Jadeon was welcomed in. Pausing for a moment, he checked behind him, aware that this was his last opportunity to turn back. He stepped in and walked through the dark hallway.