Page 72
“A long story. But it seemed an appropriate time to pull out that particular ancient title. Men like the governor—”
“Are horrid,” she finished.
“Are horrid,” he agreed. “But easily dealt with. Or, if you prefer, I could drain him—”
“Torr!”
He laughed. “I’m kidding. Mostly.”
“Speaking of draining. And blood. There’s something I want to talk to you about.”
Charlotte hadn’t planned to blurt out her request so soon. But she was as sure about this as she was about any decision she’d ever made. Granted, he’d never even fed from her before. So it would be quite an ask. And the implications . . .
“Good,” he answered. “Because there’s something I want to ask you too. Of course you can take time to think about this.” He paused, his tone so serious she wondered if she ought to be concerned. “But I need you to know something, Charlotte. I’ve been alive a long, long time—”
“I know you have.”
“Which is what makes me so sure. The thought of leaving you for weeks, months . . . or even longer.” He shook his head. “I can’t. I won’t.”
He licked his lips.
Torr was actually nervous!
“Come with me,” he said softly, leaning into her.
Her heart thudded in her chest. Was he really asking—
“When it’s time for me to leave, come with me. We can travel the world together. You said you’ve always wanted to visit the Globe Theatre. We can admire every painting in Italy together. Anything you want to see—”
“Yes.”
He stopped talking, and for the rest of her life she would never forget his shocked expression.
“Yes?”
“You heard me. I’ll come with you.”
His broad smile was all the reassurance she needed. “God, Charlotte. You’re in my blood. My soul. And will be forever, as long as you live.”
He kissed her so tenderly that she almost delayed her own request. But she couldn’t do it. This was her one condition.
His lips glistened from their kiss, his large frame filling that tux so perfectly. She knew he would take care of her, protect her, in any situation they found themselves in. Torr could play the wild playboy, but he was, in truth, a gentle, caring man. He could do anything. He could certainly protect her from any harm.
But it wasn’t enough.
She could not rely on him alone.
“I was going to ask you . . .”
She took a deep breath and forged ahead. “Much the same thing. I can’t imagine being without you, Torr. But I need to be able to protect myself.”
He blinked, not understanding.
“I want to come with you. Be with you.”
He waited.
“Forever.”
She held her breath, knowing he’d never turned another soul after that first, devastating time. But there it was. She was as sure of this as anything. And she’d not go with him otherwise.
“Are you asking—?”
“I want you to turn me. I want to be with you, Torr, but as a vampire. Not as a human.”
She waited, the silence between them becoming heavier with each passing moment.
He looked . . . devastated.
“No.”
