Caressed by Moonlight (3 page)

“Men like me, kitten?” he asked when he had finally gained control of his laughter.

“Yes,” she said with a nod, her irritation growing. He had laughed at her. Did he think she was a young naïve chit who knew nothing of men and their ways?

“You are the rakish type whose only talent is seducing innocent girls.”

“That is not my only talent. Although I must admit,” his smile turned devilish, “it is one of my favorites.” He took a step forward. “Tell me your name, sweetheart,” his voice was bewitching, smooth and elegant.

Her name? Her name? Her mind was a whirlwind of sinful images, tender caresses, and feather light kisses. Her name? How could she have forgotten her name?

Dorian chuckled at her confusion. She looked so sweet, her emerald eyes glazed over with passion; her lips parted and moist and he took another step.

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“Please, a name my lady,” he begged, moving closer.

“My name?” she asked herself. “I–My–” She shook her head, clearing it of its sinful haze and announced, at long last,

“Victoria Kingston.”

“Victoria,” he repeated with a nod. “A gorgeous name, it suits you well.” Another step, now they stood a breath apart. He could feel the heat from her body; her rapid heartbeat was music to his ears. This woman was a treat and it appeared that he would no longer need to amuse himself with gypsies and vampire whores.

His policy was to never bed women who were members of fickle court life but he was more than willing to make an exception for this girl. She was a delicacy and everyone deserved a little indulgence once in awhile.

Victoria backed away; she could not allow herself to be so close to him. He was a libertine and she could not afford to be seduced.

She cleared her throat and opened her mouth to speak, but before she could say a word he announced, “I am Dorian Vlakhos.”

Her eyes flew wide. This was the man Lady Wisten had warned her about. This was the man that had caused such a stir.

Now she understood why the women were fawning over him. He was everything he was said to be, a devilishly handsome man who had seduction on his mind and she was out on the terrace alone with the letch. He could ruin her. He could tarnish her good name.

Panic began to flutter in her belly.

“Well, Mr. Vlakhos–”

“Call me Dorian.”

“Mr. Vlakhos–”

“It’s much easier to say.”

“Mr. Vlakhos–”

“As you please,” he said with a shrug.

“Mr. Vlakhos,” she snapped. “I really must be getting back to the party, my friend is waiting.” She moved to step around him, but he caught her arm and pulled her back.

“Not yet.”

Victoria sighed in exasperation. “Mr. Vlakhos, I have no desire to become another one of your conquests for this season.”

“I just want us to become better acquainted,” Dorian stated. “And we will,” he added with a raised brow.

“No,” she declared yanking her arm back. “We won't.” She turned on her heel and stormed back into the house.

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Dorian watched her with a smile on his face. He could not remember the last time he had smiled and this girl had him smiling like a fool. He fought the urge to go after her, pull her back outside, and into the shadows where he could make true his promise.

Victoria Kingston was going to be a hard skirt to catch, but he was not a man who backed down from a challenge, especially not when the reward was so sweet.

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Chapter Five

Dorian reclined in a high backed armchair, his feet propped on an ottoman as he waited for his host to arrive. He had requested an audience with an old ally, a vampire who belonged to no clan, an outcast in their society. Dorian stood when the sound of footsteps pricked his ears. The door opened and the vampire greeted him with a frown.

“What’s with the formalities? You don’t have to stand when I enter the room. Have a seat,” Gabriel urged as he closed the door. “We will not be disturbed here. The women and servants know not to bother me unless a fight is happening or if someone wins big money.”

“You have them well trained?” Dorian said with a light chuckle, resuming his seat.

“I’ve barked and snarled at them a few times, they are dumb witted humans but they understand threats.” Crossing to the bar, the vampire asked, “Would you like a drink?”

“I thought that we could share this.” Dorian slipped a hand inside his coat and pulled out a golden flask. “I brought it from home.” Unscrewing the cap was all he needed to do to make his friend smile. The scent of the alcohol was strong. It was truly the only liquor a vampire could get drunk off of and Dorian’s clan was the only one that knew the secret of the brew.

“I can’t remember the last time I had the pleasure of drinking Silver Moon. Give it here.”

Dorian chuckled and forfeited the bottle. “You are looking well Gabriel.”

“As are you,” the vampire noted as he poured the liquor.

“London must agree with you.”

“It’s better than some places,” Gabriel said with a shrug.

Dorian nodded. This vampire had a tortured past. His face was young and beautiful, but despite his youthful looks his eyes told an entirely different story. Gabriel was a vampire that no one should ever underestimate.

“But I won’t be here too much longer,” Gabriel sighed, handing Dorian a glass of the glowing, silver liquid. He took a seat in the armchair next to the king. “I will be heading to America at
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the end of the month. It’s a booming and rising country. They are having their troubles but who doesn’t have troubles?”

“Are you going to be closing up shop here?”

“Yes.” He took a sip. “London is done for me. I need some place new.”

“I didn’t know you were planning on packing up and moving. I suppose now the reason for my visit means nothing. I came to inquire on how my being here in London has affected your business.”

“The hunters you have brought with you haven’t disturbed me. Everyone and everything knows that this seedy part of the city belongs to me. The witches know to stay off my territory. Besides, I have roving guards to pick off any trouble makers.”

Dorian was impressed. Gabriel had been making a name for himself in the underground.

“I’ve heard a rumor recently,” Dorian began before taking a drink. “Boras is planning on unifying the outcasts.”

“Yes, that is indeed his plan. I don’t give a shit whose businesses he takes over or whose territory he claims as his own just as long as he doesn’t come anywhere near mine. I’ve given him a warning he better not mess with what’s mine or there will be hell to pay. I keep whatever belongs to me.” Gabriel turned to Dorian and asked, “What does the royalty think about an outcast forming a clan?”

“Well, I can only offer you my opinion. I never speak for others, but I have the same feelings you do. As long as Boras stays away from my clan, allies, and businesses, then he can do whatever he likes.”

Gabriel propped his feet up on the short table in front of him.

“Boras would be a fool to think he could threaten a clan.

He doesn’t have the strength himself not to mention his army would be made of outcasts, typically the weaker beings of our society.”

“You have quite the following yourself, Gabriel,” Dorian pointed out. “I imagine many vampires will be joining you on your voyage to America.”

“They are free to make their own choices. If they chose to follow me then they are welcome. They will be provided with jobs, shelter, protection, and food.”

“By the looks of this room I would say your gambling business is doing well.”

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“Very well,” Gabriel boasted. “I plan to set up a couple gambling halls in America. I’m heading to New York and maybe down to New Orleans. I might even work my way out west, explore the unknown”

“Saloons are popular among all classes of society.”

A knock sounded on the door. Gabriel beckoned for the intruder to enter. It was his vassal.

“There is a witch here who wishes to see you. The guards caught him snooping about.”

“Lock him up.”

The servant nodded and retreated. “I assume you were followed,” he said to the chieftain before downing the rest of his drink.

“Of that I have no doubt.”

“I’ve received word from the continent that your clan is slowly being exterminated.”

“Unfortunately, that is true. I have come to London hoping to draw some, if not all, the attention away from my people.

Hunters have followed me, but not as many as I would have liked.

I am hoping with my appearances at London's high society social gatherings I will attract more of the witch’s interest.”

“I have a feeling that this one witch who is sitting in a cell in my basement is more interested in conversing with you than with me.”

“It’s a Red Order witch you have,” Dorian stated. “I can smell his blood.”

Gabriel studied his friend for a moment. That comment had caught him off guard. Generally, Dorian had his powers in check; he kept them in a strangle hold. Gabriel couldn’t smell the blood. He was nowhere near as old as Dorian nor was he as powerful, but to pick up the scent of magic in blood was tough.

This could only mean that the beast within Dorian was stirring and growing hungry.

“I would like you to do me a favor, Gabriel.”

“Name it and it shall be done.”

“I would like your men to thin out the herd of hunters for me while you’re still here. I will be doing my own patrols every night, but it would be nice if I had a little help. I want to kill as many of these bastards as I can.”

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“It will be our pleasure, Dorian. I haven’t been on a good hunt in years. I must admit that I am a bit sad mercenaries aren’t in such a high demand these days. I thoroughly enjoyed that job.”

“I did too.”

“Would you like me to start with the one in the cell down stairs?”

“No.” Dorian stood. “Use him as bait”

“I will do what I can to help out.”

Dorian shook Gabriel’s hand. “You may keep that bottle as my token of thanks.”

“I greatly appreciate it. I look forward to drunkenly falling into my bed in the morning,” he said.

“I must be taking my leave. I have a pressing engagement and beautiful prey to stalk.”

Gabriel laughed and raised his glass. “Happy hunting.”

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Chapter Six

The room was filled with guests; their voices rumbled the walls. Victoria longed to be alone in a quiet place where she could read or draw, but the Hennings’ house would not be it, neither would her aunt’s. She would receive no privacy or peace anywhere she went.

“The work was just finished last week.”

“I hear that you completely remolded the majority of the rooms,” Lord Rogers said from his seat beside Victoria on the lightly shaded floral sofa.

“Yes, I did. Would you like a tour?” the woman asked.

“Indeed.”

“I think we would all like a tour,” Tabitha agreed, standing.

Rogers held out his arm to Victoria who quickly took it and allowed him to lead her after the line of guests that were now following the hostess, Lady Hennings.

As they weaved in and out of the rooms, Victoria took the time to study Lord Rogers. He was the best kind of gentleman, as far as she could tell. He was young and handsome with thick blond hair and warm brown eyes. His smile was genuine and his laughter inviting. He was a man of considerable wealth and courtesy, from what she had heard, and he seemed to have a great interest in her after their first meeting at Lady Allen’s ball. He was at the top of her list, but Lord Rogers did not rob her of her thoughts with a smile.

Victoria chewed her bottom lip in thought. That insufferable prince had wrapped her up tight in his cloak of seduction. Since their meeting, two nights ago, she could not tear her thoughts away from him, but it was hopeless to dream about a man she could never have.

“Is something wrong?” Lord Rogers said.

“No. Why?”

“You were practically gnawing your lip off,” he smiled.

“Oh,” she gasped bring her hand to her mouth. Her fingertips brushed lightly against her swollen lip and she winced.

“I was thinking.”

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He chuckled and took her hand in his. He rubbed the pad of his thumb over her lip gently and smiled.

“Hard I would say.”

“Yes.” She smiled awkwardly. His touch was forward and not at all invited.

“The next room is the one that my husband insisted that we refurnish,” Lady Henning’s announced. “It is the library.”

Victoria was shocked when they entered the massive room.

Books lined every wall and stretched from the floor to the ceiling.

“I just love books,” she whispered in awe.

Her eyes were wide and full of happiness as she walked to the center of her personal heaven.

“They are mostly foreign,” Lady Hennings stated.

“Really?” Victoria asked excitedly, paying no attention to the woman’s tone.

“I hope you have a library at your home, Lord Rogers,”

Lana whispered with a mischievous smile.

Lord Rogers nodded and watched as Victoria twirled about the room like a child, but Lady Hennings was already leading the tour on to another room. He could not spoil her enjoyment. He continued on with the group assuring her that he would return when the tour was finished.

Victoria was so caught up in the splendor of the great library that she had not heard the door close and lock.

Dorian leaned against the doors, his dark eyes following her about the room. She plucked a book from its resting place and began to thumb through it, a bright smile lighting up her beautiful face. So he waited for her to notice him. It did not take long.

She turned and the smile instantly vanished.

“Mr. Vlakhos,” she gasped, her voice would have been inaudible if he were human. She cleared her throat and snapped the book shut once she conquered her surprise. “I had no idea you where coming to this party. When did you arrive?”

“A few moments ago,” he said as he pushed his large form away from the doors.

“Why didn't you continue on with the others?”

“They don't interest me.”

“I don't think we–”

“Lord Rogers,” he continued, his voice turning hard. “Is he a friend of yours?”

Victoria's grip on the book tightened as he drew nearer.

“Yes and I don't see how that is any business of yours.”

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“I beg to differ. Since you are fixed on marrying, I hope you find a man that you will quickly become tired of.”

“Who informed you of my desire for a husband?”

Dorian shrugged. “What young lady doesn’t want a husband? Besides, I have heard rumors that you are prowling around.” He smiled

Her eyes narrowed.

“I do wish you luck. The sooner you become tired of your marriage bed the sooner you will come to mine. Rogers, from what I know of him, is a great and upstanding gentleman. He is perfect for a nice girl, such as you, to marry. But he is also the kind of man that a woman would become bored with easily. Have you tried to have a conversation with the man? He talks mostly of the weather and his fine horses.”

“He is not my only suitor. I have a list full of others.”

“If the rest are anything like him, I promise you will come happily to my bed.”

“Is that a fact?” she said, her chin stubbornly tilted up.

“That,” he smiled, “is a fact and I'm willing to wait.”

“I will never come skipping to your bed.”

“I have all the time in the world,” he assured her with a shrug. “I can wait.”

“I think it’s time we rejoin the group,” she said.

“Why? They don't know I have arrived and your friends know where to find you.”

“It is hardly decent for us to be alone.”

“Well.” He crossed the room with measured strides. “Look around you kitten,” he said spreading his arms wide, “there is no one here to see us. We are completely alone.”

They now stood an embrace apart. Victoria clutched the book even tighter, her knuckles turning white. She began to chew on her bottom lip nervously and grimaced as a bead of blood welled.

Dorian gazed at the tempting crimson droplet that colored her luscious lips. He immediately closed the space between them and slowly slid his hand over the delicate flesh of her throat and cupped the back of her neck. He could hear her pulse jump and her breath quicken. He could smell her arousal and when he looked into her eyes he was lost in pools of emerald desire. She wanted him to kiss her. She needed him to kiss her.

He slipped his arm about her waist pulling her against him.

His hand resting on her hip, its heat burned through the thin
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material of her gown. He bent his head, his eyes the darkest of blue. He kissed the corner of her mouth and swept his tongue gently over the tiny bead of blood. He had never tasted anything so sweet.

Victoria closed her eyes savoring the pleasure of his light caress and when his lips pressed fully to hers she surrendered completely. The loud thud of the book hitting the floor met deaf ears.

Dorian's grip on her waist tightened as he deepened the kiss. He did not want to frighten her with his desire and he struggled to hold on to the thin strands of his sanity. He could not remember the last time he had wanted anything so badly. It was the hardest thing he had ever done, chaining his passion, when his body demanded that he take her. The beast within him roared for her. Never had he reacted like this to any woman. She was different, special.

He made her mindless with his ever-demanding kiss, his tongue playing and dueling with her own. His hand had slipped from her neck and was now massaging her shoulder. His strong fingers branded her soft flesh and when they began to knead her breast she groaned in pleasure. Dorian’s lips left hers and began a fiery trail down her throat pausing a moment to run his velvet tongue over her enticing pulse. She gripped his massive shoulders as he bent her slowly over his arm and sprinkled feather light kisses over her chest.

She was helpless against his prowess and was utterly seduced. She was ready and willing to do whatever it was he wanted, Dorian smiled with satisfaction. He lifted her and set her on the desk just behind them. His thumbs hooked in the small sleeves of her dress. He nipped at her shoulder as he dragged the material down.

Victoria clutched at his shirt wanting to tear it to shreds.

She needed to feel his hard body against hers.

“Victoria,” Rogers called as he tried the knob of the locked door.

Dorian cursed. He could kill that man. He reluctantly pulled away and straightened her sleeves. He set Victoria back on her feet, her eyes still closed, lips still parted, and cheeks flushed.

She was beautiful and he could only imagine what she would look like in his bed, beneath him. He smiled to himself when her eyes finally fluttered open; she had not heard Rogers at the door. She gazed up at him confused. Then, as she regained her elegant
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composure, her emerald eyes narrowed and impaled him. If he were a mortal man her intense stare would have set him aflame.

He saw her hand rise and felt the sound slap she delivered.

He smiled and fingered his jaw.

“I suppose that means we will be finishing this later.”

She raised her hand again but he caught her wrist. “I deserved one but I won't allow you a second.”

Victoria snatched her hand away and pushed him aside so she could pass. “There will never be a later,” she snapped, her voice low and threatening.

She turned on her heel and headed to the doors. Releasing the lock, she threw the threshold wide open. Rogers stood smiling like a schoolboy and Victoria roughly took his arm and practically dragged the man down the hall. Dorian watched amused. Her temper was glorious and he loved it. It had been hundreds of years since anyone had been so open with him. He appreciated her honest anger. He idly rubbed his jaw and grinned. His kitten had claws.

Dinner was being served. Rogers seated Victoria then moved to the chair on her right.

“It is too bad you missed the rest of the tour, Tabitha tripped over her clumsy feet, bumped into a table and knocked one of Lady Henning's Italian vases to the ground,” Lana whispered. “It was hilarious.”

Dorian entered the dining room and all conversation stopped.

“Prince Vlakhos,” Lady Hennings said coming to her feet.

“I had no idea you were here. Please, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

Every eye watched as he took the only remaining seat.

“Good evening Ms. Kingston,” he said as he sat directly across from her.

“You two know each other?” Tabitha asked.

Victoria clenched her teeth, anger sparking in her eyes.

“We met at Lady Allen’s ball the other night,” he answered.

“You did?” Lana said surprised that Victoria had not told her.

Every eye now was turned to Victoria. She knew the thoughts that must be running through their minds. If she had not told her best friend about their encounter she must be hiding something.

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“You arrived just in time Prince Vlakhos, we just sat down to dine,” Lady Wisten said. “It is too bad that you missed the tour, Lady Hennings has done marvels with this home.”

“You don't say? I would like to hear about it.”

Dorian had started the conversation and everyone slipped into it easily. Jokes were told and the laughter was loud. The food was delicious and the wine exquisite, but throughout the entire meal Dorian did not eat a sliver of meat or vegetable and only took a few sips of wine. He occasionally participated in various conversations, but there was one thing he did constantly during the meal that everyone took noticed of, his eyes never left Victoria Kingston.

Victoria had tried to ignore him, tried to pretend that he was not there, but she could not. He had such a demanding aura and figure that her eyes kept drifting back towards him. Every time their gazes would touch he would smile a dangerously seductive smile and she would remember what that very smile tasted like.

Once the meal had ended, the men went off to play cards and have brandies while the women retired to the drawing room.

Victoria did not wish to face the interrogation she would undoubtedly receive from the gossips and so she claimed that a headache plagued her.

“It would be terrible if you fell ill,” Lady Wisten said.

“Oh no, I just need some rest is all,” Victoria answered.

“I hope you feel better in the morning and do not miss my picnic tomorrow,” Lady Stevens said.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” she assured the group.

“Will you be staying Lana?” Tabitha asked.

“No, I really should take Victoria home and see that she is well looked after, good night.”

The women escorted them to the front door and waved them off as they entered the coach. Once they pulled away Victoria sighed and sank down to lay across the rich red velvet covered bench.

“I'm sorry I didn't tell you I met Mr. Vlakhos.”

“I don't care about that,” Lana said waving her hand. “It was just a bit of a surprise that’s all. What I would like to know is if you have added him to your list.”

“My list? Good heavens no! He is unsuitable.”

“Unsuitable?” Lana asked raising an eyebrow. “Hardly, he would make a prefect husband. He is rich, handsome as the devil himself, and rumored to be a great lover.”

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“That last part is what makes him unsuitable.”

“I hate to disappoint you, Tory, but a man can change.

Take my brother for instance. He was a rakehell and many unfavorable rumors followed him. We all feared that he would never marry and curb his lustful ways, but he did. He is absolutely head over heels for his wife, Carol. So you see? Dorian could change.”

Victoria sat up and gazed out the window.

“I saw the way he was looking at you,” Lana stated. “And if I were you, I would put him at the top of my list and pray that the rumors of his sexual skills are true.”

Victoria could not help but laugh at Lana’s forwardness.

She was a girl that always said what was on her mine.

Unfortunately, she did not have that luxury. Victoria needed to be the pretty, meek, and somewhat silent type to snatch a rich husband quick.

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