Caressed by Shadows(4)

I can never have her.

It was forbidden by vampire law for a Black Knight and a member of the noble house to be together. He recalled with perfect clarity her words that night after he pulled away, “You know we must banish these feelings.” Gazing up at him, she added. “Lust hinders proper thoughts.”

His mind agreed, but his body rebelled, compelling him forward. Before he could think of what he was doing, he stood before her, a mere embrace apart.

“We cannot happen,” he said. “This cannot happen.”

“No,” she sighed on a breath, her heated gaze meeting his.

He cupped her face, his thumbs lightly caressing her cheeks.

“You would be stripped of your title and banished as an outcaste,” he said, his voice low and rough.

“And you would be sentenced to death.”

The sharp clicks of a woman’s high heels sliced through his trance.

Falcon did not need to turn around. The delicate scent of lilacs teased his senses. He bit out another curse. His hands fisted at his sides. His ears twitched as the footsteps grew louder, closer. His entire body clenched, his blood hummed, and his pulse doubled. After two centuries, his response to her was the same.

Falcon braced himself and stepped out of the sunlight.

“Sir Kenwrec.”

Her voice was so sweet, so damn alluring. Lust curled around his spine then shot through his body, weakening his knees and causing his fingers to tingle with the need to touch her.

“I apologize for intruding.”

Falcon swallowed hard, his throat suddenly painfully dry. “No,” he rasped. He took in a breath, desperately trying to fortify himself, then turned to face her.

Sonya stood just outside the entrance of the library. Her long blonde hair tumbled in curls over her shoulders; her pure gold eyes sparkled despite the shadows that crowded the doorway. She wore a simple white blouse, charcoal gray pencil skirt, and sexy stilettos.

“Then let me apologize for what happened at the meeting.” Her pink lips curled into a smile. “I didn’t mean to hit you with my hair. I just felt like tossing it over my shoulder. You know, being dramatic.”

Falcon could not hold back his smile. “Your action caused no pain or offense.”

She nodded and came into the room, careful to avoid the windows. Though Sonya was exceptionally strong for her age, she was unable to withstand the sunlight. Her perfect, satin skin would blister and burn before disintegrating into ash.

“Were you having a difficult time sleeping?” she asked, moving along the bookshelves that lined the walls.

It was common knowledge that the power of the sun drained vampires, causing them to become severely drowsy, the younger the vampire, the stronger the sun’s pull. But, Falcon had never been like others.

“I needed a quite place to…reflect,” he replied.

“Hmm, how vague.” She scanned the shelves. “I’m in search of a distraction. The peace meeting was…” She shrugged. “I’m drained but can’t seem to quiet my mind.” She glanced about then dropped her voice to a whisper, “I have a feeling that something is going to happen.”

He frowned. “You believe the war will escalate?”

“It might. The Red Council is divided, two want peace, two crave more bloodshed and the last is indifferent,” she explained.

“Time will tell.”

She paused then huffed dejectedly. “Naturally, I spot a book on my to-read list and it’s out of reach.”

Falcon turned to follow her gaze. “Would you like me to get it for you?”

“If you don’t mind.”

He crossed the library and stepped past her, taking great care to not make contact.

“Top shelf. Red spine,” she said.

“An Audrey Hepburn biography?”

Sonya nodded. “I have a fascination with old Hollywood.”

Falcon shook his head. Classic films and Rat Pack music were his guilty pleasures.

“You should see my movie collection. It’s insane.”

Happiness sparkled in her eyes as she began to list off her favorite films and actors. Her lips curled in a heart wrenching sweet smile that brightened the room. And damn, those dimples.

Sonya was more than beautiful; she was breathtaking, genuine, honest, and real. She was sophisticated, intelligent, fun loving, and deadly. She was a warrior queen.

Falcon stood captivated, her smile broadened as she spoke of Gene Kelly causing her dimples to deepen and her eyes to glow with delight. Without thinking of his actions, he dropped the book and reached out, his fingers gently touching her face. Her skin was smooth and warm.

Her enchanting voice caught and her eyes widened, but she did not pull away.

Falcon caressed her cheek and then lightly traced her jaw. The subtle fragrance of lilacs intensified, mixing with the delicious scent of her arousal. She took a hesitant step closer.