Dark Destiny(57)

Destiny might have run from him physically, but he could feel her, a quiet shadow in his mind, sharing her fears, talking over the puzzling problems of “her” humans, laughing with him. She didn’t give him any sympathy as he deliberately shared the embarrassing vision of two elderly ladies in neon colors jumping up and down on the sidewalk and making frantic noises and wild gestures.

Their antics were drawing undue attention to him, something no Carpathian desired. Resigned, he turned away from Mary Ann’s office to saunter down the street toward the two older women who obviously wanted his attention. He heard Destiny’s muffled laughter brush at his mind. It lightened his heart. They would always be connected.

There are times when being invisible comes in handy. You could have warned me. I think a good dose of Velda and Inez is exactly what you need.

He gave an exaggerated groan just to hear the sound of her laughter. After so many years of pain, it was a miracle to hear the amusement in her voice, to feel the lightness in her heart. She was slowly coming to terms with what she had become, slowly accepting that she might not be the evil creature she had been led to believe.

I am uncertain what I did this rising to deserve such punishment.

Flashing his most charming smile at the two women, Nicolae bowed low over Velda’s hand, skimmed Inez’s knuckles with brief, old world courtesy. Both women fluttered their eyelashes and giggled like schoolgirls. “What can I do for you?”

Stop with the voice! Do you want to give them heart attacks?

Destiny was really laughing now. She sounded so carefree, he felt a strong burst of emotion.

The women introduced themselves and patted the chair waiting between them, gushing over his name, his foreign accent and wonderful manners.

“What brings you to our neighborhood, Nicolae?” Velda asked curiously. “We saw you with our dear Mary Ann,” Inez added.

“I have come courting,” he announced, devilishly sharing the conversation with Destiny. “The beautiful woman you were speaking with the other evening. Destiny. I am doing my best to make her my wife, but she is attempting to resist my charm. I do not suppose either of you would have any suggestions to further my cause?” he added hopefully.

The women made cooing noises and Destiny hissed at him. Nicolae settled back to enjoy himself. Turning the tables on Destiny was no easy task, and he was determined to make the most of the opportunity.

Go attend to your business, little one, and leave me to mine. I think these women might have invaluable insight into the female psyche.

“I think that’s so romantic,” Inez burst out, clasping her hands. “Don’t you think so, Sister? Romance is just about gone from today’s society. But romance is what you need to court her.”

Velda clucked, shaking her head in disapproval. “We have to be practical in this day and age.” She leaned close to Nicolae, pinned him with a sharp gaze. “You can’t get by on good looks and manners, young man; you need substance. What kind of a job do you have?”

Destiny’s laughter heated his blood and robbed his lungs of air. It was not only musical, but also held a latent sensuality that whispered promises of hot, silken nights.

Sheesh! Do you have a vivid imagination! Keep your mind on the business at hand, Nicolae. Tell them you hunt vampires and see if they think you’re a safe bet as husband material.

Nicolae smirked. A predatory, smug, superior smirk guaranteed to set Destiny’s teeth on edge. “I am in law enforcement, a special branch, but I am also independently wealthy, so she would never want for anything.” His long fingers stroked his jaw, drawing attention to the singular masculine beauty of his face. “I have searched the world for her. I know we are meant to be together.”

The two sisters exchanged a long look as if well pleased with his answer. It was Velda who took charge while Inez sighed over the sheer romance of true love finding a way. “Why is the girl dragging her heels? You’re an attractive man.”

“Oh, my, yes,” Inez agreed, earning a fierce scowl from her sister. “Well, he is,” she defended indignantly. She patted Nicolae’s thigh. “You are, dear, just the type of beau I had in my heyday.” She leaned close. “I was a wild thing, you know,” she whispered in confidence.

He removed her hand by simply raising it to his lips. “Thank you, Inez. That is a true compliment coming from a woman such as yourself. I would be grateful for direction with my wayward bride.”

What BS you’re shoveling, Nicolae. You should be ashamed of yourself.

There was her laughter again, winding his body tighter and tighter until he was afraid Inez was going to have something to grab hold of if he wasn’t careful. He shifted his position in the chair. The sound of Destiny’s happy voice was a powerful aphrodisiac.