First Drop of Crimson

instead. They’re a much better bargain considering what these cost…”

A glazed look descended over Web’s half-covered face as Denise went on about the inadequacies of different designers, ticking off her list of bests and worsts for purses, shoes, and dresses. By the time the music ended and Spade walked up, Web almost shoved her back into his arms.

“A pleasure,” he managed before stalking away.

Spade whirled Denise around so that his back was to Web, a devilish smile curling his mouth as he led her deeper amid the other dancers.

“That was brilliant,” he whispered, so close to her ear any observer would think he was just nuzzling her.

She smiled, pleased at the compliment. “I didn’t even get a chance to talk about my most and least favorite jewelers,” she teased, her voice also just a whisper.

Spade laughed, brushing his mouth across her neck. “Tell me. I promise to be fascinated.”

Denise couldn’t stop the tremor that went through her at the feel of his lips on her skin. It’s only an act, she reminded herself.

Her body disagreed. Heat rose up inside her as Spade lingered, his mouth alternately brushing or hovering over her skin. His one hand still grasped hers in the proper waltz fashion, but his other caressed her back instead of staying at her waist, pressing her much closer than the formal dance dictated.

Denise cleared her throat, mindful of all the people who might be watching.

“Stop, dear. We have guests, so you can’t follow through,” she said, her voice breathier from his mouth sliding up her neck to her cheek.

“Oh?” His voice was a low growl. “I can if I take you upstairs.”

The instant clench in her loins made her gasp. It’s only an act, dammit!

“We have guests,” she repeated, her voice rougher than her charade dictated.

“They’ll manage.” Two words, full of promise.

Denise drew back, forcing a smile to her lips. No matter how Spade was affecting her, his actions and this offer weren’t real. Spade was pretending, same as actors around the world did for movie love scenes every day.

“Really, don’t be such a tease. You know we can’t leave yet,” she said, this time managing to sound affectionate and chiding at the same time. Just as a normal girlfriend would under the circumstances.

Spade’s eyes changed from tiger brown to green in an instant. “I never tease,” he replied, each word emphasized. Then he swept her up in his arms, striding off the dance floor.

Chapter Twenty-three

Spade ignored Denise’s stunned whisper to put her down. “I thank you for coming, ladies and gentlemen,” he called out. “Even though I take my leave of you, please, stay as long as you wish. I look forward to seeing all of you again soon.”

Denise felt her face flame as Spade carried her past the people in the ballroom as nonchalantly as if what he was doing wasn’t outrageous. The knowing laughter by a few of the vampires they passed didn’t help her growing embarrassment, either. It was one thing for Spade to act affectionate; another to publicly carry her off in a feigned burst of passion.

The only reason she quit arguing was that she caught Web’s speculative look out of the corner of her eye as Spade swept past him. Web was too dangerous to let him become suspicious. After all, Spade had killed Web’s dealer, Black Jack, only a few days ago. Web had to wonder who’d done it, and he’d already expressed skepticism at Spade moving in next door with his shockingly alive girlfriend.

Denise kept her mouth shut the whole way up the flight of stairs to the third floor. She didn’t say anything even when Spade carried her into the bedroom, kicking the door closed behind him. When he set her down, though, she immediately shoved him back, giving him an annoyed look as she crossed the room to turn on the television. Loudly.

“That was over the top,” she hissed, surprised to see Spade right behind her when she turned around. He’d somehow already taken off his mask, sword, and jacket, and was now untying the complicated, elegant knot at his throat.

She swallowed hard. Maybe the costume had been uncomfortable?

“I disagree,” Spade replied, drawing the knot free before unbuttoning his shirt so quickly, his hand was only a blur. His eyes were still emerald-green, locking with hers in a way that made her breath catch.

You’ve seen him take off his shirt before, don’t read anything into it, Denise scolded herself, stepping to the side to walk past him.

His arm shot out, bracing against the wall unit and blocking her path. What sort of game was he playing?

“Spade—”

She didn’t get the rest of the sentence out, because suddenly his mouth was on her neck, lips and tongue probing her pulse to send a luscious shiver through her. His arm remained where it was, an open barrier she could escape, if she wanted to.

Denise took in a shuddering breath, forcing back the heat that raced below her belly. “Stop it. I’m not like you. That sort of thing affects me even if I know it’s fake.”

A low laugh sounded in her ear. “It’s supposed to affect you,” Spade said, biting her earlobe gently. “And at no time have I ever touched you where it’s been anything but real.”

He drew her mask off as he spoke, his other hand still braced against the wall unit. Two light tugs and her earrings were removed, then Spade took out the combs holding up her hair.

Denise froze, her emotions in a death match with the desire sweeping through her. What had changed his mind about her, she didn’t know, but Spade’s intentions were clear. She could have him now, and oh, she wanted him. Her body almost trembled with need, especially with Spade’s mouth continuing its sultry path down her neck.

But no matter how much she wanted him, she was leaving tomorrow. Was this Spade’s going-away present?

“Stop,” Denise said, her voice quiet but sharp. “Yes, you’re affecting me, but I’m not into mercy screws, casual sex, or one-night stands.”

She expected anger, laughter, or a shrug before he turned away, but Spade drew off his shirt instead.

“Did you hear me?” Denise asked, trying not to stare at his pale, muscular chest or that hard, flat stomach with its narrow line of black hair disappearing into his pants.

A brow arched before he bent to tug off his boots. “I did indeed, but none of those apply, so I’m not concerned.”

God, he’d be naked soon. A memory of what he’d looked like in the shower made her fists clench. That throb in her loins increased until it was so strong, Spade had to hear it.

He was beside her again in the next heartbeat, his hands caressing her face, lips so close to hers she could almost taste them.

“There’s nothing casual about my feelings for you, Denise,” he whispered. His voice deepened. “And I have no intention of letting you go anywhere tomorrow, or the next day, or the next.”

His mouth covered hers, swallowing her gasp as he pulled her to him. Spade’s tongue probed past her lips in sensual demand, making heat scorch up her spine. She opened her mouth, groaning at the sensual flicks of his tongue combined with the hard feel of his body pressed along hers.

A sliver of fear shot through her when she felt his fangs lengthen, their sharpness grazing her tongue as she explored his mouth. What if they nicked her and he was thrown into a bloodlust again? She hadn’t even tried to stop him when he drank her before; it had felt too good. If Spade inadvertently drew her blood while they were making love, he might lose control and end up killing her—and she might not even notice until she woke up dead.

“Wait,” she said, turning her head away from his deep, drugging kisses.