Читать книгу Blood Eternal - Toni Kelly - Страница 7

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Desperation is the raw material of drastic change. Only those who can leave behind everything they have ever believed in can hope to escape.

—William S. Burroughs

Savannah Michaels nibbled the fingernails of one hand while she crinkled a piece of paper with the other. Ninety thousand dollars of debt and now she was thousands of miles away from home doing only God knew what. Sure, it had been for necessary expenses. She hadn’t planned the accident and definitely wouldn’t have chosen to complete near two years of physical therapy afterward, but this knowledge didn’t soothe the butterflies in her stomach. A knot tightened her throat. Now was not the time for cold feet. She massaged her throat and glanced back down at the internet classified ad she’d printed off.

COMPANION WANTED

Traveling companion, male or female, between the ages of twenty-five to forty-five. Requires valid passport and the ability to travel throughout Italy for four weeks straight. All expenses covered. Will pay handsomely. Please inquire at immortal1790@gmail.com

Too good to be true? Savannah released a shuddering breath and sipped her cappuccino. Steam hit her nose, warming it against the air’s chill. Across a huge expanse of ocean, meeting a complete stranger. She had to be crazy.

“Your tartufo.” A waiter leaned forward and placed a chocolate lover’s dream before her. “Anything else, miss?” His gaze questioned beneath a broad brow.

Rubbing the button holding her pants closed, she smiled. “No, thank you. Um, grazie.”

He nodded and turned, attending another table.

Hmm. She planned to eat in Italy and here she sat, content after a sumptuous feast. Of course bread dipped in olive oil, a cappuccino and a heaping plate of capellini al pomodoro slowed her gusto a bit. Aspiring chef or not, a person could only eat so much at one time. Good thing she’d spend four weeks here, although there might not be a plane big enough to carry her back.

She settled further down in her seat, spooned a cold layer of chocolate and cream onto her tongue and let an explosion of cocoa work its magic. The accordion whines of “Quando, Quando, Quando” drifted past her and brought bliss. She’d imagined Italy like this. These tastes and sounds were the reasons her friends oohed and aahed when she’d mentioned this opportunity. Of course they’d also tsk-tsked at the idea of her spending four weeks with a complete stranger. Still, after everything she’d suffered through, what did she have to lose? Bad relationships, no funds, death. She’d pretty much been there and done all of them. Somehow, she stayed afloat, but the exhaustion of life made the thought of sinking deep alluring.

She released a long breath, pushing away any daunting thoughts of her prospective employer. For now, Piazza Navona remained her personal paradise.

Pink and purple painted the evening sky. Groups of tourists hustled into cafes for a warm meal. Passersby stopped to watch musicians and mimes perform for their day’s wages. Strange how no matter where one went, it always boiled down to the good old all in a day’s work. Though not opposed to labor, bartending at Murphy’s Irish Pub wouldn’t earn enough to pay her debts and establish her restaurant. Not in the near future, anyhow. She pulled out another folded piece of paper, confirmation she moved one step closer to her dreams.

Dearest Savannah,

I am pleased you have decided to accept my offer and I look forward to our meeting in Rome... Once you arrive, you may take a taxi to Piazza Navona—I will reimburse you this expense. After sunset, I will present myself to you outside cafe Tre Scallini.

Cordially,

Luke

Present myself? Who wrote present or signed their emails with cordially? Technically this was a business deal so the polite tone made sense but this guy came off as an old timer, at least on paper. What would she do with an old guy? Hmm, what did a companion do exactly? She bit her lip. Details, people usually gathered before accepting a job.

Twisting her napkin around her fingers, she shifted in her chair. Evening grew nippy after sunset. With any luck, he wouldn’t run late.

“Savannah Michaels?”

She spun toward the man who’d spoken in that deep voice and stilled. Coffee brown eyes, intense brow, sensual lips and definitely off limits in her life right now.

“Yes?” She’d come here to work not admire scenery—no matter how tempting. Wait a minute. She took a breath. This particularly handsome bit of scenery knew her name. He couldn’t be him. This man had a strange accent. Not Italian, though familiar. British? Savannah hadn’t asked where he was from. “You’re not, um, hold on a sec.” Her mind blanked and she exhaled loudly, fumbling with the papers in her hand. Several sheets dropped to the ground. “Um, I’m sorry, one moment.” Served her right for having expectations of a shriveled old man. He was a man and that’s where any similarity to what she’d envisioned ended.

“If your bumbling around is an attempt to ask me whether I am Luke Evans, owner of the companion ad, yes I am.” He lifted a thick brow, his face creasing with disapproval.

So much for first impressions. Seemed she was stuck with Mr. Tall, Gorgeous and Grumpy for four weeks. Suck it up, Michaels, you need this.

She smiled. “Great, I’m Savannah Michaels.” She lifted a hand, silently berating herself for giving him her name when he clearly knew it.

He assessed her half eaten tartufo then let his gaze quickly sweep over her. “Follow me.” Without a handshake, he turned and headed toward a side street.

What a snot. She dropped her arm and hurried after him, leather backpack swinging off her shoulder as she tugged along a small suitcase. Its wheels clicked along the ground, passing over grooves between cobblestones. Good thing she hadn’t packed heavy. He moved incredibly fast. “Wait, I haven’t yet paid for my meal.”

“I took care of it.”

“How did you know what I ordered?” Had he been nearby the entire time?

“I inquired with the waiter. It seems you have quite an appetite.” He spoke with his back to her as he paused near a black Audi S6.

She frowned. How embarrassing. Had the waiter mentioned she’d eaten a lot? “I’m a chef in training. I must try things.” Didn’t mean she had to admit eating nearly every bit on her plate.

He turned and eyed her suitcase. “My email instructed you not to bring anything. I am covering your expenses. Nevertheless, since you did not follow my orders, let me take your bag.”

Orders? The man behaved like an ogre. As she stood with her mouth open, he placed her suitcase inside the trunk and opened the passenger door, signaled for her to get in with a graceful sweep of his arm. She’d never understand why he’d bothered. The action was completely at odds with his foul demeanor.

“I only traveled with a few outfits. You never asked my size.” She seated herself and inhaled deeply as he shut the door. It wasn’t too late, she could still bolt.

As the driver’s door swung open, Luke slipped in beside her and met her gaze, his eyes sexy enough to make her squirm. “Having second thoughts?”

Yes. No, wait, the ad said this job would pay handsomely. “No, of course not. Are you?” She couldn’t have blown this already.

“No.” He started the car and pulled into the late remnants of Roman rush hour. He glared ahead with an expression of disgust.

“Is there something wrong?” she asked.

“No.”

Yeah, right. Unsure of how to respond, she twisted her hands together in her lap and bit her bottom lip. What had happened? He couldn’t be upset about clothes. Maybe the cafe bill? Guys didn’t usually respond negatively to her, at least not those who hadn’t seen her scars. She wanted to flip down the car visor and check the mirror for basil between her teeth, but didn’t dare chance being caught. As it stood, she might as well have been a goblin, for the attention paid her. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

He released a huff of breath. “Why are you here, Savannah?”

“Why am I here—what do you mean? I answered an ad of yours and now you’re—”

“I am not referring to your presence here. I mean, why did you answer my ad? Consider this an on the job interview. I want to know you better.”

“Oh.” He could have asked a bit more politely. She paused and glanced down at her lap. Why was she here? Money, of course. But to say so sounded crude, not exactly interview material. Ugh, she was definitely not prepared for questions. Why hadn’t she considered he might want to know more? “I’ve always dreamt of seeing Italy. Who wouldn’t want to travel for four weeks, expenses paid?”

“Why with me? You hardly know me. I could have been a complete psychopath.”

Could have been? The idea still held definite possibility and at this point, she didn’t need much convincing. “This conversation isn’t exactly making me feel comfortable.”

“My intention is not to make you uncomfortable.” His voice gentled. “Nonetheless, it is important we have open and honest communication. Why with me?”

Better to stick with the truth. Lying could only lead to more trouble. “You said you would pay handsomely.”

“I hoped for more.” He pressed his lips closed. “I should know better.”

“I’m sorry?” Unbelievable. He judged her? After she’d decided on honesty? Fiery heat burned on the tip of her tongue. “What exactly are you saying?”

“Take it as you like.”

“I don’t want to take it any way.” She gritted her teeth. Why else would someone answer a stranger’s ad? After spending ten minutes with Luke, she certainly wouldn’t have agreed to meet him due to his charm. “I don’t understand.”

“All the same,” Luke mumbled. “Damn greed.”

“Hold on a sec,” she said. “I’m not sure what you were hoping for, but you haven’t even given me a chance. Your ad didn’t advertise prerequisites. You don’t know me. You should have given this more thought before you flew me several thousand miles to get here. And who runs ads asking for strangers to be their companions, anyway? A question I should have asked myself before answering your ridiculous ad. Either way, if you’re going to do such an absurd thing, at least approach it with an open mind.”

She gripped the door handle as he swerved around a sharp curve. Her breath caught in her chest, choking. “And stop glancing my way. You’ll get us killed if you don’t watch the road.” After near two years of physical therapy, the last thing she needed was a trip back to the hospital.

“Not likely. And I do not need to know you. I know your type.”

“My type?” She’d somehow stumbled onto a caveman. This was more than she could take, even for all the money in the world. “Stop this car. Stop it right now. We’re done.”

He frowned. “Why? I thought you wanted money.”

“Not if it means spending four weeks listening to you,” she gritted out. How much did she want this? Hell, it wasn’t a want, it was a need. Think of your restaurant, your dreams. Damn it, this shouldn’t be so hard.

He slowed the car to a stop and rubbed his brow. “I have offended you.”

“Really? I’d credit you there with the understatement of the century.” She’d shouted but didn’t care. “I didn’t travel this far and long to be insulted.” She could have stayed with Ben for that. Taking a deep breath, she lowered her voice. “I wanted to make some money and see a beautiful country. You know, a good time?”

“And money will give you this good time?”

No, but it would get her debt paid off, allowing her a different kind of life. She rubbed her eyes and shrugged. It would be easy to give up everything but if she hadn’t given up two years ago, she wasn’t going to give up now. “Money is simply a means to an end. Look, if you’ve changed your mind and don’t want a companion, please drop me back at Piazza Navona. I’ll arrange my own accommodations.” Liar. She was inches away from destitute.

Luke tapped the steering wheel with a thumb, his expression confused and pensive as he remained silent. “Forgive me, my behavior has been inexcusable. I am not myself and I should not have made such inappropriate comments. It does not rectify the situation, however, I must tell you someone attempted to mug me this evening. It put me in quite a distasteful mood.”

“Oh God. Mugged.” No wonder he was uptight. “Are you okay? Do we need to go to the police? Did they take anything?”

“No, I am fine. Irritated to such a degree, I have noted I am unpleasant company. I am sorry you have taken the brunt of my anger.”

She released a long breath. “You should have told me. I would’ve understood.” And not acted a complete brat.

“It is over now and as you can see, I survived minus a bout of ill manners. If you are willing, I would like to start anew and have you hear my proposal.”

“Okay.” After traveling this far, the least she could do was listen to what he had to say. She settled back against the passenger seat.

“Stay with me for a week in Rome. At the end of it I will give you twenty-five thousand dollars. If afterward you can bear my presence and want to continue with me on to Florence and Venice, you may. I will pay you an additional seventy-five thousand at the end of four weeks. Does this sound agreeable?”

Had she heard right? Did he say one hundred thousand dollars for four weeks? Her insides took a giant leap. It took every ounce of strength to keep calm and collected. “Yes, sounds great.” His intense gaze held her motionless. “As long as sex is not a requirement.” What had possessed her to say such a thing?

“Believe me.” He twisted his full lips into a smirk. “I have no need to force sex on you. I am quite capable of finding my own night companions.”

Heat infused her cheeks as a tremor traveled through her body. Yes, Savannah could imagine he had no issues with women. The man was gorgeous, with his old movie-star looks and wide shoulders. Not to mention, she’d seen glimpses of a charmer, despite the moodiness resulting from a recent attack. Alone and vulnerable, anyone would be shaken up. Even if she couldn’t picture him defenseless, she’d learned the hard way people were rarely what they seemed.

“Are you cold?” he asked.

“Hmm?” She turned. His eyes glittered below creased brows. The concern in them chipped away at her defenses. “No, why do you ask?” She twisted the hem of her shirt. His question unnerved her. She hadn’t had a man worry about her in quite some time, especially not one this handsome.

“You trembled.” Luke checked the rearview mirror as he steered the car back onto the road.

“Did I?” She cleared her throat. Despite her efforts, memories of her own helplessness floated to the surface of her thoughts. Night, the cold pavement beneath her, numbness. “I guess I remembered something.”

“If I offended you again, I apologize. You did bring up an intimate subject.”

“Oh, you didn’t. I’m not sure why I made such a statement...you know, about sex. I’m not usually so forward. I guess I wanted things to be clear.”

“You are an exceptionally attractive woman,” he said, facing her for several long seconds before he returned his attention to the road. “Nevertheless, I will keep my distance whilst you wish it. Now if you were to change your mind, I would of course do my best to accommodate such a request.”

“I won’t change my mind.” Her words had left her in a rush, but didn’t seem to bother him. Instead, he tilted his head and curved his lips up in a slight smile. The actions irked and aroused her.

* * * *

Savannah was a conundrum. The captivating green-eyed minx almost convinced Luke she could walk away without any money. She had not reacted to his attitude as expected. Most victims laughed away his insults, maintained a positive mood even when he dangled bait. Only on one occasion or two had previous companions objected. Still, none dared put him in his place or threatened to walk away.

Her reaction should be a breath of fresh air and yet, he could not believe in such a simple outcome. Experience and logic told him she would disappoint him. In two hundred years he had yet to find a victim who’d proved him wrong.

At the edge of his vision, she sat still beside him, staring straight ahead. The photo Broderick had placed in her file did not do her loveliness justice. The ebony waves of her hair framed her pale profile, lending her a sort of classic beauty.

He swiped a hand through his hair, trying to ignore his instant attraction. Her presence left him uneasy. Even after drinking two quarts of blood, Luke’s nerves wound tight. Perhaps Broderick’s concern was better placed than Luke could admit.

“Here we are.” He parked the car and got out. The short walk around to her door provided a much needed respite from her nearness.

She stepped out, blinked and scanned the empty garage around them. “Doesn’t anyone else live here? It looks abandoned.”

“I like my privacy. Are you frightened?”

For a moment their gazes connected and he sensed her trepidation. His need to taunt her grew with his aggression. How long could he continue to fight this darkness within him? “Come, there is nothing to worry about. I won’t let anyone harm you. We will take the elevator.” He retrieved her suitcase, led her to a rusty, old-fashioned elevator and pulled aside the door. “After you.”

“Uh uh, that doesn’t look safe. How old is this place?”

“I recently repaired the elevator and am quite confident it works. If you doubt my abilities,” he said, pointing at a door along a far wall, “feel free to take the stairs up eight flights.”

Her emerald eyes widened and she stepped inside the elevator. With a jerk, the car started up. In the small space, she huddled like a hunted animal. She had cause to be scared but could not possibly realize why. Yet her fear made the air between them oppressive.

“Almost there.” An inexplicable need to soothe her overwhelmed him.

When they reached the eighth floor, he pulled open the sliding door. Savannah straightened and released a long sigh.

“Shocking, you survived.” What could have caused the fright he sensed in her? Who exactly had Broderick sent him?

“Despite my being in Italy, I’m not usually a risk taker.” She bit her bottom lip and stepped out, leaning along the wall as she walked down the hallway. “This place appears a bit unstable.”

“I assure you, the foundation is sound. I have not yet gotten around to beautifying the exterior. My door is the last on the left.”

She turned. “Foundation, exterior? Do you mean to tell me you own this building?”

“I do. Actually, I run a real estate company and own quite a few buildings. Pardon me.” He slipped past her, brushing along her thin cotton shirt as he took out his key ring. Electricity sparked inside him with the contact and he pulled away quickly. Her hardened nipples drew his gaze for a moment, and he nearly rumbled aloud in appreciation. Amongst her medley of emotions, he grasped arousal. “Follow me, I’ll show you your room.” Walking through his foyer, he tossed the keys in a bowl on an entryway table and headed toward the kitchen and living room area. “The kitchen is stocked with food. Please make yourself feel at home.”

Luke turned but Savannah no longer stood behind him. What now? He returned to the foyer. “Is something wrong?”

She spun slowly, mouth wide like a child’s in a candy shop. “It’s beautiful.”

“Are you not accustomed to fine things?”

She laughed. “Are you always this formal? No, I’m not accustomed to marble floors and cherry wood.” She smoothed a finger along the dark finish of an entryway table. “I would be satisfied with being able to pay my bills, let alone buying gorgeous furniture. I’d be lucky to find anything half as nice at Good Will.”

He knew nothing of this good will she spoke of. “Are you are willing to be my companion to buy yourself these luxurious items?”

Her eyes met his, and he tensed at the sadness evident there. She felt so strongly it pained him to be near her.

She shook her head. “There is a lot more to life than being wealthy and owning fine things. You’re rich. Do you think money buys happiness? I’ve never found it to be true.”

What game did she play? A perceptive question and answer. “Neither have I.” The truth left him exposed. He turned away. “If you are ready, I can show you your room.” He lifted his wrist, noting the dial of his watch read fifteen minutes past eight o’clock. “You have forty-five minutes to get dressed. Tonight, we shall go out.”