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Authors: Jaye Shields

Tags: #romance, #paranormal

Secrets of the Jaguar (Crimson Romance) (7 page)

BOOK: Secrets of the Jaguar (Crimson Romance)
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She chewed on her bottom lip as she adjusted the plant in her grip. “Your rose was pretty dead, so I thought we could plant a new one together. You know, a fresh start. Like our friendship.”

He reached out and swept the rosebush easily into his arms so she didn’t have to carry the heavy plant any farther. Leaning down, his face inched toward her and he inhaled her sweet scent mingling with the flowers.

“If you don’t like — ”

Duncan put a finger against her lips to silence her. He lowered his lips to the edge of Michelle’s mouth, planting a soft kiss on her cheek. “You are very sweet, Michelle.” She immediately flushed ten shades of red and he couldn’t help but smile. “Would you like to show me how it’s done?

• • •

“Kissing?”

He laughed and motioned for her to begin along the path to his place. “Gardening.”

“Oh, yes of course.” She sheepishly turned back to the trail and wished she could replay the moment that his lips met her skin. Clearly she was getting far deeper into this “friendship” than was good for her.

When the duo neared Duncan’s backyard, he gracefully maneuvered in front of her to open the gate.

“After you,
mademoiselle
.” Duncan looked ever the gentleman, even with the gigantic rose bush in his arms.


Merci beaucoup
.”

“I didn’t realize you spoke French. A lady of many surprises.”

“Actually,” she giggled, “that’s all the French I know. Oh, and
sacre blu
!” she announced emphatically as she stood in the center of the yard.

“Still impressive,” he teasingly assured her.

“Do you speak much French?”

“I speak French, Spanish, Italian, Turkish, Russian, and a couple other languages. When you’ve got nothing but time, travel and learning different languages comes easily.” Setting down the plant, he motioned to his French doors. “Why don’t we go inside so I can give you a proper tour? It’s not too large, just enough for a century old bachelor, I suppose.”

A smile escaped her. “I suppose I am somewhat curious about the living quarters of a vampire.”

After a quick glance at the bedroom and living room she had already seen on the first floor, she was taken up an old-fashioned curling, wooden staircase.

“And here at the top of the staircase, we have a washroom.”

She glanced inside and was stunned at the elegant, modern fixtures and the gigantic soaking tub accompanied by a contemporary all-glass shower in the corner. Glancing at the fancy toilet, she looked quizzically at Duncan. “I didn’t realize vampires … ”

He laughed. “Rarely used. Quite a bonus for my once-in-awhile tenants. The fixtures always seem brand new.”

“Clever of you to include such a fancy soaking tub. I’m sure your tenants are ecstatic about it.”

“As your friend, I am going to let you in on a secret. I bought the tub for myself. I can’t help but enjoy a soak on occasion.”

“I don’t blame you. It looks dreamy. Unfortunately, I don’t have a bathtub at my place.”

Smiling mischievously, Duncan leaned against the entryway of the bathroom. “That’s really a shame. If you had a bathtub, you’d have even more space to store your dirty dishes.”

She playfully punched his shoulder, finally proving she had a sense of humor. “Watch it, buddy.”

“Anyway, you’re more than welcome to take a soak in my tub anytime you desire. As you recall, my doors are never locked.”

This time it was Michelle’s turn to blush at the implied intimacy. “Yeah, maybe.”

“Let’s finish up the tour, shall we? My favorite room is just ahead.” He led her down the hall into a large sun-filled room. Nearly the entire wall facing the water was window. It was as if the entire pane was a dreamy beach watercolor filling the room. The accompanying walls were a deep crimson, nearly black. The room was filled with hanging instruments, most of them in deep wooden hues. Several violins, guitars, a cello, a harp, and an accordion all decorated his wall. To the right of the room, in front of the expansive window, sat a beautiful black piano. She recalled the night that she fell asleep to him playing piano. It had been beautiful.

“This is my life. When I was younger, music was my passion. As a vampire, all I have is time, and so I fill the empty spaces of existence with music.”

“You play all these instruments?” She was in awe.

“Yes. My first love was for piano, but since I have become enchanted by cello, violin, and even on occasion the harp.”

“So you are a master of the classical genres I see. And the guitar? I’m guessing you aren’t a Metallica fan.”

“The guitar is very universal. I’m sure I could play whatever you desire, whether is it classical Spanish romance or grunge music.”

“You like Nirvana?” Michelle was surprised and Duncan looked slightly miffed.

“Just because I play piano doesn’t mean I don’t like to head bang on occasion. After all, when I was going to Mudhoney and Pearl Jam concerts, you were probably in kindergarten.”

“Yeah, I guess you’ve got a point.” She smiled and pointed to the heavy instrument hanging on the wall. “And the accordion? I didn’t peg you for a polka fan.”

“My dear, there is no music more compelling than the dark romance of the gypsies. Let me demonstrate.”

He walked over to the wall and picked up the large instrument, hugging it to his body. He fingered the keys on one side and pulled out the opposite end, and a low haunting note escaped the instrument. Focusing his gaze on Michelle, he continued to stretch the instrument to and fro, weaving an intricately dark and romantic tune. Her mind drifted to the dark streets of Paris, where she imagined nomadic musicians gathered around a large bonfire. During that period of history, gypsies had been condemned as thieves and fortune tellers. The eeriness of the music was riddled with dark notes stretching in lamentation, but a rhythm of reckless abandon and optimism. As he continued to play the haunting, yet playful song in the Romany tradition, his eyes closed as if in a trance.

Michelle did the same, and her feet moved into a dance of enchantment. Her legs carried her to and fro, her body swaying to the music, her arms reaching toward the ceiling as she twirled.

All too soon, the music stopped and she had a new appreciation for the accordion. And apparently from the way Duncan was looking at her, had a new curiosity of Michelle.

“The way you move to the music is beautiful.” Duncan had already replaced the accordion on the wall and moved toward Michelle. He looked like a predator as he moved across the large room. As sunlight spilled onto them through the window, Michelle stood motionless when Duncan arrived in front of her and placed his hand on the small of her back. He pulled her body close to his.

Whispering into her ear Duncan spoke softly, sensuality permeating every word. “Perhaps you were a gypsy in a past life. I swear you have me under a spell.” Shifting his lips away just a little so he could gaze into her eyes, he continued. “You should be careful how you enchant me.”

Awareness and vulnerability sent shivers down Michelle’s spine. Duncan, too, seemed affected, for he stepped away slowly. She watched him take another step backward, noting the blackness of his eyes, their emptiness, and as she fought a shudder, they focused on her neck.

Suddenly he became thin air and reappeared only a breath away from her. His stance was ominous and she fought to keep her feet on the ground, wrestling the instinct to run or shift.

He spoke slowly, his voice nearly a growl. “You should go. We can plant this rose next week.”

There was no argument, no words. Michelle nodded before turning and all but running down the stairs and out the back gate.

Chapter Eleven

The days went by slowly for Michelle. She hadn’t shifted for fear she might find herself by the beach.
Too close to Duncan
. Their last encounter had left her so confused. He’d brought her into his home, but suddenly, she was quite obviously not welcome. She had been trying her damndest to forget that Duncan lived off of blood, but he looked like he might take a chunk out of her. She was angry he had caused her to flee the house like a coward. Michelle realized Duncan, too, was probably just as unhappy.

Now she stood outside of her Maya professor’s office, waiting to catch him to discuss the term paper. Ditching the idea to write on the theme on the Maya ancient ballgame, she decided to ask the professor if she could write instead on jaguar iconography. Keeping her fingers crossed, she hoped she could spend her time researching what could shed light on her mythical origin.

The tall, handsome professor turned the corner in the hall. At the beginning of the semester, she has been intimidated by the youthful man’s handsome face and worldly intelligence. However, her recent infatuation with Duncan made her forget her professor altogether.

“Hi, Michelle. What brings you to my office this evening?” Professor Tecuhtli flashed a brilliant white smile at her, and she was taken aback.

“Wow, I can’t believe that you remember my name.”

The Maya professor smiled. “Your work has been impressive so far, worthy of recognition. It’s obvious to me you are quite interested in the subject matter.”

“Totally. This is by far my favorite research area. I would love to be an archaeologist some day. Actually, I came to ask if I could change my term paper subject.”

The professor nodded. “What were you thinking? Your abstract on the ancient ball games seemed interesting enough.”

“I was very interested in some of the were-jaguar iconography you touched on in class. I’d love to do some more research on that topic.”

“I’d love that. There’s more evidence of were-jaguar fascination in ancient Mesoamerican cultures than you could imagine.” He paused and raised a brow. “Interesting that you would choose this topic. I don’t think in all my ages of teaching I have ever had a student show any interest in this subject matter.”

“All your ages?” Michelle was taken aback at the young teacher. “How long have you been teaching? You’re one of the youngest professors I have.” She blushed, hoping that she didn’t appear to be flirting.

“I’m older than I look, but you’re absolutely right. But in my family tree are generations of teachers. Tecuhtli is an Aztec name, and it was natural for me to teach what is significant to my personal history. You are more than welcome to pursue your new topic. I look forward to reading what you have to present.”

“I look forward to researching it. I’m going to be bummed when this class is over.”

“Between semesters, I plan lead an excavation, and you could join me if your hard work continues through the end of the semester.”

Michelle’s eyes widened at the opportunity. “Really?”

“Certainly, you seem perfect for the scholarship position. Just keep up the good work and I look forward to your paper.”

She was absolutely giddy. “Thanks, Professor Tecuhtli. See you in class.”

“Always a pleasure. Oh, and do be careful on the outskirts of campus this time of night.”

“Of course. Thank you again.”

With that, she left the office and practically floated down the hall, eager to start her paper. The campus’s darkness did envelope her in chill, but she relished her night class because it gave her a chance to see the romantic lights of San Francisco up close. Tonight she was simply excited to get home and brainstorm about her paper.

But when Michelle walked through the door to her apartment, she was immediately affronted with the intoxicating scent of stargazer lilies. Duncan had tidied up her apartment. No — make that immaculately cleaned her apartment. It was the only way she could appreciate the many vases of flowers he had adorned her studio with. Red roses, pink roses, and the stargazer lilies made her home look like a Valentine’s Day Hallmark card.

Speaking of Hallmark cards, there was one on the table, barely visible since the huge vase of flowers took up the whole table. Smiling and overwhelmed, she never imagined she be the recipient of such a romantic gesture. Michelle opened the plain white card, which had two simple words on the inside.
I’m Sorry.
But then as she held the card open, music began to play.

Soft, simple guitar strumming escaped the folds. The clean sounds of the strings Duncan expertly strummed made her sway on her feet. The song sounded somewhat familiar, but the soft, slow plucking of the strings remained nameless. Until finally, the guitar riff sped up a little and Michelle immediately broke out in laughter as she recognized Nirvana’s All Apologies. Duncan’s voice was rough and sexy as the lyrics escaped the confines of the card.

She smiled like a lovestruck puppy. He had chosen the perfect song to lift her spirits. At the same time, the Nirvana lyrics were striking a new chord with her as they came from Duncan, a vampire’s mouth.

Duncan’s voice was carefree and sexy as his raspy voice sang the words. But more than ever before, she realized the song came from a martyr. Before she could contemplate the lyrics more, it ended and Duncan spoke through the card.
You once gave me an apology gift — yours is in the washroom.

Michelle was completely surprised. There was more than an apartment full of flowers and the one-of-a-kind card? She walked slowly to her bathroom. The door was shut, but she could see candlelight emanating through the frosted glass windows of the door. Stepping inside, Michelle’s jaw dropped and her mind spun with surprise. In the six or so hours that she had been at school, Duncan had a clawfoot bathtub installed in her small bathroom.

She had no clue how he accomplished it, but her mouth watered at the sight of the beautiful tub full of water. Steam billowed from the red rose petals floating on the surface. Large, white pillar candles covered every surface in the small room. Michelle wasted no time shedding her clothes and slipping into the elegant, cozy tub. As she inhaled the intoxicating scent of candles and stewed rose petals, she knew she was the luckiest girl in the world.

Chapter Twelve

Duncan smiled as he pictured Michelle coming home from school. She should have arrived a couple hours ago and hopefully, she was enjoying the bathtub. The installation was a difficult feat only because the washroom was so small. Duncan had been searching for a tub that would fit ever since the day she brought him the rosebush.

BOOK: Secrets of the Jaguar (Crimson Romance)
2.96Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
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