The NightMan (17 page)

The
local
music
played
loudly,
laughter
and
voices
filled
the
air.
Once
inside,
the
smell
of
whiskey
and
malt
brew
was
strong.
The
scents
of
human
nonsense,
Dorian
thought
as
he
found
a
shadow
hidden
table
in
the
corner
of
the
small
place.

Then
he
saw
her,
a
beautiful
woman
who
reminded
him
of
Caitlin.
He
glanced
down
to
his
hand.
It
reminded
him
of
what
happened
that
night.
In
his
haste
to
remove
the
necklace
from
Caitlin
he
didn’t
think
the
burn
from
the
cross
was
going
to
be
as
bad.
His
eyes
flicked
up
to
the
beauty
that
moved
in
his
direction.
His
fist
tightly
closed
and
he
forced
out
a
warm
smile
to
her.

“What
will
it
be
tonight?”
Her
voice
was
charming.

“Whiskey.”
Dorian
smiled
broadly.
He
watched
the
red
color
flush
her
checks.

“Whisky
it
is.
And
what
would
you
be
having
after
your
whiskey?”

Ah
-
yes,
you
my
dear,
Dorian
thought
as
he
leaned
forward
towards
the
girl.

“Well,
that
is
a
bold
proposition,”
he
stated
fully
aware
the
tavern
served
no
food.

“Times
are
tough
and
tips
are
harder
these
days.
My
mother
is
ill,
so
every
penny
counts.”
Her
voice
denoted
a
hint
of
pain.

Dorian
eased
back
in
his
chair
and
brought
his
hand
to
his
chin.
Yes,
this
may
just
work,
he
thought.

“Bring
me
my
whisky
and
I’ll
make
you
a
proposition
of
a
lifetime.
I
promise
you
will
never
have
to
worry
about
money
or
a
sick
mother
again.”

Alessandra
did
as
Dorian
asked.
She
brought
him
his
whiskey
and
lingered
with
him
a
few
minutes
for
a
brief
conversation.
Dorian
didn’t
reveal
to
her
the
truth
of
what
he
was,
not
until
long
after
she
agreed
to
go
back
to
his
home.

Once
back
at
Dorian’s
home,
Alessandra
wondered
about
Dorian’s
elaborate
wealth…not
to
mention
a
few
others
who
looked
like
him
wandering
around
the
large
estate.

“What
are
you?”
Alessandra
quickly
turned
to
Dorian.

“One
who
will
give
you
what
you
asked.”
Dorian
strolled
toward
her.
“I
just
ask
for
one
thing
in
return.”

“You
said
you
will
help
my
mother?”

Dorian
nodded
and
he
slipped
a
pale
finger
into
a
lock
of
her
golden
blond
hair.
“Yes.”

Alessandra
inhaled
a
quick
breath
as
Dorian’s
body
shoved
against
hers.
In
that
moment
she
knew
he
wasn’t
normal.
No
man’s
body
was
as
cold
as
his
next
to
hers.

“Don’t
be
afraid
my
dear.”
He
drew
the
lock
of
hair
to
his
face,
inhaling
the
soft
fragrance
of
rose
oil.
“I
can
give
you
more
than
you
asked.
I
shall
give
you
something
men
have
died
for
trying
to
obtain.
Just
one
kiss
is
all
I
ask.”

Alessandra’s
eyes
widened.
What
kind
of
man
was
this
who
could
ask
for
just
one
kiss?
Her
lips
trembled
as
she
nodded
in
agreement.

Dorian
gently
slid
his
hand
behind
Alessandra’s
neck,
cradling
her
head
in
his
hand.
He
watched
as
her
chest
heaved
with
her
quickly
panted
breaths
as
he
lowered
his
head
toward
her.
As
his
lips
touched
hers,
he
could
hear
her
loudly
pounding
heart.
Her
scent
was
more
than
delicious
to
him
as
his
tongue
grazed
the
top
of
her
lips.

Alessandra’s
lips
slowly
parted.
She
felt
the
coolness
of
his
tongue
as
it
slid
into
her
mouth
as
he
explored
the
new
region
completely.
The
sweet
and
delightful
taste
mixed
with
the
hint
of
whiskey
enveloped
her.
Her
mind
became
lost
in
an
exotic
mix
of
flavors.
She
became
weak
as
she
hungered
for
more
of
his
kiss.

Delighted
by
Alessandra’s
response,
Dorian
pulled
her
body
closer
to
his,
consuming
her
with
the
immortal
kiss
of
a
vampire.
He
knew
the
venom
in
his
saliva
would
be
enough
to
weaken
her…it
always
was.
He
could
feel
her
body
molding
against
his,
her
tongue
delightfully
and
playfully
chasing
his.
Yes,
it
was
time
he
took
more.

Dorian
held
her
tight
against
his
frame.
Her
back
arched
as
he
leaned
forward
and
moved
his
lips
to
her
neck.
Alessandra
softly
moaned
as
the
trail
of
kisses
lingered
against
her
skin.
He
inhaled
a
quick
breath,
knowing
her
worries
would
soon
be
over…forever.