Dark Fates (A Paranormal Anthology)(89)

The circular space had a double wrought iron staircase leading to the second level and at the top of the stairs, illuminated by tasteful lighting, was a lovely painting from one of the artists she’d known in her youth. As the daughter of a successful merchant in Venice, she’d grown up surrounded by beautiful things and had enjoyed taking the part of patron to many artists. Not only was it considered the trendy thing to do among the upper class back then, it was something she had a passion for. That same passion had led to her mortal death, but she didn’t want to linger on those dark thoughts right now. Not when she’d been transported back in time to a beautiful place where she’d spent many long afternoons debating with her father if the use of color or the structure of the painting was the most important sign of true talent.

Her heart beat faster as she examined the portrait of a beautiful young girl dressed in a black velvet gown embroidered with red silk. The girl’s hair was a lovely fiery red color that seemed to burn against the varied darkness of the gown. Once again the artist Titian’s brilliance with color came out in the oil painted image and she fought to keep her mind on the here and now as memories of a time when artists had to create their own paint by hand assailed her. Living in the present became easier to do when Tyler stepped up behind her.

“Do you like it?”

“It’s magnificent.” She leaned back into his arms and gestured to the rose the girl was holding as her accent unconsciously thickened when she said, “There are some slight imperfections in his composition, but his phenomenal use of light makes those imperfections something that seems organic to the picture. It is a joy to look at and sings to my soul.”

“I’m glad it makes you happy.” He bent his head to run his lips over her neck. “But that’s not what I want to show you. Come on.”

He tugged at her hand, leading her through the hushed hallway of the second floor, taking her past a series of rooms until he finally came to the last door on the left. After opening it, Tyler escorted her into what had to be his bedroom judging by his scent saturating the air. The masculine space was dominated by a huge dark wood sleigh bed against the far wall, done in shades of cream and gold. A surprisingly airy space for a man, but she absolutely loved it. The room was decorated as if someone had slipped into her thoughts and asked her to select things she would enjoy.

Tugging her into the room, he let her pause for a moment as he turned on a few low lights. Not that she needed it—her night vision was exceptional—but it leant the artwork hanging on the walls a new life. She let out a soft gasp and turned slowly in a circle, marveling at the art collection that rivaled her own. On each wall, tastefully displayed, was a work by some of her most adored artists. It was as if Tyler had stepped into her mind and found her favorite things. With a smile she wandered over to a Monet and stared at the carefully rendered trees that seemed to be ready to dance in the morning light pouring down on them. A clear memory of the warmth of the sun on her skin made her sigh with longing. To see the sunlight again, to be able to squint past its blinding-white brilliance…that would be wonderful.

The sound of cloth rustling drew her attention away from the painting, and she found Tyler watching her with a melancholy smile as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing a well-built chest that was a rival in beauty to anything hanging on the walls. The small, flat discs of his nipples called to her, and she desperately wanted to rub her fangs over his heart, to feel the precious life beating through him. He was perfectly proportioned, and as he reached the last button, he let out a soft, deep chuckle.

“Love how you watch me like that.”

“Like what?” she said in a slightly breathless voice.

“Like you can’t wait to get your hands on me.”

Well, that was true, so she didn’t argue the fact, only observed in fascination as he took his shoes and socks off, revealing that even his feet were sexy. Her gaze drifted back up over his muscled thighs to the hard cock still trapped behind his jeans. Saliva gathered in her mouth, and she licked her lips, groaning softly as he gave his dick a good squeeze.

His voice came out rough as he said, “You want this?”

“Please,” she whispered, the seething burn of sangue fire tightening her nipples and building her arousal to a conflagration.

“What do you want to do with it?”

A purr stirred in her voice as she said, “I want to suck your cock.”

“Greedy woman,” he said as he walked over to where she stood. “Always want to slide me down that pretty throat first. I’ll give you what you want, but you’ll do it on your knees.”

Whatever protest she would have made died a quick and painless death as he took off his shirt completely, revealing a sculpted torso that begged to be immortalized in marble. He was pure, grown man perfection. In an instant she moved to stand before him and gave into her hidden desires by pressing her cheek to his chest to listen to his heart. The soft hair on his chest tickled her lips as she placed a kiss on his warm skin over his heart, the thrum of the life pulsing through his veins teasing her lips. Moving slowly, she kissed her way down his torso, slipping into a surreal state of mind where it seemed almost like she’d done this before. She knew how to touch him, how to pleasure him, on an almost instinctive level.

The only other man she’d ever felt like this with was her Maker, and a shudder went through her as she imagined sharing Tyler’s cock with Sargon, to watch as the male vampire’s lion-like teeth pierced Tyler’s flesh and drank deep. Her clit pulsed, and she squeezed her thighs together while licking Tyler, trying to soothe the ache. It would be perfect if Sargon was here right now, sliding his thick cock into her wet body while she pleasured Tyler. Well, maybe not. For whatever reason, she was feeling selfish about this delicious mortal. They would have only one night together then she would leave…alone and unloved.