Filthy rich VAMPIRE

Chapter 36- Thea

A cool breeze drifted across my body, and I rolled over...into a sleeping vampire. I blinked dreamily as my eyes adjusted to the dark bedroom. My brain woke up in the process and filled in all the short-term memory bits still hazy from sleep. I was in Paris-in Julian's bed. Warmth spread through me as I remembered, stopping when I reached the part where I found Jacqueline in his bed. I lifted my head and looked around the room, relieved to find we were alone.

Julian's self-appointed best friend-as she had called herself in the bathroom-had been a bit of a shock, but she seemed nice. At least, nicer than most vampires I'd met so far.

But more than anything, I wanted to be alone with Julian. I'd only been here for a few hours, but already I understood why they said Paris was a city for lovers.

I watched him sleep just long enough it wouldn't be creepy. His face was relaxed and peaceful, not caught in the lines of grumpiness or blood-lust that usually plagued him in equal measures. Like this, his beauty was mesmerizing. The primal masculinity that radiated from him was still there but entirely under his control. The sharp lines of his face softened with sleep, drawing attention to the perfect bow of his lips. Every ounce of me wanted to lean over and kiss him.

But I was pretty sure I should brush my teeth. Besides, I doubted it was a good idea to wake a sleeping vampire.

Slipping from my bed, I freshened up in the bathroom. I'd have to thank Jacqueline later for keeping it well-stocked. She might not have expected him to bring someone home, but she'd prepared it in case he did. There was extra toothpaste and mouthwash. Hanging on the back of the door were two fluffy black robes. She'd pointed them out to me earlier, eager to show me every treasure I had at my disposal. Maybe I was being stupid or too trusting, but I liked Jacqueline other than finding her naked.

Quietly, I discarded my clothes from traveling, which I'd been wearing far too long to feel comfortable in. I didn't want to risk looking for my luggage, so I wrapped myself in a cozy robe and then tiptoed past the bed, holding my breath, and out onto the terrace.

It was quieter than when we arrived. The traffic sounds had faded into the background as most of the city slept. But another magic had descended in the absence of day. Glittering lights punctuated the midnight sky, and the Eiffel Tower glowed in front of me. There was something about being here that felt like coming home. That was silly, considering I'd never been here before. Even so, a beautiful ache cracked open my chest, and I found myself longing for my cello. I didn't know how else to express the feelings building inside me.

"Beautiful." Julian's quiet voice broke the spell and placed me under a new one. Whatever magic ran in his veins only required one word to cast itself over me.

"Yes." I sighed as he moved behind me and circled my waist with his strong arms. Melting against him, I admitted, "It's the most beautiful city I've ever seen."

"I was talking about you, pet." He nosed my hair away from my neck so he could kiss it.

I melted against him. We'd been on our best behavior for far too long. I couldn't stand another minute of resisting him. Craning my neck to get a better look at him, I bit my lower lip.

"Is that an invitation?" he asked darkly.

"Um-hmm." I nodded. Still, I couldn't stop myself from baiting him now that we were alone. "I feel terrible to have ruined your surprise."