Seraphim continued walking, doing his best to block out the grating sound of his rival's voice.

Other than one or two servants cleaning, the house was quiet when Seraphim and Vincent arrived. They slowly made their way up the walk, each having tested the other's speed during the several mile sprint back to the house. Vincent was still one of the fastest Immaculates he'd ever known, slightly faster than Seraphim himself, though he loathed to admit it. Seraphim's lungs ached for a moment as he caught his breath, and his muscles actually felt sore. Only another well trained Immaculate could have tested him so, and had Vincent been anyone else, he might have been glad for the challenge.

He noted with satisfaction Vincent looked just as spent at the end of their race.

"When would you like to do this again?" Vincent asked, and Seraphim knew he was referring more to making a time to discuss the a.s.signment rather than race. So close to the mansion, they could no longer speak freely.

"Friday at the same time," Seraphim stated without so much as looking at his companion. He ran a hand through his sweat soaked hair as he stepped into the dimness of the mansion. The atmosphere was welcome after the uncomfortable brightness outside. Seraphim paused, inhaling deeply to discern Hannah's scent. It mingled with that of Vincent's Baroness. Downstairs.

Vincent must have picked up their scents as well, because he headed for the steps. The women were probably enjoying the pool. At least he hoped that was all they were doing. If that Amazon bimbo Network agent had decided to taste Hannah's blood - "Don't worry, my wife doesn't do humans," Vincent-Vikenti-said.

Seraphim fired him an angry look. "I know you didn't read my mind. You're still not the telepath I am."

"No, but I am good." Vincent grinned. "I didn't read your mind, though. I'm just looking at your track record and guessing you're worried about your human chick. You know, Seraphim, I'm actually glad to see you're interested in someone, even if she is one of Sir Edward's bimbos."

Seraphim stepped in front of Vincent on the stairs and placed a heavy hand on his chest, his eyes staring into the other man's. "I will say this once, not because I fear you, but out of duty. I can see you're still the same spoiled Senator's son who looks only at the crust of what's shown him. Like most of us, she is not all she appears to be. Any thoughts you might have of harm, blood, or mockery, keep them away from her. I will not let history repeat itself."

"Relax, my friend. With the woman I already have, why would I want your mortal?"

Seraphim's teeth ground. From what he knew of Vincent, the idea of a woman belonging to another was enough to make him want her.

"Rome fell a long time ago, Seraphim," Vincent stated. His mental command struck Seraphim harder. Now get your hand off my chest before I stick it up your a.s.s.

Is that a challenge?

Vincent offered an easy smile and brushed past Seraphim. Not right now.

Seraphim hated the memories resurrected by Vincent, and he despised the way the man almost made him lose control. More than Vincent, he detested the inconsolable guilt that increased rather than faded with time.

He followed Vincent down the hallway to the pool. All the while, Hannah's soft, beautiful scent grew stronger.

Simultaneously, Seraphim and Vincent stepped through the double doors to the pool. At that moment, Vincent ceased to exist. The Baroness was a tall black shadow, unimportant compared with Hannah who stood up to her waist in water, a charming smile brightening her face. Her hair-darkened by the water-was slicked back from her face, and moisture glistened on her skin. A blue bikini top scarcely concealed her plump b.r.e.a.s.t.s. The gentle curve of her belly enticed him. Faux torches cast dim light throughout the room and flickered on the dark water surrounding her. It could have been two thousand years ago-four-six.

It could have been Atlantis again, but for a brief moment, Seraphim saw Rome. Another woman-dark of skin and hair, but with Hannah's curves and grace. Another charming smile. A death far too soon.

"Seraphim?" Hannah's smile faded as she stepped out of the water, revealing rounded hips and smooth legs. She approached him and placed a cool hand on his sweaty chest. "Looks like you two had quite a workout."

"And we've both been lazy having a good time," the Baroness said, swimming into Vincent's arms as he removed his shorts and waded naked into the pool. To Seraphim's annoyance, Hannah's eyes swept the ape once.

"Did you have a good time?" Seraphim asked her. "Yes. Did you know the Baroness knew General Custer?" Vincent curled his lips. "I knew Julius Caesar." "Really?" Hannah turned wide eyes to Vincent.

"Sure."

"Tell me." Hannah walked back into the water, and Seraphim felt ready to strangle Vincent.

"I warn you he exaggerates," Seraphim told Hannah.

"That's okay. Exaggeration is good at times. Takes you away from reality."

"You're a wise woman." Vincent winked at her. "What would you like to know about Julie baby?"

"Julie baby?" Seraphim didn't try to control his look of disgust. "I hardly remember you addressing any Emperor as 'baby.' Even you knew better than that."

"That's true. Those were dangerous times."

"Unless you were from a favored family. Not all of us were Senators' sons." Seraphim kicked off his sneakers and rolled off his socks. Though he knew he was considered well built, he didn't possess Vincent's ma.s.s-except in one place where most men, by Seraphim's standards, fell quite short. He tugged off his own shorts and headed for the pool, feeling some satisfaction when both the Baroness and Hannah's eyes fixed on his c.o.c.k. Even Vincent nabbed a look from the corner of his eye before stepping in front of his "wife" to block her view.

You really need to get that thing cut, Vincent's thoughts invaded Seraphim's mind. I told you before, I will not bow to circ.u.mcision to appease modern society.

Modern? We're talking thousands of years here. Besides, women love it. I haven't had any complaints.

That's because they're too terrified to speak when they see that monster. Besides, I remember what a b.i.t.c.h it is to clean.

Not if one bathes daily. You might try it sometime.

Listen, my a.s.s is cleaner than most people's faces! I wouldn't give a dime for a d.i.c.k like that!

That's good, because you're about three inches short of having it.

Vincent growled and grasped the Baroness1 arm. "Let's go back to our room, love. I'm tired."

"But it's only past dawn." The Baroness had to run to keep up with him. "Hey!" Such a gentleman, Seraphim mocked, and he felt Vincent toss up a mental barrier.

After the couple left, Seraphim placed his arms on the side of the pool and dropped his face in his hands, closing his eyes. He heard the water ripple as Hannah approached and touched his back.

"Would you like to go to bed, too?" she asked.

He turned to her and ran his fingertips over her cheeks and lips, then traced her shoulders. Tilting her chin upward, he bent and kissed her. Small, gentle hands slid over his ribs and up his back to clutch his shoulders. Her curves pressed against him, trapping his c.o.c.k between them.

"The Baroness asked me about you," she said.

"What did you tell her?"

"What is there to tell? I hardly know you."

"You really feel as though you hardly know me, Hannah?" He held her eyes. She was right of course. They'd only just met. Still, he felt like he knew her intimately and wanted to know more.

"How can I?" she breathed as his kisses moved to her throat. His tongue caressed the soft flesh. She shuddered with desire.

Guiding her arms around his neck, he waded deeper into the pool.

"You like to swim?" he asked.

She nodded. "You?"

"Of course. I was born on an island."

"Really? The Caribbean?"

He shook his head, his heartbeat quickening. Could he tell her the truth of his past? He longed to confide in someone about everything: Atlantis, The Originals, Vincent and Nenet. No. He could never tell her. Not for a million reasons. "You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"Try me?" Her green eyes held his with such sincerity he almost weakened. "Where I came from doesn't matter. All that concerns me is now."

"Now we should go upstairs," she whispered against his lips.

His mouth covered hers, tasting and teasing, before he guided them out of the pool. He pulled on his shorts, and they shared her towel to dry off before walking to his room.

Once there, Seraphim headed for the bathroom.

"I'm taking a shower." He glanced over his shoulder at her. "Keep the bed warm."

She held his eyes, a faint smile on her lips. He returned it, sensing her pleasure at his comment. It was good to know working for Sir Edward hadn't destroyed her spirit, but she was too strong for that. Any woman willing to sacrifice herself for those she loved possessed more inner strength than she probably realized herself.

As he undressed and stepped beneath the stream of warm water, Seraphim considered how much he enjoyed pleasing her. It had been so long since he'd felt such powerful attraction to a woman. From the moment he'd seen her, she'd captured him in an unbreakable hold similar to one he'd felt thousands of years ago.

Seraphim felt some of his arousal fade when he thought of how his last true love had ended. There were too many similarities between Rome and now. Slavery. Lies. Violence. A woman he cared for. Vincent.

Had Vincent not appeared, he might have believed he and Hannah could work. His old rival's presence reminded him of what he'd lost. Worst of all, he knew the danger of love between mortals and vampires, yet he still wanted Hannah.

He told himself as long as she lived under Sir Edward's roof, she was safer with him. At least he hoped so. He needed to be a good protector, for Hannah was not the only person depending on him. Everything had been going so well until Vincent arrived. d.a.m.n him and d.a.m.n Adam Lindsay! When he said he didn't need a.s.sistance, why didn't they believe him? It was that little runt Jules blabbing to the First Father about his injuries.

Stop it, Seraphiml He chastised himself. You know Jules has saved your life several times. Don't be an ungrateful b.a.s.t.a.r.d on top of everything else.

If only the Network would stay away for the next month or so, he could fulfill his duty to all parties involved.

Seraphim finished washing and stepped out of the shower, running a towel over his body. Naked, he walked to the bedroom, feeling his insides warm and his c.o.c.k stir. Hannah had lit a single pillar candle on the dresser. The soft light felt good to vampiric eyes, but even better was the sight of her lying naked on the bed. Her eyes were closed, one arm extended above her head, the other hand resting on her belly. He watched the rise and fall of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s as she breathed. Concentrating, he could hear her heartbeat.

He walked to the bed on silent feet and slipped in, covering her body with his.

Hannah's large green eyes snapped open and she smiled at him, slipping her arms around him. He brushed wisps of hair from her face and kissed her.

When their lips parted, he gazed into her eyes, praying he wasn't making a mistake by allowing himself to care for her. Though it had only been a couple of days, it was already too late to stop. Even if they parted that night, she would forever dwell in his heart. Seraphim didn't fall in love often, but when he did, it was with his entire being. There was no reason, no moderation.

"Something's wrong," Hannah murmured. "I haven't known you long, but somehow I do know something's bothering you."

He shook his head. "It's not your worry." "Can I do anything to help?" "Just make love with me."

She ran her fingers through his thick, dark hair and drew his face closer. His lips felt as soft as his body felt hard. Running her hands over every part of him she could reach, she spread her legs for him, allowing him to stroke her c.l.i.t and p.u.s.s.y to aching wetness. She grasped his c.o.c.k, her fingers savoring its length and thickness. Desire pulsed through his entire body.

Kissing her neck and shoulders, he rolled her onto her stomach and mounted her from behind. Her p.u.s.s.y felt so hot and soft against his c.o.c.k.

"Oh, Seraphim!" she moaned as he began moving, one arm supporting his weight, his other wrapping around her to fondle her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. He forced his movements to remain slow and steady. Everything about her aroused him: her scent, the softness of her skin, the sound of her voice, and the way she squirmed with pleasure.

Seraphim's teeth ached for her, but he refrained from taking her blood. There would be time enough for him once he'd provided her with all the pleasure her mortal body could accept. He felt her shudder in o.r.g.a.s.m, her p.u.s.s.y clutching his c.o.c.k, sending thrills of arousal coursing through him. Before she recovered from her explosion, he continued deep, fast thrusting. Two more o.r.g.a.s.ms rocked her body. He licked her throbbing neck, felt her heart pounding, and heard the erotic little cries punctuating each panting breath.

Turning her onto her back, he kissed her from temple to toe. Positioned between her legs, he alternated between lapping her c.l.i.t and swirling his tongue inside her.

"Seraphim! Oh!" She reached down and gripped his shoulders, her entire body trembling as he teased her to o.r.g.a.s.m.

When she calmed, he lifted his face and licked her dew from his lips. She gazed at him through half open eyes. Seraphim lifted a hand, his sharp claws extending from beneath short, human nails.

He felt her heart pound and saw fear in her eyes. When he touched a claw to her breast, she jerked, her eyes widening in terror which suddenly changed to pleasure. Gently, Seraphim outlined her nipple with his claw, not so much as breaking the skin. Immaculate claws were designed to destroy, yet they could also provide pleasure, if the vampire possessed control. Seraphim had mastered such restraint ages ago and knew exactly how to use his claws to drive a woman mad with desire.

Moving to his knees, he ran his claws over her entire body, paying careful attention to her nipples. When she closed her eyes and sighed, her utter trust moved him. He could have ripped her to shreds with the same claws supplying her with so much pleasure. When he reached her c.l.i.t, the first light touch of his claw to her stimulated flesh was enough to send her into a thrashing frenzy. She shouted his name, her back arching and body throbbing.

He covered her body with his, simultaneously thrusting his c.o.c.k into her wetness and sinking his teeth into her shoulder, providing her with another shattering climax as he attained his own. Eyes squeezed shut, Seraphim moaned with pleasure as he licked the shallow cuts on her flesh.

For a moment, he lay on top of her, listening to the rhythm of their heartbeats, then moved aside, dragging her onto his chest.

She lifted her head, offering him a contented yet coquettish smile before she kissed her way to his c.o.c.k. It was already hard again, the thick, round head peeking through the foreskin. His heart raced when she licked the length of his c.o.c.k and took the head into her warm mouth.

Trembling fingers stroked her hair as his heartbeat quickened like a mortal's. The taste of her blood combined with the marvelous torture provided by her lips, teeth, and tongue drove him toward climax.

"Stop, Hannah!" he panted, grasping her head. "No," she breathed. "Let me please you."

Gently he released her and clutched the headboard as she sucked and licked, the tip of her tongue teasing the eye of his c.o.c.k. When the pleasure became almost unendurable, he sank his fangs into his own lips. The flow of fresh blood pushed him beyond his control and he came hard, doing his best to restrain the force of his hips as they thrust upward while she sucked. The bra.s.s headboard split in his desperate grip.

"s.h.i.t," Hannah murmured, sitting back on her knees and staring at the torn metal.

Panting, Seraphim rose to his elbows and glanced at his handiwork.

"That will cost you a fortune to replace," she said.

He turned his fanged grin to her. "It was well worth it."

Someone tapped on the door, and Hannah tugged the sheets up to her neck while Seraphim stood, yanking on jeans. "Who is it?"

"Monica, Sir."

He opened the door to the hybrid maid whose eyes swept his bare torso. She moistened her lips before speaking. "Sir Edward would like Hannah to dance tonight."

Seraphim glanced at Hannah. "Do you want to dance?" "Do I have a choice?"

"Oh you have a choice." He didn't bother keeping the threatening note from his voice. Let the maid inform Sir Edward and enforce the fact that Hannah no longer belonged to him.

For a moment, he thought she was going to refuse, then a strange smile touched her lips. "Yes, I'll dance."

"I'll let him know. Good day."

Seraphim closed the door and walked back to the bed. His eyes held Hannah's until she squirmed.

"I like dancing," she said. "Stop looking at me like that."

He ignored her request and sat on the bed beside her, stroking tendrils of disheveled blond hair from her face. She embraced him, the sheet slipping from her b.r.e.a.s.t.s so they pressed against his chest. Wrapping his arms around her, Seraphim enjoyed the sensation of her soft, smooth flesh against his.

He kissed her hair. "You should sleep." "Aren't you coming to bed?"