Elena had never cared for cooking, but she loved baking and she spent a part of every day in the kitchen, learning how to bake in the ancient oven. Her first few endeavors ended up in the garbage, but eventually she learned to make a decent pie, and then turned her hand to cakes and cookies. And always, the ubiquitous cat looked on, a bored expression on its face.

Drake refused to eat anything she made, declaring that he preferred to take his meals in private, and that he had no taste for sweets.

He was gone every day and most of the nights, and felt no need to explain where he went. At first, being alone didnat bother her. She was an only child; back home in Colorado she had always been good at entertaining herself. But as the days pa.s.sed, Elena began to long for more than just a cat for companionship. She wanted someone who would do more than just listen, someone with whom she could share thoughts and hopes and dreams. And so it was that she decided to stay up one night and wait for Drakeas return.

She was staring into the flames in the hearth, the book in her lap forgotten, when Drake suddenly appeared beside the sofa.

aI didnat hear you come in!a she exclaimed, one hand pressed to her rapidly beating heart.

aI thought you would be in bed.a He removed his long black cloak and tossed it over the back of the sofa.

She stared up at him, struck anew by how tall and broad-shouldered he was. As usual, he wore blacka"boots, shirt, and pants. But it was his face that held her attention. He was incredibly beautiful for a man, with finely shaped lips, straight black brows, sculpted cheekbones. And those incredibly blue eyes. Looking at him made her want to touch him, to trace the curve of his lips, to sift her hand through his thick black hair, to explore the muscles flexing beneath his shirt.

He was looking at her oddly, one brow raised as if in amus.e.m.e.nt.

Elena curled her hands into fists and buried them in the folds of her skirt, her cheeks burning with embarra.s.sment at her wayward thoughts. Beyond some exploratory kissing and necking in high school, she had never been intimate with a man, partly because her uncle had refused to let her date, and partly because she had seen what happened to one of her friends who ended up sixteen and pregnant. Elena had never wanted to have to decide whether to keep a baby born out of wedlock and try to raise it on her own, or to give it away and never see it again. Her friend Dorina had given her baby away and regretted it every day of her life.

Drake dropped onto the sofa across from her. Stretching out his long legs, he regarded her over his steepled fingers. aWhat are you doing up so late?a aI was bored.a Her gaze slid away from his. aAnd lonely.a Drake grunted softly. It hadnat occurred to him that she might be lonely. aWould you care to go for a walk?a She looked at him, her eyes wide. aDo you mean it?a aOf course.a She bounded to her feet, her heart racing with antic.i.p.ation as she ran upstairs to change her shoes.

He was waiting for her by the front door when she returned. He opened it with a flourish and bowed her through.

Outside, she hesitated, not sure which way to go.

Drake made the decision for her. aThis way.a He turned down a narrow, tree-lined path that led away from the castle toward the distant hills. It was a beautiful night. A new moon hung low in the sky. Stars glittered like millions of sparkling diamonds flung across the midnight sky by a careless hand. A faint breeze rustled the leaves of the oaks and chestnuts.

He was ever aware of the woman walking silently beside him, just as he was cognizant of her growing desire and the confusion it caused her. Young and untouched, she wasnat sure what to make of her feelings for him.

A shift in the wind carried the faint fragrance of her perfume. During the nights she had been with him, he had memorized the silky texture of her inky black hair, the softness of her petal pink lips, the delicate curve of her throat. But it was the scent of her blood that sang to him, a dulcet song that called to him like nothing else he had ever known. The taste of it lingered on his tongue long after he had sipped the crimson nectar that flowed warm and sweet through her veins.

He had tasted her several times in the nights she had been with him. Never more than a few sips at a time, to be sure, but a few sips of her blood was more satisfying than a pint of any other. With luck, he could keep her with him indefinitely.

He came to a halt when he reached the meadow nestled between a pair of low hills. The lake, located in the middle of the gra.s.sy expanse, gleamed like a sorcereras dark gla.s.s in the moonlight.

aOh!a Elena breathed, turning a slow circle. aItas lovely!a Drake nodded.

aDoes all this belong to you?a aIndeed.a aCan we go down by the water?a aIf you wish.a With a smile, she hurried toward the lake, then paused as an owl swooped down out of the sky, coming to rest on a tree branch. In the light of the moon, she saw that it was a barn owl. They were beautiful birds, with their white, heart-shaped faces and golden buff-colored feathers. She took a step toward it, sighed with disappointment as it took wing, soaring effortlessly out of sight.

Continuing on, she made her way to the lake where a myriad of ferns and rushes grew along the sh.o.r.e. Night birds called to each other across the lakeas expanse.

aItas so beautiful,a Elena murmured. But it was more than beautiful. It was an enchanted place, filled with wonder. A magical place where anything might happen, where dreams might come true. Had she been a princess in a fairy tale, she would have met her handsome prince here, by the lake, and he would have carried her away to his castle.

She glanced quickly at Drake. He had a castle. Was he a prince in disguise? The thought made her smile.

Pausing at the lakeas edge, she sank down on her knees and leaned forward, her fingers trailing lightly back and forth in the water, which felt refreshingly cool.

She was thinking how daring it would be to shed her clothes and underwear and slip into the cool, clear water, when Drake knelt beside her. The idea of swimming in the nude, with Drake looking on, brought a flood of heat to her cheeks.

aShall we go for a swim?a he asked.

She looked at him sharply. Was he reading her mind? The thought of swimming while Drake looked on had been outrageous enough. But to go skinny-dipping with him . . . did she have the nerve?

aTogether?a It was all she could do to force the word past her lips.

aWhy not? It is dark and we are alone.a aBut . . .a She felt her cheeks grow even hotter, if that was possible. All her life, she had been called a prude. Chicken. Scaredy cat. The most daring thing she could remember doing was sneaking out of the house and going to a movie with Jenica. Elena had thought it the height of daring to be out at night without her uncle.

Drake was watching her, one dark brow arched as he waited for her answer. Elena was about to say no when some rebellious part of her asked why she was hesitating. She was a big girl now. Besides, no one would ever know.

He grinned at her, a wicked gleam in his deep blue eyes. aI know you want to.a Goaded into action, she gathered her courage and gained her feet. Her courage wavered when she began to undress, and she turned her back to him.

Drake grinned as he pulled off his boots, then stood and shrugged out of his shirt.

Elena was careful to keep her gaze averted as he undressed, yet the same naughty imp that had urged her to agree to swim with Drake had her continually darting glances at him. His back and shoulders were broad and well muscled, his skin smooth and pale in the moonlight. His arms were long, corded with muscle that rippled as he moved.

When he unfastened his trousers, she dashed into the lake, keeping her back to the sh.o.r.e.

The water was cool but not cold and she struck out for the other side of the lake, reveling in the touch of the water on her bare flesh. She couldnat believe how different it was, how exhilarating it was, to swim in the nude.

She was halfway to the opposite bank when Drake swam up behind her. How had he caught her so quickly? She slid a glance in his direction, felt her insides quiver at the brush of his naked thigh against her own. A rush of heat suffused her, and with it a sudden need to touch him, to run her hands over his broad shoulders, to sift her fingers through his long black hair, to press her mouth to his.

Good grief! What was she thinking?

She gasped as his arm circled her waist. What was he doing? She couldnat reach the bottom. Thoughts of drowning flashed through her mind.

aRelax,a he murmured. aI have you.a She noticed he wasnat treading water, so why werenat they sinking?

All thoughts of drowning fled her mind as he drew her body closer to his, crushing her b.r.e.a.s.t.s against his chest. Did he mean to ravish her, there, in the middle of the lake?

There was no mistaking the l.u.s.t that burned in his dark eyes, or the evidence of his desire pressing against her belly. She had never been s.e.xually active, but she wasnat totally ignorant, either. She had taken biology in high school and talked about it with her girlfriends. s.e.x had been their main topic of conversation. Who was doing it? Practically everyone. Where were they doing it? Practically everywhere, including the back of the school bus.

aElena.a His gaze moved over her, hot and hungry.

She stared at him, troubled by the insidious thought that he wanted more from her than s.e.x, though she had no idea what that might be.

aMoonlight becomes you,a he said quietly.

Her gaze slid away from his as she murmured, aThank you.a A smile tugged at the corner of his lips as a flush rose in her cheeks. aNot used to sweet talk, are you?a She stared at him, not knowing what to say. Her uncle had often complimented her, but instead of making her feel pretty or desirable, his flattering words had made her feel dirty somehow.

aYou are of an age to be married,a Drake remarked, his brow furrowing thoughtfully. aHow is it that you are still unwed?a aNo one ever asked me.a aExcept your uncle?a he guessed.

aYes.a She shuddered at the mere mention of him.

aIf you were to marry someone else, your uncle would have no further claim on you.a aThere is no one else.a aI take it none of the young men in the village appeal to you.a aItas a small town. There arenat many boys my age and . . .a She shook her head. aI donat care for any of them. I know you must be tired of having me here, an uninvited guest, but please, donat send me away.a Drake frowned. He had no intention of sending her away. She was a beautiful young woman. Her skin was smooth and clear, her limbs nicely rounded, her b.r.e.a.s.t.s full. Unless all the young men in the town were blind, it was hard to believe that none of them had offered for her hand, he thought. It was far more likely that her uncle, wanting her for himself, had turned all of her suitors away.

His gaze moved to her lips, which were full and pink and inviting. Too inviting to resist. He heard the sudden intake of her breath as she realized he was going to kiss her. But she didnat pull away when he lowered his head toward hers.

At the touch of his mouth, Elena went suddenly still. In a distant part of her mind, she admitted she had been longing for this since the first time he had kissed her. It was even better the second time. Just a kiss, she thought, until his tongue slid over the seam of her lips and coaxed her to open her mouth. Her uncle had kissed her like that and she had found it repulsive. But there was nothing repulsive about Drakeas kiss. It burned through her like chain lightning, heating her from the inside out.

She moaned a soft protest when he took his mouth from hers, leaving her aching for more than just kisses.

Drake gazed down at her. He wasnat surprised by his bodyas reaction to her. He was a strong, virile male, and she was a very young, very desirable woman. It was only natural for him to want her, just as it was in his nature to hunger for her blood. So easy to take what he wanted, to ease his l.u.s.t while he slaked his thirst.

So easy. Tempting as she was, he knew that if he took her in his current state of mind, she would never survive. Somewhat taken aback, he realized that for the first time in years he was more concerned with a mortalas happiness and well-being than with his own.

aWe should go back,a he said abruptly. Releasing her, he struck out for the sh.o.r.e without a backward glance.

Elena stared after him. What had just happened? One minute he was kissing her like there was no tomorrow. And the next, he was gone.

Drake was waiting for her on the bank when she waded out of the water. His gaze caressed her. Never, in all his existence, had he seen anything as breathtakingly lovely as Elena as she stood naked on the moon-dappled sand, her long black hair falling over her shoulders, her damp skin glistening like alabaster in the silver light of the moon. Her limbs were long and perfect, her waist incredibly small.

His gaze moved to the graceful curve of her neck, to the pulse throbbing in the hollow of her throat. Need rose up within him, reminding him that he was a hunter and she his prey, and as much as a lion might love a lamb, there was little hope that the lamb would survive such a relationship.

Even though he had fed earlier, the need Elena aroused in him would not be denied. Drake dressed quickly, then waited impatiently for her to do the same. He escorted her back to the castle and saw her safely inside. Then he fled into the night without a word of farewell lest he take her in his arms and satisfy the thirst that burned hot and heavy within him.

Later that night, Elena lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling, her thoughts in turmoil. Why had Drake put her away from him so abruptly? Had she said something to anger him? Done something to displease him?

Troubling as his sudden leave-taking had been, it was the memory of his kiss that kept sleep at bay as she relived the incredible pleasure that had suffused her from head to heel when Drakeas lips touched hers. It had been so much more than just a kiss.

She touched her fingertips to her lips, wondering how she could get Drake to kiss her again. Wondering, as heat flooded her cheeks, what it would be like to share his bed. Shameful creature that she was, she couldnat help imagining what it would be like to run her hands over that hard, male body, to feel his hands stroking hers. She knew she should be shocked to even think about such things, but after seeing Drake naked in the moonlight, after feeling the length of his body pressed intimately against her own, she couldnat think of anything else. Couldnat stop wanting him.

A bold idea came to her as she remembered something Drake had said earlier. She smiled, thinking it would solve all her problems, if she only had the nerve to propose it.

Elena was sitting on the rug in front of the hearth, thumbing through a magazine, when Drake entered the room. She looked up, surprised to see him so early. It was usually well after dark before he made an appearance, if he showed up at all. Could it be that, after last night, he was as anxious to be with her as she was to be with him? The mere idea made her heart skip a beat. In all the world, had there ever been a man who was as tall and dark, as sinfully handsome, as the one who now stood before her?

aGood evening, fair Elena,a he murmured, smiling.

His voice flowed over her like silk, soft, sensuous.

aGood evening, Drake. I didnat expect to see you so soon.a aShall I leave?a aNo! I mean, itas your home, after all.a aIndeed.a He regarded her solemnly, one brow raised. aIs there something you wish to say?a She blinked up at him. Did he know what she was thinking? But how could he? He couldnat read her mind. Such a thing was impossible.

He took a seat on the sofa, then gestured for her to join him. Suddenly nervous, she hesitated a moment before taking a place beside him. What had seemed like such a good idea late last night now seemed utterly ridiculous.

aYou look upset,a he remarked. aIs something amiss?a aYes. No.a She twisted her fingers together to still their trembling.

aSomething obviously has you upset,a he remarked. aWhy not tell me what it is? Perhaps I can help.a aYes, you can,a she said, the words spilling out in a rush. aI donat want to go back to my uncle, and I have nowhere else to go, and you live alone with no one to care for you, so I thought maybe, if it wasnat too horrid a thought, that you might marry me. Not a real marriage, of course. It would just be in name only. . . .a she said, her words slowing as her cheeks burned with embarra.s.sment.

aYou want to marry me?a Of all the things she might have said, a proposal had never entered his mind.

aWell, my marrying someone else to get away from my uncle was your idea, after all. I can cook and clean and wash your clothes, and . . .a She swallowed hard, her courage suddenly deserting her. aI wonat be any trouble.a Lifting one brow, he muttered, aSomehow I doubt that.a At his words, she bowed her head, her shoulders slumped in defeat. It had been a stupid idea. aIf you donat want to marry me, maybe you could lend me some money so I can take a bus to Brasov and find a job. Iall pay you back, somehow, I promise.a aElena?a She didnat answer, refused to meet his gaze. He was a grown man, older than she was, refined, educated. Why would he want a wife in name only when he could probably have any woman he wanted?

aElena, look at me.a aNo.a She was too embarra.s.sed to face him.

aElena, I accept your proposal of marriage.a She lifted her head. aDo you mean it?a aIndeed, I do.a For a moment, she could only stare at him. She hadnat really expected him to agree and now that he had, she wasnat sure how to respond. aI promise to do my best to keep your house clean, and to make you happy, except for . . .a Her voice trailed off as her gaze slid away from his.

aNever fear. I promise not to make any husbandly demands upon you unless you ask me to.a aThank you, Drake.a aHow soon do you wish to wed?a aOh, thereas no rush,a she said. aWe can have a long engagement.a The longer, the better, she thought. After all, an engagement was almost as good as a marriage for keeping her uncle at bay.

aI think not.a aWhatas the hurry?a aI have reasons of my own. Is tomorrow night too soon?a She blinked up at him. aTomorrow night?a It was easy to see he had taken her by surprise. aTomorrow night,a Drake said, lightly kissing her on both cheeks. aBe ready at sundown.a Elena stared at him, unable to shake the feeling that he had somehow manipulated her into doing exactly what he wanted.

Chapter 6.

Elena woke early after a restless night. Her dreams had been fitful, filled with shadowed images of Drake pursuing her through a long, twisting maze that had no end.

She spent a few minutes wondering what it meant, if it meant anything at all, then shrugged it off. Probably just a case of prewedding jitters manifesting themselves in a nightmare.

Sitting up, she stretched her arms over her head. It was her wedding day. Last night, marrying Drake had seemed like the answer to all her problems; now, she wasnat so sure. He was devastatingly handsome and physically appealing, and there was no denying that she was attracted to him buta"she didnat really know anything about him. He was little more than a handsome stranger. And he didnat know any more about her than she knew about him. Why would he agree to marry a woman he had known such a short time? What did he hope to gain?

Shaking off her doubts, she went downstairs for something to eat. As usual, a tray awaited her. While drinking a gla.s.s of orange juice, a new thought occurred to her. She had nothing suitable to wear to a wedding. True, Drake had gifted her with a number of dresses, but even though they were silk, they werenat really elegant enough for a wedding. And she didnat have any heels. Or a veil. Or flowers.

Of course, none of those things were necessary. All that was needed for a wedding was a bride, a groom, and a priest.

And then she frowned. She had no idea where the ceremony would take place, no idea what her future husbandas religion might be. For all she knew, he might not practice any religion at all. Her uncle professed to being Catholic, but in all the years she had lived with him, he had never accompanied the family to church, never attended Ma.s.s, not even at Christmas.

Elena glanced down as the cat rubbed against her ankles. aWhere did you come from?a she asked, and received a loud ameowa in reply.

aI guess itas too late to worry about where weare getting married,a Elena mused as she lifted the cat onto her lap and idly scratched its ears. aI can either marry my uncle, marry Drake, or run away again, although I donat know where Iad go from here. Do you?a Smoke stared at her through unblinking yellow eyes.

aI just hope Iam not making a horrible mistake.a A low rumble rose in the catas throat.

aIave never done anything so impulsive and yet, it feels right, somehow.a She glanced around the hall. aMaybe there really is some kind of enchantment on this place. Oh, I know, that sounds silly, and yet, ever since I walked through the door that first night, Iave felt like I belong here, you know? Itas nonsense, of course. I donat believe in Fate.a The cat had no opinion on the subject. Instead, he rubbed his head against her breast.

She stroked the catas fur for several minutes, her thoughts turned inward. aOne good thing, when Iam a married woman, I wonat have to stay hidden away in this old castle during the day. Iall be Mrs. Drake. . . .a She shook her head ruefully. aI donat even know his last name. But heas been kind to me, you know. I told him I wanted a marriage in name only, because, after all, I donat really know him, buta"thereas no denying heas very s.e.xy, and I canat help wondering what it would be like to taste more than his kisses.a The cat looked up at her, its golden yellow eyes bright. If it hadnat been impossible, she would have sworn the animal was smiling at her. Or maybe laughing.

Elena was torn between wishing the sun would set and hoping it would never go down when there was a knock on the castle door. In all the time she had been here, Drake hadnat received any visitors. The only outsiders to come calling had been her uncleas men. Had they returned?

Hands clenched, she glanced around the room. What should she do? If she stayed quiet and didnat answer the door, maybe whoever it was would go away.

The knock came again. Harder. Louder. And then a voice. A womanas voice.

aMiss Knightsbridge? h.e.l.lo? Is anyone home? Itas Madame Rasch.e.l.le.a Elena frowned. Who on earth was Madame Rasch.e.l.le, and what was she doing here?

aThe dressmaker,a the woman clarified. aFrom Brasov. I have a delivery for Lord Drake.a Lord Drake? He hadnat said anything about being royalty. Curious, she went to open the door.

aMiss Knightsbridge?a Elena nodded. Madame Rasch.e.l.le was tall and lean. Her hair was bright red under a frilly bonnet that was the same shade of green as her eyes. Her russet-colored silk gown and colorful fringed shawl were like nothing Elena had ever seen before, except in period movies.

aMay I come in?a Madame Rasch.e.l.le asked, a note of amus.e.m.e.nt in her voice.

aWhat? Oh, yes, of course.a Elena took a step back, allowing the other woman entrance, only then noticing that she had several large plastic garment bags draped over one arm, and a large handbag over the other.

aIave brought you a number of gowns to try on, my dear,a Madame Rasch.e.l.le said. She dropped the garment bags onto the trestle table, along with her bag.

aGowns?a aFor the wedding.a aOh, but I canat . . . I mean, I donat have any money to pay for . . .a Madame Rasch.e.l.le dismissed Elenaas concern with a wave of one beringed hand. aNot to worry, my dear. Lord Drake has taken care of that.a aBut . . .a Elena sighed. There was no use arguing with the dressmaker. She obviously had orders from the master of the castle.

Madame Rasch.e.l.le removed her shawl, then began unzipping the bags, pulling out one dress after another, each more beautiful than the last. Rich silks and brocades, lush velvets, smooth satins, most of them in varying shades of white from ivory to cream. Two gowns stood out from the rest, one the color of a midsummer sky, the other a pale rose. In addition, there were a number of undergarments.