Léopold's Wicked Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans) (25 page)

“What kind of things?”

“Whatever happens, stay focused. You must act as if it doesn’t bother you, understand? As a guest, I’d be expected to bring a well-trained donor or human with me who isn’t easily offended. Preferably, I’d bring someone who’d want to participate.”

“Participate in what?”

“Feedings. Sex. Games. All out in the open, of course. It’s his home so he’ll be altogether impossible. You must be wary of Martin and the other guests. He surrounds himself with those of like minds.”

“He sounds delightful,” she mused.

“I cannot stress the importance of following the rules,” he told her. “The rules are for your own safety, mon lapin.”

“Please don’t call me that. You know I looked that up online, and I’m not a…”

“The rules,” he continued with a small smile, ignoring her protest. “First and foremost, never leave my side. Not even to use the bathroom. Female vampires will also be in attendance and have no qualms about taking another woman. In their presence, you must be subservient. I know this isn’t something that comes naturally to you….or should I say, you submit when you choose.” He caught her gaze, referring to how she enjoyed being restrained. “You’ll be my guest. And I’m your master. As such, you will address me as master or sir. You will not address me by any other name.”

“Master? I…I…don’t,” she began to argue but decided against it. All she wanted to do was get the book. “That title sounds pretty vampish to me. Or like some BDSM club thing.”

“Oui. It’s a bit of both. All you need to know is that you are expected to behave a certain way in order to blend in.”

“Is this how you treat all your dates? Or is this just because we are going to this party?”

“This is why I don’t attend his parties very often. But since you asked, I don’t do dates. And secondly, I think you doth protest too much when it comes to your own sexual preferences. Let us not forget last night. I do recall how hard you came.”

“Just because of what happened last night, it doesn’t mean that I’m like your donors. Don’t get used to this persona we’re making up,” she insisted, hating that he knew what she fantasized about in the bedroom.

“With that sass, you’ll earn yourself a spanking.”

“Promise?” She wished she was joking but she’d love the feel of the sting of his hands on her bare bottom. Trying to distract herself from the ache that grew between her legs, she bit her lip and flashed her eyes up to him.

“If you talk to me like that at the party, I’d think nothing of bending you over my knee in front of everyone. I’m sure Martin would enjoy the display. I know I would. Hell, maybe he’d give us the book for free.” He watched intently as her face flushed at the mention of a spanking. The scent of her arousal nearly caused him to tear off her dress.

“As if,” she teased.
In public, that’d be a no.
In private, hell yes.
“Not happening.”

“Now that’s not very submissive, ma chérie. You must play the role. If not, that kind of behavior will get you in trouble tonight. No, correction, that’ll get us both in trouble. On the other hand, if we do this right, we can get in and out…. make an appearance, corner Martin, get the book and leave.”

“Easy peasy.”

“Hardly. Although Martin has agreed to give it to us, who knows what he’ll say when we get up there? He could try to manipulate me further, to hurt you. He cannot be trusted.” Léopold’s face grew serious and his eyes darkened. “Laryssa, I meant what I said earlier. I’ll kill him if he tries a game, puts his hands on you. We must get that book in order to get the Tecpatl, to kill the demon.”

Laryssa nodded quietly.

“You need to be prepared for this possibility. At the end of the day, it’s my nature to kill. This is who I am, who I’ve always been, who I always will be. Do not ever think of me otherwise.”

She turned in his arms, caressing his freshly shaven cheek with her hand.

“Leo, you’re so much more. How you have gone all these years thinking like that, I don’t know. I may not have known you for very long, but that isn’t you. Last night, I felt you deep inside me…that man is caring and passionate. And that’s what’s inside your soul. If you’re forced to kill tonight, I’ll be there standing right beside you. I’m not scared of you or anything you’re capable of doing. I can do this. I’m not a helpless damsel in distress. I’m not human, either.”

Laryssa rose on her tiptoes, and pressed her lips to his.
I could love this man
, she thought. He was tough, yet incredibly compassionate. Confident but self-deprecating. Vampire did not equate to monster, no matter what he’d seen or done in his lifetime. Resisting the urge to deepen the kiss, she eased back onto her heels and gave him a small smile.

“I’m not worthy of you, mon amour,” he whispered, his eyes remaining closed.

“You are,” she disagreed, laying her palm to his chest, knowing she’d never be satisfied with one night. Consumed by him, she wouldn’t give up on breaking through to him. His battle hardened exterior seemed impenetrable, but she had the will of a thousand warriors. He just didn’t know it yet. “Leo, when this is over…It’s just that I… I want us…we need to talk.”

“Oui. But we can’t afford to get distracted now.” His eyes opened, burning with fire.

“Later then? Promise me.”

“Oui.” With a shake of his head, he shoved the emotion back into his chest and returned to discussing the plan. “Tonight, it’ll be just you and me.”

“What about Dimitri and Jake?” It wasn’t lost on her that he’d again changed the topic of conversation.

“I told you, Martin’s a purist. No one but vampires are permitted to step foot onto his property. Arnaud will drive us. Dimitri and Jake will follow, but stay parked down the street. I pray they don’t have to intervene, but I’m not foolish enough to take you there without backup. Jake inserted a bug into my collar. I’ll call on them if needed, but only if we’re in dire straits.”

“Anything else?”

“When we walk through that door,” Léopold glided his hands over her shoulders and down her arms, “you’ll belong to me and no one else. You’ll be mine in every sense of the word. Your actions. Your body. Even your blood.”

Laryssa’s eyes widened and her pulse raced. She considered his words, aware she’d no choice but to give in to his will, his rules to stay alive. But for a second, she wondered if she’d do it for him even if her life wasn’t on the line. Deep within, she knew the answer, but would never admit it. She’d already gone far over the line, giving him too much power over her heart and he didn’t even know it.

“I can do this, Leo. I’m not a fool. I wouldn’t be going if I thought you’d hurt me,” she told him, holding her chin up high.
My heart, however, is already aching.

Léopold gave her a small smile and shook his head. She intrepidly trusted him, and he couldn’t conceive how such a gentle being could have such faith in him.

“Are you going to bite me?” she asked, catching him off guard.

“I’ll avoid it at all costs. I can assure you that we won’t make love at the party, so there is virtually no risk of creating a bond if I was forced to bite you. I honestly don’t see that happening, but I can’t rule it out.” Léopold felt the sting of rejection emanating off of Laryssa.
Does she want me to bite her? To bond with me?
As much as he wished to contemplate her wishes, he needed to focus on their imminent task, one he was certain was not going to be as easy as it appeared. “You can back out of this at any time. But the second we step out of the car, there’s no going back. Do you understand? I’m going to need you to give yourself over to me without reservation. Tell me, Laryssa. Do you agree to the rules?”

“Yes. For tonight, I’m yours.” The words fell naturally from her lips without hesitancy. She’d give him more than one night, a lifetime if he asked. As they walked to the car, she’d never been more confident of anything in her life.

The affair appeared entirely civilized at first glance, but Laryssa knew otherwise. She fought to maintain control of her breathing as she took in the gala’s atmosphere. A sensuous blues song filtered throughout the antebellum mansion. As the band played on, couples milled about the ballroom, drinking and laughing. While some guests were dressed for an evening at the opera, in ball gowns and tuxedos, others looked as if they were going to a fetish club, wearing leather and corsets. All eyes fell on them as they entered.

“This way,” she heard Léopold say, and gladly followed, terrified to be left alone.

“Drink,” he told her, handing her a champagne-filled flute. She hesitated, concerned it could be poisoned. As if sensing her apprehension, he took a sip of his own and coaxed her. “It’s delicious.”

Remembering her role, she nodded in agreement and placed the rim to her lips. Taking a tiny amount into her mouth, the bubbles danced over her tongue and down her throat. She sucked a deep breath, and she willed herself to calm down. Her temporary tranquility was soon replaced with fear as an imposing man with exposed fangs approached. She struggled to keep the liquid down and squeezed Léopold’s arm.

“Léopold Devereoux, my old friend. How’ve you been? I must say I was surprised to get your call this afternoon, but I’m thrilled I did.”

“Merci beaucoup, Martin. I certainly wouldn’t pass up such a fortuitous opportunity to enjoy your company and do business all at once.” Léopold supposed he was laying it on thick, but he was well aware that Martin enjoyed having his ego stroked, especially in a public forum. “Your home’s magnificent. The restoration is impressive.”

“Thank you for noticing. But of course, someone of your stature would appreciate the finer things. I’ve personally overseen all of the architectural detail work,” he boasted, his eyes feasting on Laryssa. “You must introduce me, Léopold. Who is this lovely little choice you’ve brought with you tonight?” He held out his hand to her.

“This is…” It occurred to Léopold that they hadn’t discussed whether or not to use her real name. Thinking quickly, he chose a name that he knew would draw her ire, making her focus on him, not her fear. “Jessica. Jessica, this is our gracious host, Martin. Go on, mon lapin. Don’t be shy. You have permission to shake his hand.”

“Yes, sir,” she answered submissively. Her heart raced as she extended her palm toward the imposing vampire. As it occurred to her what Léopold had called her, Laryssa’s eyes flared.
Jessica? Jessica freakin’ Rabbit?
She caught the smile on his face, realizing he’d done it on purpose to distract her. Tamping down her reaction, she embraced her role. Laryssa lowered her eyes and placed her hand in Martin’s, praying he couldn’t feel her fingers shake.

Martin gave a devious smile, before capturing her hand and placing his lips upon it. Rather than release her, he held onto it, engaging Léopold in conversation.

“Oh my, she is striking,” he crooned. “You must let me taste her.”

“Ah, I’m afraid that’s not possible. You see, she’s in training with the agency. I’m working very hard to teach her the proper manners required of a donor. Please forgive her in advance as she’s a novice.” Léopold possessively wrapped his hand around Laryssa’s waist, pulling her away from Martin, forcing him to release her hand.

“Well, I must say it is very generous of you to do that for them.”

“Considering the short notice, it was acceptable. Your observation is correct, though, mon ami. She’s quite fetching. I plan to use her in every way possible this evening, make sure she’s thoroughly disciplined.” Léopold maintained a deadpan tone to his voice as he commented, as if it were nothing more than business.

Martin released a hearty laugh. “Practice makes perfect. But do let me know if you need any help with her. I’d be happy to give her a go.”

Laryssa kept her eyes on the floor.
Give me a go? Is this guy serious?
Martin’s voice made her feel as if thousands of spiders were crawling over her skin. She rubbed her arms as nausea threatened.

“Merci. Your offer is very generous, however, this one is entirely my responsibility. On another note, I’ve brought what you’ve asked regarding our business.”

“Very good. We can make the transfer in a bit.” Martin grew distracted by a large crowd of new guests filling the foyer. “Will you please excuse me? I’ll be but a minute and then we can go to my office.” Martin looked again to Laryssa and blew a kiss at her before turning his attention to his new arrivals.

As he walked away, Laryssa felt herself sag against Léopold in relief.

“You’re doing very well for a novice,” Léopold noted, sipping his drink.

“Thank you, sir,” she answered.

“Jessica,” he paused and chuckled. “Are you enjoying the party?”

“Yes, sir.”
Enjoy the party?
Laryssa wasn’t sure if he was serious or not. She briefly considered breaking character but judiciously decided against it. Martin had looked at her like a shark who was about to snap up a seal and she wasn’t about to test her theory.

Léopold took Laryssa’s hand in his, leading them onto the dance floor. As they stepped out onto the parquet floor, he took her glass and his, and handed them off to a waiter.

“Come,” he ordered.