Kade's Dark Embrace (Immortals of New Orleans) Read Free Page B

he had going on. He told her he worked with P-CAP, but his story didn’t jive with her instincts. Sydney read people well, and there was something about him that said he wasn’t a cop. Or even a supernatural cop. He looked like he belonged at a country club. Maybe he was a lawyer, or a businessman? Taking in one last glance, she memorized his clothing and shoes. The suit wasn’t right. So not the inexpensive cop wear she was used to seeing at the station. Boss? Calvali? And the shoes, he was wearing Salvatore Ferragamo. Sydney regularly shopped the shoe sales at Nordstrom’s and knew he was not wearing Clarks.
    Something wasn’t adding up. He looked too perfect to be working a detective beat, even for someone not human. Sydney wondered what kind of supernatural he was. Wolf? No, he didn’t strike her as the rugged, outdoorsy type. No, Kade was refined, sleek, and uber-sexy. Primal and dangerous. Vampire? Yes, she’d bet he was a vampire. Damn curiosity was getting the best of her as she surreptitiously hoped she’d see him again. Kade might be keeping a few secrets, and Sydney was going to find out exactly what he was up to...as soon as she engaged in a few secrets of her own.
     

Chapter Two
     
    Sydney wasn’t looking for love; her current career didn’t afford her that luxury. When she wasn’t working, she was still thinking about work, but that wasn’t the only thing that kept her from getting seriously involved with someone. Sydney was acutely aware of the very real danger she faced every day on the streets. In her profession, the odds were higher than average that she might not go home after a shift. Why bother with a husband and family when they would need to live with the constant worry that she could be killed on the job? Given that she was only twenty-eight, she didn’t feel the need to have kids at the moment. She loved kids, but she didn’t want them to grow up motherless because something happened to her. Maybe someday, when she moved into management and found someone she loved completely, she’d consider having kids, but not now.
    Tonight, Sydney wasn’t looking for a husband, or love. She didn’t have the time, or energy to even entertain the idea of a relationship. No, what she did need was a quickie, no strings attached. It was an empty existence, but it was enough to calm her nerves and sate her need for release.
    As she walked into Eden, the pounding music and glaring lights hit her hard. The smell of cigarette smoke and sweat from the dancers permeated the room. Also, there was a faint hint of bleach, the place was clean even if the activities were down and dirty. Eden was an upscale club that catered to singles and couples who were looking to watch or be watched, serving both humans and supernaturals.
    The multi-colored lights bounced off the mirrored ceilings. The bluish walls appeared to move as the lights danced. A large, wall-sized water fountain ran along the entire length of the club opposite from the bar. If you stood next to it, you could faintly hear the hiss of the water and feel the spray on your face. Behind the bar, a fifteen foot, yellow boa constrictor, named 'Eve' slithered behind the glass. Inside, Eve climbed on a large tree so she had plenty of space to watch the patrons. In the club, a large, winding staircase led upstairs to the private rooms where clients could go to talk, or engage in sexual activities in private or public, depending on what they wanted.
    Sydney knew that she could comfortably lose herself in here for a few hours before going back to death; death always waited for her. It was patient, but never kind. Quickly scanning the room, she darted into the ladies' room. She changed into her tiger-striped, spandex mini dress with matching 'fuck me' heels; she was ready to hunt. Her tanned skin shone beneath the plunging cowl neckline exposing her ample cleavage. A black, lacy thong was all she wore under the dress. She shoved her clothes into her tote bag and