My Lord Eternity Read Free Page A

simply stolen his breath.
    Her face was a perfect oval with large eyes the impossible blue of tropical waters. Her hair, which had been ruthlessly wrenched into a knot at the base of her neck, possessed the rich luster of sable that contrasted sharply with the flawless cream of her skin. She possessed the timeless beauty of a Madonna, with lush curves that could make a man’s thoughts stray in dangerous directions.
    As a collector of beautiful objects, he had been stirred by her loveliness.
    As a vampire with his passions unleashed for the first time in two centuries, other parts of his anatomy had been stirred.
    Just for a moment he had briefly considered how swiftly he could woo her into his bed. How magnificent she would be stretched upon snowy white sheets, her hair a river of silk, he had thought with a decided yearning. In the candlelight her skin would glow with the pale luster of fine porcelain. Her lush curves would fit his hands to perfection. Ah, to possess such a woman would surely bring untold pleasure.
    But even as his blood had tingled with anticipation, he had gazed into those well-guarded eyes and sensed the bleak loneliness deep within.
    His calculated passion had died with a regretful sigh.
    This woman was not in need of a lover.
    She was in need of a savior.
    The knowledge had been as unwelcome as the stench of the nearby slaughterhouse, and just as inescapable.
    He was here to protect this maiden.
    He could only hope his rusty sense of chivalry could be persuaded to overcome the lust that even now swirled through his blood.
    Pushing back his plate, he cast a roguish smile toward the undoubted general of the household. The servant was a large woman with iron-gray hair and features cast in granite. He could only hope her heart was not similarly unyielding.
    â€œExquisite, my dear Meg,” he complimented her. “As savory as any I have ever tasted. A true masterpiece.”
    The charm he had once presumed irresistible appeared woefully ineffective. As woefully ineffective upon the servant as it had been upon her mistress.
    â€œâ€™Tis shepherd’s pie, hardly a masterpiece.”
    â€œAh, but in the hands of an artist even shepherd’s pie can be a masterpiece. And you are, indeed, an artist.”
    If anything, the woman regarded him with even sharper suspicion. “Miss Jocelyn warned me you possessed the silver tongue of the devil. I now understand why.”
    Lucien was not remotely surprised.
    He had known from the moment he had entered this house that the young maiden had felt uneasy in his presence.
    Unfortunately the Medallion she wore about her neck made any attempt to use a Compulsion spell impossible. The ancient artifact was powerful enough to protect her from even the most devious skills a vampire possessed. He would have to win her trust by more difficult and time-consuming means.
    Not one of his more notable talents.
    â€œDid she?” he murmured. “A most intriguing and unique young woman.”
    â€œAnd far too wise for the likes of you,” the woman retorted.
    â€œAh, Meg, you wound me.”
    â€œNot yet I haven’t, but I certainly will if you take it in mind to toy with Miss Jocelyn.”
    Lucien gave a startled laugh, discovering he quite enjoyed bantering with this gruff old tartar. For all her crusty manners, it was evident that she was utterly devoted to Jocelyn.
    â€œI beg your pardon?”
    The servant planted her hands upon her ample hips. “Miss Kingly is a fine, decent maiden who has endured far more heartache and disappointment than any lady should. I would willingly thump my frying pan upon the head of anyone foolish enough to bring her pain again.”
    Lucien was instantly intrigued. Heartache and disappointment?
    Knowledge was always power, and he very much desired to know as much of Jocelyn as possible.
    â€œHow very distressful. She is far too young to have endured the pains of this world. Tell me, what was the