Vampires' Consort: Magical Menages, Book 2 Read Free Page B

decorating decisions. It’s my hobby, I suppose you could say.”
    Akila studied him. She’d just learned two extremely interesting things. Jacob possessed an artistic streak at odds with his rigid manner and he had slipped and referred to Kaspan not as his boss, but as “master”.
    “The bathroom is there.” He indicated a door. “I’ll give you an hour to rest and then take you to see Mr. Kaspan.”
    She’d half hoped the man would be waiting at the door so she could get this meeting over with. She should’ve guessed he’d summon her to his throne room.
    Jacob turned to leave, then paused and looked back at her. The blue in the room enhanced the vibrant hue of his eyes and Akila saw uncertainty there for the first time.
    “I would like to say I’m glad you accepted Mr. Kaspan’s invitation to come here. Even if you don’t choose to go through with his proposal, it was a pleasure meeting you.” Abruptly he lifted her hand and kissed the back of it; then he was out the door before she could say a word.
    Akila stared at her hand, feeling the warm, moist pressure of his lips. Her heart pounded as if he’d dipped her into a backbend and kissed the hell out of her. What did he mean by “go through with his proposal”? Now she was more curious than ever about this mystery. God, she couldn’t wait another hour to find out.
    But, by the time she’d hung a few clothes in the wardrobe, washed her face, fluffed her short hair, applied a little eyeliner, watched the mesmerizing fish and examined the decorative artifacts throughout the room, the hour was over and Jacob was knocking on her door.
    “What’s he like?” she couldn’t help asking, even though she’d know for herself in another minute.
    Jacob paused for only a second before answering. “Charismatic. Valarian Kaspan leaves his mark.” A small smile curved his lips as though at some inside joke.
    “I feel like I’m about to meet Oz,” Akila said as they approached an open archway. Through it she could see a wall of glass and a stunning view of the ocean.
    For once, Jacob understood her reference. “Except Mr. Kaspan is no fraud. He truly is great and powerful.” His tone was almost reverent, a far cry from the frustration she’d sensed earlier. Apparently he was very conflicted about his feelings for his “master”.
    Then there was no more time for talking as Jacob ushered her into the large, airy room and she beheld her host. Her first impression was that, despite the generous size of the living room, the dark-haired man seemed to fill it. He sucked up all the oxygen and the light. His eyes, trained on her, were midnight black like his hair and his skin was olive-tone. He was not overly tall, yet seemed enormous and quite overpowering as he strode—no, glided—across the floor toward her.
    “Ms. Massri, I’m so pleased you accepted my invitation.”
     
    Her hand was small and deliciously warm. Valarian felt the blood pumping through it and swallowed. She smelled delectable too. Not the light perfume she wore but the real scent of woman beneath the sweetness. His cock stirred in response.
    Akila didn’t merely allow her hand to be taken, but gripped and shook his hand firmly before letting go. Decisive. Sure of herself. He liked her no-nonsense grip and frank stare.
    Although he’d seen her photograph, the woman was even lovelier in person, every bit as attractive as Jacob had suggested without saying anything. His servant’s silence was often more eloquent than other men’s words. After so many years together, Valarian knew how to read between the pauses. Jacob was impressed with Akila. More than impressed—“taken with her”, to use an old-fashioned expression.
    “I didn’t know if you’d come,” he added.
    “You made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.” She smiled, and her teeth flashed against her tan skin.
    Valarian laughed. He loved the movies, a wonderful invention and an amusing way to while away long hours. The