Part 9 (1/2)
Seraphim continued walking, doing his best to block out the grating sound of his rival's voice.
Other than one or two servants cleaning, the house was quiet when Seraphim and Vincent arrived. They slowly made their way up the walk, each having tested the other's speed during the several mile sprint back to the house. Vincent was still one of the fastest Immaculates he'd ever known, slightly faster than Seraphim himself, though he loathed to admit it. Seraphim's lungs ached for a moment as he caught his breath, and his muscles actually felt sore. Only another well trained Immaculate could have tested him so, and had Vincent been anyone else, he might have been glad for the challenge.
He noted with satisfaction Vincent looked just as spent at the end of their race.
”When would you like to do this again?” Vincent asked, and Seraphim knew he was referring more to making a time to discuss the a.s.signment rather than race. So close to the mansion, they could no longer speak freely.
”Friday at the same time,” Seraphim stated without so much as looking at his companion. He ran a hand through his sweat soaked hair as he stepped into the dimness of the mansion. The atmosphere was welcome after the uncomfortable brightness outside. Seraphim paused, inhaling deeply to discern Hannah's scent. It mingled with that of Vincent's Baroness. Downstairs.
Vincent must have picked up their scents as well, because he headed for the steps. The women were probably enjoying the pool. At least he hoped that was all they were doing. If that Amazon bimbo Network agent had decided to taste Hannah's blood - ”Don't worry, my wife doesn't do humans,” Vincent-Vikenti-said.
Seraphim fired him an angry look. ”I know you didn't read my mind. You're still not the telepath I am.”
”No, but I am good.” Vincent grinned. ”I didn't read your mind, though. I'm just looking at your track record and guessing you're worried about your human chick. You know, Seraphim, I'm actually glad to see you're interested in someone, even if she is one of Sir Edward's bimbos.”
Seraphim stepped in front of Vincent on the stairs and placed a heavy hand on his chest, his eyes staring into the other man's. ”I will say this once, not because I fear you, but out of duty. I can see you're still the same spoiled Senator's son who looks only at the crust of what's shown him. Like most of us, she is not all she appears to be. Any thoughts you might have of harm, blood, or mockery, keep them away from her. I will not let history repeat itself.”
”Relax, my friend. With the woman I already have, why would I want your mortal?”
Seraphim's teeth ground. From what he knew of Vincent, the idea of a woman belonging to another was enough to make him want her.
”Rome fell a long time ago, Seraphim,” Vincent stated. His mental command struck Seraphim harder. Now get your hand off my chest before I stick it up your a.s.s.
Is that a challenge?
Vincent offered an easy smile and brushed past Seraphim. Not right now.
Seraphim hated the memories resurrected by Vincent, and he despised the way the man almost made him lose control. More than Vincent, he detested the inconsolable guilt that increased rather than faded with time.
He followed Vincent down the hallway to the pool. All the while, Hannah's soft, beautiful scent grew stronger.
Simultaneously, Seraphim and Vincent stepped through the double doors to the pool. At that moment, Vincent ceased to exist. The Baroness was a tall black shadow, unimportant compared with Hannah who stood up to her waist in water, a charming smile brightening her face. Her hair-darkened by the water-was slicked back from her face, and moisture glistened on her skin. A blue bikini top scarcely concealed her plump b.r.e.a.s.t.s. The gentle curve of her belly enticed him. Faux torches cast dim light throughout the room and flickered on the dark water surrounding her. It could have been two thousand years ago-four-six.
It could have been Atlantis again, but for a brief moment, Seraphim saw Rome. Another woman-dark of skin and hair, but with Hannah's curves and grace. Another charming smile. A death far too soon.
”Seraphim?” Hannah's smile faded as she stepped out of the water, revealing rounded hips and smooth legs. She approached him and placed a cool hand on his sweaty chest. ”Looks like you two had quite a workout.”
”And we've both been lazy having a good time,” the Baroness said, swimming into Vincent's arms as he removed his shorts and waded naked into the pool. To Seraphim's annoyance, Hannah's eyes swept the ape once.
”Did you have a good time?” Seraphim asked her. ”Yes. Did you know the Baroness knew General Custer?” Vincent curled his lips. ”I knew Julius Caesar.” ”Really?” Hannah turned wide eyes to Vincent.
”Sure.”
”Tell me.” Hannah walked back into the water, and Seraphim felt ready to strangle Vincent.
”I warn you he exaggerates,” Seraphim told Hannah.
”That's okay. Exaggeration is good at times. Takes you away from reality.”
”You're a wise woman.” Vincent winked at her. ”What would you like to know about Julie baby?”
”Julie baby?” Seraphim didn't try to control his look of disgust. ”I hardly remember you addressing any Emperor as 'baby.' Even you knew better than that.”
”That's true. Those were dangerous times.”
”Unless you were from a favored family. Not all of us were Senators' sons.” Seraphim kicked off his sneakers and rolled off his socks. Though he knew he was considered well built, he didn't possess Vincent's ma.s.s-except in one place where most men, by Seraphim's standards, fell quite short. He tugged off his own shorts and headed for the pool, feeling some satisfaction when both the Baroness and Hannah's eyes fixed on his c.o.c.k. Even Vincent nabbed a look from the corner of his eye before stepping in front of his ”wife” to block her view.
You really need to get that thing cut, Vincent's thoughts invaded Seraphim's mind. I told you before, I will not bow to circ.u.mcision to appease modern society.
Modern? We're talking thousands of years here. Besides, women love it. I haven't had any complaints.
That's because they're too terrified to speak when they see that monster. Besides, I remember what a b.i.t.c.h it is to clean.
Not if one bathes daily. You might try it sometime.
Listen, my a.s.s is cleaner than most people's faces! I wouldn't give a dime for a d.i.c.k like that!
That's good, because you're about three inches short of having it.
Vincent growled and grasped the Baroness1 arm. ”Let's go back to our room, love. I'm tired.”
”But it's only past dawn.” The Baroness had to run to keep up with him. ”Hey!” Such a gentleman, Seraphim mocked, and he felt Vincent toss up a mental barrier.
After the couple left, Seraphim placed his arms on the side of the pool and dropped his face in his hands, closing his eyes. He heard the water ripple as Hannah approached and touched his back.
”Would you like to go to bed, too?” she asked.
He turned to her and ran his fingertips over her cheeks and lips, then traced her shoulders. Tilting her chin upward, he bent and kissed her. Small, gentle hands slid over his ribs and up his back to clutch his shoulders. Her curves pressed against him, trapping his c.o.c.k between them.
”The Baroness asked me about you,” she said.
”What did you tell her?”
”What is there to tell? I hardly know you.”
”You really feel as though you hardly know me, Hannah?” He held her eyes. She was right of course. They'd only just met. Still, he felt like he knew her intimately and wanted to know more.
”How can I?” she breathed as his kisses moved to her throat. His tongue caressed the soft flesh. She shuddered with desire.
Guiding her arms around his neck, he waded deeper into the pool.
”You like to swim?” he asked.
She nodded. ”You?”
”Of course. I was born on an island.”
”Really? The Caribbean?”