Are you angry? The smile was fading from her eyes, her mouth.
Gregori tightened his hold on her when her step faltered. We can discuss this at home, chérie. You are already here; you may as well give the boy a thrill. But I warn you, not too big a thrill.
She relaxed her body into his. That quickly. That easily. As if she belonged, his other half. He was beginning to believe it might be possible.
Her smile sent a bolt of lightning right through Gary. “Would you like to go to the Cafe du Monde?” she asked. “It’s still open. We can sit there and talk for a while.”
Gary glanced at Gregori’s impassive face. Who could deny her anything? She was like something mysterious and magical from another world. Gregori looked as merciless and ruthless as ever, his dark, dangerous features granite, his silver eyes cold and glittering with menace. But his posture was protective, the arm circling her waist, tender. Gary turned his face away to hide a smile. Vampires seemed to have women problems, too.
“Would you like to join us at the Cafe du Monde?” Gregori asked him quietly, already changing direction. They turned down Saint Ann Street toward Decatur and Jackson Square.
As they passed the famous St. Louis Cathedral, Gary cleared his throat. “I always wanted to know, is it true the vampire can’t go onto sacred ground? Will a cross help to protect a person, or is that hogwash?”
“The vampire cannot go onto sacred ground. His soul is lost for all time. It is his choice; he made the decision to become vampire,” Gregori answered softly. “Do not make the mistake of feeling sorry for the vampire. He is truly evil.”
“You’re blowing all my theories,” Gary said sadly.
“What are your theories?” Savannah asked, her blue eyes steady on his face. It made him feel as if he were the only man in the world, as if whatever he said was terribly important to her.
Gregori stirred restlessly. The cold, merciless eyes swept over Gary, leaving a bad taste in the human’s mouth. He wanted to tell the creature he couldn’t help himself, that Savannah was just too sexy. But he had the distinct feeling the admission wouldn’t win him any favors. Instead, Gary kept his gaze steadfastly away from her haunting beauty and his thoughts centered on his excitement of being with such mythical creatures of the night. His lifelong dream.
“You were going to tell us of your theories,” Gregori prompted gently.
They crossed the street with a crowd of wandering tourists. Gregori was all too aware of most of them staring at his lifemate. Heads turned as she stood on the edge of the cafe’s patio, where tables were set close together.
One of the waiters waved them toward an empty table, then recognized Savannah, gawking for a brief moment, then hurrying to take their order.
Gregori sat with his back to a thick post, partially hidden in the shadows, his eyes restless, all senses on alert. He couldn’t afford to let his guard down. Somewhere in this city was a powerful vampire with a legion of human puppets to do his bidding.
Savannah signed several autographs, chatting briefly with each person who came to their table. Gregori’s hand was on the nape of her neck, his fingers moving soothingly, tenderly, against her bare skin. He found himself very proud of her. But by the time their coffee and baguettes arrived, even Gary wanted to be rid of the fans pressing close.
Gregori summoned the waiter and leaned close, his voice hypnotic. “Savannah has been happy to provide autographs for your patrons, but she needs to have time for herself to enjoy your superb coffee right now.” The suggestion was a clear order, the silver eyes capturing the waiter and giving him no chance to do anything but agree.
Savannah smiled her thanks as the waiters provided her with loose protection from the tourists pressing around them.
“Is it like this everywhere you go?” Gary asked.
“Pretty much.” Savannah shrugged calmly. “I don’t really mind. Peter always—” She broke off abruptly and brought the steaming cup to her mouth.