Free Desires Unleashed by D N Simmons

and muscular under the soft, thin fabric of his black shirt. She could feel his muscles tightening under her touch. It was then she decided that Darian was the epitome of a sexy male.
    Darian was set back, but not too disappointed. “Very well, perhaps tomorrow night then?” he asked as he took her hand and led her to the door. “Oh, and by the way, did you want the position?”
    Annette remembered the reason she was called into his office in the first place. “Oh yeah-yes! Most definitely! Thank you, Sir,” she said excitedly.
    Darian raised his hand in protest. “Please, when we are alone like this, call me Darian.” Annette blushed. She hoped it didn't show. She nodded. Darian saw this as a perfect opportunity to steal a kiss and seal the deal. He leaned forward slowly and brushed his lips against hers. He could feel her lean into him, into his kiss. Ah, it was a thrill he felt often. It was a thrill he sought. He pulled back and opened the door for her. Annette smiled and walked out of the office. Darian watched Annette swish down the hallway and smiled. He knew she was putting an extra little sway to her hips for his benefit and he was pleased. His gaze shifted to Xavier. He walked away, leaving the door open for Xavier to close when he entered the room.
    “So you weren't going to share with me, were you?” Xavier teased, leaning against the door frame.
    “I was trying to get a taste test. So why was I interrupted?” Darian asked, one eyebrow raised as he leaned against his desk, arms folded across his chest.
    “Anthony's here, shall I bring him in?”
    Darian's smiled returned. “Yes.” Xavier beckoned John inside the office. John had Anthony in his grip. The front of Anthony's white t-shirt was spotted with blood and his blue jeans were so faded, they looked to have been several years old. Anthony's hands were tied behind him, a black silk bag covered his entire head. Anthony stumbled into the room. John pressed hard on his shoulders, forcing him to his knees.
    “Anthony, so nice of you to join us tonight,” Darian said as he walked toward the kneeling man. He snatched off the black bag, peering into Anthony's eyes. Darian ran his fingers through the other man's hair, grabbed a handful of the blonde locks and yanked his head upward, bringing Anthony's gaze to meet his. Anthony cried out at the pain shooting across his scalp as his hair was wrenched in Darian's powerful grip.
    “Anthony, Anthony, Anthony, tonight just isn't your night, is it?” Darian asked as he ran a finger under Anthony's bloody nose. He raised his finger to his mouth and slowly sucked the blood away. His gaze drifted toward Xavier, who was already under the bloodlust. Xavier had not yet fed. He had been waiting patiently for Anthony's arrival. The smell of Anthony's blood in the air was making the wait unbearable. Xavier could taste the blood on his tongue and desperately wanted the real thing. He had control but his control was weaker when he was under the Thirst.
    “You should never have betrayed me, Anthony,” Darian was saying as he beckoned Xavier to come closer. “Goodbye.”
    The horrifying truth finally dawned on Anthony. His death was inevitable. He mentally cursed himself for not booking town. He should have never tried to wait for her. He should have hightailed it out of the city on the fastest plane to Timbuktu. He should have never opened the door. He should have known they'd come for him. Now he was going to die. A spark in his brain told him to try to escape.
    “NOOO!!!” Anthony screamed and tried to rise up from the floor, but John's strong hands held him in an iron grip. He couldn't move an inch, not even to struggle. He watched in horror as Xavier stood in front of him, then knelt down. He cringed when Xavier caressed his face, softly with both hands. Tears rolled down his cheeks. Xavier leaned forward and caught a teardrop on his tongue, savoring his fear. A low groan rumbled through Xavier's chest that was