Free Lion of Midnight by Aliyah Burke Page A

entrance. “Welcome to my home, Cleopatra Laurens.”
    His words rolled off her back as she opened the door and stepped out into the night. Her gaze still lingered upon the lavish building, outlined by the falling snow and outside lighting. The front looked like an Italian patio complete with the pillars and large archways. Lining the curved drive were low-sitting, amber-hued lights, which only added mystery and allure to the image.
    On each side of the double doors sat a beautiful wall sconce with the same tempered amber light gently illuminating the dark wood. A warm, inviting feeling washed over her.
    “This place is amazing. I’d love to look at it all in the daylight.”
    “Feel free to stay the night and do just that.”
    Her heart tripled in speed as she jerked her head to the side to see him intently watching her. He flashed a bone-melting grin.
    “I have plenty of rooms; although, if you long to stay with me…” He let the offer hang in the air.
    Biting her lower lip, Cleo took the required steps leading to the door. There was a bench off to her far left, and she could see identical statues on pedestals on each side of the tall double doors. All black. Upon closer inspection, she could see it was a sword shoved into a rock and the figure of a male lion with a full-bodied mane prowling around it.
    “Damn!” she gasped. Stopping before the display, Cleo reached out with one hand before drawing it back at the last second. “I’m speechless.”
    “Not yet, but you will be.” His promise was a low timbre of seduction. One hand rested against her back as one of the doors swung open on silent hinges. “Good evening, Vassi,” Nikolas said before she had a chance to blink over the door opening.
    “Good evening, sir.” A man spoke, but she couldn’t see anyone.
    With a gentle pressure on the small of her back, Nikolas guided her inside. If her mouth had dropped open at the outside, it surely must be dragging on the floor as she took in the appearance of the interior.
    Six white double pillars seemed to hold up the entrance. There were long hallways down each side of the house, and before her was wide open. All of it, amazing. She stood on a plush runner that led to more large area rugs. Off to the right side sat a large round table with a huge floral arrangement in the middle, its colors blending perfectly with the rest of the room. Muted golds, blues, and reds. Beautiful art scrolling traveled along the top of the walls as the molding. It was so open and breathtaking. Interspaced along the molding sat golden colored reliefs made with swirling strokes.
    Straight ahead of her was a fireplace—complete with a roaring fire—of which on either side sat a gentle spiraling staircase, which led to the second floor. The stairs looked like the same material that made up the rest of the building, granite or something like it. The railings seemed to be etched, as well.
    The urge to go touch and explore swamped her. Never in her life had she imagined being this close to something so incredible. And, it wasn’t gaudy or pretentious, just absolutely amazing.
    “I don’t know what to say, except you have an astounding home.”
    “I’ll show you to your room then feel free to explore while dinner is being prepared.”
    Cleo didn’t even think of arguing with him. Who in their right mind would insist on staying in a hotel when this was an option?
    “Eating in the family room tonight, sir?”
    Cleo smiled as a white haired gentleman became visible as he shut the door, closing out the night chill.
    “Yes, Vassi. And, then, that will be all for the night, thank you.”
    The man nodded slightly before slipping off without a sound. In that instant, Cleo realized just how alone she was with Nikolas in this huge sprawling home.
    “Come, Cleo. You can put your coat in your room.”
    She realized she didn’t have anything else with her. All her luggage was at the hotel. No clothes, toiletries, nothing. Worrying her lower