Free Blood Eternal by Toni Kelly Page A

type.”
    “There is much you have yet to learn.” He turned and headed to the door, then paused. “Working with my hands clears my mind. And I like watching life’s cycle. The plants grow, blossom then die. How it should be.”
    “You mean the way it is,” she said.
    “Pardon?”
    Savannah huffed. “You said should be although I’m sure you meant to say is . You don’t need to speak so formally to me, you know.”
    He nodded. “I find it difficult to forget my roots. My family was quite formal.”
    Was? Did he no longer have any family? Though she wanted to ask him, his pensive expression transformed into an impenetrable mask, and she thought better of it.
    “I’ll leave you now so you can shower. We are going to see a property and then to Blood Bar, the same place we went the other night. Wear the burgundy dress and your citrus perfume.”
    “Do I have a choice?”
    “You always have a choice, Savannah.” He slipped out the door.
    * * * *
    When they left Luke’s apartment, Savannah wore a silver halter dress. The sheer act of rebellion put a spring in her step. Luke smiled as she strutted down the cobblestone sidewalk ahead of him. Beneath the moon’s light, her pale skin glowed, caressed only by silver silk, which blended with night’s shadows. He admired her defiant streak. She walked with her head up, shoulders back. Her dress displayed her elegant shape yet guarded her scars like the painful secrets they were.
    Broderick’s file said nothing regarding an accident landing her in the hospital for an extended period of time. How could he have missed such a large piece of the picture? There had to be a good reason for such negligence. Either Broderick had blundered or Savannah was the most incredible of actresses. But no. Luke shook his head. He had touched the disfigured skin along her collarbone and sensed the sharp physical pain she experienced. And physical pain was always the easiest to bear, or so life had shown him.
    “The past few nights have been beautiful,” she said. Her heels clicked along the cobblestones. Light from the streetlamps bathed her form and a light breeze ruffled her hair.
    He closed his eyes, letting the scent of orange blossoms brush over him. Lips curved, he inhaled deeply. Her citrus perfume. At least she’d acquiesced to one request. “Yes. Usually, the weather is much cooler at this time.”
    “How much farther? Aren’t you worried with your car back there?”
    “No. Besides, I thought you would enjoy the stroll. It is the second entrance from the corner up ahead.” He pointed in front of them past several shops and a small bakery. Shadows blanketed the sidewalk every few feet.
    “It’s so quiet here. Why would Lorenzo want to set up a bar here? I can’t imagine a Blood Bar in this neighborhood.”
    Nor could he, but he did not much care to know what Lorenzo’s plans were. He scanned the street for any sign of him, pausing when he caught a smoky musk. “Lorenzo.” He turned as the vampire approached behind him. Idiot, he knew better than to use lightning speed when humans were near. “Have you been waiting long?”
    Lorenzo’s lips curved as he struck a match. His cigarette glowed fiery orange in the darkness. “No.” His gaze moved beyond Luke. “Good evening, Savannah.”
    “Hello.” Savannah huddled closer to Luke. “I didn’t see you.” Her pulse grew erratic as her shoulders gave an involuntary shudder.
    “I like to stick to shadows,” Lorenzo responded, a cloud of cigarette smoke drifting up into the night air.
    Luke cupped Savannah’s hip, a silent comfort to her. “Are you ready to see the property?” he asked Lorenzo.
    “Lead the way.”
    Luke walked the last hundred feet to a cherry red door and inserted a key into the lock.
    Inside was spacious. Hardwood floors and a long wooden bar. Heavy wooden tables and chairs. Dust covered most surfaces but if Lorenzo searched for a tavern-like appearance, the space would do. Most importantly,