Free NightFall: Book One: Bloodlust Is the Cure for the Immortal Soul by Anastacia Kelley Page A

between relationships. They were twenty-four years old, months separating their ages. They were in the prime of their lives. At least, Simone thought so.
    Indea’s voice cut into Simone’s musings. “Well, I was looking through my fridge trying to find out what to have for dinner.”
    “If you’re dressed, how about meeting me at that new Chinese restaurant on Main?” Simone suggested. “My treat.”
    “That sounds great! I could go for some sashimi.” Indea made a rustling noise. “I’m putting on my jeans as we speak. Meet you in twenty.”
    Simone agreed and replaced the phone back into its cradle.
    She studied her face in the mirror. “A little mascara and lip gloss and I’m good to go.”
    Five minutes later, Simone locked her apartment door, got into her black Solstice, a car she ‘s wanted for years and worked hard for a long time to finally get, and headed downtown to the restaurant.
    *
    “Two, please. Non-smoking,” Indea told the waitress with a cheerful smile on her face. The restaurant was busy tonight, so the waitress quickly took their drink orders and showed them to a table near the windows over looking the beginnings of dusk.
    As usual, appreciative male eyes darted their way. Indea always looked great. She was wearing her dark denim flares with black boots and a skin tight dark jade sleeveless shirt. It made her green eyes ‘pop’ even more. A black belt and silver buckle emphasized her little waist. Diamond studs finished the outfit. Her shoulder length black hair hung down in waves. It reminded Simone of a satin waterfall. Her toned, tanned body continually got responsive stares wherever she went. She never let it go to her head, though. Most of the time, she was unaware of just how many glances came her way.
    Simone had her own male following and like Indea, she didn’t get a swelled head. It was nice being noticed. But it was another thing altogether to be stared at and drooled over. Her wavy red hair complemented her creamy skin and hazel eyes. Her body was muscular but femininely so. Both she and Indea worked out religiously. It gave them an excuse to pig out occasionally. And pig out time was now.
    Simone perused her menu, her mouth watering at the familiar dishes she’s tasted before. She heard Indea moan in delight. Simone raised her eyebrows in question.
    Indea put down her menu. “I just can’t decide. Everything looks and smells so good. I think I’m getting the dinner buffet. That way, I can sample everything. I’ve had a craving for Kung Pao Chicken lately.”
    Simone teased playfully. “Just where do you plan to put it all and how in the world do you handle that much heat?” Simone couldn’t handle extremely hot peppers. Jalapenos, she could eat ever y now and again. But Thai chile s or other peppers they used in Asian cuisine? No way. Her face would end up matching her hair. She’d be breathing fire in no time.
    Indea’s mouth slanted to one side slyly. “I have a fast metabolism. Besides, we work out a lot.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “And you know I like it hot. It gets my b lood a-movin’ .” She laughed.
    Simone let out a rather loud laugh. She was rewarded with some odd stares but she could care less. “You’re too much.”
    “Okay, then. What’re you having?” Indea asked, a smirk on her face.
    “As a matter of fact, I’m having everything as well. I’m starved today. I’m going for the buffet.” Simone chuckled but then turned serious. “But what I want-even though you didn’t ask-I want a handsome, hard-bodied, mysterious Frenchman at my every beck and call. Know of any?”
    Indea took in a deep breath. “Mmm. An intriguing description. Unfortunately, I don’t know of any right now. I’ll be on the look out for a couple of them,” she informed.
    “Decided to get one, too, huh ?”
    “I might just do that. But you know we probably won’t find any here in Alabama.” Indea became pensive for a moment. “Don’t you have some