Free In the Dark by P.G. Forte Page A

her something to remember him by and further cementing his influence over her.
    â€œNow,” he said, eyeing her sternly as his hands caressed the curves of her waist. “No more foolishness. You will tell me exactly what I wish to hear. Where will you be next weekend?”
    â€œI’m coming here,” she answered obediently. “To see you.”
    â€œAnd you will not forget?”
    Her laugh sounded a little forced, a little uncertain but she shook her head and murmured, “No. I won’t forget you. I promise.”
    â€œAnd if you need anything before then, you’ll call me, yes?”
    â€œI-I…what?”
    She looked surprised, which pretty much mirrored his own thoughts on the subject, especially when he found himself elaborating on his instructions. “Before you leave the house today I want you to find Armand. He should be downstairs somewhere. Wake him up, if you have to. Tell him I said he should give you my private phone number. Is that clear?”
    â€œArmand? You mean he lives here too ?”
    â€œYes. Make him write it down, so you don’t forget it. I’d do it myself, but I don’t have anything to write with up here.”
    â€œI don’t get it. Does he, like, work for you, or something? I thought he was your friend?”
    â€œHe is,” he answered, not even attempting to explain the complexities of vampire relationships. “He’s my friend who works for me.” And who would likely be extremely surprised at being asked to give out Conrad’s phone number. That number was private for exactly one reason: it was never given to anyone outside of his nest. Why he was choosing to break the rule now, he couldn’t imagine. But, it was his rule, which meant it was his right to break it any time it suited him to do so. Without having to give anyone a reason for it. Not even himself.
    â€œOkay. I’ll call if, if I need to.”
    â€œGood.” After brushing another brief kiss across her lips he opened the door and ushered her into the hall.
    He walked her to the top of the stairs then kissed her again, still toying with the idea of holding her captive a little while longer, of feeding from her again before he let her go. Frankly, he could use it. The sudden exposure to so much daylight had left him with a pounding, debilitating headache. He felt like crap. But he’d taken quite enough from her last night. Besides, perhaps leaving a faint edge on his hunger for once would be good for him. It would, at least, be an interesting experience, one that might sharpen the anticipation of seeing her again.
    â€œ Au revoir, mignonne ,” he said as he let her go. She tripped lightly down the stairs and disappeared from his view. A minute later the murmur of voices reached Conrad’s ears. Good girl , he thought approvingly. Half a minute more, and Armand appeared, his face pensive as he climbed the stairs. “ Ça va? ”Conrad asked the younger man as he came to stand beside him on the landing. It goes well?
    â€œ Oui .” Armand nodded in grudging assent as they leaned on the rail together, side by side, both of them watching through the stained-glass window as Desert Rose made her way down the walkway. “It goes well enough, I suppose. Although I do not think our friend is very happy with me this morning.”
    â€œ Ah, mon pauvre garçon. ”Conrad threw an arm around his friend’s shoulders and patted him consolingly.“Is she no longer interested in you then? Pardonnez-moi. My fault, I suppose.”
    â€œYes.” Armand frowned sullenly. “It certainly is.” He shot Conrad a curious glance. “She said you wanted her to have your number. I take it she’ll be back?”
    â€œDefinitely. Next weekend, in fact.”
    â€œReally?” Speculation gleamed in Armand’s eyes. “And yet…she seems not to have realized what we are?”
    â€œNo.” Conrad