Free This Curse: (The Grace Allen Series Book 2 ) by Alisha Basso

of pure venom marred her normally pretty face, making her
appear ugly and distorted. I stared at her but the look vanished as quickly as
it had appeared. I shook my head and did a double take, not entirely sure that
I had really seen anything strange at all. 
    They were so serene and perfectly matched; it was as
if they were posing for a yuppie magazine. If I didn’t have the vision of their
sadistic sex session branded into my retinas, I’d think they were the picture
of class and refinement. 
    Thoughts and images ran across my mind as I looked at
them. Could I ever think about being romantic with Lucian again? What I had
said to Seth was pretty accurate. I had fantasized about being with Lucian. My
mind had imagined his gentle caresses and soft whispered words as we slowly
made love. I always held out the small hope that one day we would break through
the awkward friend stage and move towards a more loving and physical
relationship. But now, that vision has been shattered and covered in blood. Was
this the type of lover he really was, in his heart? And if he cared for Lydia
at all, why the hell was he smacking her? Was that what she enjoyed? Ugh,
and now he thinks I’m hot for him, and after that scene in the bedroom, I think
not!
     “Um… Lucian, about what I just said, I uh…” I wanted
to flash myself home so badly. I was completely mortified! “I was just trying
to make a point, okay? It isn’t really as if I’ve been lusting for you all this
time. You’re my friend, Lucian, I wouldn’t want to jeopardize that.”
     Seth let out an inelegant snort and I glared at him.
He seemed pleased again and I wondered if he had known the whole time that
Lucian had entered the room while I was all ‘rub it in your face’.
    What was I thinking, of course he did, Asshole.
    “Grace, please don’t make yourself uneasy. I’ve
always known that you desired me. It’s just a pity that you refused to admit
it. But it’s never too late.” He winked at me and kissed Lydia on the top of
her head. “We could still have some fun.” He smiled at me and I felt my anger
rise. What the fuck was he doing? I could feel my hands ball into fists
at my sides and my jaw began to ache from clenching my teeth over and over.
    “Lucian,” I began as calmly as I could, “I know that
your sex life is your own business, but it just has to be asked. What the fuck was that?” I was getting angrier. Why was he so crass? Sex with blood and
violence? Hitting on me in front of his girlfriend. No wonder she was pissy.
God, the sound of him slapping Lydia still rang in my ears.
    “Grace,” Lucian stood. He was dressed flawlessly in a
pair of dark grey wool trousers and a soft looking, black sweater. His skin
appeared free of damage and flushed with health. “You are absolutely correct,”
he continued, “My sex life is my business. It could have been your
business as well, but you refused to let yourself go.” He took a step forward
and I moved back. “You never once took what was always in front of you. But you
considered it, didn’t you? That thought fills me with… Well… ” Lucian ran
his soft thumb across my jaw. Instantly, Seth was at my side. His cool, vampire
presence felt more comforting than Lucian’s body heat at that moment, which set
off a dozen alarm bells.
    Lucian straightened. The look in his eyes was so
foreign. “Why are you here?” he asked. “What made you interrupt me tonight,
Grace?” He eyed Seth. His lip curled in a sneer, then, folding his arms, he
took a step back.
    “Do you know anything about Voltaire’s plans?” I
looked from Seth to Lucian. “You defeated him at my house, I saw you. You did
it once, you can do it again.” My voice rose, “I want to know if you can help
us.” I was sure I sounded desperate but I didn’t care. I had to know. Seth
moved closer and taking it as some sort of challenge, Lucian stepped closer as
well. I shook my head and moved away from both men. Their dominating