Free The Vampire's Protector by Michele Hauf Page A

the dead guy is merely speaking the truth.” He flapped the lapels of his velvet jacket open. “This thing is hot. And...a hundred and seventy-five years old. I need new clothing. But how to obtain clothing and food without money? I require a violin, as well. Then I can play for a living again.”
    â€œI’ve got cash. Don’t worry about it.”
    He walked around in front of her to stop her in her tracks. “Summer, a man does not accept money from a woman. Not unless she wishes him in her bed every night after a concert,” he added with the roguish grin.
    â€œHave you ever been a woman’s gigolo?”
    â€œThere were a few times when the money did not come in quickly and in such amounts as I had needed. Must needs for hard times. You understand.”
    â€œYeah, sure. You were a man whore.”
    He caught on to her tease and could play along. “I never stood on the streets offering my wares. Yet before my name became known I had to sacrifice for my art. Now where is that violin? You have to have it with you.” He peered over her shoulder at the parked car. “Where did you hide it?” He strode off toward the car.
    â€œI said I sent it to Paris!” But she didn’t believe that lie any more than he obviously did.
    Summer spun around and went after him. He pounded on the trunk and ran his fingers along the seam opening.
    â€œIt is inside this car,” he said. “I can hear it. There, within this receptacle. It looks like a back boot on a carriage. Open it!”
    â€œYou can hear it, too?” For a moment their eyes met, and she saw his wince before it even happened. “I don’t think it’s a good idea that you touch that violin. We can’t know what it will do to you.”
    He rapped his chest with both fists and gave her the most incredulous stare. Okay, so they did know what it would do to him. Because it had already done it. It had brought him back from the dead.
    â€œLet me rephrase that,” Summer said, trying for the stall.
    â€œOpen it,” he insisted. “Or I’ll—”
    â€œYou’ll what? Toss me across the field? Shove me so hard I’ll fly into the next town?”
    â€œI apologize for my quick aggression earlier. I had no idea I was so strong. It is a new strength to me. But I like it. It makes me feel powerful.” He flexed his fingers into a fist. “But I won’t allow you to redirect this conversation. You have the violin.” He rapped the metal trunk hood. “In there. I’m sure of it. I can hear it. It whispers,” he said, feeling it in his veins. The darkness that curdled up his spine whenever he considered his origins and the wicked bargain he’d continually refused in his previous life.
    And now he was alive again. Due to the evil contained inside this car. Destroying it seemed the smartest option.
    He rapped again. The vampiress crossed her arms and shrugged. Not going to open it?
    He gripped her by the shoulders, but she tugged away from him and then, palms to his chest, shoved him back. Such an aggressive female. He wanted to make her do as he demanded. But he would not harm a woman, even if she was a vampire who should be strong enough to fend for herself. So he turned and banged his fist onto the metal. It dented in deeply.
    Nicolo marveled over the damage.
    â€œWait!” she yelled as he raised his fist in preparation to again smash in the trunk. “That’s my car, you idiot. Do you know how expensive an Audi is?”
    â€œNot nearly so valuable as the violin within.”
    He pried his fingers along the seam, but it would not give. Although the metal edge did bend upward in a crunching creak. It wouldn’t take long if he persisted...
    â€œAll right!” She shoved him back and thrust up her palm between the two of them. “It’s in there. You can stop destroying my car right now. And I will open it if I have to. But I think