Embrace the Night

Page 125



"And you have saved mine, miserable though it might be."

He yearned to hold her, to bury himself in her sweetness, but he could not. In spite of the blood bond between them, he felt as if a chasm as wide and deep as hell separated them.

She licked her lips, needing, dreading, to ask the question that had been gnawing at the corner of her mind.

"Am I a vampire now?"

"No!" The word was torn from his throat. "I would never bring you over, Sara. You must believe that if you believe nothing else."

The relief in her eyes was like a dagger in his heart.

"Sara…" He glanced at the open door, then slid out of bed. "Someone's here." "Maurice," Sara said, rising. "I forgot he was coming by."

"Go then."

"Will you be here when I get back?" "No. I'm going to Spain."

She stared at him, wanting him to stay, yet afraid of what it would mean if he did. Vampire. The mere idea was vile, repugnant. Unbelievable.

Before she could speak, she heard Maurice's knock at the door again. "You'd best go let him in before he breaks down the door," Gabriel said dryly. "Don't go," she said, and left the room, closing the bedroom door behind her before he could reply.
She ran to the front door and opened it, forcing a smile. "Good evening, Maurice."
"Sara." He frowned. "You're not dressed," he said, taking in her disheveled appearance. "Am I early?" "No, I'm late. Sit down. Have some wine. I won't be but a moment."

"Hurry, cheri. We dine at seven."

"I will."

She paused outside her bedroom door, took a deep breath, and stepped inside.

Gabriel was standing at the window. He glanced at her over his shoulder as she closed the door behind her.

He didn't look like a demon now, she thought. That horrible red glow was gone from his eyes; his skin no longer looked like old parchment. He looked like Gabriel again, human, masculine, and devastatingly