Embrace the Night

Page 140



"A most unusual request," she teased, "coming from you."
"I don't want you to be alone."

"What about you? What if she sends someone after you?"

"I'm not totally helpless during the day, Sara," he said, hoping to ease her mind. And it was true, up to a point.

She worried her lower lip with her teeth for a moment, then sighed. "Maybe I should stay home."

Gabriel clenched his fists at his sides, wishing again that he had agreed to spend the night with Nina, to pleasure her as she desired. But for his stupid pride, his revulsion at the idea of being Nina's plaything, even for one night, Sara would not now be in danger.

"Gabriel?"

"I think you'll be all right, cara. After rehearsal, I want you to buy some garlic and hang it over your doors and windows. Have you a cross? Good, wear it when you go out."

"You're frightening me."

"I know, but you need to be prepared."

He gathered her into his arms, wishing he could spend the day at her side. He thought briefly of taking her away from Paris, but wherever they went, Nina would find them. She would sense his presence, as surely as he could sense hers.

"I love you, Sara Jayne. Be careful."

The sun was up. He could feel the strength draining from his body, and he sat down on the edge of the bed as the lethargy slowly began to steal over him.

"Sara, cover the window."

"What? Oh!" She flew out of his arms and quickly hung a heavy quilt over the window, effectively blocking out the small amount of light that had penetrated the curtains. "Is that better?"

"Fine. Come, sit beside me."

She did as he asked, her arm sliding around his waist. "What's it like when you sleep during the day?"

"It's like death, cara. When I was first made, it frightened me more than anything else. I learned to accept the darkness, the blood, but every time the sun came up was like dying all over again."

She tightened her arm around him, not knowing what to say.

"Gradually, as I grew stronger, I discovered I could stay awake for a short while after the sun came up, and rise before the sun set, so long as I stayed out of the light."