Embrace the Night

Page 147



She took Maurice's arm and urged him down the steps. It was full dark now and her heart began to pound as he helped her into the carriage. Was Nina out there somewhere, waiting?

Maurice settled onto the seat beside her and took her hand in his. "How are you feeling?" "I feel fine," Sara replied. "Why do you ask?"

Maurice frowned at her. "You left rehearsal today because you weren't feeling well. I just wondered… what's wrong, Sara?"

"Nothing."

"Don't lie to me, Sara Jayne. You've never missed a rehearsal before, not even that time you sprained your wrist. What's going on?"

"Nothing. I was just tired. Can't I be tired once in a while? I work hard every day."

"Sara Jayne, I know something is bothering you." He gave her hand a slight squeeze. "We're engaged to be married," he remarked quietly. "I had hoped you would share your troubles with me."

Sara glanced down at their joined hands. She should tell him now, she thought, tell him their engagement was off now that Gabriel had returned.

"Sara Jayne?"

"There's nothing wrong."

With a sigh, Maurice released her hand and sat back against the seat. "Whatever you say." Sara was relieved when they reached the theater a few minutes later.

The opera house was filled to capacity that night. Even so, she had no trouble locating Gabriel. Her gaze was drawn to him, and even amid a sea of faces, his stood out. She felt his pride in her, his desire for her, and as she moved across the stage, she forgot everyone and everything else and danced for him, only for him.

Maurice watched Sara's face as she danced. Her skin seemed to glow; her eyes were radiant. And her dancing… never had she moved like that, her slender body swaying, turning, leaping gracefully across the stage, every nuance sensual, inviting.

From his seat in the balcony, Gabriel, too, watched Sara dance. She was dancing for him, tempting him. He saw the fire in her eyes when she glanced his way, recognized the hunger there, the promise of the night to come.

During the intermission, he left the theater, walking its perimeter, but he detected no sign of Nina, sensed no other immortal nearby.

With that in mind, he went to the stable where he had left Necromancer, speaking softly to the stallion, making sure the horse was being well cared for in his absence.

Leaving the livery barn, he went to a nearby clothing store and purchased several changes of clothing,