Chapter Eleven

 

Delight looked around the fancy restaurant, feeling slightly dazed. Absolute chaos had erupted the second Lucian had dropped his little bombshell on her and her family. Chase was both hurt and angry, but strangely enough, Miss Nadine seemed quite pleased by the turn of events. Lucian had sat calmly in his chair, looking so satisfied with himself that she’d wanted to smack him.

Marry him. The man had completely lost his mind. Her life was totally out of control and his life certainly couldn’t bear scrutiny by the police. She kept trying to distance herself and her problems from him and Lucian kept pulling her closer. It was enough to make any sane woman want to beat her head repeatedly against a wall.

Instead, she had taken the time to calmly assure her family that this was the first she’d heard of this proposal. That appeased her brother somewhat, but Delight had felt Miss Nadine’s obvious disappointment.

When Lucian had suggested that he take her out to dinner so that they could discuss the matter further, she’d readily agreed. She wanted to give the man a piece of her mind and didn’t want to do it where Miss Nadine or Chase might overhear.

Delight had managed to put Chase off by promising to tell him everything. He was still mad with her, but he’d grudgingly agreed to give her a little more time. She ached to tell Chase what had happened—they didn’t keep things from one another—but she would have to clear it with Lucian first. After all, it was a very big secret she was asking the man to share with her family.

It hadn’t taken her long to run upstairs, slap some cold water on her face, and haul on a dress. It was made of a black stretchy material that clung to her curves and ended just above her knees. She paired it with black sandals and decided that it was good enough to go anywhere. It would have to be, as she didn’t own another fancy dress. A swipe of the brush through her hair and a quick slick of lipstick and then she was hurrying back downstairs. Delight hadn’t wanted to chance leaving Chase and Lucian alone together for too long.

So here she was, with Lucian’s large hand on her back, being ushered across the floor of one of New Orleans’s most exclusive restaurants. They hadn’t had reservations, but the moment the maitre d’ had seen Lucian, he had welcomed them effusively, assuring Lucian that his usual table was ready for him. Delight had felt the stares of envy from several people who were still waiting for a table. If she wasn’t mistaken, one of them was a famous movie star.

Did any of them have any idea of who Lucian really was?

In spite of her determination not to be impressed, she couldn’t resist a discreet peek around the place. It was harder to get a table at Black Velvet than any other restaurant in the city. Only the rich and famous got to dine here, and even they sometimes had to wait days to get a reservation. But Lucian had been immediately whisked away from the reception area.

Everything about Black Velvet screamed good taste and money, from the cream-colored walls and dark wood floors to the lush greenery that gave the impression one was seated in a rooftop garden. Balcony doors were flung wide open, letting in the warm night air and giving Delight a glimpse of some of the patrons dining on the outside terrace.

The clink and clatter of people enjoying their meal followed them across the room. All the tables were covered with floor-length, snowy white linen tablecloths and were set with the finest china and crystal. Everything gleamed. She managed to catch a quick glimpse of some of the food people were eating. Everything looked and smelled delicious, and her stomach growled.

Embarrassed, she placed her hand on her midsection, hoping no one had heard. Lucian dashed that hope when he leaned down and whispered in her ear, “Not much longer. We must keep your strength up.” She didn’t even acknowledge his words, but the wicked, teasing undertone had heat creeping up her cheeks.

Keeping her head down, she followed the man in starched white shirt and black tuxedo as he led them to an isolated corner. The table was round and had a curved bench seat instead of chairs. With lush greenery surrounding it, it was almost like entering a private bower. Delight forgot her embarrassment and just enjoyed herself by taking in the splendid sight.

“This is beautiful.” She hadn’t meant to speak aloud. Now she felt totally gauche, but the headwaiter just smiled at her.

“Thank you, madam.” Extending his arm with a flourish, he motioned her to take her seat.

Delight sat down and scooted around the bench. Lucian was right behind her, his large body taking up much of the space. There was room for only two people at the table and the small size of the seat assured that they would indeed be close. It was a table for lovers, cloaked in shadows and lit only by two white pillar candles that sat in silver holders.

Lucian immediately ordered a bottle of wine. Delight’s eyes widened as she recognized the exclusive label. They kept a few bottles of the vintage at Etienne’s but it was pricy. Their waiter beamed his approval before hurrying off to fetch their wine. “That’s too expensive.” She kept her voice to a whisper, not wanting to be accidentally overheard.

He shook his head at the scolding tone in her voice. She could tell he wasn’t taking her seriously at all. Fine, let him waste all his money on a stupid bottle of wine. What did she care? Her hands shook as she clasped her small purse in her lap. She knew she was being unreasonable about the wine, but it gave her something to focus on other than the much larger problems facing her.

Lucian sighed, placed his finger beneath her chin, and raised her face up. “I did not bring you here to distress you.” He bent forward and nipped at her bottom lip before soothing it with his tongue. “You do not seem to comprehend that money is of no concern to me. I have more than I can ever spend and it is easy enough to make more.”

Delight licked her lips, wanting to capture Lucian’s taste on her tongue. It took her a moment for his words to register, and when they did she spoke without thinking. “That doesn’t mean you have to waste it.”

Lucian threw back his head and laughed. It wasn’t a light chuckle, but a straight from the bottom of the stomach belly laugh. The sight of him mesmerized her. With his head thrown back, his long black hair trailed down over his shoulders and disappeared behind his back. His normally austere features relaxed, making him look younger and more carefree.

There was no way she could stay mad at him. Delight smiled even though his laughter was at her expense. When he looked back at her, his eyes were twinkling with amusement. She just shook her head and shushed him. Unfortunately, that set his laughter off once again.

“My sweet,” Lucian said as he finally regained control of himself. “I’ll never have to worry about you wanting me for my money. You object so strongly when I try to spend some of it on you.”

“Money isn’t important to me.”

Lucian sobered at her words and she regretted them immediately. Once again, he was the strong, silent man she’d come to know. She already missed his laughter and his smile.

He clasped one of her hands in his and brought it to his lips, kissing each knuckle in turn. “I know you do not care if I have money. But the fact is I have it.” She shivered as his tongue snaked out to taste between her fingers. “I want only to bring you pleasure, and if spending a few dollars can do that, then please allow me the privilege.”

“All right,” she murmured. When he put it that way, she felt slightly silly for having objected. After all, it was his money.

Their conversation was interrupted when the wine steward returned to their table and began the ritual of opening and presenting the wine for approval. Delight sat back against the plush cushions and watched Lucian. Sophisticated and cultured were the two words that came to mind. When both wineglasses had been filled, Lucian handed one to her and waited for her to taste. The golden liquid tingled in her mouth and slid easily down her throat. She’d never tasted anything quite like it. “It’s wonderful.”

The wine steward nodded and left the wine. He was replaced by their waiter, who handed them both gilded menus before verbally listing the evening specials. Delight was pleasantly amused when she opened the heavy vellum pages and realized there were no prices listed. She guessed that if you had to ask, then you shouldn’t be here. Determined to enjoy herself, she scanned the menu and then ordered the poached salmon in dill sauce with baby potatoes and glazed carrots. Lucian ordered a steak, rare.

It occurred to her that in the short time she’d known him, Lucian had become the most important person in her life next to her brother and Miss Nadine. It was crazy and impossible to fall for a man so hard and so fast, but Delight was very afraid that was exactly what she had done. The thought of not seeing him again made her heart ache and her soul weep.

Physically, he appealed to her in every way. She seemed to be in a constant low-level state of arousal when she was around him. Just sitting next to him was turning her on. His large body radiated strength and warmth and made her want to crawl into his arms and stay there.

The thought of his hands on her skin made her breasts swell and ache. Her nipples beaded into hard nubs and pushed against the front of her dress. She wasn’t wearing a bra, as the dress had one built into its construction, and the rasp of the material against her sensitive nipples made her want to moan.

She shifted on the bench seat, trying to ease the throbbing between her thighs. Her panties were already damp. What was it about Lucian that made her want and need him so? Was it because he was indeed a vampire? And still she couldn’t quite wrap her head around the idea. It didn’t seem possible or real while they were sitting here in this lovely restaurant surrounded by people. Had he done something to her? She frowned, not liking where her thoughts were heading.

“Is everything all right?” His concern settled her nerves. If all he wanted was to get her into bed and he was exerting some kind of control over her, he certainly didn’t need to take her to an expensive restaurant. All he’d have to do is take her home with him.

Was everything all right? She didn’t know and for tonight, she didn’t want to question things between them. Her problems were still very real and had to be dealt with, but for once in her life she wanted to throw her responsibilities aside for a single evening. She wanted to enjoy a wonderful meal in an exclusive restaurant with a very interesting and handsome man. She wanted to laugh and talk and flirt, to feel alive and womanly. She’d kept her sensual side under wraps for so long, it was clawing to be set free.

“Everything is fine,” she assured him.

A need to please Lucian grew deep inside her. Last night, he’d brought her to sensual heights that she’d never even dreamed existed. Tonight, she wanted to return the favor. A wicked idea formed in her mind. She licked her lips, wondering if she was daring enough to do it. Taking one last look around, she confirmed their absolute seclusion from the rest of the restaurant. Only the muted sounds of people talking and eating intruded on their privacy.

When the waiter gathered their menus and left them, Delight made her move. Knowing it would be fifteen to twenty minutes until their meal appeared, she was determined to take advantage of their time alone.

She casually dropped her linen napkin on the floor, feigned surprise, and then reached down beneath the table. “Oops. I’ll just get that.”

“Leave it. The waiter will bring you another.”

“No, I’ve just about got it.” Not giving herself time to think about what she was about to do—if she did she’d talk herself out of it—Delight slipped from her seat until she was on her hands and knees under the table. Ignoring the napkin, she scooted over until she was kneeling in front of Lucian.

“Delight.” Lucian sounded slightly perplexed. He began to lift the edge of the tablecloth.

Acting quickly so she didn’t lose her nerve, Delight placed her hands on the front of Lucian’s legs and slid them over his knees and kept going until they rested on top of his thighs. The muscles shifted and clenched beneath her palms.

She pushed his legs apart and scooted between his spread thighs. Her face was directly in front of the crotch of his pants. The material bulged forward as his erection grew and thickened. Delight licked her lips in anticipation and reached for the fastener on his pants.

The button was hard to undo because the material was pulled so snug, but she persevered and was rewarded when it finally slipped through the hole. Lucian muffled a groan as she eased the zipper over his swollen shaft. Pushing back the material, she was slightly startled when warm flesh leapt out to meet her hand. He wasn’t wearing any underwear.

His musky scent filled her senses, making her squirm with need. She wanted his cock thrusting hard inside her. But that would come later. This was all for him.

The table moved slightly, making her jump. Her startled gaze flew to Lucian, who was now staring down at her. He’d only moved the table a few inches, but by doing that and tugging up the ends of the tablecloth, he could see her kneeling between his legs waiting to service him.

The vibrant green of his eyes seemed lit by some inner light. His gaze scorched her as he stared at her. “Pull down your top so I can see your breasts.”

Delight shivered at his heated command. She felt wicked as she slipped the thin straps over her shoulders, peeled the clingy dress down her torso and let the material pool at her waist. She skimmed her hands over her stomach and palmed her breasts, rubbing the sensitive tips until she moaned.

Lucian’s strong fingers tangled in her short hair and guided her mouth toward his straining cock, not so subtly reminding her of her original intention. She laughed wickedly and swirled her tongue around the bulbous tip, taking pleasure in licking the liquid seeping from its slit. Using her fingers, she cupped his sac gently and massaged his balls as she continued to flick her tongue around the head.

She gripped the bottom of his shaft with her other hand and squeezed. Then she began to glide it up to the very top before sliding it back down to the base. Up and down, she pumped her hand in a slow rhythm. His cock pulsed against her fingers and she felt an answering call between her legs.

She shifted slightly, straddled one of his legs and rubbed her aching sex against it. She was so aroused it wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge. She’d never thought of herself as much of an exhibitionist, but knowing they were in a public place and could be caught at any moment added an edge to the already potent sexual situation.

Lucian thrust his leg harder against the fabric of her dress and Delight couldn’t hold back a moan. His cock jumped in her mouth as the vibration went through him.

She thought she heard him swear softly and then her head was caught in the vise of his hands. “Deeper.”

Not waiting for her to comply, he arched his hips and drove his length into her warm mouth. Delight parted her lips, eager to take him as deep as she could. Using her tongue, she stroked the length of his cock when he pulled it to the edge of her lips before forging his way back in again.

Delight sensed his tension growing as she continued to suck and lick his thrusting shaft. His sac tightened, pulling up closer to his body. His response fed her own desire and she arched her lower body against his leg. But she couldn’t get close enough. Her clothing was in the way.

She yanked up the skirt of her dress until only her damp panties covered her. Her inner muscles clenched, needy and desperate as she frantically pushed against him.

Lucian’s fingers grew almost painful as he clutched at her hair. Pumping his hips hard, he drove his cock deep into her throat one final time. His release was fast and furious. She pressed her sex more firmly against his leg and rubbed. She came immediately, her entire body trembling and shaking with her release.

When Lucian’s orgasm finally ran its course, he sank back against the plush seat. Delight continued to suck on his length, unwilling to let him go just yet. She was just about to move when the tablecloth was jerked back in place.

Delight blinked at the darkness and then froze when she heard the waiter’s slightly perplexed voice. “Mademoiselle has left?”

“The lady is powdering her nose. Leave our dinner and do not disturb us.” Lucian’s deep commanding voice made her shiver, and to her surprise, she felt desire welling up inside her again. She lazily sucked on his semi-erect cock and was annoyed when he reached beneath the table and tugged her head back until he popped out of her mouth. Sighing softly, she rested her head on his thigh and waited.

The waiter’s quick “Yes, sir” was followed by the clink of dinnerware being placed upon the table.

Delight didn’t move, even when she heard the retreating footsteps of the waiter. She was content to stay where she was so she wouldn’t have to face Lucian. Now that the pleasure was fading from her orgasm and the sounds of the restaurant were seeping back into her consciousness, her common sense began to reassert itself. She couldn’t believe she’d just given Lucian a blow job in a public place.

“You can’t stay down there all night long.” Lucian’s amused voice drifted down to her.

“Yes, I can.” Her boldness from moments ago had deserted her.

The tablecloth was flicked back and she blinked as his face came into focus. “Where has the temptress gone?”

Delight buried her face against the fabric of Lucian’s pants, ignoring him as he zipped and buttoned them. Before she could figure out what to say or do, he reached down and eased her from under the table.

He slid his hands from her shoulders, bringing them to rest over her bare breasts. Using his thumbs, he teased the still hard nubs before leaning down and sucking one right into his mouth. Delight shifted on the plush bench seat, pushing her breast closer to Lucian’s mouth. She suddenly no longer cared that they were in a public place, she wanted his mouth everywhere.

As if he’d read her mind, he raised his head and smiled a wicked smile. “Soon, my love.” He lapped at her nipple one last time before sitting back. “But first you must pay for your teasing.”

“What do you mean?” Her sex clenched, making her squirm. She tugged at the hem of her dress and tried to compose herself.

“First, we will enjoy our dinner.” Delight was confused by his change of subject and started to tug her dress back up to cover herself. Lucian’s hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her. “Leave it. I want to look at you while we eat.”

“I can’t sit here half naked,” she whispered. She cast a worried gaze to the small secluded opening that led to their private corner.

“But you will. There is no need to be concerned. No one will bother us.” It was a command. But Delight knew it was a test as well. A test of trust.

If she could trust him with her life, and she did, she could give him this. Her sense of humor reasserted itself and the corners of her mouth turn up slightly. The worst thing that could happen was that the waiter would see her and they would be asked to leave.

She picked up her fork and used the edge to cut into the salmon. Taking a small piece, she tasted the fish. She chewed carefully and savored the flavor before swallowing. It was perfection, seasoned just enough to enhance and not overpower. She pointed her fork at Lucian and made her final plea. “Remember, if we get thrown out of here it’s on you. And I won’t be very happy if it happens.”

Lucian chuckled, picked up his cutlery, and sliced off a thin piece of the bloody rare steak. His teeth gleamed in the candlelight as he forked it into his mouth. She trembled slightly as she watched him chew and swallow. His every movement was one of sensual pleasure. He never took his eyes off her breasts as he ate.

“I will remember.”

Delight felt goose bumps cover her torso and she knew he was referring not to what she had said, but rather to what she had just done.