Immortals After Dark 05 - Dark Needs at Nights Edge

lèvres.” Delicious like your lips. He shot upright when she rubbed her stocking-clad foot up his leg.
    In a huskier voice, he said, “You can use your considerable wiles”—his gaze dropped to the low neckline of the dress he’d given her—“all you like, but I’ll never break.”
    For dessert, the server brought to the table a miniature chest of drawers, handcrafted of silver. Inside each tiny drawer was a different kind of petit four.
    “That’s it,” she said, sampling all the delights, “I’m never leaving,”
    “Don’t worry—we’ll come back.”
    She forced herself to smile through the pang she felt. “At least once a week for the petit fours alone.”
    After their dinner, Conrad said, “Ready for your surprise?”
    “Yes, I’m about to die!” she said, immediately wishing she could take back those words, but she masked her disquiet.
    He covered her eyes, as he liked to, then traced her yet again. She sensed different weather, fresh smells. And she heard a new language—French.
    With his other hand warm on her bared back, he led her toward a spot that sounded more crowded than where they’d arrived. Then he uncovered her eyes.
    Her lips parted on a gasp. She was standing in front of L’Opéra Garnier, the lavish home of the Paris Ballet. Shivers skipped up and down her arms. Tonight’s performance? Roméo et Juliette.
    It was one of her favorite Shakespeare plays, and one she’d always dreamed of seeing choreographed. To experience it here? In Paris? Her eyes watering, she said, “Conrad, this is the most wonderful thing anyone’s ever done for me.”
    And the most desirable man she’d ever known was offering his big hand to take her there. “Come,” he murmured. “Or we’ll be late.”
    Dazed, she let him guide her up the steps inside the palace. With the sounds of the orchestra tuning in the background, she was overwhelmed by the splendor, gazing from the artistry gracing the ceilings down to the elaborate marble designs beneath her heels.
    When they took their seats—in the best box—she purred, “Oh, vampire, you’re gooood. It’s almost as if... you stint on nothing?”
    With a sexy grin, he removed his sunglasses and said, “I’m glad you approve.”
    From the instant the curtain rose, her heart pounded nonstop. During the performance, she was in heaven, struck by how much ballet had both evolved and remained the same. The medium of dance perfectly suited the tale, the music its sublime partner.
    Yet Conrad sat with his arms crossed over his chest, a critical look on his face. “You shame them,” he grated, which just made her love him more.
    “Well, thank you for that, but I believe I’d be a bit short and busty compared to these modern dancers.”
    “I happen to have a thing for short and busty ballerinas.”
    She gave him a slow smile. “I’m glad you approve.”
    “Exceedingly so.” A hank of thick black hair fell over one of his eyes. “Do you miss it?”
    “I do. It was thrilling to perform for an audience. And I miss the camaraderie in the troupe.” She even missed her muscles aching from the exertion of a taxing rehearsal. “But I’m happy that I get to share this with you.” His hand found hers.
    Once the curtain closed, she teared up at the tragic ending—though it was expected and accepted—because it had a new meaning for her now. Néomi, too, would be separated from the man she loved. She didn’t want to be, lamenting that she was in this position.
    But it was expected. She’d accepted it. And she didn’t regret a moment—
    He slipped a felt-covered box into her hand. “What is this?” she asked, though she knew.
    With a swallow, she opened the case. Inside lay an exquisite platinum ring, with a vibrant blue sapphire center stone flanked by diamonds.
    “Be my wife, Néomi.”
    When she could take her eyes from the ring, she gazed up at him. He’d asked her here. Awash in the beauty of this place, her heart was full with emotion from the dance—and from loving the man who’d given this night to her. Under any other circumstances, she would have been crying with joy.
    “Conrad... ” The need to confess everything burned within her. But she feared robbing herself of this time with him. It’s running out. Their gazes held. And I can’t tell you.
    Giving the ring back would be one of the hardest things she’d ever done. Though it was tearing her apart, she handed him the box. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “I