Read NocC 002 - The Ancients 01 - Bonnie Vanak - Bitten by the Vampire - Harlequin 2011-10 for Free Online Page A

Lucien the Ancient, who can kill with a single thought. And no one can kill him.”
    “No one is totally invincible.”
    “You seem so strong.”
    He felt a fragile bond of trust grow between them. “Not when I’m headless,” he attempted to joke. “Or facing fire. Both can kill me. Which is why I keep the dinner knives locked up and many fire extinguishers handy.”
    “I’m feeling kinda hot myself. Very hot.”
    Mara wrapped her arms around his waist. Startled, he realized she was pulling his shirttails out. Her palms slid up his bare back. Lucien’s body tightened with pleasure as she touched him.
    As he sank into the yearning in her blue eyes, he only wanted to hold the moment between them, like a glass snow globe. Mara with her angelic sweetness and her demonic passion.
    I could fall in love with you.
    Sweet mercy, love? Sex was one thing. Emotions, hell no, he couldn’t afford those. Love was lethal.
    It killed.
    Panic raced up his spine.
    He pulled away, steeling himself against the hurt in her eyes. First he’d teach Mara restraint and patience, and regain his lost composure. No sex until he was firmly in control of his emotions.
    This Darklighter would not break him as the other had.
     
    For the next two hours, she tested his sexual restraint. He finally went outside to get fresh air and try to cool off.
    When Mara stepped onto the balcony, he bit back a groan. She sighed and gave a luxurious stretch, the move pushing her breasts upward.
    His fingers itched to touch them, rub their nipples and then encase his mouth over one, enjoying her little moans as he suckled her.
    His trousers seemed too binding. He adjusted himself, watching her inhale the briny air, a smile teasing the corners of her wet, red mouth.
    Determined to cool down, he engaged her in an animated conversation about her studies, her hopes, her dreams of obtaining a degree in business administration. When he told her his wealth came from being a silent partner in several investment firms, her blue eyes sparkled.
    “I want to be an investment advisor,” she confided, pushing back a lock of hair.
    “Makes sense. Your demonic side would blend in well on Wall Street.”
    Her gurgling laughter sounded full and rich and unabashed. It was the laugh of a woman unafraid of what others thought. Utterly charmed, he leaned over and kissed her.
    Her lips were soft and warm beneath the pressure of his. Lucien cupped her face and drank in her mouth, losing himself in her sweetness. His tongue mated with hers as she sighed into his mouth.
    She was heady as the finest wine, the richest taste of blood on his tongue. He pulled away, putting distance between them. Giving the excuse of getting drinks for them both, he saw disappointment shadow her face.
    Ice clinked in the glasses as he prepared the beverages. Mara was more dangerous than the Society realized, he thought ruefully. She was a lethal weapon.
     
    Awhile later, Lucien suggested a swim to cool off.
    For himself, not her, he noted ruefully.
    The hotel pool was crowded with model-thin women in thongs and tanned men in clingy bathing suits. Not a family hotel. Not a child in sight. Just adults looking at each other like starved dieters at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
    And Mara, treading water at the pool’s side.
    The red-and-white checked bikini she wore hugged every delicious contour of her lush body. When he’d taken her to the hotel gift shop, the bikini was the only suit that fit. He’d preferred a one-piece fit for a modest, maidenly aunt. From the 18 th century.
    Lucien drew in a deep breath, fighting for his hard-won control. He wanted to spread her wide and take her on the pool deck. Forget all the people splashing in the water, sunning on the lounges. He wanted to make her moan. Make her scream and writhe. Excitement surged through him as he imagined her sweet mouth, swollen and red from his possessive kisses, all over his body. Blood surged thick in his veins, flooding his cock.
    He looked