Read Paris After Dark for Free Online

shocked as much by her statement as she’d been by his. How could she still be worrying about such a trivial item when her life as she knew it was over?
    “He bit you,” he said slowly.
    “Uh-huh, and I told you I’ve been bitten before,” Rachel said as if she were speaking to a child.
    Gabriel took a sip of wine. “You don’t understand.”
    “You said he didn’t have rabies.” Rachel glanced at her bandaged arm.
    Most women in Rachel’s position would be in hysterics by now. “No, not rabies. Something far worse.” Gabriel stared at her, taking in the arch of her brow, the soft curve of her neck, the gentle rise of her breasts. So beautiful and full of life. He wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms. Hold her tight and never let her go. He had to say something. Explain what had happened, but …
    How do you tell someone you are beginning to care about that they’ll be dead by the weekend?
Five
    “I don’t feel so good.” Rachel clutched her stomach and hunched over.
    He rose to his feet. “We need to get you back to the hotel.”
    She swayed. “Not until you explain what’s happening to me.”
    Gabriel sighed. “I will, but this is not the place. What I need to tell you requires privacy.”
    “Fine, but you’re not leaving until you do,” she said, daring him to argue.
    Sadness clouded his eyes. “You’re not going to like what I have to say.”
    Rachel stood as Gabriel threw money down on the table. “I’ve got news for you. There’s nothing you can say that will be worse than the day I learned my partner had been removed from life support.”
    Gabriel’s expression was grave when he finally answered. “Remember you said that after we talk.”
    Rachel’s feet were dragging and they still had a block to go before they reached the luxurious Luxembourg Parc boutique hotel. She felt worse now that she’d eaten, and the dread of the upcoming conversation wasn’t helping matters. What could Gabriel possibly say that was worse than Paul’s death? And what had he meant by the attack costing her life? She glanced his way. He remained focused on the sidewalk, lost in thought.
    Her head spun and Rachel reached out to steady herself. Her hand missed and she began to fall. Strong arms swept her up before she hit.
    “This is embarrassing.” Rachel fidgeted and looked around to see if anyone was watching. “Put me down.”
    His blue gaze arrested her, stopping her struggles. “You are in no condition to argue.”
    As much as she’d hate to admit it, Gabriel was right. Besides, Rachel enjoyed being in his arms. He carried her as if she weighed nothing, cradling her close to his chest. Each step he took lulled her, until she eventually nodded off.
    The dark-haired woman left the party, bidding her friends goodbye. She walked down the busy boulevard, then turned left onto a quiet street. The crowds faded in the distance as her long strides took her further away from safety.
    Her ebony skin shimmered in the darkness. It flowed like the black fabric of her cocktail dress. The tap, tap, tap of her heels sounded obscenely loud in the stillness of the night. Rachel watched the pulse jump under the skin at her neck. It throbbed in time to her steps. A coppery fragrance reached her, so enticing that Rachel had to find out where it was coming from. The woman turned, startled by someone behind her. Then she smiled.
    “Oh, it’s just you,” she said.
    Rachel’s mouth was sand dry as she licked her lips. So thirsty. So hungry. So hot. She shifted, trying to get comfortable, but it was impossible.
    Fangs flashed and the woman’s smile faded. She didn’t get a chance to scream as the sharp teeth tore at her slender throat. Blood bubbles escaped from her mouth as unnatural desires were fed.
    Rachel cried out and bolted upright. Gabriel was seated in a nearby chair. He rose instantly and came forwards.
    “What happened?” he asked.
    She blinked. “I saw him. I saw … she’s dead.”
    He frowned.