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uncover."
     
    "I'd like to know your secrets," he said.
     
    She swallowed again. "I d-don't know what you mean."
     
    "Of course you do." He smiled and took her hand. The cool touch made her breath hitch, but she contained it. His thumb lightly stroked her skin, making her efforts to resist him so much more difficult. Did he know how the simple contact left her stomach a quivering mass, and her heart pounding in her chest?
     
    His gaze dipped lower, settling on her neck. Still her heart raced, but apprehension replaced her excitement. They were alone here, no one could see them. The murmurs of the audience as it settled reminded her they were not truly alone, but if he chose to attack here, could she stop him? The crucifix was in her purse, and because she'd worn her hair up, she hadn't bothered with her tattoos. She was helpless.
     
    She mentally prepared to flee, but his gaze once again returned to hers. The hunger there was not vampiric, though how she knew was beyond her. She only knew she was too easily swayed by the promise of delight in his eyes. The lights dimmed then, and as her vision adjusted, she couldn't quite see his eyes anymore. She could feel their heat and she took a steady, even breath and turned toward the stage.
     
    Concentrating on the performance proved difficult. Her hand was still encased by his long fingers, still stroking, still stirring her senses. She gave a little tug, and he released her. Though she didn't turn around to look at him, she suspected he smiled.
     
    The story of the artists and their lovers in Paris, told with enchanting music and incredible voices, drew her in, and by the time the lights came up for the intermission, she realized she leaned over the box. Straightening, she turned to Adrian. Had he smiled throughout the whole performance?
     
    "I'm glad you are enjoying it."
     
    She nodded. "I am. You were right. Olivia Bertrand is a wonderful Mimi. Her voice is incredible."
     
    "Yes, when first I heard her sing, I knew with the right training, she would go far. I wouldn't be surprised to see her in New York soon. I'll take you to see her."
     
    He knew just how to get to her. Returning to New York would be wonderful, for even though she was glad to be home, she felt out of place here. She longed for the beat of the big city, the excitement and treasures to be found lurking anywhere.
     
    "You sound quite sure that will happen."
     
    Adrian lifted his chin. "I am."
     
    "Tell me, does Olivia's father work for you too? Isn't that your standard deal?"
     
    Adrian sucked in his breath, momentarily taken aback by the change of subject. Then he smiled. She had been unusually silent on the matter of her father. He sensed she was about to start in now.
     
    "No, unfortunately, Olivia's parents died when she was a child. She was raised by an aunt."
     
    "Does her aunt work for you then?"
     
    Ignoring her question, Adrian led her from the box and down the stairs to the lobby. A waiter passed carrying champagne and he snatched two glasses, and headed for a darkened corner.
     
    "Most people know better than to ask those sorts of questions." He handed her a glass, pleased she didn't refuse.
     
    She met his gaze steadily. He wanted to drown in the ebony depths. "I'm not most people," she said.
     
    "True, and for that, I am grateful."
     
    She tilted her head, her brow furrowing. "What do you mean?"
     
    "Tonight would not be nearly as enjoyable."
     
    He leaned closer, satisfied with the way her breath noticeably caught. She backed up, but came against the wall. He reached up and stroked her cheek, wishing they were truly alone so he could touch so much more. Leaning forward, he pressed a soft kiss to her lips, and she gave a little gasp before her she melded her mouth to his.
     
    Voices nearby distracted him and he stepped away as another couple neared. Adrian turned, and immediately wished he hadn't.
     
    "Du Lac, is that you? It is! I wasn't sure you'd be here tonight." Ingrid