Read Vacation with a Vampire & Other Immortals for Free Online Page B

He’d cleared the area around that, as well, so that no spark would ever land and set fire to his haven. Usually he used a domed screen to cover it, for even greater protection.
    As a vampire, he had more than one reason to fear open flames. And yet there was something so primal and so pleasing about them that he couldn’t resist. His kind had a love-hate relationship and an abiding fascination with fire. Maybe that came from never being able to see the sun.
    As always, the kindling stood nearby, and he bent to work, building a small campfire for her. As he worked, she spoke.
    “You don’t have to stay out here just because I am. If you want to go to bed, I mean…”
    “I tend to be a bit nocturnal myself,” he told her.
    “Really?” She frowned, and he knew she found that odd and wanted to ask why, wanted to dig a little. But she restrained herself with a sigh and moved on to a new subject. “Can you see the ocean from here? I haven’t caught a glimpse of it yet.”
    “From the second story you can. But there’s only my bedroom up there. And the bathroom, of course.” With a luxurious tub and shower he adored, and a toilet that had been installed just in case his hideaway was ever discovered. It was a cover. But it was a working toilet. It hadn’t been used since the last time a mortal had set foot on this island. Cassandra. But he wasn’t going to think about her.
    “What made you build so far from the shore?” she was asking.
    “Shelter from the storms. Privacy from any passing ships that might grow curious. But it’s only a short walk along that path to the beach. And you can hear the ocean from here. Listen.”
    She did. He watched her close her eyes to listen, saw the way her senses sharpened, and knew the moment she heard the waves whispering over the beach by the way her entire being practically sighed in contentment. Yes, this place had that same effect on him.
    And then her eyes opened again. “I know the full name of your sailboat, but not yours,” she said. “Who is the man who saved my life?”
    He rose from where he’d been hunkered by the fire, put a palm flat against his waist and bowed slightly toward her. “Diego del Torres,” he said.
    Smiling, she said, “I’m Anna Seville.”
    But he already knew that. He’d known it from the night he’d met her, two months ago. It was a name that had been whispering through his mind ever since. “I’m very glad you didn’t die, Anna Seville.”
    Her eyes lowered quickly, as if to hide some rush of emotion, and he heard her mind’s knee-jerk response. I’m dying soon, anyway. I thought I was ready, but now that I’ve met you, seen this place… I’m not sure of anything anymore.
    But aloud she only said, “I’m glad, too. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have had the chance to see this beautiful place, and to meet you. Thank you for saving my life, Diego.”
    “You are more than welcome.” He stared into her eyes—and into her mind—for a long moment, then finally decided to say what needed to be said. “And that is true, Anna, despite what I’m going to say next. And I hope you won’t take offense.”
    “You saved my life. I think you’ve earned the right to say whatever you feel you have to.”
    He nodded. “You cannot stay here.”
    She frowned, all the pleasure vanishing from her face.
    “A day or two more, yes, naturally, while you recover from your injuries, but once you’re well enough to travel, I will have to take you back to the mainland.”
    Her eyes shifted away from his, and she blinked rapidly. “I understand. This is your haven. Mine was broken to bits by the storm. That doesn’t give me the right to horn in on yours.”
    He nodded slowly. “I’m glad you understand.” He wanted to say more, but there was a feeling creeping over him, one he knew all too well. “It’s nearly sunrise.”
    She seemed to shake off the discomfort—hurt, perhaps—his words had inspired in her and looked at him again. “I want to