Dark Sonata Page 16

  Elm’s gaze flickered over her once more then glanced across to Perri. He smiled at her, “Perri.”

  She grinned back; the smile was seductive, “Elm.” Perri glanced at Drake who was still eyeing her with a ravenous expression. “Drake, how long till Krzan arrives?”

  “Soon,” he replied, still in his trance.

  “You better stop staring at Victoria like she is a piece of meat and get on with it,” she harshly whispered.

  Elm laughed at that making Victoria blush, again. Maybe she could use another drink.

  Drake looked a little embarrassed. He glanced at Elm and shook his head. “Ezra, God rest his soul,” he clipped out, and then turned to leave.

  Elm’s green gaze settled on her. “Drink this quickly.”

  She took the golden goblet and put it to her lips. Perri gave her an encouraging look to drink. Downing the substance was not as bad as she thought, for it tasted like fruit nectar.

  “You might feel a little light headed at first but you will get used to it. Now, go mingle in the hall, making sure you do not let Drake or me out of sight. We will be the ones refilling your drink.”

  A chunky man that she had seen before walked up to them. He was holding a piece of meat, chewing. His beady eyes rested on her and then they narrowed. “You can see her breasts through that,” he pointed.

  Victoria cringed, wanting to cover up.

  “Tiny, you’re supposed to be the lookout—go!” Elm closed his eyes and exhaled.

  Tiny nodded and then smiled creepily at Victoria, with food still visible in his mouth. “Save me a dance princess.” He pointed awkwardly at her for a couple seconds then left with his head held high like a regal king.

  Perri giggled.

  Elm watched as Tiny left, his round body power walking past people. “There’s no help for it,” he turned to leave. “Find me if anything goes amiss.”

  Victoria looked out over the balcony, looking for him. She didn’t see him, though it was hard to see with the low lighting. They still had a little ways to go until they reached the main entrance, where she first entered Sydonia. Then they would make their way down the main staircase to the bottom.

  “Victoria, Ezra’s at the main entrance with Drake. Keep your cool, and don’t stare at him,” she whispered beside her. “We will head straight down the staircase passed them.”

  Her heart started to thunder. How did Perri know? Did she see him?! Butterflies were taking flight in her stomach. Victoria wasn’t prepared to see him just yet. Panic! Her firm confidence was slipping from just the mention of his name.

  “Relax,” Perri squeezed her hand.

  Taking a deep breath she tried to get a hold of herself. They rounded the last corner and her heart was in her throat. Instantly she spotted him and her whole body tensed unwillingly. Time seemed to stop altogether, suspended. He was not facing her for he was conversing with Drake, his back to her. It made sense that he would be at the entrance; he had to be there when Krzan arrived.

  She didn’t realize how broad of shoulder Ezra was, for he seemed so much bigger than Drake. Ezra stood half a head taller than him; the air of authority was in his strong stance and his serious expression. Even from this angle he looked terribly handsome, his allure was undeniable. His hair was pulled back with raven strands falling out from its confines. He wore an immaculate black, gold and crimson dress coat fit for an Arabian king with black pants that hung on his trim hips and molded perfectly to his muscled backside. His wide back and his long powerful legs would make a strong man wary.

  She felt her face heat.

  As they approached closer Drake’s eyes raised and met theirs. Victoria held her breath for this got Ezra’s attention. He slowly turned to see what had stolen Drake’s interest, his hands in his hips. His pale gaze scanned and then instantly clashed with hers, arresting time. It looked like it took him a minute to realize who he was gazing at. And once he did, his expression morphed into something she couldn’t read, for she’d never seen it before. His eyes widened and narrowed at the same time, the color of his skin dropped dramatically.

  Yes, it was a look of utter … shock.

  His stare immediately lowered and paused at her breasts and took one step forward, his mouth dropped slightly open. Victoria felt her heart thumping madly as Perri pulled her along. She tore her gaze from Ezra’s stunned one, trying to calm her dancing nerves.

  Perri whispered as they made their way down the stairs. “Bravo, I think that’s the first jaw drop I have ever witnessed on him,” she whispered, clearly enjoying herself. “I told you this dress would render him breathless.”

  She found her voice. “I wasn’t sure if he was mad or shocked. Maybe this was a bad idea,” she whispered, second-guessing her judgment.

  “It was both,” said a low voice behind them.

  Perri gasped and turned around with Victoria to stare at Ezra’s irate expression. Victoria was frozen from fear as she stared up at him.

  “A word alone with Victoria, if you don’t mind Perri. I think you’ve done enough,” he hissed, the deep circles under his eyes spoke of a short temper.

  This was the first time she saw Perri redden. She nodded and gave Victoria a pitying look then continued down the stairs alone. Ezra grabbed her arm, pulling her back up the stairs. Victoria tried to free her arm but his grip wasn’t budging. They passed the entrance where Drake stood and went into a room close by. Ezra walked in with her and slammed the door, throwing her on a plush couch.

  Victoria found her bearings and covered her bare legs that the slit exposed. Breathlessly she demanded, “What are you doing?”

  He stared down at her, his harsh breathing apparent. It seemed like hours went by before he said, “You dressed for me, did you?” His voice was cold, devoid of emotion.

  The impenetrable tension around them was suffocating, powerful.

  Mercy, she felt naked as his heated gaze roamed over her body and instantly she felt an inner thrill that shot up her spine. Victoria loved the way he was watching her, as if she were the only thing in the world he desired. She swallowed, feeling her pulse pounding against her neck as he inspected her, his pale gaze glimmering in the dim room. “Would you like it if I did dress for you?” she barely asked.

  He tilted his head at her, as if he was deciding what to say. “How far are you trying to push me love?” he voice was now low, raspy, as if he could not contain his anger, making her nervous.

  “You misunderstand.”

  He took a step closer making her tense. “Enlighten me.”

  She took a big drink of her numbing juice. Victoria looked up at him thinking he looked too male at this moment. The man resembled a dark overlord, exuding such a potent sense of power. His heavy breathing just made her notice how solid his chest actually was, straight down to his hands that were crossed at his chest. Her eyes flickered over his hands, such long graceful fingers for such a powerful man. A man who could play the violin, hands of a composer, an artist, instrumentalist. Heat rose to her cheeks, finding nothing more attractive than that. His black shirt was undone at the top giving her a view of his ivory skin, wishing she could touch him. Or, wishing he would touch her with those very skilled fingers. Gold was woven through his loose black shirt that was studded with blood red gems, gleaming scarlet. His pants were snug, fitting him so wonderfully delicious. Victoria blushed, seeing a rather large bulge, between his legs.

  Mercy.

  “If you keep looking at me like that I will not be responsible for what happens next,” he breathed the warning.

  “I could say the same to you.” She took another drink, feeling a bit light headed. With a shaky arm she set the goblet down.

  Did she really just say that?

  Oh dear.

  His brows drew together and a slow smile spread across his lips.

  Yes, she must have.

  It must be the drink.

  Victoria glanced away, his smile making her feel hot all over, her stomach tightening. He should
not be allowed to smile at all. “I am just trying to blend in,” she admitted and glanced back at him. He had inched closer.

  Ezra was still smiling, grinning like a wolf. He licked his lips as his gaze traveled over her, not even sure if he knew he was doing it. “'Trying to blend in’, she says,” he repeated lightly.

  Victoria arched a brow, knowing she had the upper hand. A woman always did. “Correct.” She slowly stood and watched as his impossibly long lashes lowered to the swell of her breasts. “So do I blend in?” They stood but an arm’s length away, close enough that she could smell the wild scent of him. Rain and something exotic, like Sydonia, the sensual smell that had her pulse accelerating. Her body was humming now, the pit in her tummy felt warm, her skin too sensitized.

  “No,” he said and exhaled. “You look like innocence playacting a whore; you stand out like a sore thumb.”

  Victoria frowned at his cruel words.

  His eyes met hers and she held her breath, taken aback by the intensity she saw in them. It was lust, desire, a fire she was not prepared for. “Do you wear undergarments?” his voice a whisper.

  Victoria raised one eyebrow, feeling every caress from his heated gaze.

  He laughed and tilted his head at her, like he thought her silly.

  She'd be damned if she let him treat her like a simple whore, even though she looked like one. “I believe I should go find Perri.”

  “The hell you will.”

  She shifted her weight, not sure what to make of this. “You mean to keep me in here? This is not the plan Ezra.”

  God, she needed to get away from him. She could not think when he was this close to her; and that was dangerous. She had a hard time holding eye contact with him.

  Ezra undid more of his shirt to where it hung open to his chest making her breathing hitch, wondering what he was about. Then he started to roll up his sleeves and gave her a heavy lidded stare and a seductive smile that make her muscles clench. What's he doing? He needed to stop.

  “You’re not going anywhere,” he said darkly.

  She stepped back, heart pounding. “And why not?”

  “I want you.”

  Her eyes widened.

  “I want to taste you. I want you naked—”

  “Ezra!” she pleaded, begging him to stop with her eyes.

  “I want you to call out my name when you come,” he said softly.

  Victoria felt her face heat and her body was trembling from his bold words. “We can’t.”

  We can’t.

  He shrugged like he didn’t care what she thought. “You should have worn a different dress.”

  Victoria didn’t have time to respond for he was right in front of her making her scream. She tried to bolt but he grabbed her and brought her to him forcefully, not caring, one hand grabbing her hair and pulling back. His mouth crushed upon hers, demanding she kiss him back. The kiss was draining for it felt like he was sucking the life out of her. Mercy. No woman could fight against this. She’d bet no one kissed like him. His mouth moved over hers like he was a starved man, frantic, desperate to have her. That alone thrilled to her, bringing her to such heights. He moaned into her mouth when she opened up for him, their tongues now combating. This fever was overtaking her, her body felt hot, the pit of her tummy tightening. Their breathing was harsh, her pulse pounding, her vision blurry. Did she even know where she was anymore? Her hands went for his thick beautiful hair, running her fingers through the silky strands. Mercy. This was such a heady combination.

  She didn’t give a damn about anything but him now.

  Damn it all to Hell, she was no lady and didn’t care to be one right now.

  She pulled his hair harder and that seemed to ignite something inside of him for he groaned again into her mouth and bent down leaving her dazed, lips swollen. Ezra grabbed the bottom of her dress and hiked it up so fast she didn’t know what was happening. Suddenly he picked her up like she weighed nothing, her legs instinctively going around his hips. They were kissing again, his mouth devouring her, her legs locked around him. She felt his hardness against her and it made her dizzy with wanting him.

  “Ezra,” she pleaded in between his drugging kisses.

  His mouth was consuming her to where she barely had time to breathe, think, only feel. What had gotten into her?! She was now pulling at his shirt like a wild animal, desperate to touch him. Her hands found his rock hard chest and they loved how smooth it felt, her fingers brushing over his nipples making him hiss. He was magnificent. Victoria moaned when she felt his large hands squeeze her backside, caressing her with rough, urgent hands. She heard something crash over there and then another clang to her left. She was now up against the wall with Ezra pinning her. His mouth left her lips and trailed down her neck, whispering into her flushed skin. Her hands were in his hair, feeling his lips moving over her sensitive skin. It was then she realized that he was kissing her through the lace of the dress and somehow that was quite erotic.

  “Damn this dress,” he hissed hotly onto her skin.

  His left hand was now on her breast, molding it into his palm while the other held her up. Pinching her nipple first, his mouth followed close behind. Victoria cried out, feeling like she was being consumed within his fire, and the fire was only building with power. He was relentless and now his wet mouth covered her nipple making her tummy clench deliciously.

  Ezra’s hand smoothed up her calf and up still, to her thigh, his hand applying pressure. His mouth left her breast and whispered into her ear. “Do you want me to touch you?”

  “Yes!” She was not daft.

  “Good girl,” he breathed. His hand found her moist center and he closed his eyes, exhaling a sigh through clenched teeth. “Hell’s bells.”

  She threw her head back instinctively, feeling his finger moving her meager underwear aside and assaulting her.

  He laughed then murmured, “You’re so ready, and absolutely perfect.”

  Ezra removed his hand and brought it to his lips to taste, making her face instantly heat. He closed his eyes as if he had never tasted anything sweeter. “You are mine,” he said with surprising seriousness. “Now I am going to make you scream my name.”

  Her heart skipped a beat only to come back with pounding furry. His mouth crushed on hers again as his hand was on there again, this time showing no mercy.

  Her world was igniting into a bonfire.

  Ezra suddenly stopped, his eyes going wide.

  “Ezra? Ezra, don’t stop …”

  He instantly pulled down her dress and put her down, turning fast.

  A loud laugh echoed throughout the room. “Excuse me for intruding, I didn’t know this room was occupied.”

  Ezra closed his eyes, pushing Victoria behind him.

  Victoria peered around him and almost screamed. A man with ghostly white skin leaned up again the wall; his pale flesh had red marking all over it. He stood well over seven feet tall with a bald head and evil crimson eyes. He wore no shirt and loose black pants. His muscles were massive and alarming, he looked like a monster.

  Ezra stepped forward. “Krzan. What a pleasure.”

  Krzan.

  Chapter nine

  Ezra glowered as Krzan spoke.

  “Look at you, so close to turning,” Krzan’s crimson gaze moved over Ezra’s pale face in delight. “I bet your father would be so proud, wouldn’t you say? That dying bastard,” Krzan spat then smiled wickedly, walking closer to them. “He should be here to witness this. Your body looks like it wants to mimic mine. That’s … touching.”

  Ezra was trying to keep it together for Victoria’s sake, he knew she would be badly affected to know that he was in the process of turning. Yes, unfortunately his soul was mimicking Krzan’s, wanting badly to give in. When a half-breed is close to transforming, being in the presence of someone who is as evil as Krzan will push the process on faster. His body was screaming in pain, his energy was depleting fast. He had not taken this into consideration that being in Krzan’
s presence would affect him so profoundly.

  Victoria was looking up at him, her concern evident in her sultry eyes. He closed his lids and slapped her hard on the ass, making her gasp in response. Ezra leaned down, wrapping his arm around her small waist, holding her still so he could raise her skirt. He boldly palmed her bare ass and whispered loud enough so Krzan could hear, “I hope that didn’t hurt too bad you evil wretch. I’ll call upon you later and give you a sound beating.” He lowered his voice even more and whispered, “Go find Elm.” She flushed as he palmed one of her breasts and gave her another harsh slap on the bottom.

  Her gaze held panic in their wide, questioning stare. She could obviously see the effects on his face. Ezra felt sick and pale. A thin sheen of sweat dotted his forehead from the rising pain and his breathing was becoming very harsh. “Leave,” he demanded with his eyes.

  She took a sharp breath and fled from the room, slamming the door in her wake. All he wanted to do was to hold her and tell her he was sorry for losing himself. What the fuck was he thinking?! He wasn’t, that was the problem. One look at her in that damned lace gown had nearly driven him mad with uncontrollable lust. For a second he actually thought he had lost his mind when he threw her on the couch. Her legs were so smooth and long, he desperately wanted them wrapped around his waist. God’s breath, she looked so mouthwatering, even more so when her cheeks were flushed and lips were swollen from his kisses. The addicting taste of her still lingered on his lips and tongue, reminding him what he could never have again.

  Ezra took a shaky breath as his vision swam, his body feeling incredibly weak. He knew what was happening—he had been dreading this day all his life. His soul was leaving and he didn’t know how to hold on to it. His blood was blackening; the vibrant red was morphing into something ugly and dull. When a Liorian’s soul rots, their body shuts down, almost like death. Actually, death to some would be preferred. The heart still beats regularly, with the difference being that the mind and soul die. Compassion and morality become foreign feelings. The only emotions he will be capable of feeling will be pain, anger, greed and lust.