Rare Vintage by Bianca D'Arc Read Free Book Online Page B

spent in Kelly’s presence. He noted the
strange look in her eyes the few times they came face to face. It was both
accusatory and hurt, a combination that cut him to his core. Each time he
thought of it, he realized the wisest course of action was the one he was
on—whether she understood his sudden withdrawal or not.
    After a time, she got used to the new détente. Life rumbled
along as usual, with Kelly ably managing the vineyard offices for Atticus and
even taking a few messages for Marc when people called the vineyard seeking
him.
    And so it was no great surprise when she delivered a message
to him just after he rose for the evening. Atticus had sought him out for a
private moment in his study and Kelly tracked them there, tenacious in her duty
to deliver the message.
    “A man named Leonard Gibson is trying to reach you. He asked
his private secretary to set up a meeting at your earliest convenience.”
    Atticus looked over at Marc and raised one telling eyebrow.
“Looks like he’s decided to face you head on.”
    “Damn!”
     
    Kelly was a little surprised by the vehemence of Marc’s
tone. It was the first time she’d ever heard him use any sort of vulgar
language and it made her realize that this Leonard Gibson had to be something
of a thorn in his side. If his tone hadn’t conveyed it, the look on his face
would have confirmed her guess. Something was definitely up.
    “What are you going to tell him?” Atticus asked.
    “I don’t suppose you’re willing to take my offer?” Marc
challenged in return.
    Atticus held up both hands in denial. “I told you already, I
don’t want to be Master. I’m enjoying my new wife too much to enter politics.
Even for you, old friend. I’m sorry.”
    Kelly’s eyebrows rose in surprise at learning that Marc had
been ready to hand over his position of power to Atticus. It had to have
something to do with the phone message, but she was too polite to come right
out and ask. Instead she listened, shamelessly eavesdropping on the men.
    She had missed Marc. Ever since he’d kissed her the night
before she’d had that scandalous dream, he’d avoided her. She’d missed his
handsome face and charming grin. She’d missed the way he teased her and most of
all, she missed his kiss—that one fateful night had ruined her for any other man.
The memory of those stolen moments haunted her dreams and her waking moments,
but Marc had drawn away.
    In retrospect, it was probably for the best, but it still
hurt. She was glad he’d taken the initiative and backed off. When sanity
returned, she knew there was no future in a relationship with a vampire. In
fact, she wasn’t altogether certain that he hadn’t just wanted her blood. She
wasn’t sure if there really was a difference between sex and blood for a
vampire. She wasn’t sure if she hadn’t been reading too much into his
attention. Maybe all he’d wanted was a good time, and she’d fallen for him like
the sap that she was.
    Better not to get any more involved than they already were.
She could be professional, and he’d been a gentleman the few times she’d seen
him since that interlude on the veranda. It was good they’d both had time to
come to their senses. Still, she couldn’t help but admire the way he looked,
the way he talked, the way he moved. He was a handsome devil, but he was no
good for her and it was time she woke up and smelled the coffee.
    She refocused on the ongoing conversation, alarmed by the
varying expressions of disgust, resignation and fury on their faces. Something
was seriously wrong if even Atticus was upset. He was usually the most even-tempered
of men since his marriage to Lissa, but he was visibly upset.
    Marc paced, turmoil following his every step to permeate the
room.
    “Then it’ll be death,” he said, turning to face Atticus.
    Kelly gasped, and the two men seemed to finally realize she
was in the room and had heard everything.
    “Whose death?” The words tumbled from her lips, all