Under a Vampire Moon by Lynsay Sands Read Free Book Online Page B

Julius’s eyes narrowed.
    “I’m just asking so I don’t use the wrong technique on Caro,” Christian said, holding his father’s gaze and ignoring Raffaele for now. Lips twitching, he added, “Maybe you could school me in how to talk to her. Should I practice in my head?”
    “Oh man, I’m so missing something here,” Zanipolo muttered.
    Julius suddenly relaxed. “Go ahead and laugh, son. But it’s you in the hot seat now.” Expression solemn, he added, “And Carolyn isn’t immortal, with an immortal’s understanding of life mates. She’s also been hurt and has a natural resistance to getting involved with men at the moment, not to mention utter horror at the idea of even being attracted to someone she thinks is as young as you are. She will be difficult. Accept your mother’s help.”
    Christian frowned at the thought that anyone had hurt his Carolyn, but let it go for now and glanced to his mother. “What do you suggest?”
    Marguerite relaxed, though he suspected it was the brief verbal exchange between her son and husband that had made her tense to begin with. Now she said, “Well, I think we should see how Gia’s talk with her goes. Then Genie can help.”
    “Genie? The entertainment coordinator?” he asked with bewilderment.
    Marguerite nodded. “They are friends and she seems open to the idea of a vacation romance for Carolyn. As is her other friend Bethany.”
    “I’m not interested in a vacation romance,” Christian growled.
    “Yes, dear, I know,” Marguerite said patiently. “But it’s a start. You have to work your way up to this.”
    He shifted impatiently, but knew she was right. “Okay, so how can Genie help?”
    “With the right prodding, I’m quite sure she’ll help convince her,” Marguerite assured him. “But, in the meantime, I don’t think you should even talk to Caro again until tomorrow.”
    “Tomorrow?” Christian sat up abruptly. Cripes, he wanted her now. Waiting till tomorrow was—
    “You have waited five hundred years. One day won’t kill you,” Marguerite said, patting his hand soothingly. “Besides, it won’t really be tomorrow.”
    When he allowed his confusion to show, she smiled. “Shared dreams.”
    “Oh, man.” Zanipolo punched Christian in the arm. “Shared dreams are supposed to be hot.”
    “Hopefully, with talking to Gia, encouragement from Genie, and the shared dreams she may be more willing to overlook the age difference.”
    Christian suspected it wouldn’t be that easy, but merely asked, “Is she close enough to have shared dreams?”
    “She’s in the villa below yours,” Marguerite said, grinning. “We arranged it.”
    “Thank you,” he murmured.
    “Don’t thank us. We haven’t won her for you yet,” Marguerite said, and then warned, “And I suspect no matter what we do, she’ll still run eventually.”
    When Christian stilled, she shrugged. “All of your brothers’ life mates ran at some point or another,” she said quietly. “It’s a frightening prospect for a mortal. They have not only to accept our existence, but to trust in nanos, something they didn’t even know about before meeting an immortal.”
    Christian glanced up as Genie suddenly appeared at the table, smiling widely.
    “Oh, you guys are great. Everyone I’ve talked to loves you,” she announced happily, and then asked, “Where’s Gia? And Carolyn?” she added as she noted her friend was missing as well.
    “They are in the ladies’ room. I’m sure both will be back soon,” Marguerite answered. “Speaking of Carolyn, Christian was just asking about her, but I don’t know her as well as you. Perhaps you can answer his questions?”
    Genie’s eyebrows rose as her gaze shifted to him. “Sure. What did you want to know?”
    Taking his mother’s cue, Christian smiled and said, “Everything.”

 
    Three
     
    C arolyn stepped out of the stall and headed for the sinks, her footsteps slowing as she recognized the blonde fluffing her hair in