Enchant the Night. Amanda Ashley

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СКАЧАТЬ Chalet. Have you ever been there?”

      “No.”

      “Me, either.” He smiled at her. “A first for both of us.”

      Callie nodded, thinking she had experienced a lot of “firsts” since she’d met Quill.

      The Chalet was a small, intimate restaurant. The lighting was dim, the music low.

      Callie ordered shrimp and rice; Quill chose steak, very rare, a baked potato, and a bottle of cabernet.

      Spreading her napkin in her lap, Callie said, “Can I ask you something?”

      “Anything you want.”

      “How did you get that scar on your neck?”

      “Oh, that.” He ran the back of his forefinger over the jagged scar. “Souvenir of a nasty fight with one of the Knights of the Dark Wood.”

      “You told me all your injuries healed.”

      “They do. But wounds made with pure silver don’t only hurt like hell, they tend to leave a mark,” he said with a rueful grin. “I’m afraid that attack the other night left me with a few more.”

      More than a few, she thought.

      “Anything else you’d like to know?”

      “Your parents . . . are they still alive?”

      “As far as I know.”

      “Are they both vampires?”

      “Only my father.”

      “And your mother’s still alive? How is that possible? Vampires might live for hundreds of years, but ordinary people don’t.”

      “Perhaps one day I’ll tell you.”

      She lifted one brow. “But not now?”

      “ No.”

      “Do they live here, in the States?”

      He shook his head. “Last I heard, they were living in Australia. Sydney, I think.”

      “Do you see them often?”

      “Often enough so that they don’t forget who I am,” he said, grinning.

      “Were you born here?”

      “No. In Savaria, Hungary. Most of our kind still live there.”

      “Why did your parents leave?”

      “My father’s got an itchy foot and doesn’t like staying in any one place too long. They move every fifty years or so.”

      Callie mulled that over until their dinner arrived. She grimaced when she saw Quill’s filet mignon. He had asked for rare, but she couldn’t help thinking if the steak had been cooked a minute less, it might have stood up and walked away.

      Her meal, however, was excellent, the wine a rare vintage that lingered on the tongue. They made small talk during the meal. While waiting for dessert—a rich chocolate mousse Callie had been unable to resist—she asked about Vivian.

      “She’s fine.”

      “Did you . . . ?”

      “Yes. Last night, after I took you home.”

      “Will she remember that we were together Sunday night, or did you erase that, too?”

      “She’ll remember that you met and had a good time together. That’s all.” Seeing her frown, he said, “You don’t approve?”

      “No,” she said flatly. “It seems wrong, messing with people’s minds. You tried to make me forget what you are. What else have you made me forget?”

      “Nothing, love. That was the one and only time.”

      She wanted to believe him, but how was she to know if he was telling her the truth?

      “Trust me, Callie. Please.”

      It was the please that did it.

      “Do you want a bite?” she asked, when the waitress brought her dessert.

      He slid a glance at her throat.

      “That’s not what I’m offering.”

      “I know. More’s the pity. But in answer to your question, no, thank you.” He smiled as she took a taste, wondering if she wore the same look of exquisite pleasure during lovemaking. He rather enjoyed watching her. “Do you want another?” he asked when she’d licked the last trace of chocolate from the spoon.

      “I’d love one, but no. Too many calories.”

      “Maybe we can shed a pound or two,” he suggested, nodding toward the dance floor in the adjoining room.

      “Good idea.”

      Taking her hand, he led her into the other room. The lighting was soft, the music slow. Callie felt a rush of excitement when Quill drew her into his embrace, so close she had no trouble following his lead. It was heaven, being in his arms. He was incredibly light on his feet for such a big man.

      There was something magical about being in his arms. To Callie, it seemed as if they were floating over the floor. Her heart skipped a beat when she looked up to find him gazing down at her, his eyes smoky with desire.

      The first song blended seamlessly into another ballad. Drawing her closer, he brushed a kiss across her lips.

      Callie closed her eyes when he kissed her again, longer this time. She leaned into him, her insides quivering at his touch.

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