Burden Of Blood (18 page)

Nicole held the jewel between her fingers as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.  The elaborate knots of silver wrapped around the stone were so beautiful, it reminded her a bit of how her life had become.  Lots of intricate ropes tying her life together, one connected to the other, all depending on each other for strength and if one fails, then all the beauty that is held in it would be lost forever.

She sighed deeply as she applied the finishing touches to her makeup.  When she was happy with her reflection, she made her way to the door.  She stopped when she noticed her gun lying in its place next to the front door.  After a few moments’ thought, she picked it up and put it into her purse.  “I’m not going to make that mistake again,” she mumbled as she locked up her apartment and began walking to the car where Luke was waiting.

Chapter 11

Luke pulled the black car to a stop in front of the night club.  There was still plenty of parking this early in the evening.  Most of the partiers didn’t start until after ten so they would have time to scope out the place for Ronald before the crowd got too thick.

This was Nicole’s first trip to this club and she could tell by the few people standing outside that this was going to be an interesting night.  One woman, in particular, stood out to her.  She was dressed in all black with leather and silver studs forming the theme for her attire.  Her black straight hair was cut into a short bob and her makeup was as white as baby powder, set off by bright red lips.  The woman’s neck sported a wide black dog collar with silver spikes and each nostril of her nose glimmered with small silver hoops.  Nicole gave Luke a wide-eyed look in shock.

“Don’t worry, everyone here doesn’t dress like that.  This club is notorious for all types.” He reached forward carefully taking the stone that dangled from her necklace but never touching her skin.  “Did I tell you that you look beautiful tonight?” he paused focusing on the stone in his palm.  “This stone is perfect for you,” he gazed into her eyes looking as if he wanted to say more but reluctantly placed the jewel back down on her chest.

Nicole could feel the warmth on the stone from where his hand had held it.  It sent a painful longing throughout her body as the heat faded.  She met his eyes only to drop her gaze back down to her necklace.  She couldn’t handle looking into his hazel eyes.  The pull was too dangerous and she could tell her resolution to remain a lonely soul was weakened the more time she spent with him.  “Thank you, it was my mother’s.  I feel like I have a little piece of her with me when I wear it.”

“You are very lucky to have such wonderful parents,” his look was gentle but there was a touch of pain in his eyes.

Nicole’s brows knitted together as she spoke.  “What about your parents?  You never talk about yourself.  I know that you’re a warrior but that’s all.”

“Not much to tell really.  When you’ve been around for centuries, details like that get lost in your mind.” He paused deep in thought, a small smile turned up the corner of his lips when he gaze back at her.  “I do remember that my mother was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, but I guess all little boys think their mothers are pretty.” he chuckled.  “You ready to go inside?”

Nicole nodded, and then moved to open her door to get out.  Her mind was still trying to process what it would feel like to completely forget her parents.  The thought made her chest ache.  Maybe living forever wasn’t all the glamour and glitz it appeared to be.  Memories of her mother were her most valuable treasure.  To forget those would be like losing her heart and replacing it with a dark void. 
How does Luke manage to be so happy in this kind of life?
She wondered.  She grasped the door handle but it opened before she could push it, revealing Luke politely waiting for her to join him.

“Wow, you are fast,” she smiled at him as she stepped from the car.

Luke gave her a quick wink as he shut the door.  “When I need to be.”

Nicole felt her cheeks flush with heat as she thought of the implications of his statement.  She bit the edge of her lip trying to hold back the smile of embarrassment as they began walking towards the club.

After going through the normal I.D.  checks, they made their way inside.  Luke led her to a table in a corner with seats that faced out, overlooking the rest of the floor.  The bar area and the scattered tables that sat around were dimly lit.  It gave Nicole the illusion of being alone with Luke even though there were several other couples enjoying drinks.  She noticed the dance floor on a slightly lower level of the building.  It was a sharp contrast to where she was.  There were large stars and a massive moon hanging from the ceiling.  Various strobe lights were flashing across the floor and the half wall that surrounded the area, and a thick fog covered the dancers’ feet.  “Wow, this place takes the night theme serious,” Nicole remarked.

“Are you getting anything yet?” Luke asked, pointing to his head so she would understand his cryptic question.

“No, nothing.  How about you?”

He shook his head.  “Not even a tingle.  Maybe he’s not here yet,” he turned his head scanning for a waitress.  “Now remember we have to look like we are here enjoying the club, not on a stake out.” He returned his attention back to Nicole when he was satisfied that someone was on their way to take their drink order.

Nicole noticed Luke’s face was set in stone when he faced her again.  “This isn’t my first rodeo, cowboy,” she grinned softly at him as she tried to understand the sudden change.

A rail thin waitress with large breasts that screamed “implants” gave Nicole a dismissive glance, then turned to Luke, beaming a bright smile.  “Hey good looking, I’ve missed you.  Where have you been hiding?” she leaned forward, flaunting her ample cleavage as she ran her fingers along his forearm.

Nicole was sure she saw Luke blushing through his dark, tanned cheeks.  He avoided making eye contact with the pushy blond and shifted his body, putting more distance between his face and her cleavage.  It made Nicole giggle abruptly at seeing the tough warrior squirm under the pressure.  She quickly bit her lips, trying to hold in the laughter but it was too late.  The slinky little waitress turned to face Nicole, her face was bright red and her mouth was set in a firm line.

“So that’s how it is, you’ve got Miss Giggles here so you’re too good for me.” She bent over so her face was inches from Nicole’s.  “I’ve given him nights that he will be dreaming about while he’s with you.”

The dam broke that was holding back Nicole’s laughter.  She giggled uncontrollably in the girl’s red face.  She turned to Luke who was fighting to control his own laughter.  “How will I ever live up to that?” she snickered.  The blond did a quick turn and stomped back toward the bar.  “Hey!” Nicole called after the retreating woman.  “Two beers, please.” The waitress threw up her middle finger causing Nicole and Luke to double over laughing.

“Wow Luke, you can really pick ‘em” she grinned playfully at her red-faced friend.

“Well thanks to you, Miss Giggles, I’ll have to go get our drinks,” he winked at her as he started to the bar.

Nicole watched him walk, admiring the fit of his dark jeans.  She couldn’t help it-it was such a nice view.  She glanced around to see if the blond was anywhere but she must have exited stage left after that show.  Nicole chuckled again as she thought about how the cocky girl had turned tail and ran.

Luke placed a bottle of beer in front of her then took his seat again.  He still wore a cocky smile on his face.  “I’m sorry about her.  We went out a few times but…”

Nicole held up her hand, stopping him, “You don’t have to explain.  Your personal life isn’t my business.” She took a drink of her beer to clear the lump from her throat, then turned back to face Luke, forcing a smile to her lips.  “Maybe she will be the worst part of tonight.  I’ll take battling an irate ex-girlfriend over a psycho warrior any day.”

Luke smiled, “I guess you have a point,” he gazed around the club.  People were starting to fill the tables and the dance floor.  Loud conversations shouted over the music echoed around them and the smell of cigarette smoke drifted over their table.  “Looks like the party is starting.  We need to move around and check the place out.  I’ll know if Ronald is close but Detective Spade could be here too.”

“Alright, where to first?”

Luke smiled, “The dance floor,” he paused holding out his hand, “but we’ll be forced to break your ‘No Touching’ rule for this to look real.”

Nicole hesitated, thinking about the last time Luke had touched her.  She shifted uncomfortably as she remembered the heat that coursed through her body and how the desire to taste his lips had suffocated her. 
You’re doing this to catch a killer, Nicole.  You can control yourself for one night then the rule is back on
.  She took Luke’s hand and let him lead her to the dance floor.

The crowd was just like Luke told her.  There were the typical blue jeans and t-shirt clad couples, the Goths, with all their black leather and chains, and then you had the trendy couples dressed in the latest club styles that cost more than a whole month’s pay for Nicole.  She kept scanning the room, looking and listening for any sign of danger as they began to dance.  Every now and then she would catch a few mumbled thoughts from somewhere in the club.  “
He better keep his hands off of her,
” rang in her head.

“Are you all right?” Luke whispered in her ear as he gently pulled her close.

Nicole hadn’t noticed the song had changed and everyone was slow dancing.  Her heart quickened as Luke slid his hands around her waist.  The scent of his cologne filled the space between them as she put her arms around his neck.  “Yes, I’m fine,” she forced a small smile to her lips.  “I’m picking up a few thoughts but it’s not what we’re looking for.”

They swayed to the rhythm in silence.  Suddenly Luke dipped Nicole backwards causing her to gasp.  The coy smile he wore had her laughing in seconds.  “Come on,” he said, “I know you can dance better than this, I’ve seen you.”  His voice took on a deep, gravelly tone.

As if on cue the beat picked up causing Nicole to grin.  She bit down on her lip trying to resist the challenge but finally she gave in.  She looped one hand around Luke’s neck as she moved in close, putting one leg between his so there was no space between their bodies.  “You asked for it,” she winked.

She gave a small playful flick of her hips causing him to widen his stance.  A sexy grin stretched across his face as he obeyed.  She closed her eyes and let the music take control.  She slid her free hand up to the back of her own head then let it slowly drop down her side, her hips keeping perfect time with Luke’s movement.  Soon she felt the room disappearing to leave only Luke, the heat of his body as he pulled her tight, the smell of his skin, and the passion that filled his eyes.

Abruptly, Luke spun her so her back was against his chest.  She reached behind her, looping one arm around his neck as their bodies found their rhythm again.  His breath was warm on her neck when he leaned close to whisper in her ear.  “I wanted to dance with you like this for so long,” as he spoke his lips brushed her earlobe softly.

She raked her fingers through his tousled hair as she turned her head to face him.  When their eyes locked her body stopped.  Time stood still.  The pull to be with him was so magnetic. Her lips ached to press against his and her tongue begged to taste him, but most of all, her soul needed him.  The look in his eyes told her that he was the one.  Her friend, her protector, her everything.

She closed the space between their lips without another thought.  Seconds ticked by with her only aware of the softness of his kiss.  Slowly, they explored each other’s mouth, savoring this long awaited moment.  Bodies continued to dance around them as they stood in the center of the floor.  Nicole turned in his arms so she was facing him returning her mouth back to his as he deepened the kiss, penetrating her mouth with his tongue.  Passion coursed throughout her body sending tingles of pleasure in long forgotten places.