Page 95 of Eternal Craving

Miranda rose and headed for the door. I jumped up and grasped her arm.

“Change your dress,” I snapped. “Wear something dark.”

She smiled at me.

I tightened my grip. “This is a dangerous game you’re playing.”

She kissed my cheek. “You won’t regret this.”

“I already do.”

Within hours, Miranda and I headed out in a horsedrawn carriage. I hoped that Sunaria wouldn’t intercept us. In the lavish courtyard, the party thrived.

The sparsely lit enclosure ensured a good view of the starlit sky and the thumbnail moon. The stone fountain spewed out water from its center. Our hosts were Venetians and they’d decorated accordingly. Fifty or so guests chatted while wine flowed in abundance.

Miranda and I lingered in a corner. She’d dressed in her finest blue gown and looked exquisite. Having long dreamt of this moment, she’d prepared for this very night, down to the finest details.

But her expression was vexed. “You want me to choose?”

“Yes.” I gestured with a nod to the mingling guests.

A waiter passed by carrying a tray of wine glasses. Miranda waved him away and then changed her mind and grabbed one. The remaining glasses clinked. The startled waiter moved on.

“That’s how it works,” I said dryly. “You find the ones you like, and then you seduce them.”

Her hands trembled. “You know nothing of who they are?”

“It’s easier that way,” I lied.

Miranda looked conflicted.

“Take your time.” I watched her face.

A nervous rash spread down her neck, disappearing beneath the line of her black lace bustier.

I rested my hand in the arch of her back. “Let’s go home, sweetheart.”

“No, I can do this.” Miranda took a deep breath.

“You have to come to terms with the fact that they love and are loved.”

“Don’t.”

“Or the fact that when you do take them, their fear is overwhelming.”

“I know what you’re doing.” She was breathless.

“And then there’s the matter of disposing of their…corpses.” I perused the courtyard. “During the act, their thoughts feel as though they’re yours. If they’ve made plans for tomorrow, you’ll know them – and you’ll know they’ll never realize those plans.”

Miranda’s eyes watered.

“You choose.” She looked away. “Make it quick.”

“Very well.”

I strolled into the crowd and smoothly interjected myself into a conversation amongst a small gathering. I discreetly pointed to a young man with pretty features, and Miranda shook her head.

Of course, I’d chosen the youngest guest who wore an expression of wonderment and conveyed a zest for life. I worked my way around, taking my time to find the most alluring, yet innocent, guests.