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Category: Dark Fantasy/Romance
Description: Allana Simpson is cursed. Love only brings death to everyone around her. She longs for a normal life with one man that she can give her heart to without killing him. Tom Haugan never believed in curses until he met Allana. She opens up a world for him that he never knew existed. A world he never wished to learn about. Tom wants to protect Allana, to heal her heart and take away her pain. The closer he gets, the more "accidents" occur. He's not willing to give up on what they could have. Allana's longing for Tom and the dream of a future filled with happiness weakens her resolve to remain alone. She trusts him and decides to let him in. Now death stalks them both?
eBook Publisher: Resplendence Publishing, LLC, 2008
eBookwise Release Date: July 2008

2 Reader Ratings:

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Available eBook Formats: OEBFF Format (IMP) [163 KB]
Words: 34580
Reading time: 98-138 min.

Chapter One

Wallachia

Spring, 1456

Marinska Ionescu reined her mare to a stop on the lush green grass of the creek's edge. The water babbled softly as it flowed along the branch to the Arges River. She slid off Dragomir and let the leather leads fall loosely to the ground.

Slipping off her soft beige kidskin slippers, she wriggled her toes in the soft greenery. The moss was springy under her steps and when she walked in an inch, the cool water rippled gently across her bare feet.

A presence cast a shadow on the bank across the stream. Goose flesh skittered up her arms.

"Should you be alone like this, Mistress? There is much trouble in the land. A criminal could be lurking anywhere. Behind any tree could be a man who wouldn't think twice at..." he let his thought trail off momentarily. "...at taking advantage of such a sweet girl as yourself."

The timbre in the voice was like being caressed by velvet. She turned to face the man, but wasn't ready for what she saw. He stood a full head taller than she. The top of her head would only have reached his chin had they been standing closer.

His deep eyes were almost black obsidian. Rich brown hair fell to his shoulders and a start of a moustache grew over his lips. He stood with confidence, and strength hung around him like a cloak. And he was the most handsome man she'd ever seen.

"Mistress?"

Marinska was mortified, realizing she had been staring at him.

She cleared her throat and swallowed hard. "I have nothing to fear here, Sir. There is no one about."

He moved closer to her. "I am." The glint in his eye was more mischievous than threatening.

Should she be frightened? She wasn't. She stiffened her spine and looked up to stare him in the eyes. "I have reason to fear you?"

A smile crossed his lips. "None. Your name?"

"Marinska Ionescu."

He took her hand, bowed low over it, and turned the palm to face him. His moustache tickled as he pressed a kiss to her hand. "I am Vlad III, Dracula, son of Dracul, Prince of Wallachia."

Her stomach twisted into knots. There had been rumors of the man's release from captivity and his taking of the throne. He would soon be Voivode. However, the curious sensation building inside her had nothing to do with his rank. It was his presence that made her feel as if she had finally found what she was looking for.

How could that be possible? She had never even been aware she was searching.

"I shall escort you home."

His tone brooked no argument, had she even been tempted to offer one. She was unable to move. He made her feel weak, yet secure with his nearness.

Her confidence faltered slightly when he tugged her toward the horses. His horse was as dark as its master. The large mount was solid black and the hair above his hooves was thick, wavy, and feathered.

Marinska followed Vlad and waited while he collected her mare. He then helped her into the saddle. His touch sent a scorching heat that zinged its way through her body.

She swallowed hard and looked down at him. "Thank you."

Her words were so hushed, Vlad wasn't sure she'd actually spoken. He was, in fact, still reeling from the sensations attacking him. The smell of her, the feel of her in his arms. He'd desired women before, but none like this one.

One look into her light green eyes told him she was an innocent, and he had to fight the urge to toss her to the ground and drive himself into her.

How would it feel to tangle his fingers in her silky dark blond hair? What would she sound like in the throes of ecstasy?

He jerked away. He had no right to think such things.

Taking up the reins to his stallion, the leather saddle creaked as he climbed into position. He pressed back into the cantle as far as possible, for the pommel would make his already painful erection ache more.

He roughly cleared his throat and the sound seemed to echo in the stillness. "Where is your home, Mistress Ionescu?"

He smothered a smile when she tried to hide her light trembling. "Over the next rise, Sire."

At that he did smile. "I am not on the throne yet, dear lady."

"You will be." There was no doubt in her words.

A wave of confidence washed over him. "Indeed?"

"I know it."