Page 4

Sights he’d only ever heard of filled his eyes and soul with wonder. Books only prepared him so much for visiting France. Paris smelled strongly of urine, he noted, and did his best to dampen his powerful sense of smell. But the brightly dressed people and overall sense of excitement were a welcome distraction from his sick stomach.

“We’ve arrived.” The driver accepted Sebastian’s money and the vampire hurried into the pyramid entrance, hoping to get within the stone building and away from the sunshine as fast as possible. He paid very little attention to most of the art; in truth, he’d met (and fought with) many of the featured artists in their lifetimes. None of their works were as impressive as his, anyway. At least in his opinion.

Once safely inside, Sebastian dropped his hood and removed his sunglasses. He shook out his long, wavy brown hair and brushed it behind his left ear. Feeling much more comfortable, he began searching the building for his paintings.

His chest grew heavier and heavier as he walked, like there was a stone inside growing with each step. Was his proximity to his paintings after a full year really causing him that much excitement? That had to be the case.

As he turned the corner and spotted them, Sebastian stopped short. Standing in front of the display with her hand extended was the subject of his longing. His muscles froze and his hands began to tremble. She seemed mesmerized by his art, just as he was mesmerized by her. Sebastian stood for a long time, just staring at the woman as if she would disappear the moment he blinked.

“I particularly like the lighting in that one,” he finally said, taking a step into the room. The woman startled and pulled her hand back before turning to face the stranger. “Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.”

She looked at him apologetically. “I'm sorry, I don't know what language you're speaking, but I only speak English.”

“Oh!” Sebastian replied, switching to English himself. “I didn't mean to startle you. Do you like the paintings?”

Both looked away to the art, then back to each other. “Yes, I've never seen anything like them. They're almost so lifelike that I'd believe the artist somehow managed to capture part of the woman's soul.”

“Indeed.” Sebastian scanned the stranger’s familiar face, but her eyes held no recognition. “I'm Sebastian, by the way.” He held out a gloved hand and, after a short pause, the woman took it.

“Isabel,” she replied and smiled. “Are you a big art fan, Sebastian?”

He nodded, giving her hand a squeeze before releasing it. “I've been a painter for a very, very long time.” He took a few steps toward the paintings and gripped the velvet rope. It gave him some amount of grounding from the urge to wrap his arms around Isabel and carry her all the way back to Italy.

“Oh, you're a painter? That's so cool! Do you visit here often?”

Sebastian shook his head. “It's my first time. You?”

“Me too. Have you ever thought about how it would feel to have your paintings somewhere like this? I can only imagine that's a dream for an artist.” She joined Sebastian at the rope, their bodies only millimeters away from touching.

He chuckled and softly bumped Isabel’s hip with his own. “It sure is. Though I never really thought about it happening to me. My art has always just been for me.”

“Artist status confirmed,” Isabel laughed. “You sound just like my best friend Melody. She barely even letsmesee her drawings. Which is a shame, because she's really talented.” She began chewing on her bottom lip and removed her hands from the rope. “It was nice to meet you, Sebastian. I probably shouldn't take up any more of your day, though. I'll give you a turn with the paintings.” Isabel extended her hand for another handshake, which Sebastian happily accepted.

“Oh, you're not taking up my day at all, Miss Isabel. Meeting you has been an absolute delight. In fact, I'd be even more delighted to accompany you through the rest of the gallery. If you'd allow that.”

Isabel looked deep into Sebastian’s dark eyes for a handful of breaths. “I…would allow that, yes,” she replied.

A huge grin took up residence on Sebastian's face, though he ensured his fangs remained tucked away. He extended his arm and Isabel took it hesitantly. “Have you seen theMona Lisayet?”

“Nope. But now that I've seen these, I'm ready to explore.” She gestured toward Sebastian's paintings and tucked herself closer to his side.

Warmth filled Sebastian’s chilled body, and not just from Isabel’s body heat. The familiarity of multiple lifetimes buzzed in his cells as the pair slowly strolled through the ancient stone halls.

“Did you know this building was originally built as a fortress?” Isabel asked, looking up to smile at Sebastian. “I did a lot of research before I came here. I'm a bit of a nerd like that.”

Sebastian chuckled and gave her arm a squeeze. “I did know that, actually, but there's nothing wrong with seeking knowledge. It's quite commendable, in my opinion.”

A flush spread across Isabel's cheeks, highlighting a sprinkling of freckles not otherwise easily seen. “You think so?”

“I absolutely do.” Sebastian placed his gloved hand over her arm and returned her smile. “I absolutely do.”

CHAPTER4

Paris, France. July 26, 2006

Isabel couldn’t keep her eyes off Sebastian as they ambled through the galleries. There was just something…sofamiliarabout him, despite the fact there was no way she could have met him before. Something so familiar that when he asked to escort her, she felt very little hesitation to say yes.

Melody would have kicked her ass for that.