‘And you’re not worried?’
Hester looks at me steadily. ‘No. Because I think if you had really wanted to end me you would’ve done it years ago.’
I stroke her hair, knowing that she’s right. That deep down I never would have done it. She means too much to me.
‘I thought that I hated you, but I know now it was myself that I hated. Because I was—am—a monster. I thought you’d never be able to love me.’
Hester presses her forehead lightly against mine. ‘Never ever think that,’ she says. ‘Because I do love you, all the parts of you. You’re still the handsome, brave man that I met four hundred and sixty-five ago. It just makes me feel sad when I think of the centuries we’ve wasted.’
‘Well, at least we’ve got time to work on any lingering issues,’ I say wryly. ‘In another four hundred and sixty-five years, you’ll probably be sick of me.’
She shakes her head. ‘Never. Not even in a millennia.’
‘Yeah, I feel the same way.’
We look at each other and laugh softly. I grasp Hester’s hand and bring it to my lips, hardly daring to believe this is happening. After all these years of being apart, finally,finally,we can be together.
Chapter 31
Hester | London, present day
‘OK, guys, that’s a wrap. Well done, everyone!’ Jordy calls from the mezzanine, where he’s been critiquing our last dress rehearsal performance. ‘Get an early night and see you tomorrow morning at ten sharp!’
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief, and Will and I feign exhaustion along with the rest of the cast. We’ve been rehearsing all day, so it would look weird if we didn’t look somewhat tired.
I lean against the faux marble pillar meant to evoke Orsino’s palace, puff out my cheeks, and pretend to wipe my forehead. There’s a smattering of self-gratulatory applause from the cast members, and then everyone starts filing out of the theatre. I’m about to join them when Will says, ‘Do you mind staying behind for a bit, Hester? I want to go over our last scene again. It won’t take long.’
In private, Will is managing to keep his snake under control through sheer determination, but I know he wantsmore practise—so he doesn’t change in front of 1,500 people when we kiss on stage. That would make for some interesting reviews. I push off from the pillar and adjust my sleeves. Disguised as Cesario, my costume is a laced-up doublet and hose, which is fine with me. I like sauntering around pretending to be an upstart.
Yes, it’s true, and I can still hardly believe it, but I’ve gotten over my stage fright. Somehow, with Will’s love and unswerving belief in my ability, as well as the enthusiastic encouragement of Jordy and the cast (along with a sneaky hypnosis session from Damian), I’ve let go of my fear. Now every time I step onstage I’m a little nervous but nothing like I was before. I feel like a bat that’s escaped from its cobwebby cave and I’m flying up and away, soaring through the clear night sky.
Abigail swishes offstage in her low-cut gown, and I overhear her whisper to a few of the women, ‘Extra kissing time with Will, lucky Hester.’ They look at me enviously, and I stifle the urge to laugh. If they only knew why we need to practise!
They’ve all been asking me what it’s like to kiss Will. I usually say something vague like ‘Nice. But his lips are a little cold.’
Once the last of them disappears, Will gives me a mischievous grin.
I narrow my eyes.What are you up to?
Just wanted some one-on-one time with my leading lady. Now let’s try that with a bit more vampiric energy.
Before I can protest, he dips me with a flourish and kisses me thoroughly. With tongue. Then his fingers trail lightly over my breasts.Will!I peer around his shoulder at the empty theatre.What if you change...?
I’m fine.His icy lips graze my cheek, and I shudder as arousal spikes through me.
Besides, he adds,the staff have gone home, and the cast and crew are heading to the pub to get sloshed.That’s what I picked up on anyway.
Hmm, they shouldn’t be. Jordy told everyone to get an early night.
Luckily, that doesn’t apply to us.Will brushes one of my hard nipples with his thumb, and I groan softly.
To be honest, I’ve been wanting to jump him all night. He’s very distracting when he’s dressed as Orsino: puffy-sleeved black doublet with gold stitching and tight red hose.
The silk of his costume rustles as he runs the tips of his fangs along my collarbone. There’s a sharp edge of desire beneath his teasing, a hunger for my blood that he’s barely keeping leashed.
Someone needs a post-rehearsal snack,I joke.
He growls.No, just you. Only you.
