Leading her into the warm study, Titus scanned the room, trying to see his favorite spot in the house through her eyes. The space resembled any Mediterranean-style office or library, with an important difference. Titus hadn’t chosen to feature a desk in here. He had, however, added a large bar.
“May I pour you a drink while we wait for refreshments? You tasted of brandy when I arrived at Enzo’s. Would you enjoy a bit of that before bed?”
“My father and I always shared that spirit when he was alive. I do like the flavor.”
Titus smiled at her and walked behind the bar. “Then we will start our own tradition. If you will allow me to join you?” he asked, raising a bottle of Hardy Perfection cognac, thefinest brandy in his collection. He’d held onto this bottle for a hundred years, not yielding to the temptation to open the precious concoction while others raved. Titus had understood the day would come that would warrant a special celebration.
He cracked open the seal and paused when she leaned close to sniff the opening.
Alessia didn’t seem to notice the label. Her gaze was focused completely on him. Titus loved being the center of her world. He vowed never to lose track of the emotional impact of having his mate close after so many years of searching for her.
A hum of pleasure eased from Alessia as she inhaled the amber-colored spirit. The first genuine smile he’d seen since they left Nightfall spread across her lips.
His heart tumbled harder in love with her. From the moment he’d touched her, the mate bond had snapped into place, focusing his love on Alessia. Her bravery astounded him. She didn’t need to trust him but was choosing to have confidence in him.
“I’d like this. Not a lot. I’m a lightweight,” Alessia said quickly, lifting her glass. She pulled his thoughts back to earth.
“Of course.” Titus splashed a small portion into two snifters and cradled them in his palms as he walked to her side, allowing the heat of his hands to warm the delicious contents. He offered her a glass.
Alessia lifted the amber liquid to her lips. “Mmm. This is delicious. I can almost taste a hint of chocolate in this brand. I haven’t had this before.”
“I’m glad I could treat you to something new and delectable. Come, let me hold you.” He guided her to his favorite oversized leather chair next to the fire and sat down. Drawing her onto his lap, he hugged her close.
To his delight, Alessia didn’t offer to move elsewhere. Shemelted against him and sampled the liquid treat again. He stroked her hair, loving the quiet time alone with his mate.
Long moments later, a knock sounded on the door. “Sir, I have a light snack for you.”
“Come in, Gio,” Titus called, tightening his arm around Alessia to keep her in place. She didn’t struggle. He guessed she didn’t want to make a scene.
A delicious scent wafted toward them as Gio pushed a silent cart over the thick carpet. Titus’s mate’s stomach growled. Thank goodness he’d thought to request food. Alessia needed nourishment.
“Would you like me to serve you?” Gio asked.
“No, thank you, Gio. I’ll take care of it.” Titus waited for Gio to close the door behind him before assuring her. “Gio will never make a judgment about what happens in this house. His family has served me for years.”
Alessia bristled and pushed away from him. “He’s used to you cuddling women on your lap?”
“No, Alessia. He’s never seen me hold onto anyone like I do with you. You are special, unique. You are my mate.”
“What does that mean, Titus?”
“You are hungry. Let me get you some food.”
“No. I’m not waiting anymore. Tell me what’s happening.”
“Of course,” Titus said. Without beating around the bush, he shared the truth with her. “I am a vampire. Turned in 1437, I was the youngest son of the de’ Medici family.”
“1437,” Alessia repeated, recognizing those numbers from the gate code. She stared at him in absolute astonishment. Alessia studied his face carefully for several long seconds. “You’re not lying, are you?”
Her calm acceptance impressed him. His mate hadn’t panicked. “I am not. As the youngest son, my only value to the family and to society was my ability to entertain. I cultivated alively personality that earned me invitations to all the biggest events of the year. Unfortunately, one husband took offense at my bedding his wife while he was away at a hunt. He challenged me to a duel. I never enjoyed swordplay. My lack of practice came back to bite me.”
“He killed you?” Alessia stared at him in astonishment.
“He stabbed me and left me dying on the dueling field. If Alaric hadn’t happened by, I would have perished.” He reached out, snagged a warm roast beef sandwich from the tray, and held the food to her lips. Alessia took a bite as she studied him.
“You don’t have vampire fangs,” she said. Her sharp mind captivated him. Titus guessed she hadn’t really processed that vampires existed.
“I do. I simply have control over them.” Titus lowered his teeth and smiled at her.
