Sensual Danger (Venice Vampyr #4)

Sensual Danger

(Venice Vampyr #4)


Tina Folsom





Book Description


New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Tina Folsom presents: Sensual Danger (Venice Vampyr #4) Venice, Italy – early 1800s

When vampire Nico purchases a house to further his fellow vampires’ goal of creating a secure compound within Venice, he doesn’t expect to get a headstrong wife in the bargain. He plans to send her to the mainland after their wedding night so he can continue his debauched bachelor life.

But when he meets the unexpectedly beautiful Oriana for the first time, his plans are forgotten. However, Oriana would rather pursue her scientific research than play the submissive wife to her new husband.

When Nico finds out that his wife has secrets that could endanger not only him, but the entire vampire population of Venice, he has to make a choice: get rid of her, or seduce her to join his side. Luckily, seduction is what Nico does best . . .





1


Venice, Italy – early 1800s

Nico hit the heavy knocker against the massive oak door and waited, his eyes darting down the dark alley. While it was not polite to call upon a virtual stranger after dark, particularly when such a visit was possibly not welcome, he didn’t exactly have a choice about the time of day he could venture out. Unfortunately, a mid-afternoon appointment was foolish and potentially deadly—for a vampire.

On occasion, he’d braved a few seconds in daylight, but only in emergencies, and then only covered in a heavy black cloak and running as fast as if the devil were chasing him, always hugging the shadows of the buildings and avoiding direct sunlight. But even then, he’d sustained burns. He wasn’t desperate enough for a repeat any time soon.

Nico heard the sound of a creaking staircase as footsteps approached the entrance door. A moment later, the lock slid back and the door opened a fraction. The first thing he noticed was a long, straight nose before the rest of the footman’s face appeared. He was dressed in livery, his white gloves gleaming in the dark.

The man looked down his nose, crinkling it slightly. Nico, instantly reminded of the story of Pinocchio, wondered whose breathing apparatus was longer: this servant’s or the wooden boy’s. He would bet a few Lira on the snooty servant for sure.

“Yes?” The man’s drawn out inquiry conveyed his displeasure more than any rude remark could have.

Nico casually pulled off one dark glove. “I’m here to see Signore Lombardi.”

A raised eyebrow was followed by a quick glance up and down Nico’s person. Luckily, he didn’t give a fig about what a lowly servant thought of his late arrival. But if the man displeased him, Nico didn’t have any scruples about using his powers of suggestion on him to gain access to the house. Either way, he’d see Signore Lombardi tonight.

“And who may I say is calling?”

“Nicholas Angelotti,” he answered and pulled off his second glove.

“One moment, signore.” The servant nodded and made a motion to close the door, but Nico inserted his boot between door and frame, then nudged it forward.

“Ah, excuse me.” He pushed the door open farther and entered the foyer, much to the obvious consternation of the unpleasant footman. “Terribly damp outside tonight.”

With a glare, the man turned on his heels. “If you’ll be so kind as to wait here.” As he disappeared into the parlor to his right, Nico allowed his superior hearing to listen in on the announcement the servant made to his employer. Luckily, Signore Lombardi was a curious man as it seemed and could not be dissuaded from receiving his late night visitor.

When the door opened a few moments later, the footman motioned to it. “Signore Lombardi will see you now.” With a barely perceivable nod, he stepped aside and let Nico pass into the room, closing the door behind him with a loud thud.

Nico took a short bow and studied the elderly gentleman who stood in front of the fireplace dressed in dark breeches and a burgundy house vest with matching coat, its belt tied to one side. His hair had grayed at the temples and was thinning on the top—a fact very easily observed since Nico was half a foot taller than his host. The spectacles Lombardi wore gave him the air of a confused professore, yet the intelligent mousy-brown eyes behind them belied that notion: the man was as alert as they came. And most likely a shrewd negotiator.

“Signore Lombardi, I’m grateful to be received despite the unusual hour.”

“I don’t believe we know each other, Signore Angelotti, or is my mind betraying me?”

“Indeed, it is not.” Nico took a few steps closer.

“Pray, sit then.” Lombardi slunk back into his armchair and pointed toward the sofa opposite. Nico obliged him even though he would have preferred to stand. He always liked to conduct business while standing.