Darling Read Online Free Page B

vampire
inspected the delicious confectionary of ribbons, feathers, and
roses. “It is rather large.”

    She gasped in mock
outrage. “I designed it to be so! It gives me the illusion of
being taller so my lord does not look like he is escorting a small
child.”

    “You can never
be confused for a child, darling.”

    Cassandra felt the
sadness in his voice. Thinking back to Lenore’s warning about
the danger of love between them, she wondered if Lord Constantine
believed it as well.

    “Well, I must
trust you are right.”

    He noticed her lack
of enthusiasm. “I seem to be making you unhappy again. Forgive
me, darling. I meant no offense. Your hat is beyond lovely. I
especially like the blue rose.”

    Cassandra mustered a
cheerful smile. “It is beautiful, is it not? I love all the
roses we grow but these are my favorite.”

    The vampire studied
the decorative composition further. “I see you have included a
raven feather or two. These are mine I presume?”

    “As if I would
wear any other’s feathers! You left them behind the last time
you left.” Cassandra’s expression softened. “I love
watching you transform into a crow. It makes me wish I had the power
to do so as well. Then we could fly together and see all the wonders
of the world.”

    “I rather like
you in this form.” Lord Constantine kissed the back of her
gloved hand. “Have you found much to occupy you while I have
been gone?”

    “There are
always new things to learn and see. Lenore,” she halted and
corrected, “I mean Lady Lenore is the best tutor a person could
have. I do not think a subject exists she is not knowledgeable in.”

    Lord Constantine,
normally stringent on matters of etiquette and protocol, allowed her
slip of familiarity to pass without comment. “She is very
wise.”

    “Yes, she is.”
Cassandra gestured to the window. “Where are we going?”

    “I never told
you?”

    “No.”

    “Really?”
The vampire king stroked his chin. “I thought I did.”

    Cassandra bumped her
bare shoulder against him. “No, you did not.”

    Lord Constantine
shrugged. The exaggerated nonchalance of the movement matched his
silky tone. “Since we are so close I shall have to let it be a
surprise.”

    Her mouth dropped
open before snapping shut. “No fair.”

    “Now, darling,
do not pout.”

    Cassandra turned
away with a sniff. “I do not pout. I contemplate things with an
extreme degree of intensity. That is all.” A sly smile nudged
her rosy lips. “My current contemplation involves my lord’s
promise to entertain me. I do believe the emphasis was on me.”

    Lord Constantine
laughed and flicked the brim of her hat. “Naughty minx.”

    The sedan rolled to
a smooth stop. “See? We are already here.”

    Cassandra looked
down to ensure her strapless gown hadn’t been inadvertently
tugged out of place. She smoothed each arm; satisfied her black
gloves remained pulled above her elbows.

    “Are you
ready, darling?”

    She nodded.
Cassandra was so excited to see where Lord Constantine had brought
them. The door snapped opened to a cornucopia of light, sound, and
color.

    “A carnival!
You remembered!”

    “Of course I
remembered your request—especially when you asked me so
prettily.”

    Cassandra hugged his
arm. “You were in such a hurry to leave that I thought you did
not pay me any heed.”

    “I always pay
you the utmost attention, precious.” He kissed her cheek.
“Darling, before we go I must ask something of you.”

    Cassandra’s
rapt gaze focused on a man wearing a tiger head as a mask accompanied
by another man with a leashed wolf in tow. “Yes, my lord?”

    “Cassandra,
please look at me.” He waited until she complied. “You
must promise to stay close to me this evening. No wandering off on
your own. Do you understand?”

    “My lord, I am
not a child lacking sense.” The air surrounding Cassandra
hummed from her tangible excitement. She squirmed, looking past his
broad shoulder to