Love Immortal

Chapter One-3

THERON AWOKE THE NEXT evening feeling both tense and eager. The night of the hunt always brought such mixed emotions. Throwing back the covers, exposing his nude body to the cool night air, he rose from the bed. His bare feet settled into deep pile carpet, slapping softly on ivory tile as he went straight to the bathroom for a shower. With a slight thought sent in the direction of the light, the room was instantly illuminated.

A brief flick of his fingers had the shower on in the next moment, steam rising as he stepped in under the heated water. Letting the warmth seep into his bones, water sluicing over his taut body, Theron wondered what woman his instincts would lead him to this night. Would she be blonde and voluptuous? Willowy and brunette? Would her eyes be blue or brown? Or would she be a redhead with green eyes? His pulse jumped at the visions his mind conjured up.

Theron did have a preference for redheads. Her skin would be fair and smooth as alabaster. Her hair a deep amber color. He allowed his mind to spin the well-worn fantasy as he soaped, shampooed, and rinsed. Her eyes, they would be emerald windows to her soul, and in those eyes he would see her love and acceptance for him and what he was. An erection stirred to life and his heart beat too fast in his chest.

He reached down and grasped his pulsing shaft. With long, smooth strokes he let out a deep sigh of ecstasy as his blood pumped quickly through his veins, pleasure coursing through every cell of his body. Leaning his forehead against the cool tile, he closed his eyes and inhaled a shaky breath, running his thumb over the sensitive tip. How he craved this woman. Craved her to the very depths of his soul.

No trance would be placed on her, for she would give of herself willingly. And Theron would take all she offered. That and more.

He envisioned her lying on his bed among a cloud of pillows, her smile wicked and welcoming as she beckoned him to love her once, twice, three times and more. Lustful scenes passed before his mind’s eye and he pumped his hand faster, raising his face to the cascading water above.

He imagined his dream woman opening her silken thighs to him, baring herself, perfectly pink and oh, so wet. In his mind he slipped between her legs, his eyes taking in every inch of her before his lips and tongue followed suit. He inhaled deeply, glorying in her scent, licking her, bringing her to climax as no man had done before.

Just as she peaked, crying out his name, he raised himself up and over her body, sliding deep inside. It felt so good being gripped by her. Feeling her warmth, her slickness, as he drove in and out with unrestrained passion. He bit into her shoulder and she clung to him tightly, whispering words of desire in his ear, urging him on.

Theron moaned as he approached sweet release. His movements faster, his breathing ragged, and with one final squeeze he came with a gasp.

In the next heartbeat Theron cursed, wrenching the ancient yearning from his mind and body. He picked up the bar of soap and threw it against the wall of the shower and swore blackly, watching the beige oval as it bounced off, hit the tub, and slid past his feet, traveling down to the drain to sit there. His erection quickly faded, though the yearning lingered.

Never could he meet up with this woman, for she was his nemesis. The woman who would bring about his very demise. The woman who would cause him to relinquish his immortality with her sensual words and drugging kisses. The woman who would have him believing in the charade called love.

The woman he had avoided for nearly three hundred years.

Theron bunched his hands into fists and shut his eyes tightly. He would continue to avoid her until this world ceased to exist.

Pushing those thoughts away with a chafing sigh, he turned off the water manually. Stepping onto the cream-colored bath rug, he grabbed a towel and briskly dried himself. Hunger gnawed at his belly, bringing him back to reality and his mission. There was no room in his life for such frivolities as love—only hunger, power, and eternal life.

“Never forget that, Ambrose,” he warned his reflection that stared harshly back at him from the foggy mirror.

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THIRTY MINUTES LATER Theron stood on the cliff in front of his Hollywood home, dressed to kill. He smiled at the thought. Kill wasn’t the exact word, but he was definitely dressed to attract the opposite s*x. He wore a black torso-hugging knit shirt that stretched tight over his biceps. A small laugh passed through his lips. Women did seem to like a bit of muscle on a man, so he was certain to workout daily. His pressed slacks were the same rich black as his shirt. Equally dark leather loafers graced his feet. His ebony hair was brushed back from his forehead. Theron made the most of his looks and took pride in his appearance.

Where would fate lead him tonight? His eyes narrowed, taking in the lighted city below. He breathed in the fresh spring air and the scent of all living things. A cool breeze caressed his face.

He lifted his head a bit and turned slightly to the east. He inhaled, bringing the night air deep into his lungs. He raised an eyebrow, his gaze landing on a distant point.

“Ah, there you are, my sweet.” His heart pumped fast and heavy. Relief was only minutes away.

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