Ever since surviving the vampire
attack that killed her parents, Moira Curran has dealt with the resulting
nightmares and abandonment issues the only way she could—by throwing herself
into her education and then her biochemistry career, preferring a life of
hermitude in her lab.
Kiernan Shaw has never forgotten
the night twenty years ago when his maker killed a six-year-old girl’s parents
in front of her. He’s spent the better part of the last two decades searching
for her in order to make amends.
Madame Eve has managed to bring
the two together. When they finally meet, will Moira be
able to give Kiernan what he needs? Will Kiernan put her fears to rest? Or will
old fears and guilt keep them apart?
EXCERPT
For a moment, he thought back to Madame Eve’s email.
If she trusts you, she will tell you her name.
He understood the power of names, and so did Madame Eve. Something
insignificant to a mortal meant everything to a vampire, in whose world names
were both salvation and control. Remind a vampire of his humanity, or steal it
away by forcing him to do something horrific, like watching a little girl’s
parents be eviscerated right in front of her.
“Kiernan
Shaw.” Swallowing hard, he found his way back onto the coffee table. “And
yours?”
Would she tell him her name? Would she allow him
that kind of power?
She took a deep breath, as though considering the
same questions. “Moira Curran.”
He rolled the name on his tongue and loved the way
it felt. “Beautiful.” He reached to stroke her cheek, but she flinched. “Moira,
I won't hurt you. I could never hurt you.”
“I'm sorry,” she muttered. “Old habits, I guess.”
He nodded, unable to speak at first. The cloying
scent of her fear, like overripe peaches, almost strangled him. “Why did you
ask me to stay?”
“I don't know.”
Neither did he, but he wouldn't leave until she
asked him to.
“I don’t want to be alone, Kiernan. Isn’t that
pathetic?”
He warmed at the sound of his name on her lips. His
mouth watered at the thought of kissing her, exploring her, making his name
come out of that gorgeous mouth again and again. He tamped down his desire.
Nothing good would happen if he moved too fast. “Not in the slightest.” Willem
had all but guaranteed him a life alone. Like he approached a scared animal, he
moved next to her on the couch. She uncoiled, but didn't relax. “Talk, Moira.
Please.” The silence hurt his ears as much as any scream.
She shook her head. “It's too hard.” Tears spilled
but she didn't move to wipe them away.
Time to be bold, I guess.
He brushed a hand against her cheek again. Instead of flinching, she eased into
his touch. “I want to ease your hurt,” he said. “Will you let me?”
W00T!! Can't wait to read the whole thing! So excited for you, Cate!! :D :D :D
Thank you, Beckah!!! You're the best!
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