Page 23 of Viktor's Temptation
“No way!” she gasped, her eyes moving over his muscular form, then down at her own slimmer figure. She’d never been this thin. Ever! Nor had she ever hoped to be. She was constantly trying to lose ten, maybe even twenty pounds. But she’d never thought she could ever look like this. “That’s impossible!”
“Possible,” he argued. “In fact, it’s possible you could lose a little more weight and gain some additional muscle. That depends on what you decide to do with the rest of your time,” Viktor said, his voice teasing but matter-of-fact.
Gracie frowned, confused. “What do you mean?” Then realization dawned. “Oh… I can’t work at the hospital anymore, can I?”
He chuckled softly and led her back toward the sofa. “Not only can you work, but I’d encourage it. You clearly enjoy it. You could even go back to school and become a doctor if you’d like. And don’t worry—your education costs will be covered by the clan.”
She froze mid-step, causing him to turn and look at her curiously. “What do you meancovered by the clan?” she asked, her tone wary.
He took both of her hands in his, his gaze warm and steady. “Gracie, we don’t have medical needs like humans do. Your house will be paid off. If you need a new vehicle, all you have to do is ask, and one will be provided. But most importantly, as a vampire, your life will be long—longer than you can imagine. That gives you the opportunity to explore careers, hobbies, and passions you might never have considered before.”
She tilted her head, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. “You’re telling me I’ll have no bills, no mortgage, and the freedom to do whatever I want?”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you.” He grinned at her skeptical expression. “But there’s a catch.”
“I knew it!” She pulled her hands away, crossing her arms over her chest. “What’s the catch, Viktor?”
“The catch,” he said, amusement lacing his tone, “is that you’ll need to change your job, location, and even your name every ten years or so. Humans tend to notice when someone isn’t aging.”
Her jaw dropped. “Wait. I have to change myname?”
“Yes,” he replied, utterly unfazed by her outrage. “It’s for your protection and the clan’s. No one can know about our existence, Gracie.”
“But Ilikemy name!” she protested, her hands going to her hips. “I’ve had this name for twenty-nine years, and I’m not ready to let it go.”
His lips twitched, but he didn’t laugh. “I understand, but you’ll grow accustomed to the changes. And I promise to make the transition worth your while. You’ll have the chance to explore so many things, Gracie. Think about it—what did you dream of doing when you were younger?”
She bit her lip, pondering his words. “Well… when I was in high school, I wanted to be a rock climber.” A blush spread across her cheeks as she added, “But I was terrified of heights.”
He chuckled, his eyes gleaming with humor. “Gracie, you’re better equipped for that now than you’ve ever been. With your new strength and agility, you could climb the highest peaks without fear. And even if you fell…” He leaned in, his voice dropping to a teasing murmur. “You can fly, remember? You’d just float gently to the ground.”
Her eyes widened. “I can fly?”
“Not yet,” he replied, chuckling at the hope and excitement in her eyes. “But I’ll teach you.”
Her mind spun with the possibilities. “This is insane,” she muttered, though the growing excitement in her tone betrayed her. “I might actually do it. I could try rock climbing! Maybe even cliff diving!”
His chuckle deepened. “That’s the spirit. But first,” he said, gesturing toward the doorway where a sleek limousine waited, “we need to get you outfitted.”
For the next three hours, Viktor took her to store after store, each one more luxurious than the last. Gracie found herself standing in front of mirrors wearing clothes she never dreamed of affording: dresses that fit like a second skin, coats made from the softest cashmere, and heels so perfect she barely noticed she was wearing them. The prices made her stomach churn. Purses that cost as much as a small car? Sunglasses with price tags bigger than her monthly paycheck?
“Enough!” she finally exclaimed, throwing up her hands as Viktor gestured for the salesperson to bring out evening gowns. “I won’t need evening gowns! When would I ever wear one?”
Sitting in a velvet chair, Viktor regarded her with an amused smile, his head tilted slightly. “Gracie, you’ll need them. There are events, formal dinners, and clan gatherings where such attire is expected.”
Her hands flew to her hips as she glared at him. “I don’t care if I’m expected to waltz into a ballroom with Cinderella! I’m not buying a gown I’ll wear once!” She glowered down at him with mock insistence.
He rose smoothly, his height and presence making her feel as though the room had shrunk. Viktor stepped onto the platform where she stood, his eyes glinting with humor as he loomed just inches away. “You think you can order me around?” he murmured, his deep voice sending shivers down her spine.
“I do,” she shot back, her heart racing as her chin lifted defiantly.
His laugh was soft but rich, the kind that teased and disarmed all at once. “Oh, Gracie, you have so much to learn.”He leaned closer, his hand brushing hers lightly, and the contact sent heat spiraling up her arm. Her breath caught, and her resolve faltered.
The salesperson’s nervous voice cut through the moment. “I’ll just… uh… bring out the next selection,” she said before scurrying away, leaving them alone.
Gracie turned back to Viktor, her cheeks flaming. “We’re done here,” she said, mustering her sternest nurse voice. “No more gowns. No more anything. I have plenty now.”
“Are you sure?” he asked, his tone light but his gaze intense. He reached out, his fingers trailing down her arm.
