Marked: A Vampire Blood Courtesans Romance Read Online Free PDF

Silva. Microphone in hand, she stepped beneath a spotlight, her face lit up in momentary joy as every last vampire turned toward her.
    “Welcome to the City of the Garden Gala ! I would like to take a quick moment to remind each and every one of you that this is for charity, so do try to part with those wallets of yours,” she cooed, much to the delight of her audience. “And as a reward for your generosity, I have prepared a selection of the most beautiful women in the city for your pleasure.”
    I managed to stop myself from shaking my head in disbelief.
    “There are sheets set up alongside the wall, accompanied by the name and photo of each of my lovely ladies. Throughout the night, you may bid on the courtesan of your utmost desire. As is often the case, the highest bidder wins the contract, a portion of which is slotted to the charity of the courtesan’s desire.”
    Ah, well that was news to me.
    “And on that note, I do hope everyone enjoys their evening.” She batted her eyelashes, then swept off the stage.
    Ashley patted my hand, fed me a smile, and then abandoned me. Off to do her thing, I supposed. Work the crowd, entice the vampires, secure a contract. Time for me to do the same.
    I’d barely taken a step before my first admirer stepped out of the works. Hoping to maintain a little self-worth and dignity, I lifted a brow and studied his entire length. As far as looks went, he was nothing to scoff at, but his thin build didn’t quite appeal to me. Nor did the hungry gleam in his eye as he jutted out a skeletal hand in introduction.
    “I don’t believe we’ve ever met,” he stated. “My name is Luke.”
    “Winter.” I offered my own hand.
    His icy fingers closed around mine, and I barely restrained the shudder that worked down my spine. Ugh . Cold and clammy certainly wasn’t an attractive quality.
    Recognition sparked in his eyes. “Winter. Not a common name. Surname, perhaps?”
    I gave a coy shrug. “Or maybe not my real name at all,” I teased.
    “Ah. So it’s like that then?”
    “A girl can’t be too careful these days.”
    He lifted a thick brow. “Indeed.”
    With a polite smile, I went to turn, only to find his grip tightening around mine. My gaze dropped to our twined hands.
    “Running off so soon?” he tsked. “We’ve only introduced ourselves.”
    “And there are many others I must introduce myself to,” I countered. “It’s in my best interest to meet everyone, after all.”
    “Darling, you don’t need to meet anyone else.” He sidled up next to me and leaned in close, breathing in deeply as though to memorize my scent. “So soft and sweet.”
    My gaze darted to Ashley, but she was otherwise preoccupied with a small group of men, all leaning forward as though hanging on her every word. The brush of Luke’s fingers across my cheek dragged my attention back to him and spiked my pulse.
    “Afraid, coquette?” His cold breath fanned against my neck. “Don’t be. I know what you need.”
    What I need ? I turned my head until our gazes met. “What I need is for you to leave me alone.”
    “Mm.” He chuckled deep in his throat. “I disagree. Tell me, how is Tessa?”
    I froze.
    “You smell like her,” he murmured. He studied me, his mouth curling into a predatory grin when he found his mark. His fingers brushed against the hollow of my throat. “This necklace.”
    “Get off me.” I struggled against him, terrified by the realization that he knew of my association with Tessa. If the madam learned about this, we were ruined.
    “Don’t be like that,” he chuckled, leaning forward until his sharp fangs brushed my throat. Something foreign slithered over me, a warm and muddled sensation that tasted a little like lust. Glamour , I realized the moment his firm fingers gripped my jaw and turned my head until our gazes met. Vampire magic. “Give in to me.”
    A part of me wanted to obey. To fall into him until his fangs found my jugular. I choked on my next breath,