1889 Camille Coullivaurd’s dressing room
The Metropolitan Opera house
At last, Camille heard a knock upon her door. She felt like a child on Christmas morning, the anticipation to see her love was almost too much to bear. Her hands trembled as she reached for the doorknob and turned it.
Adrian looked as handsome as ever. Dressed from head to toe in a double-breasted black suit, his fair hair perfectly brushed, his turquoise gaze caressed her body. He held his hands behind his back and she knew he had a surprise for her. He always surprised her when he called upon her after a performance.
He took her hand and gently kissed it. She felt the heat rise to her cheeks. Yes, she might have every man’s eyes upon her when she stepped into the role of Carmen night, after night, but they meant nothing to her. Only Adrian could make her blush.
His perfect smile lit up her dressing room as he removed the hand from behind his back and presented her with a bouquet of pink edged white roses. "Most women prefer red ones from a suitor, yet I know my sweetheart prefers pure white and pink ones."
She laughed. "You know me too well, don’t you?"
He smiled, taking a seat on the plush red sofa. "Yes, I do sweetheart. I know you make a magnificent Carmen. I told you were born to play the role?"
She smoothed her ruffled red satin gown and took a seat next to him. Shivers shot down her spine as she inhaled the spicy scent of his shaving soap. Would he take her tonight as she secretly desired for so long? Or would he be a gentleman and propose first? "I would not say I was born to play Carmen, however, I have grown into the role." She kissed his cheek, savoring the roughness of his skin. "Thanks to you, my love."
"Yes, you are my love." He stroked a dark tendril of her hair and brazenly kissed her neck.
Any other man Camille would have pushed away, but not her Adrian. She owed everything to him and was willing to give him whatever he desired in return.
"Will you be my love forever?" he asked.
"Until the day I die.
"Then death shall not part us."
She shook her head. "Adrian, do not be foolish, everyone must die."
He kissed her neck again and she allowed herself to relax and forget about his odd words. The caress of his tongue along her nape spoke of carnal pleasures, however, the sensations changed to sharp pain. Her sweetheart had torn through the flesh of her neck with his teeth.
"Adrian, what are you doing to me?" she whispered, trying to pull away.
Camille couldn’t fight him. His grip over her held too strong. She screamed, touching the nape of her neck and spying crimson on her fingers. She closed her eyes, allowing the darkness that called to her take over.
