Damon Tinta's gaze drifted over the many sights that greeted him at the body art festival. Men and women showed off their tattoos and piercings while others sat in chairs while artists worked on them. Some looked through various wares, such as T-shirts and jewelry, sold by vendors.

Glad to have been allowed time off for this venture, Damon intended to fully enjoy the day. After the festival, he'd go out for dinner, maybe visit a museum then return to the manor in time for evening meditation before going to sleep.

It seemed like ages since he'd had time to do something for himself. Over the past month, most of the training of the newest members of the Order of the Mated Souls had fallen to him. He enjoyed passing on his knowledge to other Midlords, but everyone needed a break sometimes.

When he stopped to watch a man showing off an intricate fantasy-style tattoo on his chest, someone bumped into him.

"Excuse me," said a tall, lean black woman. Her large, dark gaze met his and Damon's heart skipped a beat. An indescribable sensation broke over him and he almost forgot to breathe.

For several seconds they stared at each other before he said, "It's all right. I was in the way."

A charming smile tugged at her full, glossy lips and she nodded toward the winged man tattooed on his shoulder. "That angel tat is beautiful."

"It's not an angel. He's Cupid."

"Ah. You're a romantic."

"Sort of." He shrugged.

He'd dedicated his life to romance. Other people's romance. True love wasn't in the cards for him. He'd given up the chance for it when he joined the Order of the Mated Souls.

For the first time in his life, he regretted that choice. This woman did something to him...

"You're American," he said.

"Yeah. I came here for the festival. It was weird, but I just had to come."

Come. Why did she have to use that word? Just looking at her made him hard as a rock. He could probably come on her command.

"Are you here with someone?" he asked.

"No. You?"

He shook his head.

Damon's gaze drifted over her face to the top of her smooth breasts visible in the sundress she wore. The woman oozed sex appeal without being blatant. The gentle look in her eyes and the graceful way she moved set her apart from the other women here. She had earthiness, class and style.

She was a lady and Damon had never been so attracted to anyone in his life.

"What's your name?"

"Angela."

"I'm Damon. Would you like to walk with me, Angela?"

"Yeah." She smiled. "I'd like that a lot."

He offered her his hand and when she slipped hers into it, another jolt struck him.

This time he knew she felt it too. Her eyes widened and the tip of her sexy pink tongue moistened her lips. It took all Damon's self-control not to kiss her.

They spent the next couple of hours at the festival, then he took her to a nearby restaurant where they sat at an intimate table for two.

When he escorted her to her hotel, their goodbye kiss began in the lobby and ended in her room.

He unzipped her dress and slid his hands over her smooth back down to her firm buttocks. The silky panties felt great, but he needed to feel her skin.

Angela took his lower lip between her teeth, nibbled it then sucked on it while he pushed down her sundress.

Damon tore his mouth from hers only to kneel in front of her. He pushed the dress past her hips and she kicked it out of the way. Hooking his thumbs in the sides of her panties, he leaned closer and dipped his tongue into her navel.

She tasted so good and he loved the fresh scent of her skin mingling with the faint aroma of floral perfume. Enraptured by her, Damon closed his eyes and pressed his cheek to her stomach. He slid her panties down and she stepped out of them and spread her legs a bit wider.

His heartbeat quickened as he dipped his head toward her soft mound and rubbed his cheek against her pubic hair before rolling his tongue over her clit.

"Oh, Damon!" she gasped, her buttocks tightening in his hands.

He groaned and continued devouring her. This woman aroused him so much. At this moment he didn't care about anyone or anything except her. The pull between them had to be magical. He sensed it, but he was powerless against the spell that drew him to her.

He needed to keep touching and tasting her. He doubted he could survive the night without making love to her.