"As I was saying about musical terms, vampires give off such a powerful energy or tone that everyone entrains with us. The vibrational song that emanates from us is stronger than any other, and so it overrides whatever was there before. And that is without our even looking at anyone. If we gaze into a human's eyes without holding back, it is a form of mind control. We are able to change your brain waves."

"Are you talking about hypnosis?”

"It is much more similar to brainwashing than hypnosis because in hypnosis you are always free to choose."

I reached over and played with a lock of his hair. "So, you're saying the power of what you are is so strong that I'm pulled in whether I want to be pulled in or not?"

"Exactly," he said, with a quick nod.

"And when you said your gaze wouldn't entrance me tonight, you meant you'd hold back?"

"Yes."

I slid my index finger along his lower lip. "Then, does that mean my desire to kiss you is only there because you want me to kiss you? That you are irresistible to me because of that power and not because of anything I feel about you?"

He flashed a dazzling smile. "I am pleased to hear I am irresistible to you, but no. I am old enough to be in total control of my power and I hold back with you always so that you can make your own decisions. You kiss me because you desire to kiss me."

I trailed my fingernail lightly over his cheek. "Show me the difference."

He raised his eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"Use your eyes. Turn on the full power. Let me have it. I want to know what you're talking about.”

"Are you certain?” he asked, smiling mischievously.

I nodded my head and stared into his eyes.

I felt a wave of heat move through my body, my scalp tingled, and my eyelids got heavy. The next thing I knew, I was in his lap, my knees straddling his legs, with my arms wrapped around his neck, passionately kissing him.

In my mind he sighed, "This is how it could be between us."

"Ahem."

I heard a sound from somewhere in the distance, but nothing was more important than kissing Devereux's soft, warm lips. Nothing mattered except keeping my body pressed against his.

"Ahem. Kismet?"

In slow motion, I turned toward the sound. There, at the end of the table, were three sets of eyes, staring at me.