Night Thief - Interview with Kane and Rita

Good Morning Ladies and gentlemen. I have a special treat today. I was graciously invited to go back to 1841 and meet with Kane and Rita Bordeaux from Lisa Kessler's Nihgt Theif as part of her Tour for the eBook Novella. So join with me now as we travel back in time.

Interview

*I time travel back to 1841 to Meet with Kane at Rita at their smaller home away from the hustle of Paris. I am wearing a period dress in a deep scarlet accented with black lace. I arrive via horseback with a well suited gentleman astride in front of me. With given directions from Mr. Girard at the Maison I approach the other property. The small property is comfortably situated and looks very comfortable. I try not to be nervous with being around the pair. I knock lightly knowing their enhanced hearing will pick it up and wait *

*smiles as they open the door and allow me to enter* Bonjour Monsieur & Mademoiselle Bordeaux. *curtsies for you both* It is my pleasure to be able to talk with both of you about your adventures. Merci for allowing me to visit you.

I’d like to start with the Monsieur if that is alright Mademoiselle.

*Rita smiles and nods* Of course...

Monsieur Bordeaux: I’m curious why you were pursuing the Le Voleur D’or in the beginning? *arches an eyebrow playfully*

*Kane shows Sara to a chair* I did not know it at the time, but my beautiful Le Voleur D’or was actually searching for me and a gold pocket watch. When she lost me in the crowd, she found another target.

*Smiles at Rita and sits beside her on the settee* I noticed her relieve a gentleman of his coin purse and the sight of a formally dressed, female thief caught my attention. After living among mortals for thousands of years, finding a curious puzzle is a gift.

Mademoiselle did you know the handsome man was seeking you out?

*Rita laughs, shaking her head* I was actually hunting him, but I did not realize the hunt was mutual. *Rita smiles when Kane takes her hand, their fingers entwine together* He surprised me when he found me again in the bakery. I thought I had charmed him like the others.

*Kane lifts their joined hand, pressing a kiss to her knuckles* I was charmed, but also curious. You left me eager to find you again.

*Smiles at their easy interaction* Monsieur Bordeaux when you asked Rita to stay with you did you fear she would run and not return?

I hoped she would not run. I’m confident I could have found her again, but I wanted her to be with me because she wanted to be, not as my prisoner.

*Rita rolls her eyes and grins at Sara* He never would have found me if I chose not to be found. *Her eyes sparkle at her husband* It is far too easy for Mayan Gods of the East to become over-confident in their abilities.

*Kane laughs* How many Mayan Gods of the East have you known?

*Rita grins* One is quite enough, no?

*laughs* Oui. I quite agree. One is more then enough. Mademoiselle it appeared you made yourself at home at the Maison Bordeaux. Does it feel like a place you could call home?

Oui. *Rita nods* This is more my home than anyplace I have ever lived. Gerard and Marie welcomed me into the family with open arms. *leans closer to Sara, lowering her voice as if Kane might not hear* I think they were worried their Master would never find a wife.

*Kane smiles, hearing perfectly* I never needed a wife… Until Le Voleur D’or stole my watch.

*Rita tips her head with a playful smile* Thank goodness she did...

*Nods. Indeed, but she also stole your heart. *pauses* Monsieur Bordeaux after freeing Rita from Antoine *tried hard to repress the shudder that I feel just thinking about the vile creature* did it feel to you like everything would easily fall into place?

*Kane shrugs, his partially buttoned shirt opens a little wider* I thought so, but I have learned much in the past year… *he tries not to smile* Rita often keeps me guessing.

*Rita nudges him* He is used to getting his way, and surprised when he does not.

*Grins.* You keep him guessing, no? Mademoiselle did it feel like Kane could be the family you longed to have?

Not at first. *her smile fades* After living with Antoine and watching him change, I worried Kane might also change. I also worried time would age me and take me from him. I did not wish to hurt him. So in the beginning, I worried that love would never be enough.

Monsieur Bordeaux what was going you initial reaction when you thought the change didn't happen right away?

When Rita confessed she was not changed, I felt relieved because this was something we could try again. She had been acting so strangely that I feared something else might be wrong. I didn't want my blood to hurt her.

Mademoiselle I recall you were initially disappointed and thought that you would only hurt Kane by staying. When you awoke in your new life you were very happy. What were you thinking and feeling upon awakening?

The moment I awoke, before I even opened my eyes…*She glances at Kane and a smile starts to curve her lips* I could hear Kane’s heartbeat. And I heard his words, “In tial.” I knew in that moment that we had done it. When I opened my eyes to find him looking down at me my heart wanted to explode with joy. We had done it. Our love would never age or die.

*Addresses you both* How have things been since you started your new life?

*Kane squeezes Rita’s hand and smiles over at Sara* I have never known such joy in this world. Rita taught me to laugh again. Knowing I can share anything with her makes each night worthwhile. She makes time have meaning again.

Mademoiselle have you mastered your spirit animal? I hear it is truly a sight to be seen. *smiles fondly at her*

*Rita scoots forward in her seat, joy beaming from her eyes* Oui. When Kane shifted for me the first time, I thought all Night Walkers became one with a jaguar, but my spirit animal soars. Seeing the world as a white hawk is a priceless gift.

*Nods happily while trying to visualize the stunning predator of the skies*

*Kane is watching her with love in his eyes* She is a stunning hawk. I have never seen a more beautiful hunter in the sky.

Monsieur has let his jaguar out and he is free to roam. Is he happy as well to be out and able to move about?

*Kane meets Sara’s eyes with a crooked smile* The jaguar roars again. He has not been this settled since I left the jungle centuries ago.

I’m very happy you both found each other and are having a good life together. *glances at my pocket watch and notices my time has flown by and is now up.* I wish you both the best in your newfound life. I am afraid I must leave soon or I will miss my transportation back to my home. It was a pleasure Mademoiselle and Monsieur to come to Paris to meet you. *curtsies again and walks to the door* Merci for granting me the time to talk to you. Au revoir!

*Kane and Rita walk Sara to the door...Rita kisses Sara on each cheek and Kane stays back. He smiles and tips his head.* Safe travels to you... We will see you again in the future...

*Turns my head over my shoulder with a glint in my eye* Oui, count on it my friends. I wave good-bye as I mount the awaiting horse and depart toward the horizon*

Back in 2012 again

*Sighs happily* Now that is one happy couple. I think they could easily become a new favorite couple of mine.

After the fall of the Mayan civilization, Kane, an immortal Night Walker, has taken refuge in France for over 800 years. The modern world holds little interest for him until the night he meets the Golden Thief and is robbed of much more than his pocket watch.

Marguerite Rousseau is living a double life. By day she is the assistant to an eccentric French artist, Antoine Berjon, and by night she dons elegant evening gowns to woo French dignitaries before lifting their wallets.

Sparks ignite when Kane captures the thief, but Marguerite harbors a dark secret that could ruin them both.

Where to buy Night Thief (Night Series #1.5): Amazon US | B&N

Excerpt

He knew the second she entered the ballroom. The sound of her laughter floated over the string quartet that played in the corner. Kane spun round, and his heart clenched. Her smile stopped time, and for a moment, the rest of the world ceased to exist. He resisted the urge to shove the other dancers away to get to her.

He couldn't be too eager or the rabbit might flee.

Deep in the shadows of his soul, his spirit animal stirred. Kane halted for a moment, surprised at the awakening of the jungle cat. It had been decades since he last allowed himself to shift into his jaguar spirit. To feel it so close to the surface unsettled him.

When she approached him, her gaze demanded his attention. Tonight, he’d purposefully worn his finest rings and his favorite ruby-studded gold pocket watch. His wealth would draw her to him like the moths ached to drink in the candle’s firelight.

Or so he’d hoped.

He bowed his head slightly. “Would you honor me with this dance?”

She placed her warm fingers into his hand. Her sapphire eyes sparkled up at him. “It would be my pleasure, Monsieur.”

His heart made a curious jump when he gripped her fingertips and guided her to the center of the ballroom. He placed his hand on her corseted waist and led her into a waltz.

They circled with the music, her footsteps following his lead. Her body moved with the music as if she were part of the melody filling the room. Before he realized it, he’d lost himself in the dance, in her.

Her full, rose-colored lips begged to be kissed, and her golden curls brushed over the swell of her breasts. His fingers yearned to touch her soft skin.

His gaze slid along her jaw and down the length of her neck. She wore an elaborately jeweled velvet choker that hid her pulse from him. Definitely for the best.

As the music reached its final cadence, he bowed to her and lifted her hand to press a kiss to the back of her knuckles. “A pleasure to dance with you.”

A smile tugged at her lips, and her cheeks flushed with color. “The pleasure was mine, Monsieur.”

He released her fingertips and watched her turn to leave. Kane frowned and straightened his shirt, rubbing at the scar hidden beneath the fabric before he could stop himself. This woman had a strange effect over him. His watch still dangled from his vest. She hadn't taken the bait.

“Forgive me.” She stopped and turned toward him again, her smile paralyzing him. “I do not even know your name.”

She stared into his eyes for a moment, and he toyed with the idea of peering into her mind, but decided against it. This female was a delicious puzzle he would enjoy solving. Slowly.

She offered her hand. “I am Marguerite Rousseau.”

He looked up at her while he kissed the back of her skilled hand. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Marguerite. I am Kane Bordeaux.”

He straightened without releasing her hand. “Who is the lucky gentleman you were rushing away to see?”

She laughed and shook her head. “There is no man I wish to see.” She leaned closer, lowering her voice. “I am parched and in search of good wine.”

Kane placed her hand at the crook of his arm. “Allow me?”

“Oui.” She punctuated her response with a flirtatious tilt of her head.

He led her through the dancers, toward the wine and assorted bread and cheeses that decorated the table at the far end of the ballroom.

“Our host has been most gracious tonight.” Kane filled a glass with wine and watched as she placed cheese and bread on her plate, and the tiny silver cheese tongs into her satchel.

Not only clever and quick, but brazen.

He handed her a wineglass when she turned toward him. Nothing in her demeanor betrayed nervousness or guilt. If he hadn't seen her slip the silver into her bag, he never would have suspected anything was amiss.

Marguerite sipped at the wine and dabbed at her brow with her lace handkerchief.

He glanced at the doorway. “Would you like to step onto the balcony?”

She smiled and surprised him again by taking his hand. “Oui, but only if you will join me.”

“As if I would let such beauty out of my sight.” Color crept up her powdered neck, invigorating her ivory skin. His tongue toyed with the sharp tips of his fangs while he fought the urge to taste her.

He couldn't remember the last time a woman had awakened such desire in him.

She led him onto the balcony and sipped her wine. “How do you know the Marquis?”

Kane leaned against the balcony wall, swirling the wine in his glass. “I purchased a mare from him a few years ago. He invites me to his parties in hopes I will return the kindness with more business.” He tilted the glass to his mouth without allowing any of the liquid to pass his lips. “Is the Marquis a relative of yours?”

“No. I attend on behalf of my Master. The Marquis is an admirer of his work.” A house servant passed by, and she placed her glass on the tray. She gnawed at her lower lip, drawing his attention to her perfect mouth. “And where is your wife, Monsieur?”

Her tone made the question sound like a challenge. Kane frowned and straightened to his full height. “I have never been married.”

She paused for a moment. “Without a wife and children, who will carry on your family line?”

He bit back a surprising burst of laughter. “I assure you, my family line will continue without a wife.”

Her eyes narrowed slightly, studying him. “You are…puzzling, Monsieur Bordeaux.”

“I prefer to think of myself as simple. Relationships complicate.” He straightened his stifling vest, fighting the urge to rip it off. His gold watch thumped against his chest, reminding him that his quarry had not taken the bait. Interesting.

“Ah, but life would be dull without them, no?” The sound of her voice and the way the candlelight sparkled in her eyes hypnotized him. She took his hand again. “The final dance is beginning. We should join the party.”

He allowed her to pull him back into the ballroom, and spun her around to face him. They waltzed among the other party guests, circling the room until the dancers sharing the floor blurred around them.

As the music swelled, her hand slipped from his and Marguerite spun away to her new dance partner. A pert, auburn-haired beauty with a shy smile took his hand, and though he might have considered seducing her into his bed, he couldn't focus on her. Not with Marguerite dancing one, then two partners away.

It was a dizzying flood of color as dresses billowed, dancers turned, and laughter blended with the crescendo of the string quartet. Kane bowed and waltzed with several new partners before he realized he’d lost Marguerite in the crowd.

He fingered his vest pocket.

He had also lost his favorite gold watch.

About Lisa Kessler

Lisa Kessler is an award winning author of dark paranormal fiction. Her debut novel, Night Walker, won a San Diego Book Award for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror as well as the Romance Through the Ages Award for Best Paranormal and Best First Book.

Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.

When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego.

Where to find Lisa
Twitter | Facebook | Lisa's Blog | Lisa's Lair Website

Giveaway

Lisa is also doing a fun Giveaway with her tour. What is up for grabs is a signed paperback of Night walker (Night Series #1), a $25 Amazon Gift Card and a Night Thief Cove Poster. So please fill out the raffelcopter below and enter. Thanks for stopping in and Good Luck!

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