Soft light came from a lamp in the corner, covered with a sheer red scarf. So at first he didn't notice the shape perched on the edge of the sofa, head down. But as he took a step forward, the shape moved and he froze.

"Who are you? Who let you in here?"

Then he looked. Really looked. Black cowboy boots, gold snakeskin pants so tight they looked painted-on. Endlessly long legs. Then the gorgeous white ermine coat and a shock of pale, creamy skin underneath. Showers of golden hair fell across the shoulders, down the ermine. Black wanted to knot his hands into that hair.

The figure on the couch tilted its head up revealing blue eyes, too large for the delicate face, rimmed with kohl. Black gasped at sharp line of the cheekbones, the swoop of the jaw, the pale lips. Those eyes looked straight through him as the figure on the sofa began to rise. And rise.

Fully extended, this specter was a full six foot three, almost eye to eye with Black. He was accustomed to bending and stooping. Heavy bootsteps as the person came closer and Black could feel the hot breath on his neck, smell the animal smell of sweat beneath fur.