Virgil made a zipping motion along his lips.
Satisfied, I padded through the back hall, deciding not to bother with a coat.
A chilly wind lifted my gown as I sprinted across the backyard toward the heat house at the side. Atticus was waiting at the door.
I shoved the muffin plate in his hand. “Brrr! It’s freezing out here.”
He closed the door behind me. “I turned the heat up.”
I kicked off my shoes by the door and glanced down at my knee-length ivory nightgown.
Maybe I should have dressed sexier.
He set the plate on the counter and then hung his head.
I came up behind him. “What’s wrong?” Wrapping my arms around him, I pressed my cheek to his back. “Are you still thinking about that night?”
“I almost lost you.”
Having Violet was the best day of my life, despite having almost died. I would have gladly given my life if it meant a safe delivery. Those moments watching my lifeless body were notonly scary but strangely affirming. I’d realized how many people loved me and how precious every moment was. And since that night, I cherished every single slice of life.
It had affected Atticus differently, and sometimes in quiet moments, I caught him reflecting on it.
“But you didn’t lose me.” I squeezed him tighter. “Someday you will, but I’m here now. The fates know exactly how long we should love each other.”
He clutched my arms. “My love doesn’t have a time limit.”
“Then let’s not dwell on the past or the future. Be with me now.”
Atticus spun around and cradled my neck in his strong hands. His eyes gazed into mine, and in their infinite depths was a fire that burned only for me. “You look fetching. I would shower you in diamonds if you’d let me.”
“I’d rather you shower me with kisses.”
His finger trailed down to my dragonfly pendant. “This will be the last thing I take off. Are you certain you’re ready?”
“I wouldn’t have invited you if I wasn’t. Being away from Violet is the hard part. But you?” I ran my hands up his loose shirt, his skin warm against my palms. “You’re easy.”
He released a shaky breath.
“Does this feel good?” I pinched his nipples and then let my hands slide down his abdomen. “I’m yours.”
His fangs punched out. Atticus gripped the counter behind him with a look of uncertainty. “It’s not what it looks like. I won’t drink from you. It happens involuntarily when we’re…”
“Aroused?”
“Yes,” he breathed.
“I’m not scared of you, Atticus Rain. I want to know everything about you.” I unlatched his belt and dragged it from the loops before letting it drop to the floor. “What do you like? Tell me what turns you on.”
He tunneled his fingers through my hair. “You have the most exquisite eyes I’ve ever seen. More beautiful than the blue skies over the pyramids.”
“You’re the reason my heart beats.”
We kissed fervently, and clothes dropped to the floor as we frantically undressed each other.
When his eyes fixed on my red panties, he licked his lips. “What do we have here?”
I bit down on my smile. The sheer hipsters were lace with a floral pattern. “You should know, Mr. Rain. You bought them for me.”
