“Do you usually bite during sex?” Astra asked bluntly.
“Not always, but I wouldn’t do it without your permission.” He paused. “Is that something that’s off the table?”
Astra shook her head and said, “No, but I do have some questions.”
Rune smiled a little. “Such as?”
“Does it hurt when you bite?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
He laughed. “It’s complicated and I’m not sure I even understand it, but I’ll try to explain.”
“Never mind. It doesn’t matter.” She hesitated. “Will I have any long-term effects?”
“I wouldn’t hurt you,” he said, his voice quiet.
“No, that’s not what I meant. Will you be able to control me or read my thoughts?”
“Definitely not,” he answered.
He was silent for a moment, but Astra could tell that he wanted to say something.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Sometimes taking blood from others grants me a small bit of their abilities. It doesn’t last very long, maybe twenty-four hours, but it’s a possibility.”
She seemed to consider that. “Does it drain my magic?”
He shook his head. “I know it’s an act of trust and I don’t expect it—”
Astra put her hand over his mouth. “You’re talking too much. Let me think.”
She felt his lips curve under her fingertips, but he didn’t try to say anything else.
“You answered all my questions honestly,” she finally said. “And I dowanttrust you. I’m just not sure if I’m ready for that yet. There’s just one thing you should know when the time comes.” She paused.
His eyebrows lifted but he couldn’t speak with her hand over his mouth.
“If you bite me, I’m biting you back.”
When she removed her hand, a wicked grin spread across his face.
“That sounds fair.”
She pulled his head down and kissed him.
ChapterNine
Rune fought to keep his touch gentle. Light.
He’d been fighting his instincts to throw Astra over his shoulder and haul her to his cave…er, bedroom, since he opened the door and saw her walking up his front steps earlier.
Now he knew that she’d chosen that dress and worn that mesmerizing scent just for him. She had this in mind all along.
The back of her dress dipped low, and his hand found her bare skin. He could feel the muscles shifting beneath his fingers, but her skin was warm and soft.
