Aidan remains quiet on the line. I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad sign, so I just keep going. “I don’t have anyone in my life to satisfy those particular needs at the moment, and my guess is that you don’t either. So, what if we made an arrangement?”
I expect there to be another pause, but he speaks up the second I’ve finished. “And what are the details of thisarrangement?”
“It’s just sex,” I insist. “No emotions involved. Just a couple of times a week, whenever we’re both available. And we tell no one. This is just between us. There’s no need getting the town all riled up thinking we’re dating or something.”
“Right,” he deadpans. “We certainly wouldn’t want people thinking that.”
Is it just me, or does he sound the slightest bit disappointed? I choose to ignore it. “Is that something you would be interested in?”
“Just sex?” he reiterates. “You’re not going to suddenly become enchanted by me and beg me to bite you?”
I scoff. “I don’t know what sort of kinky vampire shit you’re into, but no, I will not becomeenchantedby you. I need to scratch an itch. And it’s your fault I’m itchy in the first place.” I instantly regret my choice of words.
“Do you ever think about the words coming out of your mouth before you say them?”
“Nope.” Probably should. Probably won’t.
“Figures.”
Another pause. “So you agree?”
He sighs. “Yes, I agree.” I hear shuffling. “I’m out right now, but meet me at my place in an hour.”
My stomach does a backflip. “Tonight?!”
I can practically hear the smile on his face. “You wanted to start something, so let’s start it. Why wait?”
He’s right. It’s now or never.
I slip on a pair of sneakers and grab my jacket. “I’ll see you in an hour.”
I knock lightlyat the front door and wait for Aidan to answer. When he does, he’s wearing no shirt, only a loose pair of slacks halfway buttoned.
Saliva floods my tongue and I have to force a swallow. “Am I early? Did your first appointment run a little over?” I know he debunked my theory of him being a ladies man, but it’s still just too fun to mess with him.
Aidan smirks with disdain. “You caught me as I was changing.”
He steps aside to let me in, and I catch the smell of his body wash. He smells citrusy and delicious, like bergamot or fresh oranges.
I also notice he looks tired.
“Did you just wake up from a nap? I didn’t know vampires took naps.”
“I sleep like everyone else,” he says as I follow him into the living room. “But no, I just got back and took a quick shower.”
I feign shock. “Making sure you’re sparkly clean for me? How sweet.” Aidan snarls, and I’m pleased with myself. “You do look tired though,” I add.
He gestures to the couch, and I make myself as comfortable as possible. It’s only my second time here, but I’m starting to get a feel for it. The dark and moody aesthetic has grown on me.
“I’m low on blood,” Aidan says.
“What?” Am I supposed to know what this means? I’m very aware that my heart is beating faster, and I’m worried he can hear it.
He sits across from me on that damn velvet chair. “That's why I look tired. I need to replenish soon.”
“Replenish?”
“You don’t know how vampire biology works?” He looks surprised.
