"I should probably get back," I started.
"Stay with me tonight and tomorrow." His grin was roguish. "I'll make it worth your while."
I had no doubt about that.
Liam wasn't the cherry on the sundae. He was the whole, damn decadent treat. The type you knew might ruin you for other men, but you went back for seconds and thirds despite knowing you might regret it in the end.
Shivers of anticipation ran through me as my core clenched.
A dark light entered his eyes. He knew exactly how he was getting to me.
I was tempted. Oh, was I tempted.
Still, I hesitated. Going home with him meant staying the day. As lovely as that prospect was, it was a step I'd hesitated to take up to now.
It was a stupid hang up, but one I hadn't yet conquered.
Liam waited with a patience that I wasn't sure I would have had in his place.
"Please." He let me see a vulnerability and need that I couldn't resist.
My willpower snapped. That word on his lips was better than catnip to a cat.
"Fine, but you're dinner," I told him.
Carnal knowledge was written on his face as he pulled me closer, his head dipping. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
SEVEN
WE DIDN’T HEAD for the Gargoyle, instead driving outside the city toward Galena and the house Liam had there. I'd only been there a handful of times, but every visit felt like coming home.
The wheels of the car crunched over the gravel driveway as Liam pulled to a stop in front of a house built around the turn of the last century. It wasn't the sort of house I'd ever expect a vampire to live in. Sitting on a wooded lot full of mature trees, it was cheerful and charming with a large wraparound porch. Patio furniture invited you to put up your feet and watch the world mosey on by. Large pots of bright flowers adorned the steps adding a pop of color.
His house was three stories tall and had large windows that were each outfitted with blackout shades that automatically shut when the sun rose.
It was the sort of place you were more likely to see in a movie, not the type of home I'd expect Liam to buy for himself. Half of me was always surprised he hadn't chosen one of the high-end condos in Columbus.
I found myself liking him better for not succumbing to expectations.
Liam unlocked his door and stepped inside. He inhaled sharply as I brushed against him, a secretive smile on my lips. It was empowering to know I wasn't the only one who felt this pull.
His nose brushed the side of my neck, and I shivered.
The door closed behind us as Liam pulled me more fully into his arms, kissing his way down the side of my neck. My breath sawed in and out of my lungs, the sensation sending shivers to my core.
Vampires, I'd learned during my time with Liam, were highly sensual creatures. The stories had gotten that part right at least. In the right circumstances we could be downright hedonistic.
We felt things more deeply than our human counterparts. Every touch, every taste was a masterclass in desire.
My head sagged against his shoulder, suddenly heavy. I reached up, threading my fingers through his hair as he nipped the spot where my shoulder met my neck.
I groaned and a contented rumble answered me. The man had a map to my libido. All he had to do was follow it and I was his.
I pulled away, knowing if he continued, we'd spend the rest of the night on the floor in his entryway. It had happened before.
Dawn wasn't far off and since I didn't want to spend the day naked next to his front door, it was time to move this somewhere a little more private.
I kept thinking this lust between us would fade. It hadn't so far, managing to grow hotter and more consuming as if every touch, every taste drew us deeper into the web.
