I used every ounce of willpower I had to keep my feet planted, to keep myself from drifting forward. The fear kept me rooted in place.
His tongue darted across his lips, and my eyes flicked to the movement. The flush crawled past my cheeks and into my ears, my skin burning. I was on fire.
He noticed my gaze, and he exhaled heavily.
“Fiella…” His voice was a prayer. A curse. An omen.
My eyes flitted back up to his.
Slowly, so slowly he stepped forward, the step taking minutes. Hours. Years. I stayed frozen, holding my breath. He closed the gap between us, his eyes holding a million questions. I could feel his warmth radiating, only a breath between us.
I had forgotten how tall he was, but this close, I had to crane my neck to keep eye contact. His head was bent down, our faces drawn together like magnets.
His hand came next. He raised it slowly, giving me plenty of time to step away from it if I wanted to.
I didn’t.
His palm cupped my jaw, as delicate as a butterfly’s wing, barely making contact. A question. An offering. A promise.
After only a moment’s hesitation, I leaned into his touch, relishing in the feeling of his rough skin against mine. An acceptance. A truth. A blessing.
He reacted instantly, his grip tightening on my jaw and his other hand coming up to clutch my face.
“Thank the gods,” he murmured, before slamming his lips to mine.
He didn’t hold back, pouring himself into the kiss. I matched his fervor, gripping his tunic in my fists, yanking him towards me, pressing our bodies together.
Yes. This is right. This is everything.
He kissed me like he had nothing to lose, his mouth devouring mine. My blood thrummed, my fangs deliciously aching.
After realm-quaking minutes, his mouth left mine, my body liquid in hands. I panted, unable to catch my breath. His mouth moved to my throat, kissing, licking, fangs scraping. An indecent moan escaped my mouth.
He shivered. “Gods Fiella, you make the most delicious sounds.” His fangs scraped me again–a promise and a taunt.
“Keep doing that. Please. Fuck, Redd. Sink your fangs into me,” I begged.
A low laugh rumbled through his chest. “You have no idea how badly I ache for the taste of you. For your blood in my mouth, your essence on my tongue. But not yet, my sweet Fiella.” His mouth moved to my collarbone. “Not yet.”
I shivered, grabbing onto his chest, my fingers finding the laces of his tunic.
“Tease,” I complained.
“Don’t worry, little vampire, I would never leave you aching. Be a good girl and be patient.”
His words lit my blood on fire, arousal settling deep into my stomach, my core clenching.
“Is that a promise?” I asked breathlessly. I managed to loosen his tunic, sliding my hands beneath to get to his skin beneath. I neededmore.
He didn’t respond, but I could feel his smile against my skin.
“Are you trying to get me naked, little vampire?” he asked when my hands continued the exploration of his torso.
“Yes. Of course. Please,” I answered, my mind whirling.
“So polite, how could I say no?” he said wryly. He stepped back just far enough to whip his tunic off. I could feel his eyes on my face, watching me watch him as he stripped for me. So slowly. Too slowly. His hands paused at the button on his trousers, and I frowned in protest.
“Your turn.”
