“But of course, before I drink, the Sanguis Vita in your blood must ripen.”
“Ripen? Like I’m some kind of fruit?” I demand, trying to keep my voice from shaking and not quite managing it.
“Like a Queen.” He pulls back to look into my eyes. His gaze holds mine, unblinking. “You see, the Sanguis Vita must be awakened through pleasure. I will have to bring you to the brink again and again until your body sings with it.”
My cheeks go hot.
“Excuse me? Did you just say?—”
He bends closer, his lips ghosting my ear.
“I said I’ll need to pleasure you—to touch you and taste you. Of course, I’ll need to put you in my harness to stimulate you properly.”
My jaw drops and I pull away.
“Harness? What the actual hell are you talking about?”
His tone is maddeningly calm, but his eyes are burning as he explains.
“It’s something special I commissioned—I wanted to have it ready when I finally brought you to the Shadow Realm. It is a harness designed to caress your nipples and pussy at the same time. To hold you open and keep you safe while I explore you. You would be restrained—gently.” A slow, sensual smile curves the corners of his mouth. “The restraint is part of the ecstasy.”
“You mean like BDSM?”
“If you prefer that term.” He nods. “A Curvy Queen’s body must be fully awakened to unlock the power in her blood. The harness will be most effective for you…and most pleasurable for both of us.” His eyes go half-lidded. “I cannot wait to strap you in and tease you until your blood is ripe. Until your nipples are so tight they ache and your pussy is so wet your juices wet your thighs. Until you beg me to let you come.”
My heart is banging against my ribs like a drum. My Book Club has read plenty of smut with blindfolds and cuffs, but those are books. I never expected to experience anything like it in real life—my real-life résumé of kink includes exactly zero experience.
“Yeah, no. Not happening.” My voice sounds shaky and unsure. “I’m not built for leather straps and…and nipple caressing machines, thank you very much.”
Before he can respond, a knock interrupts us. A crimson-and-black uniformed guard enters and bows. He murmurs something that sounds urgent, though I can’t make out his words.
Lucian scowls. He looks back at me, obviously reluctant, before straightening.
“There has been an altercation with another Syndicate. I regret leaving you, but I must attend to this.” His hand cups my chin, his fingers firm and warm as he tilts my face up to look at him. “I will leave you for now. But food will be sent to feed your lovely curves. Eat and rest, little one. You’ll need your strength.”
And then he’s gone, sweeping out with the guard, leaving me in a room built for decadence and sin.
My knees buckle, and I flop back onto the bed. The sheets whisper around me, cool silk sliding against my skin. I try to think—to calm myself.
Okay, deep breath. This is crazy. A Vampire Mafia Don has trafficked me into a strange supernatural realm so he can drink my blood. But first he wants to Fifty Shades me.
I close my eyes, but it’s all I can think about. Blood…Harnesses…Being tied down. He talked about it like it was destiny, not kink.
And part of me—the part I don’t want to admit out loud—actually wondered what it would feel like.
I squeeze my eyes shut.
Don’t go there, Jules. Don’t even start.
Because if I start, what if I never want to stop?
A knock interrupts my swirling thoughts. I sit up and make sure the towel is covering everything. I’ve had enough of being naked in front of strangers to last a lifetime.
“Yes? I mean, come in,” I call, trying to sound casual.
The door opens and a servant dressed in black and crimson livery bows to me.
“Good evening, my Queen. I have brought your evening meal, as the Don requested.”
