“Exactly.” Kip offers me his wrist, which he just bit.
It really is like magic. As soon as I swallow the proffered blood, I feel my bone click back into place.
“Thank you.” I blush, removing the splint.
“Anytime, sweetheart.” Kip grins, kissing my pointer finger. “Hmmm…I guess that means that you drinking my blood in that dream didn’t actually heal you in real life, huh? Good to know, I guess.”
He grabs my hand in his again, and continues to pull me through his apartment.
I take this moment following behind him to check him out,shamelessly. He’s wearing dark blue jeans, a black long-sleeved henley. Both garments hug his muscular frame, highlighting every dip and curve. It’s almost sinful how good he looks, with his wavy blond hair that’s artfully tousled. It honestly seems like he doesn’t even have to try to look good. I bet he rolls out of bed and looks this effortless.
Looking from him, down to me, I wonder what he sees in me. I’m not small, but compared to him I look tiny. There’s no way my frame could house as much bulky muscle as his. Kip is classically handsome, and very well could be a model. Meanwhile, I’m a nerdy, lanky guy. I don’t get it. But maybe I should just count my blessings? He obviously sees something in me, so who am I to question it?
Kip pulls me into the combined dining and living area, revealing a completely transformed space. The lights are low, candles placed throughout the rooms. Soft music is playing from a speaker, and it looks super cozy.
He leads me to the dining table, gently pulling out a chair for me and plopping me down into it with a kiss on the head.
“It looks really nice in here, Kip. Can’t believe you did this all for me.”
Kip huffs. “Believe it, sweetheart. You’re worth it. I’d do this a thousand times over just to see that twinkle in your eye and the smile on your face. You’re fucking beautiful, Charlie.”
I shake my head. “I don’t get it.”
Kip uncorks a bottle of wine, pouring me a healthy glass. “What’s not to get?”
“What you see in me? Why you like me? Why you’re going to all this trouble? I must have really good blood, because that’s the only thing I can think of.” My fingers toy with the stem of my glass. Then, I feel the blood leave my face. “Or you’re only with me because the bond says you should be.”
Kip stands behind me, his fingers gripping my chin to tilt my head back to look at him. “I see everything in you. I see my prickly little cactus, who has a tough shell to hide himself from the world, but lets it soft only for me. I see someone who is so beautiful it’s otherworldly, and that’s coming from someone who is literally a vampire. I see someonewho makes me feel safe, and really cared for, for the first time in my life. Charlie, baby, you risked your life to come find me when I was imprisoned at Blood Rose. No one else cared, but you did. Even after only knowing me for a couple of weeks. I see my future in you. And it’s not because of the bond, it’s because ofyouand who you are inside.”
My mouth is parted in shock, and I feel tears trickling down my cheeks. Kip leans down, planting a soft kiss against my lips. “I see you too, Kip.” I murmur as he pulls away.
“I know you do, baby. I know. That’s why it’s you that my heart chose. I may be dumb, but my heart isn’t.”
I scoff. “You aren’t dumb. Don’t call yourself that.”
Kip shrugs. “I’m stating a fact. Everyone knows I’m not the sharpest crayon in the box. I mean, only a dummy would die by falling from a tree. Or not realizing that his supposed ‘best friend’ was using him for blood. I know my weaknesses, and my brain is one. But that’s where you come in. You’re fucking brilliant, so we even each other out. You use your brain muscles, and I’ll use my muscle muscles.”
Snorting, I pat his hand as it rests on the table. “You do have me beat in the muscles department, that’s for sure.”
“Well, we can’t both be muscly boys, Charlie. How am I supposed to impress you with my physical prowess if you’re as strong as me?” Kip flexes one of his obscene biceps. “Anyway, I’m going to go dish up dinner, and then we can eat. I guess, actually, you’ll eat, and I’ll watch you. Since apparently human food is a no-go for me.”
“Don’t worry, handsome, I’ll feed you later.” I cringe, realizing I failed at sounding sexy and simply sounded awkward.
But even though I came off as weird, Kip seems to like my comment anyway, shooting me a wink before heading to the kitchen to grab dinner.
“Oh my god, Kip, this is so fucking good.” I moan around another bite of chicken parmesan. “Oh shit, sorry. I guess I shouldn’t rub it in that you can’t eat it, huh?”
Kip smiles at me. “It’s fine, honestly. Watching you enjoy it is enough for me. It’s burgers that break my heart every time I think of them, not Italian.”
I swallow another mouthful. “Maybe eventually your body will adjust and you’ll be able to have people food again? I mean, have you seen Tyson eat food? That would tell you.”
Kip sighs. “No, but that’s because vampires can’t digest human food. I’m not sure how I know that, but I know it’s true. It’s okay though, nothing I can do to change it anyway. Besides, Tyson was always weird about his diet around other people. Maybe that should’ve been a clue.”
“That sucks. And Tyson is sneaky. There’s no way you’d ever have guessed he was a vampire who only drinks blood and booze.” After a sip of wine, I continue, “Anyway, I’m surprised dickhead isn’t here right now, glaring at me for daring to be with you.”
Kip snorts, resting his chin on his fist. “He disappeared after I was released earlier. No idea where to, and I don’t really care either. As long as he leaves us alone.”
“I’ll toast to that.” I raise my glass. “Don’t you find it interesting that you can drink alcohol just fine, it’s just food that you can’t stomach? Like who makes these rules.”
