Page 65 of Her Vampire, His Ruin

“Well, I shall take my leave then. Have a good evening, Edie, and please, pass on my regards to Elizabeth. Tell her that if she ever wishes to learn self-defence and how to use a knife in the correct manner to protect herself, I’d be happy to oblige.”

I smile. “I’ll let her know.”

He dips his head in acknowledgment, then turns on his heel and leaves.

For the next few minutes, I watch the pianist play. Lost in his own world and oblivious to my presence, his fingers fly over the keys. His performance is even more impressive given he isn’t reading from sheet music. I’m so enraptured by his gift I don’t hear Dorian approach. Not until he’s placing a bottle of Merlot on the table, alongside two glasses.

“Gregory is one of the finest musicians I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to,” he says, taking a seat next to me. I’m immediately struck by his masculine scent of cedar wood, leather, and cigarette smoke. Beneath that is a note of something rich and metallic I can’t quite place.

“He’s incredible,” I agree, my gaze trailing over Dorian’s forearms as he pours wine into both glasses. He isn’t wearing his suit jacket and his shirt sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, giving me the perfect view of the trail of vines wrapping around his arms. Even the thick veins beneath his skin are a turn-on.

“This is a bottle of the finest Merlot. I think you’ll enjoy the taste,” he says, passing me a glass of wine, his fingertips grazing mine. His touch is like static electricity, lifting the hairs on my arms and sending my pulse racing.

“I thought you didn’t drink.”

“On occasion, I indulge.”

“Thank you.” I take a sip, letting the wine linger on my tongue as I hum in pleasure at its decadent richness.

Dorian slides his chair closer, turning to face me. “I’m happy to see you, Edie,” he murmurs, slipping his hand beneath the table to rest on my thigh. His touch is cool, but I’m already burning up with desire. All I can think about is the memory of his mouth on my skin.

“I’m happy to see you too,” I reply, trying my damndest to hide the lust in my voice.

It’s only been a few days since we last saw each other, and I’ve spent almost all of that time daydreaming about being in his arms again. Elizabeth was right? I am in lust and, honestly, I’m okay with that. More than okay, actually, as long as lust is all it is.

“You didn’t wait for me to contact you,” he says. “Why?”

I could lie and tell him I was in the area, but I don’t. Instead, I tell him the truth. “Because I couldn’t stay away any longer.”

He grins, and I am seized by the urge to lean in and press a kiss to the dimples that carve into his cheeks.

“Just as well, because I would’ve turned up at your place tonight and caused a scene on your doorstep if you hadn’t come here. This is far more civilised.”

“I’m not certain I want to be civilised,” I say, pressing my lips together as he snaps his gaze to mine.

“Perhaps we should enjoy the music first,” he suggests. “Then, maybe, we can talk about how uncivilised you’re willing to get.”

A thrill dances through me as Dorian lifts his glass and turns his attention to the pianist. For the next few minutes, I allow myself to drink in the beauty of his profile. Every single angle of his face, from his strong nose and defined cheekbones to his jaw, shadowed with stubble, looks as if it were sculpted by God himself. And don’t get me started on his plump, pink lips as seductive as the Devil’s.

He’s utterly beautiful. A work of art. A living masterpiece. His image should be hung in a gallery for everyone to enjoy. Then again, I rather like having him all to myself.

“What are you looking at, Edie?” he asks, slowly twisting his head towards me. His intense gaze would melt the knickers from my body if they weren’t already drenched.

“Is it a crime to admire a gorgeous man?” I tease, biting on my lip.

“As long as I’m the only man you’re admiring,” he replies, reaching over and thumbing my lip. He eases it from beneath my teeth as he leans in close and brushes a chaste kiss against my cheek.

My nipples instantly harden.

“Gregory is fighting for my attention too,” I say, and his eyes narrow, heat blazing within the obsidian orbs.

“I’ll carve his eyes out of his head if he dares to look your way.”

I gasp. “Please tell me you’re kidding.”

Dorian smirks, sliding his thumb between my parted lips, his thick fingers cupping my jaw. “I’m not. You’re mine, Edie. Now suck on my thumb, show me what I’ve been missing.”

I don’t hesitate. Drawn in by his command, and the intense way he’s looking at me, I twirl my tongue around his thumb, hollowing out my cheeks and giving him a taste of what I’m capable of.