Page 58 of Plug and Tame

I will never be yours.

Kira’s barbed words echoed in Nathaniel’s mind as he walked down the hall towards the living area. There were very few things that fazed him, but the truth in her words had wounded him, finding the vulnerable part of him and piercing tender flesh.

Even he had his limits, and the knowledge that he could never be with the woman he loved. That he would soon have to give her up to someone who would almost certainly hurt her, made it hard to breathe.

Just the thought of having to present Kira to his father on his thirtieth birthday left him heartbroken.

“Nathaniel, wait,” Kira said, catching up to him and pressing something into his hand.

He halted and stared at the leash in his hands, hardly seeing it.

“I’m sorry for bringing up your father,” she whispered, glancing at the vampires who were having breakfast at the dining table nearby before turning her earnest gaze to him. “I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Nathaniel nodded, his hand closing over the leash. “There is no need to apologise. It was my fault for pushing you so far.” He smiled and caressed her face. “Never apologise for pushing back. Your fighting spirit is one of the reasons I fell in love with you.”

Kira returned his smile—a real, genuine smile, full of love and understanding.

“You can fight me, Kira,” he told her quietly. “You can even disobey my orders. I can handle that.” He pulled her leash until she was standing close and looking up at him. “But I need you to take this seriously. Because the thought of having no future with you has me at breaking point. And I cannot fail, Kira. I cannot break down, because you need me. And the entire world needs you. The wellbeing of so many people depends on you, and I would be selfish to keep you to myself.” His eyes were hooded and full of resignation as he met her gaze. “So, unless you’re prepared to turn your back on everything and…”

He barely managed to stop himself from saying run away with me.

He would do anything to protect Kira, and the temptation to whisk her away to a safe place far away from here was strong. They could start anew, just the two of them.

But it would mean leaving everyone they cared for behind, and he could not bring himself to do that.

Kira closed the distance between them and surprised him with a warm embrace. She rested her cheek against his chest. “I want what you want,” she whispered.

Nathaniel nodded, even as he tried to decipher her meaning. Did she want the plan to be successful?

Or does she want…a life together?

He was too afraid to ask which one it was, and instead placed his hands on her back. He would stay here, holding her, for as long as she was content to stay.

Kira pulled away all too quickly.

“Ready to go?” she asked tentatively.

He took a deep breath and nodded. If Kira could do this, then so could he. Her bravery never failed to impress him. As did her compassion in his moment of weakness.

And holy hell, despite the fact that he was getting choked up, her kindness turned him on.

They crossed to the dining area. He stayed a few paces behind Kira, subtly adjusting himself as they walked.

Victoria was the only one left at the table, playing idly with her cereal.

“Morning, Kira,” she said cheerfully, before looking pointedly at the tent he’d pitched in his pants. “And a very good morning to you, my prince.”

“Good morning,” he greeted, ignoring the dig.

Victoria jabbed her spoon at him. “I see you’ve downgraded Kira to doggy status. What’s next? Going to make her bark?”

“Bark?” Kira repeated, narrowing her eyes at him as if to say, you’re not going to make me bark, are you?

He passed Kira a pastry. “We have to get going. You can eat as we walk. Victoria might not care about being late for class, but no pet of mine will be tardy.”

“Whatever,” said Victoria. “But Kira, before you go…” She leant closer conspiratorially. “Tell me, have you two had sex yet?”

Nathaniel had been about to tug the leash, but he hesitated, curious to see what Kira would answer. Would she count their shared dream of the classroom as her losing her virginity to him? It had only been a fantasy, and yet, it had left a powerful impression on him.