by J. A. Saare
As soon as our gazes met, he went eerily still.
I'd forgotten about the change in my appearance.
Fuck you, Marigold. You bitch.
I closed my eyes and was about to pull away, but he stopped me. "Don't." His cool breath breezed over my face. "Look at me, Rhiannon."
I didn't want to. Our mark flared.
"Look at me, love." He spoke aloud and in my head. "Please look at me now."
I didn't have to use my eyes or ears to know what he was thinking.
It was the same for him.
While I felt ashamed and aware of myself, worried about his reaction, he'd simply had a slip. He hadn't wanted to think about what Marigold was doing. He'd barred it from his mind. He'd come to me as an eager lover, ready to wrap himself up in our nearness. Seeing the change had brought him back to reality. He didn't see her when he looked into my face. He only saw me.
The connection between us didn't allow lies.
The mark meant ultimate verity.
I did as he said, letting them flutter open. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. You keep those beautiful eyes on me."
I did and brought my hands up to clutch his arms.
He eased into me slowly, taking his time, gently rocking against me. Neither of us dared look away from the other. The gold in his irises brightened, glowing vividly in the dark. No matter how many times it happened, I didn't think it would ever feel any less amazing when we united our bodies. Due to the connection we shared, we felt each part of each other where we were joined. I felt the clasp of my sex against his cock, and he felt the pressure his thickness created against my vaginal walls. We were two parts of one whole. I shivered and cried out softly when he couldn't go any deeper, arching my back.
"Do you want it all?"
That answer was easy. "I want it all."
He moved the hand that wasn't holding him upright and clasped my hip, his hold firm but careful as his fingers surrounded my pelvic bone. Then he shuffled, lifting me slightly so he could enter me the last little bit. It was only an inch or so, but we felt it. We groaned in harmony, taking in the sensation, seeing it in each other's stares.
"My sweet love. I don't know why you were given to me, but I'll never let you go." He brought his mouth to mine for a kiss and started pistoning his hips. The first two thrusts were slow. On the third, he gained speed and power. He pulled his lips away to whisper, "We're meant to be together, Rhiannon. I'll never get enough of you. Not in a lifetime. Not in eternity."
He kissed me again, revealing he'd been as ready for this as I had.
He wanted to lose himself in me and know I was safe.
His lips left my mouth, and he brought a hand to my right breast. He licked a path to my sternum, moving slowly, taking his time as he brought my nipple between his lips, sucked slightly, and trapped it between his teeth. His fangs dropped, and I felt them press against the sensitive skin without puncturing. He shifted his head, doing the same thing on the other side. I groaned, lifting my feet and sliding them around his waist. I hooked my ankles together.
I timed my thrusts, following his movements.
He licked a path to my throat and teased the scar on my neck, dragging the tips of his fangs over it. "You always feel so good." He pressed into me, grinding his hips, groaning in ecstasy. "Slick and ready for me. Tight, warm, and wet. I could stay inside you forever." His voice was thick with lust, his movements becoming rougher as he growled, "I'm not finished with you, love. You know what I want."
He accepted I wouldn't let him use his abilities to ease the pain when he fed. We'd had a lengthy discussion and argument over it. Eventually, we'd come to an agreement. When he needed blood to survive, I would be fully aware of it.
But the accord hadn't ended there.
We had to talk about what he was—a vampire.
There were numerous times when he wanted to bite me because it was part of him. A wild and feral impulse to claim and mark me overcame him in moments like these. It aroused him when he sank his teeth into the side of my throat that carried the dark scar he'd given me. In his mind, he was branding me all over again, doing it as though it was the first time. He'd avoided doing so before, not wanting to frighten me, combating that part of himself. After what we'd been through, he found it easier to be honest about his nature when we'd discussed things.
I shifted my head and dropped my shoulder, giving him plenty of room.
"You never displease me, always ready to give me what I need."
The pleasure in his deep voice sent a tendril of desire through me, surging from my spine to my sex. He bathed the area he wanted to sink his teeth into, his tongue sweeping over my skin, drawing his fangs over the area he intended to bite. He slid his fingers through mine and forced the back of my left hand against the bed. I didn't brace myself this time, awash in absolute need, struggling to breathe as he pulled back. He lapped at the skin, rumbling softly, and prepared to strike. When his fangs scored my neck, sinking deeply into my skin, I cried out.
This time there was no pain.
Another orgasm seared through me, only now the amazing sensation swept from my belly to my throat. Waves of pleasure cascaded through my entire body, making my muscles quiver, causing me to thrash beneath him. He kept me in place with the hand on my hip, sinking harder and deeper into me.
I heard him swallowing and, through our mental link, knew he was taking a trip back in time, going back to the moment he'd done this very thing in the family room. Back then, I'd been attracted to him but afraid, wanting him yet not. He'd pulled back to protect me, shielding me when I'd let his blood assume control of my body.
Only now, he imagined we hadn't stopped.
He didn't care about being a gentleman.
He'd removed my sweater, pulled off my pants, tossed me on the couch, and taken me then and there in front of the fireplace. The family would hear us, and he'd wanted them to. He wanted everyone to know he'd claimed me as his own, even before either of us had fully realized it. He sealed the punctures with his tongue, released my hand, and lifted away.
"Turn over." The words were raspy, his normal baritone even deeper as he slid out of my body, backed away and changed our positions. "On your knees."
He flipped me with care, maneuvering me with ease. My front sank into the soft feather bed, and I pulled my hips back up, getting in place. His fingers dug into my skin when he grasped my waist, moved behind me, and eased his cock into me once more. I lowered my head to the bed and pressed back, groaning when he went so deep I didn't know where I started and he ended. He retreated, taking his time, and returned with a hard and firm thrust. I gasped, as caught up in the moment as he was. One thrust became two and three. Then he found his rhythm.
He took me hard and fast, driving into my body.
Dear God.
I fisted the sheets, keeping my head down.
He was so close I could hear and feel it. He was holding off because he wanted me to come again. I wanted to say something to him before I did, but I didn't think I could formulate proper words. Sometimes, when he wanted to be like this, I couldn't focus on anything but pure sensation. He consumed and overwhelmed me in the most delicious of ways, keeping my entire focus on what was taking place between us. Fortunately, I didn't have to speak to communicate.
I only had to reach out with my mind.
"I love you." I'd told him dozens of times, but he never tired of hearing it.
The hand on my hip vanished. He blanketed me with his body, sliding his chest over my back, nuzzling my neck. His voice was laced with adoration and approval when he told me, "I love you."
His fingers swept over my ribs, came to my belly, and drifted between my legs. He brushed his fingers over my clit, moving them in the way I liked. He was letting me off easily, driving me to climax yet again. I struggled to breathe, rolling my hips, pushing back each time he surged forward. He shifted slightly, sliding his cock into me in a different way, searching for the spot that woul
d send me over. When he hit the area, and I inhaled raggedly, he maintained a steady pace. I whimpered, writhing beneath him as he moved even faster.
"Come for me."
As soon as he gave the command, I did exactly what he wanted, shaking like a leaf as I fell apart. I fought to keep my knees where he wanted them instead of becoming a puddle on the bed. He moved faster, building and increasing the tempo. Even as he unleashed himself, he took care, making sure not to give me more than I could take. In seven hard and frenzied thrusts, he buried his fingers into the fleshy part of my hips, yanked me back and held me against him, and groaned. I felt the pulsing coolness in my body that signified his release. He didn't stop moving as he came, slowing his deep plunges, pressing his forehead against the middle of my back.
After he was spent and relieved, he pulled out.
His hands slid under me, bearing my weight as he turned me over again. I threw my arms over my head and rested against the bed, wanting to see his face. I relaxed when he hiked his leg over mine, brought his body down, and placed his weight between my thighs.
He settled against me, pressing kisses to my collarbone, and placed his hands on either side of me. Then he lifted his torso from mine and peered down. His blond hair was all over the place, sticking out in every direction. But that wasn't what I focused on. My gaze drifted to his, and my heart melted when I glimpsed the satiation and warmth in his eyes.
I brought my right hand to his face, cupping his jaw."Feel better?"
"Always." He grinned and rubbed his chin against my palm. "You?"
"Do you really have to ask?" I brushed my thumb along his cheekbone, loving the way he looked when we were like this. "Thank you."
He hummed and pressed a kiss to my palm. "No, thank you."
I sighed, closing my eyes.
Moments like these were what I lived for. There was no danger or confusion. We didn't have to put on an act or make sure enemies weren't lurking around corners. The two of us rejoiced in time alone together, enjoying what we could give each other. We could leave the chaos of the world behind, put our feet on solid ground, and find solace and comfort.
Like this, there was only us.
We knew what the other needed and offered it freely.
"What's wrong with The Minnow?" Disco hadn't named the boat, which I'd heard was bad luck, so I had dubbed her after the S.S. on Gilligan's Island. I looked at him, hoping the issue wasn't too bad.
"Nothing of note." He continued moving his face against my hand, his lips caressing my skin. "I've been inspecting her while you rested."
For some reason, he answer didn't sound right. "Is that all?"
"And thinking. I've been thinking."
That, at least, made sense. We had a lot going on. "About?"
"You. Me. Us." He paused as he tried to decide what he wanted to say. I waited, noting when he broke eye contact. He released a heavy sigh. "Everything."
He wasn't completely overwhelmed, but he felt close. "That noggin' of yours hurting?"
The joke was intended to lighten the mood. He didn't react in the way I hoped, remaining serious. "Let's get you cleaned and fed."
He moved from the bed, kicked his pants free, and removed every item on his body except for the amulet strung around his neck. Once nude, he reached for me. I twined my arms around his back as he got a firm grip and carried me to the bathroom. The space was compact but not overly so. He already had towels and washcloths nearby for use. He'd prepared in advance, wanting to take care of me right away. He didn't put me down as he reached into the small stall, turned on the water, and waited for it to warm under his palm.
"Don't make me look or feel around for it," I said after seconds lapsed in silence. I could find answers if I took them from him, but I wanted him to tell me what he'd been considering while I'd slept. Something was definitely bothering him. "What are you thinking about?"
"If you don't want to look or feel around, I'll tell you shortly." He turned me so we could both fit in the shower. He must have known I was going to demand an answer. As he put me down, he silenced me with a kiss. It was a good one, despite what we'd just shared in the bedroom. When he pulled away, he mocked me playfully, "Let me get my noggin' on straight, would you? We'll talk while you eat."
He started tending to me, all business.
I didn't fuss and let him.
Argument and complaint wouldn't matter.
Disco would answer when I asked him to.
Gabriel wouldn't.
I was back to a battle between dueling personalities.
Chapter Five
After the shower, I'd been left to dry out my hair, throw on some lotion, moisturizer, deodorant, and toss on some clothes. I'd taken my time since Disco needed to heat up my food. The clock informed me the time was 8:30 in the evening, so I had slept almost an entire day. I wasn't sure what was in store or if he'd made plans.
I pulled on a black baby tee, some stretchy jeggings, and thick socks that reached my knees. Once done, I carefully pulled on my trusty pair of shit-kickers. I snatched the cherry ChapStick off the sink, put some on, and shoved the tube into my pocket as I left the room. As I climbed the stairs and strode toward the small table with a place set for me, I started to revert to myself again. While a hint of filth and darkness remained, I'd filtered most of the nastiness out of me.
Thank you, God.
I settled in my seat and reached for my knife and fork. Since the chef didn't taste or season while preparing, the chicken and rice would be bland. Regardless, the food would suffice to sate my hunger. I went to work, shoveling the sustenance into my mouth. Even though I couldn't go to the gym anymore, I tried to stay in shape. I made sure to do what I could indoors when the weather had been cold. Things like sit-ups, push-ups, planks, Russian twists, and jumping jacks. When the temperature turned warm, and the water wasn't freezing, I went for lengthy swims.
That'll be over soon.
A part of me didn't like the knowledge.
I enjoyed having Disco to myself. If we were taking the family back, he'd be reclaiming his property as well. He'd keep The Minnow, but our primary home would be where his family resided. The boat wasn't big enough for all of them and, since he'd be undertaking the true role as the Master of New York and other regions, he might bring more vampires into his fold. I hadn't asked him about the possibility because I didn't like the idea of living with people I didn't know.
Such a conversation might create tension.
The door to the deck opened, and Disco came inside.
My eyes landed on him, and I followed his graceful movements. His hair was messy, so it had to be windy outside. He'd forgone his shirt and only donned his slacks when he'd left me in the bathroom. He'd left the top button undone so the upper edges clung to the muscular V of his hips. I took in the very appealing visual as I shoved more food into my mouth and licked my lips. I loved his musculature and body type. He wasn't overly lean, but he also wasn't too bulky. Since he stood over six feet, the proportions of his body suited him and appeared perfectly balanced.
"If you keep looking at me like that," he warned in a husky baritone, his vivid blue eyes taking on a devious glint, "you'll have to wait to finish your dinner."
He meant what he said. He could easily go again.
I ducked my gaze, knowing I needed fuel. "Spoilsport."
As he eased into the seat across from me, I glanced up. Something was still bothering him, and he was about to tell me what it was. I slowed my eating, taking smaller bites. Talking would be easier for him if he could finish without interruption since I'd have food in my mouth. Not that I minded talking with my mouth full. I'd done so numerous times before. Goose had often reminded me I had the worst manners.
"We'll be docking soon," he told me.
I cut off a chunk of chicken, brought the fork to my lips, and arched a brow. He understood what I meant, acknowledging I was ready to listen to what he had to say.
He continued, "I have to get dressed, and we
both need to get ready. We're going home in a couple of hours. I want that matter settled before the sun comes up."
I nodded, somewhat worried, having figured as much.
"Rhiannon..."
When we'd first met, I'd have snapped at him.
I'd have told him to spit the words out.
But I wasn't the person I used to be.
Neither was he.
His concern and hesitation meant I wouldn't like what he had to say. I didn't have to sense a thing. I noted the nervousness in his voice and saw the tension in his face. There was a reason he hadn't wanted to tell me what was on his mind earlier. I'd gathered that. He wouldn't have stopped me from getting the information, but he'd never speak the confession aloud. Not until he was good and ready. He knew I preferred verbal conversation, so he'd remained silent.
My heartbeat thundered in my ears as my pulse spiked.
Maybe I didn't want to know what was on his mind.
His aqua gaze drifted up, his pupils dilated, and he looked at me. "If you let me change you, now would be an opportune time."
My heart sank, and my stomach churned.
No. No. No.
This isn't happening.
We are not doing this again.
I exhaled loudly and started chewing my food as a horse would hay. I wanted to focus on my teeth mashing and not what he was saying. He noticed the change in my behavior. The observation wasn't because we were connected by our mark.
Even an idiot couldn't miss the obvious.
He spoke faster, stating in a calm and reassuring tone, "The sun won't be an issue because we're reclaiming our true home. You'll be with me and family, and you'll be safe as you transition. You don't have to be afraid. I know you're uncomfortable with our eating habits, but you drink from me already. I can feed you and control the hunger." He reached out and took my free hand. His hold was gentle but firm. "I need to know you're safe as I assume control. Surely you understand that." He stroked his thumb along my knuckles. "It's not that enormous a change."
