Red Knight Box Set (Books 1,2,3): Contemporary Vampire Romance

by L. C White

  “No,” Liz says, patting Maeve’s hand.

  I remain quiet because I don’t know what to say to her. I feel like a fish out of water, waiting to die, or for someone to put me back. I’ve never wanted to tell a soul about what I am. I’ve never had to go through this before. But I have to with Maeve. I can’t be near her if she doesn’t know me. I can’t have her in my bed, if I have to hide what I am. Not that it’s going to happen now anyway.

  “That’s why he’s told you,” Gwen says.

  It was only a matter of time before Gwen started with the whole soulmate speech. I’ve heard it a shit load of times. About my parents. About Nathan and Sara. She’s like this matchmaking freak. Every time she’s here, she tries to set Ben and Dom up. Going on about random girls. I don’t think she’ll drop it, until every coven member is eternally bound. She wants to try it out on herself sometime. Since I’ve known her, she’s been with plenty of different men, all hippy Wiccan types. She calls herself a free bird, which is laughable.

  “I can see that you two have a real connection,” Gwen grins.

  “I have no connection with him at all,” Maeve states, dashing my stupid hopes.

  “Okay,” Liz exhales. “Can you finish the job? We’ll double the contract payment, and you won’t be disturbed.”

  “I’ve finished,” Maeve says. “I’m packed and ready to go.”

  I can’t sit here any longer. I feel like such a stupid dick, and have got her all wrong. I slide off the work surface, and stomp quickly to the stairs. I hope I never see her again.

  Chapter 8: Giving in

  Maeve

  What the hell am I still doing here? My things are packed, waiting for me by the bedroom door. I’m unsure, tipsy, and paranoid. My heart is pounding so hard, and I don’t know if it’s because I’m scared I might have my neck bitten, or I’m scared of my own stupid reluctance to leave this house. I still want Daniel to do things to my body no one else has. How dumb is that?

  He told me an impossible truth about himself, and he barely knows me at all. I could quite easily call the police, but how can I, when he’s put faith in me? Believing that I’ll keep the dark, way beyond bizarre, family secret. His trust of me has filled me with a dense guilt, and I don’t know what the fuck to do about it.

  I drop back onto the bed, pulling out one of the drawings from my folder. The last one Daniel saw. Then I picture him doing those things to me. The pencil on the paper comes to life, moving in a sensual flow. His hand is running up the curve of my naked hip and breast. Shit, my mind has gone haywire.

  “God!” I crumple up the paper, and stuff it back into the folder.

  I have to see him one last time. I have to know I’m not going crazy. If I don’t, I’ll be haunted by this forever.

  ***

  I’ve been really sneaky, though their vampire senses have probably picked me up skulking around the house, I’ve been left alone. Each step I take, my neck tightens and heats. My whole body burns at the thought of what I know.

  I’ve searched everywhere. His gym. I’ve looked through each window to see if he’s outside. I’ve even checked the modern garage attached to the house. He’s not here. I reside to the fact that maybe this is how it should be, and that I should get out, now.

  I arrive back at the bedroom doorway, bend, and pull up the handle of my case.

  “Maeve.” Oh god, he is here.

  Is this a sign I should stay? No, I have to go.

  Shit, I’m still arched over my damn case. I’m bloody stuck here with my hair in my face, so tense my eyes sting.

  “Maeve.” His deep tone lures me to slowly straighten up.

  Bit by bit, I turn to see his strong silhouette standing in the middle of the dark hallway. The whites of his eyes shimmer, and his body is still. He’s anxious to move closer to me.

  I release the handle of my case, now ready to speak.

  “What am I supposed to do?” My words catch in my throat.

  “Listen.” He turns to his right, and goes through one of the bedroom doors, leaving me holding my breath.

  I can’t help it. I’m drawn to the door like a moth to the light. I’m so damn nervous, but the fact I need to be near him right now, outweighs that. It motors my blood and muscles to go to him.

  “Close the door,” he says as I enter.

  I gasp soundlessly, lowering my head. I push the door to hear the deafening click as it shuts. I linger, trying to gather the strength to turn, talk, to do something. The only light in here is the white moonbeams, and I pray it doesn’t reveal my petrified face.

  “Look at me,” his stern tone demands.

  This is so fucking hard. Right now turning on the spot, is harder than running a marathon. I’m in a room with something inexplicably beautiful. It’s intense. It’s damn right certifiable. But jeez, my heart is racing for him. My legs are tremoring for him. He’s like this beacon of hotness drawing me in.

  He’s standing right before me. My eyes move up his legs, his chest, and onto his face. The light of the moon makes his lips look so dark, and emphasises the flawless set of his jaw and cheekbones.

  “What made you come through that door?” he asks.

  My fingers curl into my hands tightly, because I feel like I’m dreaming.

  “Do you want this Maeve?” He wakes me from a surreal daze.

  “Yes,” I whisper.

  Oh shit. My legs want to give-way beneath me.

  “Do you want to make some new artwork,” his fingers slowly sweep up my neck, “with me?”

  He’s nuzzling my cheek with his nose, his lips brushing my skin so wickedly. I close my eyes, biting my cheek. I’ve never done this before, and I’m going to just fuck it up. I can barely breathe. How can I be like one of the girls in my drawings, when I feel like I’m going to pass-out through sheer desire?

  “I’ve… I’ve never done this before.” The shame hazes my eyes.

  Regardless of my admission, his sweet, warm, moist lips, gently caress mine. He’s not bothered. He still wants me after my confession. I thought he’d back away, but no, he really wants this to happen. And now, so do I.

  My hand automatically comes up to rest on his face. Wow-wow-wow, this is the only time I have ever felt like going through with this. I want him to take me. The feel of his lips on mine, has a flaring feeling going off inside. It’s the most intense, tender, yet erotic kiss I’ve ever been given.

  He draws back, his breathing deep and laboured. I can hear him gulp, like he’s apprehensive. His eyes glint down at me, and I feel like he needs some reassurance from me. Jeez, I actually want to assure him he can fuck me for the first time; it will be my pleasure.

  “Don’t stop,” I say, as he presses his head against mine.

  He gazes at me with lean eyes, and this almost angry urge. I feel the slight sweat on his head as he rolls his skin against mine. He takes a step back, his hand running down my arm to take me by the hand. Slowly, he guides me to the queen size plush bed.

  Oh shit, this is it, he’s pulling his sweatshirt over his head, only a foot away from me. Oh god! My eyes are on the designer belt around his toned waistline. He’s so ripped, firm, soft looking. I’m taking nervous mental notes of his perfection, and the strange symbol tattooed on his left breast, so I can draw him at a later date. I want him in the flesh, and I want him on paper. Hell, I want him in every way imaginable.

  I swig down the choking narrowness in my throat, but it only returns because I haven’t got a clue how to please a man. I look to my feet, only to have his fingers curl under my chin to lift my worried eyes to his sweet gaze.

  “I’m not going to hurt you,” he says sincerely, his fingers moving down to undo each button of my shirt. “You’re safe. You can relax. I only want to touch you. Can I?”

  He flicks open the last button and I gasp as his hand brushes over my hip. I can’t communicate with him, other than to nod a yes.

  He sweeps my shirt from my shoulders, so it falls behind me. I close my eyes
as his touch descends down my neck, and over my cotton covered breasts. I know he can probably feel every single pore excite beneath his fingertips. I’m trying to control myself, but I can’t. I’m so wet. So sensitive right now.

  He pulls my lips to his, then he slowly moves to my neck. I tip my head, moaning high. My fingers scour through his wild hair. I’m transforming right here where I stand. He’s seducing me, and these lusting emotions are overpowering. I pull at his hair. I can’t help it.

  I exhale a tight breath as he angles back.

  “One last chance,” he says. “Are you sure you want this?”

  “Yes… yes.”

  He drops to his knees and begins to cover my belly with his hot lips, over and over. Oh I’m so horny. I’ve been turned on before, but this is something else entirely. I don’t actually feel like me. I feel like some sort of passionate energy, which must be connected with his body.

  He breathes so deep, nearly growling as his hands brush over my ass, to finish up on my hips, gripping. I sway back and forth a little. He’s making my body float, and there is an impatience swelling between my legs. I need him so much, but I bite my lips, holding in my needy words.

  His hands slip around the waist of my trousers. He opens me up as his view comes up to my eager eyes. An aggression flashes over his face as he yanks down my bottoms.

  “Oh god,” I gasp out.

  He kisses my pubic hair, then pushes down on my hips so I’m sitting with him kneeling between my legs. His features are so warm and erotic, as he sensually runs his fingers deep into my hair.

  “Maeve.” I open my eyes at the sound of my name. “No regrets.”

  “No, none,” I say in a breath.

  As he stands he pushes my shoulders back, so I fall down onto the bed. The palms of my hands sink into the soft sheets as he unbuckles his belt, and lets his jeans drop from his legs. He’s impeccable, hard, and a vision that will stay with me forever. I never thought I could do this, but with him, it’s completely natural. The sight of his naked body has me dripping in need.

  He reaches across to a small set of drawers and takes out a shiny condom wrapper. God, I was so wrapped up in this whirlpool of lust, I completely forgot the basics of safe sex. He’s prepared, thoughtful, and I’ve never felt so safe with a man.

  My body jolts as his hand lands at my side. He’s crawling up my yearning body, kissing every part of me on his way. He moves his fingers under my arched back, flicking open the clasp of my bra. He smiles sinfully, as I hold up my arms so he can remove it.

  He has his hand cupping my breast, teasing my nipple. His lips nibble at mine as his erection slowly enters my sex, his focus is on me, totally. I cringe a little, my wet walls adjusting to him.

  “You okay?” He presses is head on mine, his eyes so damn hot as he takes me deeply. Softly.

  “Yes,” I murmur, clutching his body.

  His motion is so smooth, gradual, and every move has me purring. I’ve grown around him; around his thrusting flow. My nails dig into his back as I roll my head against his tense jaw. I don’t know what’s happening to me. I’m pulsing for him as he moves inside my body faster. Deeper. Noises exit my mouth and I can’t stop them. He’s grunting between each kiss of my lips.

  “Maeve,” he growls quietly.

  I crack apart. Throbbing. Groaning. Contracting around his sex. I’m buzzing all over, and that uncomfortable feeling I had when he first entered my sex, has gone.

  My fingers bury into his back, and my legs lock around him as I lose myself. My first amazing orgasm continues to burst, as his sweat laced head hides in my neck.

  “Oh god,” I gasp out, toes curling into a cramp.

  He slows his body, his hand clutching my butt, hard. His hips come to a stop with one last plunge inside me. He grumbles into my skin as a grin bigger than any grin I’ve made before, comes across my lips.

  I sigh as he rises up over me. I’m breathless and light. I feel so freaking wonderful. He smiles down at me as I go over the whole epic event. I don’t even know if I did everything right. It’s all kind of a jumbled blur of hands, sweat, moans, and euphoria. My grin fades, that shitty doubt killing off my buzz. I narrow one eye at him, and before I can say a word, his finger is pressed against my lips.

  “Don’t even ask.” He smiles, but that’s not good enough for me.

  “Well, you’re not going to tell me a thing?” I mutter through his fingers. “Nothing to improve on?”

  He circles his eyes, kisses my lips, and pulls out to drop down at my side. I frown as he pulls me over onto his chest. His ribs swell with a lengthy breath as he sighs out. Biting my lip, I slide my head up over his warm skin, to look to his beaming face.

  “It’s the worst question to ask at the best time,” he says.

  “Is it? I wouldn’t know that would I?”

  “Maeve, it was astronomical. It was sensational. You were amazing,” he laughs. “Are those the words you want to hear?”

  My cheeks sear with embarrassment. He was right. It’s best to just reminisce. I smile, lowering my head back down.

  His fingers stroke my hair as we lie silently. All those years, I’ve been missing out on this feeling. I’ll never regret that though. I saved it for Daniel. All the other things I know about him, which is very little, have become little specks of dust. Because right now I’m on a cloud with him, where nothing else matters.

  Chapter 9: Baby is Back

  Daniel

  That was the first night I have ever slept with a woman in my arms, and it was the best night’s sleep I think I’ve ever had. Waking up with her just felt right. She’s so different from what I’m used to. College was like one big party, and the girls, easy. It was always a mutual fuck, then see you around, kind of thing. Maeve give me something precious, her body for the first time, and that’s special.

  I leave Maeve sleeping. It’s only nine a.m, but the revving sound of my bike outside, woke me. I know that sound with my eyes closed, and I never expected her to be here.

  I jog downstairs, holding my sweatshirt, and head straight out of the front door. Fuck, it’s cold.

  My bare feet step lightly over the frozen gravel, as I make my way to the garage at the side of the house. I pull my sweater over my head and see Adrien standing at the side of his Jag, arching over my bike. He’s checking it out, like it’s his own. He’s never even rode her. He’s far too sophisticated for two wheels. He’s always tried to talk me into getting some classy, easy to drive car. He’s all for leather interiors, the latest gadgets, and comfort. A speedy but sleek ride, he called it. But for me, it has to be two wheels. There’s no better feeling than having my feet, legs, and hands, ruling the ride. My body and my bike become one.

  “How did you get her here?” I ask stunned, trying not to show how pleased I am. “You said she had to stay behind.”

  He straightens up, pushing his glasses up his nose, then rolls down the sleeves of his shirt.

  “Your mom organised it,” he says in a pissed-off breath.

  I smirk to myself. The one thing Adrien cannot control, is Liz. She’ll always find a way to wrap him around her finger, or she’ll go behind his back. She can’t let me go. She’s connected to me on a different level to anyone else. But I lost that bond with her a long time ago. Don’t get me wrong, I care. But our tie has now frayed, and I don’t need that kind of relationship anymore. I’m moving on. I want out of this vampire life. She did good, and I am grateful. But I’ve grown into something that doesn’t need protecting, mothering, or guiding. I need the freedom to find myself, and having my bike here, gives me that back.

  Adrien tosses the keys at me. I catch and curl them up in my hand.

  “I see Maeve is still here.”

  His eyes move up to the top floor of the house where she sleeps, and I see Maeve peeking out of the window. As soon as she sees me, she slips back behind the curtain to hide.

  “Looks like you have to choose.” Adrien sniggers, dipping his head at my bike, the
n looking back to the window.

  I toss my keys up and catch them, smiling. It’s no contest. I head back into the house, quickly.

  I’ve made coffee. I could have pushed out the boat and made her breakfast in bed. But some people don’t eat first thing. I don’t.

  I open the door to see her standing in the centre of the bedroom, with the purple sheet wrapped around her body. Her hair is knotty and her eyes apprehensive. She’s fucking gorgeous.

  I carry in the two coffees and kick the door shut with my foot.

  I turn and hold out her brew. She’s scared, silent, and her body is all twitchy. She’s holding that bed sheet around her body like her life depends on it. I should have expected this; for her to think that last night was a mistake. I guess we both forgot for a while about how messed up this house is.

  “Coffee?”

  I smile, hoping she at least drinks it before she decides to run away from me. I’d like her to stay a while longer.

  She reaches out and takes the handle, wrapping her hands around the mug.

  “It’s black, don’t know how you take it,” I say, sliding my mug on the dressing table because I have no interest in drinking it now.

  “Thanks,” she utters, looking down at the steam.

  Well, I guess that last night was a one off. I’ve never had the cold-shoulder like this before. She’s being so icy with me, and it’s damn awkward.

  “Regrets?” I exhale, watching her head dip and rise.

  “No,” she murmurs. “Not about what we did, anyway.”

  I get it. She’s frightened of what I am; of the coven. Last night happened so quickly. Things got glossed over and forgotten about. Being inside her was all that mattered.

  I take one of Liz’s fluffy throws from the back of the wicker chair in the corner of the room. She has these over every chair in the house, arranged like something you’d see in a home design magazine. I hold it out to Maeve because she seems cold.

  She reaches out to take it. Why I don’t know; she’s just flung it onto the bed. She places her coffee on the bedside table, and picks up her tan coloured handbag. She’s acting like I’m invisible as she digs deep into the bottom of the zip section.