by Taylor Dawn
Sakura’s threats meant nothing to him because Gia was about to bleed out in his arms. He had to get her to his home. Gaith would know how to patch her up due to his extensive experience in several major wars over the years. The trusted bouncer and friend had seen more than his fair share of guts and gore over the past few centuries and hopefully, he could help Gia. The nearest hospital was a good hour and a half away and by the looks of it, she wouldn’t last that long. Her healing ability would be significantly slower since the gashes in her side were so deep.
***
Blinking her eyes in a frantic manner, Gia awoke. She moved her pounding head from side to side, wondering where she was. The room was dimly lit with only one small lamp beside the bed she lay in. Using her arms, she struggled into a semi-sitting position in the plush bed.
“How’re you feeling?” she looked toward the door to see the bouncer from Desire.
“My entire body hurts,” she complained.
“That wolf did a number on you.” Gaith walked into the room, taking a seat on the side of the bed.
“How long have I been out of it?” Tears began streaming down her face.
“Just a day. Layton’s downstairs, I’ll let him know you’re awake.” She nodded as he stood.
A few minutes passed before Layton entered the room. Just having him near caused her to perk up. Nothing was said as he rushed to her side and pulled her to him. Several moments elapsed before he spoke. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“I’m sorry,” she began to sob.
“Don’t apologize. It wasn’t something you could prevent.”
“If I would’ve stayed in Las Vegas, I could have avoided this entire mess.”
“They would have found you there as well.” Gia hated to admit he was right. She was caught up in a cluster-fuck of epic proportions. “Gaith told me to change your bandages. He feels strange touching you.” Layton chuckled.
Gia wiped the tears from her face, then whipped her tank top over her head. The moment Layton put his fingers on her side, she shuddered. When she glanced at his face, she could see a spark igniting. “I can’t help it,” she whispered.
“Can’t help what?” He focused his eyes on her side instead of her face.
“I love when you touch me. I can’t help that my body recognizes you.”
His deft fingers removed the gauze bandage from her left side. “Take a look,” he finally made eye contact.
Gia’s eyes moved downward, staring at…nothing. “It healed already?” Her eyes widened. Rapid healing was a perk of being a Dahmpir, but she didn’t think her extensive wounds would heal in a day.
“You’re lucky. Most wouldn’t survive an attack like that.” Layton tossed the soiled bandage on top the nightstand. “I don’t know what I would have done had I lost you.” His voice was littered with concern.
Grabbing the sides of his face in her palms, Gia forced him to look her in the eyes. “You didn’t lose me. I’m right here.” She said quietly.
“I hate to disturb your little moment, but the wolf is at the front door demanding to see her,” Gia’s attention turned from Layton to his sister Astrid, who stood in the doorway of the room.
“I’ll take care of it,” Layton stood then leaned down to place a soft kiss on Gia’s forehead. “Get some rest, please.”
She nodded her head and watched him leave the room, his heavy boots clunking on the wood surface of the floor.
“You sure do know how to invite trouble wherever you go,” Astrid rolled her eyes.
“Why are you even here?” Gia didn’t feel like verbally sparring with the tenacious vamp, but she wouldn’t sit and let the callous bitch demean her either.
“Oh, you know, keeping my brother out of the mess you’ve gotten him in.”
“Look, I know you hate me, I can’t say I blame you for that. But I love Layton, I can’t change how I feel about him. I wish you could understand that.” Gia fiddled with a corner of the sheet that covered her legs.
“For the life of me I don’t see why he would fall for a mortal but it’s his life. I could stand here all day and bitch about how you’re going to be the end of him, but, I have better things to do.” Astrid began walking closer to the bed, the action putting Gia on alert. “If you’re going to be with him, then commit to him one hundred percent. My brother deserves to have happiness in his life for once. But, if you ever break his heart, I will stab you in the vagina with the heel of my stiletto.” Gia nodded. “I guess I’ll leave you alone to get some rest,” Astrid turned and began to leave the room.
“Thank you,” Gia said.
“You’re welcome, Blondie.”
Thirteen
“ARE YOU THINKING about saying yes?” Zach asked.
Dusk was approaching as Gia and her brother sat on the porch swing in front of Layton’s home in Blue Creek. She half expected her sibling to side with Micah on everything but Zach’s loyalty shouldn’t have been questioned at all. He always had her back and she his.
“Yes,” Gia didn’t want to look him in the eyes for fear of his disapproval. She couldn’t really gauge what he thought about her relationship with Layton.
“Are you sure this is the life you want?” Zach leaned forward, the swing coming to a halt.
“It is, Zach.” She looked across the lush flower gardens that peppered the property.
“Then I only have one request,” he sat back in the swing.
“What’s that?”
“Since dad isn’t with us any longer, I’d like to walk you down the aisle and give you away.” Emotion swamped her as she thought of the heartfelt gesture. She hadn’t thought much about the fact that her dad wouldn’t be around to see her get married, but Zach’s request tossed her into an emotion soup of sorts. Tears begged for their release as she worked to hold them from streaking down her cheeks. So much had happened and in the chaos of it all, she forgot about her father. Guilt and aggravation were just the tips of the iceberg when it came to what she was feeling. “I didn’t mean to upset you, G.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve been so fucking selfish as of late. With the wolf drama, I honestly forgot about losing dad. What kind of person does that make me?” she stood and walked to the railing on the porch.
“It doesn’t make you a bad person. It just makes you human.”
“Maybe I don’t want to be human anymore,” she whispered to herself.
“You know I’m going to be there for you no matter what.”
“Of course I know that.” She rested her head on his shoulder.
“Maybe I need to find me a vamp chick,” Zach laughed, his entire body shaking with humor.
“Do you ever wonder what our mom was like?” Gia sat up straight.
“Sometimes. I mean, she must’ve been one hell of a vampire for dad to fall for her.”
“I suppose so,” Gia let out a sigh, then looked at the sun dipping below the horizon. “They will be waking up soon.”
“On that thought, I think I will hop in my truck and get out of here for a while. You gonna be okay here by yourself?” Zach flashed her a concerned expression.
“They’re not going to drain me, Zach.” She crinkled her brows.
“Just making sure.” He pulled the baseball cap off his head and ruffled his hair. “You never know what could happen. Hell, I had no clue my best friend was a dog.”
“Wolf,” Gia corrected.
“Same difference. They both walk on four legs and sniff each other’s asses.”
“You’d better get out of here before you get yourself into trouble.” She smiled.
Zach stuck the cap back on his head and walked to the driver’s door of his truck. Gia watched him travel down the driveway until she could no longer see his taillights. Even though she was in a new town, Gia felt comfortable while staying in Layton’s house. In fact, just being with him felt like she had been on a long journey and had finally come home.
“Hey, beautiful,” her head whipped around at the sound o
f Layton’s voice. His raspy, barely-there English accent was music to her ears.
“I was wondering when you were going to get up, lazy bones.” She flashed him a bright smile.
“If I had the option of being with you all day and night, I would in a heartbeat.” He sat on the swing next to her. “How are you feeling?” his fingers reached out, caressing her leg just above the knee.
“I’m fine—great actually. Everything is healed and I’m not in any sort of pain.” She lifted the bottom of her tank top to show him. As he trailed his fingers across the now unmarred skin, Gia shivered. “You really need to stop doing that.” She whipped her shirt back down to cover up.
“Why’s that?”
“I think you know exactly why.” Reaching out she gave him a playful smack on the arm.
Both of them looked up when Astrid and Gaith stepped out of the front door and onto the porch. “We’re taking a field trip to the next town over. Rumor has it they have a vampire bar and I could use a vintage red about right now,” Astrid said.
“Please be cautious,” Layton replied.
“Always. Do you want me to bring you back something in a sippy cup?”
“No, I’m fine.”
The couple then left, leaving Gia alone with Layton. “I think I’m going to go find a snack.” Gia stood from the swing. “Do you want me to warm you up some, uh,” her words trailed off.
“No thank you.”
It was strange to think the man she was in love with drank blood for sustenance. Maybe one day she would get used to it.
***
It was only a matter of time until things with the wolves blew up. Layton wasn’t stupid enough to think it would all die down and nothing would come of it. He was prepared to protect Gia no matter what the cost—even if it meant the end of him. He hoped it didn’t come down to that, but in his mind, it would be worth it.
“Shit,” he heard her curse just as he entered the kitchen.
“Everything okay?”
“I burned my hand on that plate, I’ll be fine.” She proceeded to run her hand under the water faucet.
“Is it odd that I like seeing you doing domesticated things?” he stepped forward, grabbing her hand from the water.
“Uh, if you’re thinking I’m going to be your live in housekeeper or servant, you’ve got another thing coming.”
“I would never expect you to cater to me, Gia.”
“I would hope not. I’m not the best at keeping things neat and tidy.” She laughed as he pulled her to his chest.
Each time he felt her heart beat next to him, Layton thanked his lucky stars for the broken road that brought her to him. He’d been living an existence of anxiousness and depression until she walked into his office with her sassy attitude and fearlessness. Before her, Layton wasn’t sure about his future. Now, he knew exactly what he wanted it to look like and it included the woman in his arms.
“I need to eat before it gets cold,” she wriggled free. Even though the scent of human food disgusted him, he sat across the table while she ate. “Could you please stop staring at me while I eat? It makes me self-conscious.”
“My apologies.”
She brought another forkful of food to her mouth, “You’re still doing it.”
“Are we having an argument?” he asked.
“No, I’m just telling you to stop making me feel like a zoo animal right now.”
“Maybe I should find something to do while you finish.” He stood from his chair and left the kitchen.
With everything that had transpired the past few nights, Layton hadn’t had the chance to be close to Gia like he wanted to. He tamped down his desire the previous night on account of her injuries from Sakura’s attack. But he needed to be close to her. He craved the connection that they shared when their bodies were intertwined with the bed sheets and he could hear the rapid pace of her heartbeat as he helped her reach her peak. There was so much beauty encompassed in that single act that if he were capable of shedding tears, he certainly would. His marriage proposal aside, Layton wanted to give Gia a romantic evening since they were alone for the night.
When he reached the upstairs bedroom, he glanced around the room, hoping to find inspiration. An idea struck him and he quickly set his plan into action.
***
“I didn’t mean to be rude downstairs, I just…” Gia stopped suddenly in the doorway of the bedroom. She brought her hands to her cheeks and said, “Oh my god.”
Layton stood by the set of French doors, the gauzy curtain panels billowing on the entering breeze as if they were possessed by magic to do so. “I wanted to do something special for you.” He didn’t move as she slowly walked into the room.
The lights were off but the entire space was lit with candles, draping the room in a stunning incandescent glow. The bed was stripped of its previous coverings and in their place, a single red satin sheet covered the mattress.
“No one has ever done anything like this for me,” she let her fingers run across the silky surface of the bed.
“I hope to be the only one doing this for you from here on out,” She watched him jam his hands in his pockets as if he were unsure of himself.
“Was that another proposal?” her eyebrows lifted.
“Do you want it to be?”
“No. I want you to understand that I still need time to think about it.”
“Then take all the time you need. I will be here when you are ready to give me an answer.”
“It’s been a while since we’ve been together.” She mentioned.
“It has.”
“You have all these candles here, it would be a shame to waste perfectly good candle wax.” Not that she had ever done any sort of wax play, but it sounded intriguing and stimulating.
“You would let me pour hot wax on your naked body?” he backed her toward the bed until her legs bumped the mattress.
“I would let you do anything to my body, Layton.” She pulled her shirt over her head and tossed it to the floor. The cool air from the French doors smoothing over her naked breasts, causing her nipples to harden.
“Let me see all of you,” he pointed to the soft cotton shorts that covered her bottom half.
As she hooked her fingers in the waist band, Gia kept constant eye contact with Layton. With every inch she moved them, she could see the arousal flickering on his face. The feeling wasn’t one-sided either, she felt his stare in places that caused her to go warm all over. It was no secret that he did things to her that she couldn’t explain. It was as if a primal being took over when she gave herself over to him. She knew he would keep her safe in all aspects and it was easy to let go and let him take her to where she needed to be.
“Lie down on your back,” he gently pushed her onto the bed, then stepped back to the open doors. When she lifted her head, she watched him grab the side of the curtain panel, ripping it until he had a long piece in his hands. She didn’t utter a word as he moved around the bed to where her arms were extended above her head, or when he began to wind the fabric around her wrists, binding them together. “Does that feel okay?” he pulled on the material.
“It’s fine,” Gia breathed. She expected it to feel grainy and rough, but the curtain felt more like silk. It was soft and forgiving as it sat there, holding her wrists together. She was at his mercy and every nerve ending in her body was on high alert. Anticipation drove her further into arousal, knowing that soon, she would be able to feel all of him, on her and inside her.
“I want you to tell me if this gets to be too much for you,” he stated as he picked up one of the tall pillar candles.
“Will it hurt?” she asked.
“Do you trust me?”
“Completely.”
“Close your eyes.” He positioned himself where her hands were.
Gia took a deep breath and let her eyes close. The room was silent as she waited. Her heartbeat drummed in her ears, her chest heaved and she was beyond wet between her thighs already. Minutes
went by as she waited for something to happen. Worry plagued her, causing her to ask, “Layton?” just as his name passed her lips, she felt a sudden heat on one of her nipples. She cried out, her spine arching off the satin sheet under her. At first, panic set in, but soon it faded and was replaced with a peculiar sensation that she hadn’t expected. The feeling of the wax morphing from a liquid to a solid had her squirming around on the bed. What was once intense heat, gave way to a warm sensation and then a complete cool one. As she shifted around, she could feel the wax cracking from her skin, then falling beside her on the bed.
Another cry of arousal sounded as he treated her other breast with the heated wax. “More,” she moaned as the wax cooled. The scent of Jasmine filled the air, adding to the eroticism of Layton’s actions. She couldn’t see him, but she felt his presence in the room. The fact that her eyes were closed also heightened the feelings that came with what he was doing. There was no way she would open them and ruin what was happening. It was too good.
“It’s killing me to stand here and watch the way you react when the wax hits your beautiful skin.”
“Why?” she whispered.
“Because I want to be inside of you so fucking bad.” Just as he replied, Gia felt the heat being dripped ever-so-slowly over her bare mound. She heard him chuckle as she lifted her bound hands and threaded her fingers together.
“Fuck!” She screamed. Her breathing became uneven and her body on high alert.
“Tell me to fuck you, Gia,” she hadn’t felt him climb on the bed but he was now over her.
“I need you,” she opened her eyes, wanting to see his face. There was so much love staring back at her through his electric aqua eyes. “Please.”
Standing from the bed, Layton began unbuttoning his shirt, then shrugged it off his shoulders. He let it drop to the floor and made quick work of his black dress pants. When he returned to the bed, Gia smiled. “I love you,” she said.
His hand went to her inner thigh, giving it a light push so that she was open to him. He placed himself at her entrance and as he pushed into her depths, he leaned down and said, “I love you,” near her ear.
