“They are down here. I have foil covering the upstairs windows. I hope all this darkness doesn’t depress you.”
“I don’t think that’s possible.” As long as she was with him, she didn’t think anything could. “What else you got?”
He led her toward the back. On the right, she passed the largest kitchen she’d ever seen. What a waste. The little breakfast nook would have looked cute with a round country table and chairs filling the spot; instead it stood barren. The room on the left contained another turret.
Definitely a castle.
“I can see where you spend your time,” she said. The family room contained a huge selection of electronics. The TV, which she swore was larger than the one he owned in his apartment, rested inside the turret. In the cabinet underneath, he’d stored every conceivable game console, and maybe a DVD player for good measure.
“Yeah, well, what can I say?”
“Do you use the upstairs at all?” Did he even have any beds?
“The shower is upstairs, but don’t worry, a bedroom is clean and ready for you. Come on.” He took her hand and pulled her along up the stairs.
At the top, he stopped in front of the door across the hall, to the right of the landing. He placed his hand on the knob. “This was my parents’ room. I thought you might enjoy using this one.”
He swung the door open and she stepped inside. A large four-poster bed greeted her first and when she bounced on the mattress, she spotted the fireplace situated between the closet and bathroom. Hello, God. She was in heaven. “Oh, John! It’s lovely.”
More curtains covered the turreted windows in the far corner. Even without the view or light, the area would make a great sitting room. She entered the bathroom. Damn thing was larger than the kitchen in her apartment. And the tub? Big enough for two people.
He came up from behind and wrapped his arms around her. “I remodeled this room a few years ago. You don’t think I overdid it, do you?”
She leaned against his chest and reveled in his closeness. Something she’d been missing since…forever. Now it was just the two of them, alone, and she was healthy. Her poor, excited heart was probably giving everything away and if he didn’t know what she had planned next, he was an idiot.
Her idiot, though.
She turned in his arms and gazed into his glimmering blue eyes. A strand of hair partially covered one eye and as she brushed it away she continued running her hand to the back of his head. His silky hair slipped through her fingers and she nearly fisted it. Instead, she pulled him toward her. He didn’t resist.
A sensuous charge raced through her the moment their lips touched. She grasped his shoulder, afraid she might swoon, but he compensated just fine. With one hand, he grabbed her butt and pulled her close, pressing up against her and driving her crazy with need, while he held the back of her head with his other hand. He sought entrance with his tongue and she obliged. God, he tasted good.
Time to get him naked.
* * * *
John had been afraid Sarah would reject him. Instead, he held a wildcat in his arms.
Her blouse had disappeared somewhere and she tugged on his shirt. He pulled away enough so he could remove it. With his shirt sailing through the air, she slid her fingers over his chest and played with his nipples. He nearly popped out of his jeans.
This was happening now. Was she ready? Was he? She kissed him again, wiping the questions away. All he’d wanted was her, under him, since the first night he saw her. He broke the kiss and before she could say anything, scooped her up and carried her to the bed. After kicking off his shoes, he climbed in and lay beside her. He traced the contours of her face and stared into her beautiful green eyes before he leaned in to taste her sweet mouth again. He couldn’t get enough. When she unbuttoned his jeans and brushed against his burgeoning erection, his cock jerked and he hissed in a breath. Sweet Jesus. He held her hands and stopped her. If she touched him… Damn, he wanted this to last.
“Me first, please,” John said. Sarah nodded and let him continue.
Slowly, he ran his hand down her taut stomach, discovering the huge bruise across her chest and tiny, older scars scattered over her belly. Gently touching the bruise he asked, “Does it hurt?”
She shook her head and said, “No, not anymore.”
“What are these from?” One larger, jagged scar started from under her slacks and ended at her belly button.
She brought her hands over her stomach. “I fell and took a mirror with me.”
Fell? No, pushed. Damn, she could have easily died along with her baby. His heart ached all over again for her loss. He bent down and, after pushing her hands away, slowly kissed the bruise and each scar, her warmth spreading throughout his body. She arched up to meet him. When he finished, he looked up, smiling. “Remind me to kiss that seat belt, too.”
She laughed, but when he removed her bra and fondled her breasts, her laughter died with a gasp. He sucked on one perfect nipple, flicking it with his tongue. Moaning, she ran her fingers through his hair, leaving trails of heat. God, he wanted her now. He quickly removed her slacks and panties and then paused as another scent intoxicated him: her arousal. His fangs emerged.
Damn it. He shucked his own pants while he willed his teeth to retract. Maybe one day he could bite her, but not their first time and certainly not without her permission.
Once his fangs retreated, he climbed on the bed and admired her. How had he gotten so damn lucky? She was beautiful. And all his. He ran his hands up her calves, so soft, so warm. When he reached the apex of her thighs and stared at her sex, she tensed. He bent down for a taste but his fangs returned. Damn it all to hell! Maybe next time he could take his time with her. That’s if he could ever control the stupid things.
He kissed his way up and hovered over one lovely breast. Unwilling to risk another fang appearance, he settled for licking one nub while he massaged the other between his finger and thumb. As he lay over her, the luxurious heat returned, especially when she ran her hands down his back. He moved up and nuzzled her neck. Her artery thumped as if in anticipation. Hell, so did his heart.
He positioned himself to enter and paused. What if he was too big? What if she was too small? Or worse yet, what if he lost control?
“What is it?” she asked.
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
She caressed his face. “You won’t. I’m ready for you.”
As if to prove it, she arched up. That little touch set off a spark and propelled him forward. He thrust inside her. Heat. Moisture. Tightness. She encased him in pleasure. He’d never felt anything so mind-blowing. So perfect.
She licked his nipple and grabbed his ass, getting him hotter. He drove into her as she opened wider for him.
She gripped him harder and tensed beneath him. Her breaths came in short puffs. He kissed her just as she came, her moans filling his mouth, her body trembling in release, milking him for all he was worth.
An explosion of erotic proportions ripped through him. He cried out as he spilled into her. His home. His everything.
Once he recovered, he lifted up and found her crying. His heart clenched as his worst fears were confirmed. “Sarah? Oh God, I hurt you.”
He moved to slide off her, but she held him close. Wiping her eyes, she shook her head, but more tears flowed.
“What is it, then? Why are you crying?” He brushed her tears away.
“I never knew it could be like this, John. I never realized.” She put her arms around his neck and held onto him. “I love you so much.”
Relief flowed through him. Happy tears. He could handle happy tears. After wrapping his arms around her, he flipped over so he was on bottom. He nuzzled her neck. “I know what you mean. It’s like you were meant for me. I love you, too, Sarah. Forever and with all my heart.”
* * * *
Sarah rested her head on John’s chest, enjoying the sound of his beating heart while she recovere
d from the best sex ever.
John was perfect. She’d thought he might feel cold, but he’d matched her temperature almost immediately. In fact, he kept her warm. How that was possible when he didn’t generate any heat she didn’t know, but she wouldn’t complain.
She stared at his nipple. It teased her. Heck, he teased her. She could go for another round, but he probably needed recharging or something. Didn’t all men? She ran her hand over his smooth chest and his nipple hardened at the touch. Ah, couldn’t let the other one feel left out, so she flicked her tongue over the nub next to her mouth. A hardening under her thigh brought her head up.
Then again, he wasn’t like all men. His beautiful blue eyes practically glowed at her.
Boldly, she ran her hand down his stomach and grasped his growing penis. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes. She’d known he was big, but goodness.
“Unless you’re prepared for another round, I’d stop if I were you.”
She smiled. “You don’t need to recover?”
He opened his eyes and stared at her. “Apparently not.”
Life couldn’t get any better. Well, it could if he turned her, but she wouldn’t bring that up. Not yet. She kissed him instead. “Well, then, get ready for round two.”
“As you wish.” He held her tight and sat up.
With ease, he lifted her by her hips and placed her over his erection, filling her. She nearly came right then and there.
Love, vampire style. Oh yeah.
Chapter 25
Soft light filtered in from the bathroom. Sarah slept peacefully, her head on his shoulder, and he was afraid to move. Not that he needed to move—he didn’t need to do anything—but he couldn’t disturb her. She hadn’t been sleeping well the past week.
Each night since her rape, John had left before she retired for the evening so she could bolt the door behind him. Sure, he could have waited until she slept and slipped through the window, but acting normal made him feel normal. Plus, he didn’t want her to think he couldn’t leave her alone. If he appeared confident nothing would happen, she felt confident.
So while she thought he had departed like any sane boyfriend would, he had actually camped beneath her bedroom window. At first, he’d wanted to make sure Steven or Ray or another vampire didn’t come nosing around. Then she had cried out. Afraid he’d missed something, he climbed to her bedroom window only to discover she was having a nightmare. He’d been tempted to climb in and comfort her, but he’d only end up scaring her more, so he’d stayed outside and prayed they wouldn’t last long. She’d never been loud enough to wake the neighbors, just loud enough to pierce his heart.
Now she was quiet and her angelic face seemed at peace. Her eyes rapidly moved beneath the lids and her lips slightly curled up at the corners. He smiled with her. She deserved a good dream for a change. Right now, he was living better than any dream he could imagine.
And it was all because of Sarah. She was certainly full of surprises. After what Steven had done, John wasn’t sure if she’d ever want sex again. She did and then some. And while his recovery time seemed remarkable, even to him, she took full advantage of it. Wherever did she get the energy? But number five had been her limit and she had finally conked out.
She stirred and opened her eyes. Her forehead furrowed in that confused expression he loved, but when she looked up and saw him, she smiled.
“What time is it?” she asked, rubbing her eyes.
Glancing at his watch, he said, “Around five. Go back to sleep, you’ve only been out about four hours.”
She frowned. “I don’t want to. I’m not tired,” she said yawning.
He raised his brows. “Oh, you’re not, are you?
“I don’t feel tired.” She sat up. “It’s hard to tell what time it is with all the curtains. How do you ever know when the sun is out?”
Sitting up with her, he rubbed her back, enjoying the silky texture of her skin. “Well, you see, I have this watch…”
She stuck her tongue out. “Smart ass.” Then she gave him a quick kiss. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”
That kiss was much too quick for his tastes. “Yes, but I’ll never tire of hearing it.”
Cupping her face, he planted his lips against her. Even after holding her for hours, heat bloomed. Their tongues tangoed, her arms went around him, and his erection returned. No way would she have enough energy for another round, so he reluctantly broke the kiss and lay back on the mattress, bringing her next to him.
“I wish I could stay here with you forever,” she said. “Would you want that, too?”
He’d want that more than anything, but she couldn’t be saying what he thought she was saying. “You know I would, but the commute can get kind of old, don’t you think?”
“Sure, I guess,” she said with a frown.
“What are you thinking?”
She placed her arms on his chest and propped herself up. Hair flying every which way, she gazed at him with a hopeful expression. She looked so adorable. “I was thinking I could be with you forever if you turned me.”
“What?” he sputtered. If she had slapped him, he wouldn’t have been as shocked. His heart nearly stopped. “Do you know what you’re saying?”
“I know I love you more than anything. I know I don’t ever want to lose you. Why not turn me?”
In a way, he felt flattered. He’d never thought she would want this life. Heck, he didn’t want it. “Sarah, this isn’t a decision to be made lightly. It would be life altering. There would be no going back.”
“I know that, don’t you think I know that? Don’t you want me?”
He hugged her tight against him. “That’s not it, Sweetie. Don’t ever think that. My life would be incomplete without you.”
She pushed away and sat up. “All the more reason to turn me, right? And if I’m like you, then Ray and Steven can’t hurt me. I would be safe.”
“Is that what this is about? You don’t feel safe?”
She ran her finger across his chest in little curlicues. “You always make me safe, but I get the impression you don’t feel the same. I love you, John. If I want it and it would solve our problems, why not do it?”
“What about having children? I can’t get you pregnant, but there is in vitro fertilization. Or you may decide later you’d rather be with someone…human.” And if that thought didn’t slice and dice his heart. “But once you turn, you won’t be able to conceive.”
She turned away and drew her legs up. Had he just given her a reason to leave him? Most likely, he’d ripped her heart with memories of her lost child.
He pulled her back toward him and found her crying. The pain in her face broke his heart. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”
“There was a time when I wanted children more than anything,” she said quietly, avoiding John’s gaze while she swiped at her tears. “But Steven took that away from me.”
“Yes, I know you lost the baby, and I am sorry for your loss, but that doesn’t mean—”
She shook her head. “That’s not what I mean.” The tears started falling again. She laid her head on his shoulder and spoke softly, “I’m damaged. I can’t… I can’t have children.”
He closed his eyes. Rage boiled inside him. That man had done nothing but hurt her from the day they met. “I knew I should have killed him.”
Sarah took his head into her hands, forcing him to look at her. “No, John. You’re not that man and Steven’s not worth it. Haven’t you told me that a hundred times? But don’t you see? It doesn’t matter anymore. I want to be with you now. I want to be with you forever.”
Anger ate at his insides and he could think of nothing but the sheer pleasure he would feel squeezing the life out of Steven. Sarah was right, though. He might be able to get away with the crime, but not at the expense of losing her.
She swung one leg over his body, startling him. After pushing him back down onto th
e mattress, she laid her head on his chest and rubbed his arms and shoulders. The massage helped lift the rage out of his system. This wasn’t right. He should be consoling her, not the other way around. When she planted little kisses on his chest, he hugged her tight. She’d known exactly what he needed. He never wanted to let her go, but could he turn her?
“I understand what you’re saying.”
She tensed in his arms. “I see a ‘but’ in your future.”
He couldn’t resist and grabbed her ass. “Yes, and it’s a very nice butt.”
She laughed and swatted his hand away. “Stop it. You know what I meant.”
“Yes, I know what you meant. But… I need you to wait. I don’t know if I could stand it if you came to hate me.”
She struggled to sit up so he loosened his hold. “I don’t think I could ever hate you, John.”
“Stranger things have happened.”
“Fine. How much time are you talking about?”
“How about a year? Could you wait a year? If, after you’ve learned everything, you still feel the same way, I’ll get permission.” And he hoped for her sake she would have changed her mind by then.
“Get? But I’m giving you my permission.”
He smiled. “I know, but I need the Committee’s permission, too.”
“How come?”
“Because the Committee doesn’t want just anyone to be a vampire and in order to keep control of the population, rules have been put in place. They investigate all turnings to make sure everyone agrees and also to make sure the turnee is…worthy. Most of the time it’s just a formality, but if there’s any doubt, the Committee will know and disapprove the turning.”
And wouldn’t there be plenty of doubt where Sarah was concerned? It wasn’t like anyone could get into her head. True, they would probably jump at the chance to have her turn, but what would happen if after they still couldn’t read her thoughts? A vampire who couldn’t be read could be a dangerous vampire. But that was an issue he’d worry about later. If it even became an issue.
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