Even though she could feel his eyes on her, she couldn’t see him and that was making her brave enough to strip for him, something she had never been brave enough to do before.
She knew she had his attention because he had stopped playing, and she could hear the plunk of the guitar as it hit the floor. At the same time, she shoved her dress down her hips.
Her backside was not her best feature, but Caleb’s eyes weren’t focused on that. They were watching her hands go up teasingly to the back of her bra. They paused there, her bright red fingernails short but long enough to show she hadn’t bitten them in a few weeks.
She heard the bed groan with Caleb’s movement. Her fingers undid the thick strap, letting it hang open for a few seconds before reaching for her bagel and taking a bite. She knew to most men her breasts were her sexiest feature, and for good reason. They were large and perfectly formed, their heaviness pulling the back strap apart further as the cups tried to support their weight on their own.
She pretended like he wasn’t there, one of her hands holding onto her bagel and the other pushing down one of the straps of her bra. She heard him move again, this time the sound from the bed lighter. As she took another bite from her bagel, she pushed the other strap off her shoulder, the weight of her breasts pulling the bra off the rest of the way. Before it fell to the floor, Caleb’s arms wrapped around her, his hands cupping her breasts.
She gazed at his black painted fingernails, the edges of them chipping. He kissed her neck, and she giggled at his touch, something she had craved since she saw his picture on his very first album cover years ago. One of his hands took the bagel from her and tossed it back on the cart, hitting a plate and making it ting.
Ashleigh turned around in his arms, her lips going to his and letting his hands slide down the length of her torso and pause on the band of her panties. There wasn’t a rush to their kisses, a slow but playful nature to this courting.
She wrapped her arms around his neck, letting them hang there loosely as she pulled away from him. "Hey." His eyes were looking at her perfect breasts, Caleb reaching a hand up to fondle one in his fingers. The skin there was softer than on the rest of her body, taking up all of his attentions. "There’s a member of the band you didn’t introduce me to yet."
"Sam?" Caleb chuckled, his devilish eyes falling on hers. He pushed away a few strands of her long, black hair behind her ear. "Kris?"
There was a playful tone to her voice. "No." She placed his hands on the band of her panties, her own cupping over them. She twisted her hair into a bun then secured it with the ponytail holder around her wrist.
He yanked on the band of her panties as he moved closer to her face. "No?" His nose hit hers as he stared her down. "Then who?"
"I can't say it. It's embarrassing."
"My cock?"
Ashleigh laughed, her face a bright red. "I—" Caleb leaned forward and kissed her, cutting off her words.
Her hands went to his pants, her fingers slowly pulling them down because they were already unbuttoned and unzipped. He wore a pair of printed boxers underneath, the bird logo of an expensive brand stamped all over them.
Caleb let her pull down his boxers as his lips ventured down her neck and onto her breasts. She was the one who led him to the bed, Caleb trying not to trip on his pants around his ankles. Ashleigh giggled as he kissed her, his subtly sucking on her ticklish nipple, as were his hands on her stomach.
He managed to kick off his pants and boxers, and when he did, he shoved her onto the bed, her body bouncing as she hit it. Both of them laughed, Caleb climbing onto the mattress and standing over her. He jumped a few times before falling to his knees and straddling her hips.
He playfully kissed her neck, his fingers going to her sides where he had noticed a ticklish spot. Ashleigh screamed as she laughed hysterically, Caleb planting a bunch of wet kisses on her breasts.
His fingers stopped their assault and instead slipped down to her hips and took a firm hold. She felt him slip inside her, something she had fantasized about many times before. There was nothing disappointing about this landmark event, and when he started grinding against her, his great length went deeper than any man’s ever had.
The playful nature of their foreplay quickly disappeared with his entry. His head hovered over her neck, his hot, quick breaths kissing her skin, the fast-paced thrusts pushing the top of her head into the head board. Her hands held his head, her fingers getting lost in his dark hair as short, gasped breaths escaped her lips.
Hearing a few pleasured moans, Caleb quickened his pace, his head turning to watch her expression. Her eyes were tightly closed, her tongue peeking out of her lips ever so slightly. Gritting his teeth, he was determined to push her over the edge. Caleb slammed himself into her as hard as he could. He got the reaction he was aiming for. It started with a deep, quivering moan followed by a gasp for breath as her mouth opened wide.
He lightened the weight of his thrusts, feeling her body quake beneath his. Leaning close to her again, he rubbed the tip of his nose and the side of his cheek against the moist skin in the space between her neck and shoulder.
After a few seconds, she placed her shaky arms around his back again, her whole body still riding the wave of her orgasm. Her arousal dipped greatly as she tried to get a hold of herself again, and Caleb read her body language, slowing for these few, tender moments.
But only for an instant. After that, he quickened his pace again, her sweet spot still tender as he rubbed against it again. Her grip grew stronger, and she rode it out, letting him finish. She couldn’t feel it, but knew he had done so because she felt all the muscles under her hands loosen.
"How’s that burn your loins?" Caleb chuckled as he studied her with tenderness.
Ashleigh giggled too, her hand reaching up to his face and cupping the side of it as she lovingly gazed into his eyes. "I’m at a loss for words on that one."
"I out-worded Miss Allure, eh?" Turning from her, he sat up against the headboard. His lips released a long, relaxed sigh, his arm going around Ashleigh as she settled next to him.
"Caleb?"
"Yeah?" He rested his head against hers, a very satisfied smile on his face.
"Don’t call me that."
Her words made Caleb laugh, his hand tapping her leg as he got up from the bed. "You’re a dirty girl." He grabbed her hand and pulled her to her feet. "Come take a shower with me."
Chapter Five
Natalie looked down at a text she had just gotten from Ashleigh.
I’m on my way back to the hotel.
"Finally. I found her." Letting out a sigh of relief, Natalie was holding her hand over her heart, her fearful eyes turning to Spencer. He was leaning up against the wall, a very annoyed expression on his face. "She’s coming back here."
Natalie typed a message back.
Where have u been? U haven’t answered txts all day. I was uber worried. L
Sorry I was w/my new BF!!! J
"New boyfriend?" Natalie glanced over at Spencer, a slightly worried look on her face. "Is she with that guy from last night?"
Another text came from Ashleigh.
I can’t wait 2 tell u bout him!! I’m in love XD
"Wow." Natalie looked up from her phone and sat down on the bed. "This doesn’t sound like her. She’s in love? Those are strong words, even for her."
"How can she be in love with that guy?" Crossing his arms over his chest, Spencer rolled his eyes and looked away from Natalie. "She doesn’t even know him."
"Well," Natalie sighed as she crossed one of her legs over the other. "Maybe she is. Why not be happy for her?"
"Because the guy’s an asshole, that’s why!" Spencer sent an angry glare her way as he uncrossed his arms and stalked toward her. "I thought she’d meet him and see that too, but apparently, she’s an idiot."
"What’s so bad about him?" Natalie laughed. "Besides that he makes you insanely jealous?"
Spencer was going to say something, but the doo
r to the room swung open, and Ashleigh walked in. "Hi!" Holding out her arms, Ashleigh walked over to Natalie and gave her a big hug. She was in an overly happy mood, and her embrace was very tight. Ashleigh was never in the hugging mood unless she was drunk.
"Hi." Natalie grinned as she moved over on the bed and let Ashleigh sit in between her and Spencer. "It’s five o’clock. Where’ve you been all day?"
Ashleigh just smiled, her face glowing. "I was—"
"Don’t tell me you’re in love with that guy?" Spencer interrupted her, pulling on Ashleigh’s arm so she would turn to him. "Seriously?"
"Seriously."
Ashleigh's eyes fell on Spencer’s very angry face. "I’ve never ever been in love with anyone as much as I am with him. He's absolutely perfect. He's exactly what I wanted." Clasping her hands together in a praying motion, Ashleigh released a happy giggle. "You made my greatest dream come true. Thank you, thank you so much for introducing me to him, Spencer."
"Okay—you met him." Spencer's stare narrowed. "Now stay away from that guy. He’s in love with Victoria, and he’ll do anything to make you his. He’s dangerous." Spencer’s voice took on a more serious tone. "You don’t know him like—"
"He’s not as dangerous as you."
"The hell he isn’t." He put a hand on her knee. "He’s an Elder. Those guys are a lot more dangerous than me. There’s a reason they are the top dogs in the vampire chain."
"How is he dangerous?" She pushed off his hand, a lightness in her voice. "He's amazing."
"Did he bite you?"
Ashleigh tried to laugh off his question, but the thought of Caleb’s bite slowly dampened her smile. "Yeah, but so what?"
"He made you drink his blood. You reek of it."
"I didn’t drink his blood." She didn’t want to face Spencer’s anger, so she pretended she was texting.
"The first bite—submission. Look at you—you look like some submissive little puppy dog. Following him around like some brainless whore that bows at his feet and worships him blindly."
"What are you talking about?" Ashleigh turned quickly to Spencer, forcing a laugh to keep herself from showing her worry. "I am not a whore. I—"
"Three bites make a vampire. The first is the bite of submission, the second is trust, and the final is love. He’s gonna bite you again." Spencer laughed, but he wasn’t smiling. He caught the fear on her face at his words. "You didn’t like it, did you?"
"I don’t remember if I did or not." Making a sour face, Ashleigh stared at the empty space in front of her. "Besides, I love him." Her voice got lower as a small pout filled out her bottom lip, her gaze getting lost in the fancy design on the carpeting. "And it’s none of your business."
"The next two don’t hurt any less, and next time you’ll be awake when you drink his blood. There’s no going back once you’ve gotten that third bite."
"And you wouldn't do the same thing to me?" Ashleigh snapped at him.
Her statement caught him off guard, and he paused.
"You want to make me one, too." She spoke angrily with her hands. "All of you do. I'd rather be with Master Mason than any of you."
"Well, I wouldn't push you into this like he is."
"Yeah, right." Crossing her arms, Ashleigh glared at the ceiling for a few seconds as she tried to cool her anger. "You're just jealous I chose him over you."
"I'm trying to be your friend." Spencer placed a hand on his chest, his voice calming a little. "I'm trying to protect you. You don't want to get mixed up with the Elders, or that rule breaking jerk Master Mason. I—"
"I don't care what you think." Ashleigh turned to Natalie, but her face was frowning, and Ashleigh found no comfort there. "Natalie?" Shaking her head, she put her phone back in the pocket of Caleb’s coat. "You don’t agree with him, do you? Do you think I’m crazy for wanting to be with this guy?"
"I have to agree with Spencer." Natalie lightly placed a hand on Ashleigh’s arm, a soft tone to her voice. "This guy’s got you all crazy. Listen to yourself. You’re ready to become a vampire for this guy. A vampire, Ashleigh."
Her eyes narrowed in great concern, her hand tightening. "Are you ready to make a big change like that for him? A guy you don’t even know? Don’t do something dumb like that. You really, really need to think about what you’re doing."
"He fell in love with you from your novels. He doesn’t love Ashleigh. He loves Victoria." Spencer’s voice softened a little, a small huff of air escaping his nostrils as he paused. "You should know, there’s a competition going on between the young Elders to see who can find you first."
"What?" Both Ashleigh and Natalie looked over at Spencer, speaking at the same time.
"Yeah." His face filled with a cocky smile when he had their full attention. "And apparently, Master Bristol found the real Victoria Allure last week and is bragging about it to his friends today, one of which is his best friend, Master Mason. Since Master Mason has such a busy schedule, he probably won’t find out about it for a week or so, so you’ll have some time to play his girlfriend before he finds out and dumps you."
"I booked a nine o’clock flight to take you two home." Spencer stood up from the bed, a hint of sadness in his tone. "I’ll let you decide whether or not you want to be with him— "
"And If you do, I’d suggest you provide this new love of yours more evidence to prove who you are. Once he meets your imposter, he’ll dump you if you don’t."
He turned to her and held out his hand. "But before you decide anything, let me show you how a vampire gets his dinner, and you can decide if you’re ready for this kind of life."
Sitting in a local diner with Spencer and the other vampires, Ashleigh was alone with them and didn’t quite know what to expect. Even though their conversation was light and friendly like it always had been, all she could think about was the dead bodies she had seen at the club that first night.
Spencer said he was going to show her how a real vampire got his dinner. She knew Spencer didn’t want her to be with Caleb, but she loved him so much she couldn’t see past the fun loving, sweet Caleb she had come to know from the media. He wasn’t a killer like Spencer and the others, was he?
There was an empty plate in front of her as Ashleigh took the last bite of her potatoes. A killer. She let her fork drop then looked away from it in annoyance.
"Done?" Spencer was sipping on a glass of soda, but he and the other vampires hadn’t ordered anything to eat. He watched her nod her head then study the others.
The small diner wasn’t very busy, and there were only two or three other tables filled there. The other vampires stood up from the booth. A sickening feeling started in her stomach as she swallowed down the last of her food.
"Stay here and don’t move." Spencer put a hand on her shoulder as he leaned close to her ear. She could feel the tenseness in his hands, hear the deep commanding tone in his voice.
He walked away from her, following the others. Then it began. Spencer grabbed a nearby waitress by the waist and slammed her onto the table. Her pad flew from her hand. Her pen bounced a few times on the floor, but Ashleigh couldn’t hear the sound.
Ashleigh moved over in the booth, her body plastered against the wall. A few high-pitched whines escaped her lips as she held her hands out in front of her to shield her from the sight.
Spencer bit at the woman’s neck, his nose wrinkling as he tore away a big piece of flesh. The waitress tried to scream, but no sound was emitted. Her fingers shook as he held her down.
The blood flowed from her neck and soaked her hair, dripping down onto the sparkly tables covered in a thick, plastic coating to keep the wood from being damaged. She seemed to have gone into shock, her whole body quivering, and her mouth wide open as she stared blankly at the ceiling.
Spencer quickly covered the wound with his lips and started to drink from the fast flowing stream. His mouth wasn’t large enough to cover the large expanse of the wound, and blood dripped down his chin and covered his cheeks.
As
he drank, his eyes met Ashleigh’s purposely. He could see the terror on her face, as his hands dug into the waitress’ shoulders, even though she was no longer struggling.
It appeared that none of the people in the diner had escaped the vampires’ grasp. There were bodies lying on the floor. Ashleigh tried not to look at them, but her gaze wandered around the room quickly, and she couldn’t help but take in the scene of death that surrounded her. It finally settled on a couple that lay on top of each other, both of their eyes open wide and their clothes soaked in blood.
Nathan ran from the kitchen as he laughed, some of the other vampires following him out the door. Ashleigh looked in his direction. The nature of his playful laugh wasn’t one of a remorseful killer, but of the man she had formed a great friendship with over the past few weeks.
Spencer quickly dropped the woman and yanked on Ashleigh’s arm, ripping her from the booth. He swept her up into his arms and ran from the building, so fast that none of the people on the streets could see them. There was a loud bang from behind them, and Spencer and the others stopped in a nearby alley, walking out like nothing was out of the ordinary.
Ashleigh broke free from Spencer and looked down the street. The diner was on fire, people now gathered on the streets to watch it burn. "Oh my God."
"Let’s hail a cab and get you to the airport." Spencer angrily grabbed her arm and yanked her along with him. He had cleaned the blood off his face and was now wearing a coat that covered his bloodstained collar. Leaving the others, he walked to the edge of the sidewalk, holding up his hand. "I don’t want you to miss your flight."
"Is this how it always is?" Holding up her collar so the cold wind wouldn’t kiss her neck, Ashleigh studied Spencer. "You just go and take a bite of someone no matter where—?"
"Never talk about us in public." He sent her a very nasty glare that made her take a step back. "Never." His smile returned when the taxi pulled over, Spencer opening the back door for her. "Come on, we have to get going."
Blood Kisses (Nightwalkers Book 1) Page 8
