Anguish rips through me. All this is because of me? I stumble backwards, catching myself on the door.
"Free of me? You wish to be free of me?"
I shut her back in and lock the door behind me. My stomach churns. Leaning my head against the door, I hear her soft cries. They tear at my heart. I can feel hers breaking as well.
I run down to the kitchen and grab a bag of blood from the fridge. Ripping it open with my teeth, I drink my fill then drink some more. I cannot allow myself to be distracted at all. I am on the edge of the precipice with my princess; I can feel it. One false move, and this growing dream will shatter.
Rummaging about, I realize that most of my food is meant for a much heavier meal. I can remember what it was like to go days without food then get sick when gorging afterwards. Instead, I opt for a glass of milk. Something that can fill her stomach, but perhaps not weigh too heavy.
As I make my way back to the door, I firm up my resolution to make this woman mine. Even if I have to kill her demons for her, I will make her my queen. By the time I go to open the door, her cries have slowed to sniffles. Smiling gently, I hand her the milk.
Her eyes narrow as she studies the glass before taking it from my hands. "What did you do to it?"
Laughing, I walk over to the tub and begin filling it with water. "Why do you think I would taint the milk? Do I actually need to drug you to get you to do my bidding?" I look over at her and wag my eyebrows. She blushes and looks down again, but I manage to catch a small smile forming at her lips. "I want you to get something into your stomach. Milk is all I have right now. I will order something more for later. I was hoping for our first meal together to be something delicious and ornate, but I supposed milk will have to do for now. I don’t want you throwing up my amazing cooking."
"Wait," she tilts her head to the side. "You cook?"
Shrugging, I lean down to check the temperature of the water before turning both faucets off. "I may do well for myself, but I don’t have a huge staff at my disposal. I live here alone with a housekeeper who comes once a week and a companionable cook with a sharp tongue who stays with me in the house at night but goes home in the morning. Oh, and an assistant to help me with my affairs in the daytime.
"But why? Why cook if you're not going to eat?"
I pin her with a stare. "Why do you think I wouldn’t eat?"
She has the good sense to squirm under my glare. Maybe now she will admit that she suspects I am a vampire. I’m certainly not going to out myself. Not until I know I can trust her.
"What I mean is, every time I was working at the bar, you were there. So, why cook if you're just going to head somewhere else?"
Sly minx. Very well, two can play at that game. "Up.” She hesitates for a brief moment before standing in front of me. "It’s a bar. One doesn’t go there to eat. Merely to drink and make bad decisions. Besides, you’ve worked there, do you really consider that pub food a decent meal?"
Her lower lips juts out adorably. "I've seen people eat there. Hell, I've served people eating there."
I smile down at her. "That may be well and true, but I don’t eat at bars.” Looking her up and down, I smirk. "At least not food."
Scowling, she shoves at me, but I grab her hand instead and bring it up to my lips. Even in her current condition, I want her with an aching passion. Her skin is still as soft as I can remember. I let my tongue lap at the healing cuts on her hand, keeping it firm in my grasp, even as she tries to yank it away.
"I don’t know why you need to harm yourself because of what we did. I wouldn’t trade anything about that night."
"Wouldn't you? I'm pretty sure you would have had someone much more meek and docile. Sorry, I don't fit the bill."
Smirking, I pull her up flushed against me. "If I wanted meek and docile, then you're right. I probably would have gone with any number of women. But I didn’t. I chose you."
She closes her eyes and lays her head on my chest. I can feel the weight of her emotions. Wordlessly, I gather her back into my arms and climb inside the large tub. As I settle in, I sink down so that the warm water rises up to her hips. She sighs and snuggles in tighter against me.
"Maybe not tonight, but we will need to talk about what happened at your apartment.” I feel her stirring against me, but I just gather her tighter.
Minutes go by and neither of us say a word. Evangeline is the first to break the silence.
"My mother and father were kind and loving parents. They read me stories every night; tucked me into bed with a kiss. At least that's what I remember. I was six when they died."
"My poor pet," I murmur, kissing her temple. "How did they die?"
Her whole body stiffens against me. Should I have not asked that question?
"They were on a hunting trip. I guess the monst-animal was too big for them. I don't know all the details. I just know what my adopted family told me."
I clutch her closer, trying to get her to relax again on me. After a few moments, she finally yields.
"The Family is very religious. I'm religious, too, I guess."
I chuckle softly, reaching down to finger the cross at her wrist. "You could have fooled me."
She yanks her arm back and scowls. "If you're going to make fun of me, I'm..."
"I am not making fun of you princess. Forgive me for hurting your feelings.” I kiss her temple and shift her body down, so her head is able to lie on my chest. She fits so perfectly in my arms. I wrap my arms around her, trying to be careful of any pressure I put on her back.
"Look. What we did that night. I would be cast out of The Family. You don't understand. I am such a horrible daughter!"
A growl rumbles in my chest, and I grip her harder to me. "You listen here. We did nothing wrong. You did nothing wrong. I will tell you that every single time we are together."
"You don't understand," she wails, her tears beginning to flow again. "I can't make you understand!"
"Oh, my love. I understand more than you think."
Her arms shove at me, trying to give her leverage, but I hold on tight. She struggles and fights against me; I simply sit there and let her wear herself out. After fighting for a few moments, she slumps back against my chest and sighs.
"Please don't say I'm your love. Because I'm not. You don't even know me."
"And I have to know you to know that I'm starting to fall for you?"
Her bleary eyes tear at my heart.
"Please don't say it if you don't mean it. Please. I can't take it."
I shift her back up, so her knees are on either side of my hips. and her lips are just a breath away from mine. "Evangeline, I cannot promise you tomorrow. I have no idea where this is going to lead us. But for right now, you are mine. I will not let you go. I promise.”
Bringing her head down, I lightly kiss her lips, teasing them with my tongue.
As if possessed, she threads her fingers through my hair and grabs my head tightly before kissing me harder than she ever has before. My cock leaps up as I return the favor. My tongue dives into her mouth, tasting the milk and her sweet taste. Reaching up, I thread my fingers through her hair but catch on a snag, surprising a yelp from her.
I come crashing back down to reality. This is not the time nor the place. She is still weak and injured. Pulling her back, I kiss her gently on the forehead.
"Tonight, let me take care of you. After that, then we will see."
Evangeline
My mind is in a whirlwind, and I don't know where to turn. Adrian is supposed to be a monster bent on destroying and killing me. Instead, he's actually bathing me and attending to my wounds. He even had full opportunity to take me just now, but he didn't. He is more concerned about how I'm doing than getting laid.
His cock is hard against me, and I can't resist the urge to grind up and down on it. Just a little... He moans and tilts his head back.
"Evangeline, I am serious. I will not bed you tonight.” His gaze pierces my very soul. "If you truly want penance, con
sider that your punishment.”
He eases me up and turns me around, so my back is melted into his chest. His cock is still hard against me, and I find myself craving another taste of the magic we had. He is right; tonight will definitely be a punishment.
His arms wrap back around me, and I'm surprised at how safe I actually feel here. Something is definitely not right. Nothing I was taught seems to be correct. Maybe The Family has it wrong? How many monsters have they been killing that didn't actually deserve it? Guilt begins to gnaw at me, but for a different reason this time. This whole time, I've been trained to kill monsters like Adrian, and here he is, showing me more love than I ever had from The Family.
His strong arms are like an anchor. For once, I feel like I can let go and be me. I can feel his rhythmic breathing at my back, and it lulls me into an odd place. It's not quite sleep, but I'm not quite awake either. I feel his hands move up and down my arms and shoulders as he soaps me up. Vanilla and citrus perfume the air.
"Careful, I'll tell everyone what a girly man you are."
His chuckle rumbles through me. "Go ahead and tell them princess. I will just add that to your tally."
Smiling, lying there, enjoying his pampering attention. When was the last time someone ever took this good care of me? Probably my parents.
"Lean your head back now, princess."
His fingers are magic against my scalp, kneading and massaging tension away, yet being very careful of any tangles that might be there. Every now and then, he snags one and murmurs sweet apologies into my ear, followed with a light kiss or nip to my shoulders. I can really get used to this.
"Time to rinse then put you to bed."
He helps me up to my feet and tests the water of the shower before easing me into it. The hot water stings my back, but I know it needs to be cleaned out. I've neglected myself for so long, and for what? From where I'm sitting, my penance did nothing but harm me. It didn't actually make me feel any better. It didn’t make me feel any more devout or resolute.
"Penny for your thoughts, love."
"How does one repent? Like truly repent?"
He stares at me thoughtfully. With how long he stays silent, I'm pretty sure he's not going to answer me.
"Everyone has their own views. I was taught in a very different way than you were. For me, honor is highest above all. Without that, what’s even the point? Now, some take that to an extreme and cause great harm to themselves when they cause any form of dishonor. I have chosen the path of learning from my mistakes. What good is it to beat yourself up? Mistakes are made, then apologies, then you move on."
He pauses then runs his fingers through my hair. Without even thinking, I find myself nuzzling into his hand.
"As far as what people consider mistakes though," he continues, "that is subjective. Take you, for instance. You feel what we did goes against the teaching of your parents, yes?"
"The Family," I correct him, “but yes. What we did is a slap in the face or worse."
"But did we actually harm anyone? Was any damage done? We are both consenting adults doing something we enjoy. There is no shame in finding joy and pleasure with another.”
He reaches behind to pinch my butt. Giggling, I shift my butt to the side, but that only brings me closer to his massive erection. My breath catches in my throat as it grazes my hip. Memories of him sliding in and out of my mouth come back to the forefront of my mind. He smirks down at me. Is it too much to hope that he's remembering the same thing too?
My question is put to rest as his thumb comes up to graze my lip. "I cannot wait to delve back into your mouth again. However, the next time I enter you, trust me, it will be somewhere much more intimate. Shuddering, moisture already starts gathering at my folds. "But, like I said, not tonight. I also want to be clear, this punishment is for your own good. You could have really harmed yourself, and no one would have been there to save you. I don’t want you to feel that you have to do penance ever again. If you do, tell me, and I will determine your punishment. Fair?"
A feeling of relief flows through me. I don't have to decide any more. "The longer I'm away from The Family, the harder it is for me. I am used to rules and structures. I'm floundering out here by myself."
"Then let me take over. All you have to do is say yes sir. I will handle the rest."
I throw my arms around his waist and snuggle deeper into his arms. "Yes sir."
His growl permeates my body. "It’s not so hard then, is it? Does this mean you will be my perfect, obedient submissive and bow to my every whim?"
I push back from him, grinning wide. "Nope! I'm going to make you work for every bit of it."
Groaning, he places a hand over his heart and looks up. "And here I thought I captured a good girl. Instead, I have found myself a tormentor.” His eyes dance as he looks back down at me. "Good thing I know how to deal with a naughty wench who likes to torment her god. And trust me, I have more than enough ginger to take you down a peg."
His words send shivers through me. I remember the ginger well enough. Strong arms wrap around me as he lifts me from the tub as if I weigh nothing. To him, I must be so miniscule. So insignificant. I look up into his face, trying my hardest to see into him, find out what makes him tick. He doesn't act anything like I expect him too.
As he lifts me back into his arms, I find myself drawn again into his chest. Is this what it's like to feel safe and protected? For once, I feel like I can rest. It's a heady feeling. He towels me down, his strong fingers working the soft towel into every nook and cranny. As his hands drift lower, I clamp my knees together and squeeze tightly.
"Oh really? Is that how this is going to go? Spread them."
I look up into his face, relieved to see his smirk. Good, he's not actually upset with me, and he's not actually compelling me. Shaking my head, I inch back just a touch, waiting to see if he will take my bait. Bingo!
"Little one, I do intend to keep my word and not ravish you tonight; however, I never said I would not give you any discipline. We are in my house now. You have no idea what I have at my disposal."
His grin widens as he shuffles even closer to me, eating the rest of the distance between up. I'm caught between him and the tub. The cool ceramic nudges into the back of my knees, confirming I have nowhere else to go. Sitting down, I slowly raise my eyes back up to him and bite down on my lower lip.
"What if I want to be disciplined?" What the hell am I doing? Am I seriously bating him now? Joy flows through me. Yes. Yes, I am, and it feels so good.
"Do you really want me to discipline you? Or do you want me to finish drying you off and get you into bed. You are still weak and undernourished."
It's sweet that he actually cares about me. Smiling, I spread my knees wide, showing myself off to him. Need flows through me. I want him so badly, and this time, I won't allow myself any regrets. He will decide when and how I am punished. Not me.
Tossing my head back, I arch up bringing my breasts closer to him. His Adam apple bobs as he works his throat. He is so clearly turned on. I love that I'm the one doing it to him. "I think you might need to dry me off. I think I'm still a little wet."
"A little?" His husky voice sends another wave of want through me. Will he really keep his word? Can he resist me that much? Because I feel like I'm going to die without him touching me. I hope this time he actually breaks his promise. He kneels down before me, bringing the towel up one leg then over and down the other, paying close attention to my feet. His fingers feel like heaven as they dig into my arches for a moment. Moaning, I reach out to him, needing to touch him, but he dodges my movements and laughs.
"I have to dry you off to get you into bed. You are not helping, you saucy wench.” The towel skims back up my hips. Finally, he's going to touch me. My anticipations build as he works his fingers over my thigh, closer and closer. At this point, I'm pretty sure one touch, and I'll be gone. His fingers are so close, barely brushing against my lips before he moves up and onto my stomach.
A whimper escapes my mouth as I shift forward, trying desperately to get closer, get him to touch me where I actually need it.
"Hold still," he grits out. His eyes narrow into slits; his breathing ragged. At least I'm not the only one in need.
From my stomach, his hands keep drifting up, toweling here and there, making sure every bit of water is off of my skin. As he reaches my breasts, I arch back out, giving him full access. He could at least touch me here and take the edge off, right? He palms my breasts, drying off every area except my nipples. His fingers circle, but never land.
Frustration fills me. "Please. If you want me to beg, I'll do it. Just please stop this torment."
He pins me with a stare, his eyes jet black. "This is not easy on me either, princess. You have no idea the things I wish to do to you. But if you learn anything about me, you will learn this. I will always keep my word. No matter what.” Adrian stands before scooping me back into his arms. "I will always do as I say, even if you don’t like it. So know this, you can trust me. Always."
Always. Really? Trust a monster? Even as those words come up to the surface, guilt washes over me. He's not once lied to me or broken his promises. That's something that's usually in short supply in The Family. Engrossed in my thoughts, I completely blank on the fact that he’s taking me back to the room. For the first time, I really look at where I’m going to be sleeping.
The room itself is huge. I would say it’s at least three or more bedrooms combined from my house. In the middle stands a large, four-poster bed. The wrought iron dipping and swirling around the mattress in the front and back. It resembles tree limbs twisting up to the ceiling with all four corners meeting together with wide, overspread leaves. The curtain hangs like gossamer and shimmers under the light of the lamp next to the bed. For now, that is the only source of illumination I can see.
An armoire resides on the opposite wall with a vanity with no mirror next to it. Of course, there's no mirror. What need would a vampire have for a mirror. But not even their guests? Or is the only company a vampire keeps their own kind? The whole room brings back thoughts and memories of fairy tales, specifically the one where a maiden is held prisoner by a beast. Only my beast has fangs but, luckily, no fur.
The Vampire's Prey Page 13
