Page 52 of Tempting the Dhampir

“Yeah, that’s not happening.”

Her head snaps up, and her eyebrows furrow in shock. “Excuse me?”

“You see, wanting space, that’s going to be a problem for me.” I shrug one shoulder, feigning a cool exterior.

“Why?”

“Because I like you,” I state.

I’m done playing games, making wagers. This woman is amazing, and she deserves the straightforward truth.

“What?”

I walk deeper into the room and turn on the bedside light so I can see her better, so she can see me better. See how sincere I am in my apology and my confession. I move closer and sit down on the footstool in front of her, leaning forward with my elbows on my thighs to catch her eyes.

“I like you. I want to spend more time with you. Get to know you. I’d like you to give me a chance. But if you don’t want to, I’ll respect your decision. Maybe just think about it first, please.” I wince on the last word, hoping it doesn’t sound too desperate.

“If you like me, how can you just make me come and then run out? Did I taste bad or do something wrong?” She’s trying to sound strong, but her bottom lip slightly quivers, giving her away.

I shift forward and take her hands into my own, careful to keep my touch light and tender. I’m grateful that she’s letting me hold them.

“Sadie, you’re magnificent. Your taste is incredible, better than I ever could have imagined. It’s fucking ambrosia. If you’d let me, I’d like to eat you out at least once a day.”

“Pft, no one likes pussy that much,” she scoffs.

“Your pussy was made for me. But more than that, I felt honored that you shared your body with me. Can I explain what happened?”

“Honestly, I’m scared to know what could have spooked you that bad that you left me half-naked on your bed, my pussy still pulsing, your face wet with my desire, before you were out the door. I’ve been ghosted before, but even this was a first for me.”

“I’ll truly regret leaving like that, but I had to before—” I cut myself off, afraid what I was going to say would probably have her running for the hills or as far as the bond will allow her.

“Before?” She prompts, eyebrows raised.

“Before I bit you.” I shrink back, disgusted with myself.

“Come again?” She shakes her head as if she didn’t hear me correctly.

“So, the thing is”—I take a deep breath and ready myself to admit out loud what I haven’t been brave enough to admit to myself yet—“I think you’re awakening my vampire side. I’ve never felt any kind of cravings for blood, but my fangs grew suddenly, and I didn’t know, and then they accidentally nicked you, and I tasted a drop of your blood, and it was the most decadent thing I’ve ever tasted, and I wanted more.” I ramble that out all in one breath, hoping she caught some of it but also kind of not.

“Uh…”

“Yup.” I pop the p.

“Are you a vampire now? Do you need to drink blood?”

“I don’t think so, but there’s something about your blood that calls to me. Everything about you calls to me. And I think it’s connected to the tattoos or to the fates. I called Bertie, and he’s still researching, but he’s not surprised by my sudden ‘interest’ in your blood. Am I freaking you out?”

“Weirdly, no. It’s actually a little flattering that I made you feral,” she says smugly.

“I also need to clarify, it’s not just your blood that has spiked my interest in you. Since that first moment I saw you in the clearing, I was captivated. You’re the most exquisitely beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. You’re smart, funny, witty. Your confidence is hot. I like that you know who you are and that you dress in clothes that make you happy. I know it’s early days, and this seems like a lot, but I would love to get to know you better. Take you on dates. I had a great time at dinner earlier, and every moment spent with you so far has been fun.” I infuse as much passion as I can into my words. I want her to know how much I value her as her, not for whatever is happening with her blood and my sudden cravings. “What do you say? Will you give us a chance?”

“Good thing I like you too, otherwise that speech would’ve been a little embarrassing.” Her smile is small. Gentle.

My chest swells with pride and fuzzy feelings because I’m going to get to date this magnificent woman.

“I think we attempted things a bit backward. Usually it’s a confession first, then a kiss, then oral, and so on. But somehow we skipped over everything, and I got to start with your delicious cunt.”

“Guess we’re special like that. I don’t like following any set rules anyway. And the oral was kind of amazing, so I’m not going to let the order bother me.”

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