Page 59 of Tempting the Dhampir

Sadie

Ifeel like I’m floating today. It was the best start to a day I’ve ever had.

Coffee. Flowers. Kisses. Everett.

I don’t think I need much more in life than that. And now that I’ve had a taste of what life could be like, it’s getting harder and harder to imagine returning to my small apartment, a job I don’t particularly love—or have right now—and slow living.

If Everett is serious about giving things a try, I’m going to be bold like Cece said we should be.

I’m plunging in, fully. I refuse to think about crashing down because, honestly, I feel safe with Everett. My body feels safe with him. My heart is starting to feel safe too.

That’s always been the hardest thing for me to do. Fully trust with my whole heart.

I usually say I trust someone, give them ninety percent of myself, and in the end, I’m happy I reserved that final ten. When they eventually fuck me over, it hurts that little bit less.

Shoring myself up, I take a deep breath, push my shoulders back, and let my signature smirk fall into place. “So, zooms, where you taking me on this date?”

“I thought we could have lunch at my place. July is brutally hot in Vegas, and there’s lots to do at night, but I want you to see the other parts of the city too, not just the Strip. The city has much more to offer than just shiny lights, no matter how enticing they are.”

“I’m starting to see that.” I trail my eyes down Everett’s body and back up again, letting him read the clear intent behind my words.

“I’m very pleased with your keen sense of observation.” He flirts right back. “Now, finish your breakfast and get ready. I’ll be in my room to make a couple of calls. Come find me when you’re done.”

On his way past me, he bends down and places a chaste kiss on the corner of my mouth, leaving me momentarily stunned at how natural this all feels. Realizing I’m not moving, Everett gives my ass a little swat. A yelp escapes from me, a pleased moan chasing after the sound.

“Sweetheart,” Everett lets out in a guttural tone. “We need to stay focused, otherwise I’m going to give you the proper spanking that you’ve been hankering for since we’ve met.”

“Don’t tease me if you’re not going to follow through.” My arousal instantly spikes at the thought of him doing just that.

“And what would you do if I did?” he challenges.

“I’d say ‘thank you, sir,’” I reply in a coy tone, my eyes alight with excitement.

“Sadie-queen, don’t push me. I’m currently on a razor’s edge. If you don’t want me to act on it, then you’re going to have to run to your room. Right now.”

I want Everett to lose control. I want him to take me.

Knowing how close he is to doing just that, I bend forward and wiggle my ass at him. I’m wearing nothing but a big T-shirt—having forgone my panties that are too soaked to be comfortable—now giving him a clear view of what I’m offering.

It seems to do the trick.

He snaps.

In the next second, I’m scooped up and carried to the fancy couch. Everett drops down onto it with me in his arms and gives me a fierce kiss, then flips me over, positioning me over his knee.

The anticipation of the first strike has me dripping, my breaths coming faster, tingles spreading across my skin.

“I want you to count for me, sweetheart. You’re getting ten strikes. Say yes if you agree, and if it gets too much, you tell me to stop. Got it?” His words are succinct, his voice all gravel.

“Yes. Give it to me,” I say in a breathy voice.

His hand lands across my bare right cheek—a sharp, delicious bite of pain, but I want more.

“One. Harder.”

A second strike. Better.

“Two. More,” I moan.

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