Page 71 of Tempting the Dhampir

“This is what I need to confirm with Bertie. My theory is that the bond between us has evolved. Once we made an intentional commitment to each other, even before saying the words aloud, it strengthened. This happens in some species, but I’ve never heard of it in relation to dhampirs or vampires. Remember Rollo? He’s a wolf shifter, and it’s very common in his species. It’s a sacred bond, deeper than marriage.” I wince. “Hope that doesn’t freak you out now.”

“It’s oddly comforting. And I guess I feel… special.”

“Not to sound like a broken record, but you are.”

“Har, har. Let’s go try this bond thing out, see if that limit is still in place.”

“You saying you need some distance from me?”

“I have an idea of something I’d like to do—privately. It would be so much easier to plan if I’ve got a bit of distance from you.”

“Now I’m really intrigued.”

“Not happening. Put on a shirt, zooms. And let’s see if you can make it more than a hundred yards from me.”

Deciding not to push her any more on that topic for now, I do as she says and grab the closest T-shirt.

“I think your phone is still downstairs,” I say as I thread my fingers through hers and lead her toward the stairs. “We can use them like last time. If you get a tug, then let me know, and I’ll come rushing back.”

“Sure. Am I still saved as ‘sparkly princess’ on your phone?” Sadie asks when we reach the living room.

“Nope.” I pick up my phone from the table and turn it so she can see for herself.

“You saved me as ‘Sadie Queen’? When?”

“The first night I kissed you. You were never meant to be a princess, always a queen. And I hope to treat you as such, every day,” I admit, an unexpected flush working its way to my cheeks, making my ears burn.

“Want to see what your name is saved as in my phone?” Sadie asks, picking up her phone and holding it to her chest.

“Honestly, I’m too scared to ask.”

Sadie turns her phone and shows me the screen.

My burst of laughter startles me.

King Cock.

Sadie’s giggles join me, her eyes filling with tears. “Looks like we really are meant to be together. A king and queen,” she stutters through her laughter.

Once we calm down enough, I plant an appreciative kiss on her lips and tap her ass on my way out the door.

I run down the dark street, enjoying the balmy summer evening—a reprieve from the scorching desert heat in the daytime. Getting close to the distance limit, I call her phone.

“You ready, sparkles? I’m almost there.”

“Did I get demoted back to sparkles now?”

“I think I like having a list of nicknames that I can swap out, depending on how well you behave.”

“Ah, I see. So, what do I get called if I’m being naughty?” Her voice has gone husky, a near purr coming across the line.

I can imagine her twirling a strand of hair around her finger with her head cocked just so…

“Anything I want, as long as you know that you’ll get another spanking.”

“Ooo, promises, promises,” Sadie taunts.

“Not that I want to change the topic, but are you still okay? No tugs?”

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