Page 9 of Petals and Fangs

“It is true that I have not seen you in so many years, and yet, you make it seem like no time has passed. It is a good thing, right?”

“Well, if you say so, Mr. Rothschild, then who am I to say no?”

I scan her appearance. Lily looks marvelous. She always has. Her almond-green eyes match her emerald serpent ring. I can’t keep my eyes off her legs.

Her long black hair cascades down her back like a waterfall. Her black skirt clings to her curves, paired with a blazer that lights up her presence. Although I never expected it, seeing her again after so long feels like a forbidden dream come true.

“I am almost done with your office. I suppose I will dedicate a day to every office in this building,” Lily says, bringing me back to the present moment. I must have stared at her feet for too long.

“That’s a whole season of non-stop work.”

“I know. But that means that I get paid better. It is my revenge for your sudden disappearance,” she says teasingly and approaches me.

“You can drain my wallet for all I care.”

There is something about her that is captivating to me, body, and soul. I am just so thirsty. I just missed her like crazy. I try to contain myself, yet a certain feeling overwhelms me.

“It really feels as if we never drifted apart, Lily. I mean it.”

“You’ve said that already,” she says, placing her hands on the desk, revealing the godlike sight of her delicate skin.

“I know. I know. The thought is just consuming my mind.”

She giggles, then bites her lower lip. That sight alone is enough to turn me on. Her lips are so perfect and kissable.

I remember them being so soft. It is taking all of me not to approach her and take her right here, on top of this desk.

“I suppose some things never change. Like the way you look at me, Mr. Rothschild,” she says, her voice soft and smooth.

“Ethan. I am just Ethan for now.”

“I see.”

“Really, I am.”

“It is too bad you're not the Ethan I once knew and fell in love with.”

“I had to leave. I had to protect you. If I stayed, you wouldn’t know what we would’ve gotten each other into. There would be no escape.”

“Who said I wanted one? Who said I wanted an escape when I was with you?”

“Lily, I-” I try to speak but she is quick to interrupt me.

“It does not matter now, though, does it? Like you said, it has been years, and I think I handled it maturely.”

“It was me who gave you that strength, Lily. I watched over you for days and months. I was closer than ever to you even when we were apart.”

“No, all that strength was forced by one person: me. Do not take credit for something you didn’t do, Mr. Rothschild,” she says sternly, pointing her index finger at my chest, slightly pushing me backward.

I smile at her and grab her arm. She instantly flinches at my touch. It must feel so cold to her: an unhuman touch mingling with her human one.

“Oh, Lily. Always so stubborn,” I place my hand on her neck, feeling the warmth of her skin. I am craving her like never before.

It suddenly hits me. I left her for this very reason. The warmth of her skin. The aroma of her blood is making my fangs grow a bit longer, and it is not easy for me to calm myself down and contain my smile.

“Is there something you want to tell me?” she asks.

“No. I am just enjoying the moment. You look so different, yet so good.”

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