Page 89 of The Vampire's Bride

Gazing in the mirror, I’m glad to notice the color has returned to my cheeks. Any other time, I might feel desirable, but right now, I just feel embarrassed. I cannot believe how I acted last night. I practically threw myself at my husband. I wince inwardly as I recall how he gently pushed me away.

As if all of that wasn’t bad enough, then I threw up just now. He took care of me, but I hate that he had to see me this way.

With a heavy sigh, I push the door open and step back into the bedroom. Unable to meet his gaze, I look down at my hands. “I’m sorry, Valaric.”

“For what?”

Reluctantly, I lift my head. Although I know that people get sick every day, I cannot help the shame and embarrassment that burns through me. I cover my face with my hands. “For throwingmyself at you last night. For you having to take care of me when I woke up. For—”

I still as his arms encircle my waist and he pulls me into his chest. “There is no need to apologize,” he murmurs, enveloping me in his wings. A hot puff of air hits the top of my head as he huffs out a laugh. “Especially not for the attempt to entice me, my Juliet.”

My Juliet.Something about the way he calls mehiswarms my heart.

“But more importantly”—he pulls back and places two fingers up under my chin, tilting my face up—“are you feeling better now?”

Under the intense scrutiny of his concern, all my earlier worries fall away. A faint smile crests my lips. “Yes.”

He gestures to two dresses laid out on the sofa near the hearth. “Your clothes were delivered a few hours ago. I took the liberty of picking these out for you to choose from this evening. But if you’d prefer something else, the rest are upstairs.”

They are both lovely, but my favorite is the pale lavender gown with a delicate pattern of vines and roses. The sigil of House Greyvale is centered and easily visible on the bodice.

I take the dress and move back into the cleansing room to change, but when I try to reach the fastenings along the back of my gown, I realize that I need help.

“Valaric?” I call softly as I push open the door. “Can you please come help me with the back?”

His cheeks and the tips of his ears flush dark as he dips his chin in a subtle nod. “Of course.”

I face the mirror and turn my back to him. He hesitates a moment before coming up behind me. Gently, he pushes my hair to one side, draping it over my left shoulder. I shiver when his fingers brush lightly across the skin of my lower back as he carefully secures the fastenings.

The heat of his body radiates to mine as his masculine scent surrounds me, heady and intoxicating. His warm breath whispers across the back of my neck, and I fight the urge to lean back into him.

Heat blooms in my chest at the memory of his mouth on me last night, on the beach, and a small whimper escapes me as desire coils tightly within.

He must mistake the sound for fear because he goes completely still and then takes a small step back. “Forgive me,” he says. “I did not mean to stand so close. I… I’m sorry for what happened on the beach, and I—”

“You don’t have to apologize.” His gaze meets mine in the mirror. “I wanted to kiss you.”

“But you were afraid.” He frowns. “You told me to stop. You—”

“I wasn’t scared, I was nervous. I’ve never—” Heat creeps up my neck to my face. “I haven’t been intimate with anyone before you. And all of this is new to me, but I know one thing for sure.” I twist back to look up at him. “I want you, Valaric.”

His red eyes turn into twin pools of black ink, fierce possessiveness reflecting in their depths. He secures the final clasp of my dress and smooths his hands lightly over my bare shoulders before trailing them down my arms to my sides.

He presses his hands to the curve of my waist, his fingers flexing as if he’s trying to decide if he should push me away or pull me closer.

I make the decision for him, leaning back into his chest. He enfolds me in his wings. “I love when you hold me.” My heart flutters as he tightens his arms around me, gently nuzzling my temple as I run my fingers through his hair. “And I know we’re married, but is it all right if we only kiss and touch each other for now?”

“I will never ask you for more than you are willing to give.” He leans in, the tip of his nose skimming along the curve of my neck. “Your scent is intoxicating. That you even allow me to touch you is a precious gift,” he whispers against my skin. “We will wait until you are ready. You have my most solemn vow.”

My heart melts at his words. I love knowing that he respects my wishes. That he doesn’t simply assume because we’re married that my body belongs to him.

“Come.” He drops his forehead gently to mine. “You should eat. Reyla has made a broth that will remedy any lingering effects from the wine.”

Already, I feel better, but I’m not going to turn down the offer. Especially when I remember how terrible I felt when I first awakened this evening.

Aerlyx greets us when we reach the first floor. “You look ravishing.” He winks at me and Valaric growls low in response. “I take it you are fully recovered?”

Before I can reply, Valaric snaps. “No thanks to you.”

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