Page 71 of The Vampire's Bride

“Perhaps an inside pocket or sheath in his leather doublet.”

Her face lights up. “That’s perfect.”

After I’ve concealed my pretend knife in my tunic, Juliet rushes toward me with her feather duster, brandishing it like a sword. Lightning fast, I grip her wrist with one hand and tug her to me while I pull the spoon free with the other and bring it to her torso.

Her body is flush with mine, her cheeks pink and her eyes shining with excitement as she looks up at me and grins. “Again.”

We act out another attack, and she knocks the spoon from my hand accidentally, sending it flying across the room. Lightning fast, I retrieve it before it hits the ground.

She gasps. “How did you do that?”

“Do what?” I ask, mildly confused.

“I knew you were fast, but that was incredible.” She cocks her head to one side. “Can all Vampires do that?”

“Yes. My kind are able to move quickly.”

“Quickly?” She gives me an incredulous look. “I’ve never seen anyone move like that. You were practically a blur as you crossed the room.”

I remain still, worried I may have scared her. But as I study her face, I notice only curiosity.

Her lips twitch as she narrows her eyes. “I knew you were intentionally slowing yourself down when we do our defensive training, but I never realized just how much. In the future, you’llneed to slow your movements when we act things out as well. Sir Danric is only human, you know,” she teases.

A smile tugs at my mouth. “I will try my best.”

She laughs and it is the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. And I decide to make it my goal to coax more of those lovely smiles and laughter from her lips from this day forward.

As the sky begins to lighten outside, heralding the coming dawn, I reluctantly draw the curtains closed.

Juliet loops her arm through mine, and we walk up the stairs to her room. Thankfully, the windows are already completely covered when we enter.

My heart pounds as I guide her to the bed, my fangs descending and venom filling my mouth in anticipation of tasting her again. She lies down on the comforter, and I move over her, bracing myself on my elbows so as not to crush her beneath my weight.

Her cheeks flush deep red as she tilts her head to one side, exposing the elegant column of her throat.

A shaking breath escapes me as I gaze down at her. She so perfect and beautiful; I’m on the edge of my control. I don’t just want her blood; I want all of her. Darkness unfurls deep within—the primal and monstrous part of my nature demanding I make her mine completely.

Mine to touch. Mine to taste. Mine to cherish. Mine to claim.

It claws its way to the surface, demanding to be freed.

As if sensing the conflict warring within, Juliet touches my face. “It’s all right,” she breathes. “I want this.”

My body trembles with barely contained need as I dip my hand beneath the neckline of her dress and gently pull it aside,revealing an expanse of delicate flesh that would make a man’s mind wander.

Unable to help myself, I trace my fingers along her petal-soft skin. I dip my nose to the curve of her neck and my heart stutters and stops when I detect the intoxicating smell of her arousal laced through her delicious scent.

My fangs extend, and I close my mouth over her neck. She inhales sharply as the pointed tips pierce her tender flesh. A low groan leaves my throat as she clings to me, pulling me closer.

Needs surges through me and I growl in frustration. There is too much clothing between us as her legs close around me, the hardened length of mystavpressing insistently to the entrance of her core.

She moans softly in my ear and her heart beats wildly in the cage of her chest against mine.

I want her so much it is maddening. Her taste is exquisite, made all the more delectable by the way she surrenders entirely, offering herself to me so trustingly. The monster inside me is pleased.

When I pull back and trace my tongue over the puncture wounds to seal them, a possessive growl rumbles deep in my chest. I long to give her my mark. To sink my fangs deep into her skin, directly over her heart and claim her with my venom, changing her scent to mark her as mine.

I am hers, even if she does not realize it yet. Now, I must convince her to love me and choose me as her mate. She must speak the words “I love you” before the last petal falls, or I will lose her to my curse.

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