Page 121 of Meet Your Maker: Part One

They twist toward me, and I capture their mouth, savoring the roughness of our kiss, the softness of their skin. Their fingers tangle in my hair, tugging just enough to send a sharp jolt of pleasure through me. It’s the invitation I’ve been waiting for.

My lips move lower, trailing down their throat to the spot where their pulse beats strongest—fast and eager beneath warm skin.

“Gray,” they murmur, half a warning, half a plea.

“I know,” I whisper against their neck, my fangs grazing the surface, teasing. “Just a little.”

Their body tenses, then melts against me as I bite down. The sharp puncture gives way to the rush of their blood flooding my senses. It’s intoxicating—rich and complex, like summer rain with hints of something darker, far more dangerous.

They gasp, nails digging into my shoulder as I take what I need. My grip tightens on their waist, grounding us both. For a moment, everything narrows to the heat of their body, the steady rhythm of their pulse, and the taste of life on my tongue.

I pull back before the hunger can take over, sealing the bite marks with a flick of my tongue. Xavier’s breath comes in uneven bursts, their cheeks flushed, green eyes half-lidded as they meet my gaze.

“You’re insatiable,” they murmur, voice thick and teasing.

I smirk, wiping the corner of my mouth with my thumb. “And yet, you keep letting me.”

They roll their eyes but don’t pull away, their hand sliding down to rest lightly against my chest. “You owe me. No more stalling—we’re already late.”

“Fine.” I lean in, pressing a final, lingering kiss to their lips before rolling off the bed. “But don’t think this conversation is over. My bonded is engaged to another, and there’s really only one thing that will make me feel better about—”

“Seriously, though.” Xavier interrupts, tone dry but eyes glinting. “Ben. He’s going to be lonely. We should all be together tonight.”

Ah, all of Sunday’s cast-offs for the evening, trying to provide each other comfort. What a nauseatingly sweet thought. Still, I can’t argue—I’ll be there too, won’t I? Cast off, left behind. Not at all dramatic.

I sigh, shrugging as I pull on my shirt. “Fine. The shifter can sit right there and watch.” I point to the big velvet armchair draped with a fluffy blue blanket, letting the smirk creep into my tone.

Xavier groans, flopping back onto the pillow. “Maldito vampiro,” they mutter, the words rolling out in perfect exasperation.

I glance over my shoulder with a raised brow. “You do remember I speak Spanish, don’t you?”

Their cheeks flush, a pinkish bronze unmistakable even in the dim light. They narrow their eyes at me, though there’s no real heat behind it. “You were supposed to ignore that,” they grumble, kicking a foot half-heartedly in my direction.

“I’m teasing,cariño,” I say smoothly, leaning down to press a quick kiss to their forehead. “But it’s cute when you get grumpy. Don’t stop on my account.”

***

“And this?”

“That’s tres leches cake. It’s soaked in three types of milk.”

I blink at them, nonplussed. “So, it’s soggy on purpose?”

“It’s delicious on purpose,” they retort, smirking as they reach for a spatula. “You should try it. Or would you prefer to keep judging from the safety of your ignorance?”

I step back, raising my hands in mock surrender. “I’ll leave the tasting to Sunday. She seems more willing to gamble with her palate.”

Xavier places the last dessert into a box, then pauses, their gaze flicking to me with a mischievous tilt of their head. “I’ve always wondered… what happens if you eat something?”

I lean against the counter, arms crossed. “Why do you ask?”

They smirk, waving a hand over the lemon meringue pie. “Just curious. Do you combust? Choke? Or is it something less… dramatic?”

I sigh. “Nothing quite so theatrical. If I eat human food, I’ll throw it back up. Violently.”

Their eyes widen slightly, though the amusement doesn’t fade. “Really? Like, immediately?”

“No. It takes a few minutes. Long enough to smile politely and excuse myself from the table.” I give them a pointed look. “And yes, I’ve had to do it. More than once. Humans notice if you never touch your food.”

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