Page 134 of Vampires and Violas

“Why?”

“Didn’t I tell you?” He gives me a mischievous smile. “I’m an old-fashioned vampire. I don’t believe in biting outside of marriage.”

“Oh, shut up,” I laugh.

His smirk becomes a soft smile. “You told me to find a nice vampire girl, remember?”

Slowly, I nod.

“I’ve found her. She’s my favorite.”

“Noah.” My heart gets all warm and squishy. “You’re really sweet when you want to be.”

“Let’s un-pause our relationship,” he says. “Even for vampires, life can be short.”

“Really?”

“Yes, really.” He takes my hand. “We came a little too close to losing each other today. It made me acknowledge how muchI care for you—how much I need you in my life.” He meets my eyes. “I love you, Piper.”

His declaration chases away all my fears and assures me I don’t have to go through this alone. “I love you, too.”

Noah pulls me into him, holding me tightly. I rest my head on his shoulder, and it feels right.

Together is the way we should be.

“You best be careful,” I say lightly. “With that kind of declaration, a girl is likely to lose her head and start looking at wedding gowns.”

I’m teasing him, and I expect him to laugh. But he’s silent.

I pull back. “Don’t panic—I was joking.”

Noah frowns, studying me. “I’m not panicking.”

“Then what’s with your expression?”

“I like the idea more than I probably should admit.”

“Yeah?” I try not to grin. “Is the courthouse open? Where do we get the license?”

I’m still joking, obviously. Absolutely joking.

Noah smiles. “Are you in a hurry?”

“Yes.”

He finally laughs, his eyes so warm. “How about this: soon, the houses will nominate princes for the throne. I have a feeling life is going to get complicated when that happens. Let’s return to this discussion after that’s all settled.”

“How long will that take?”

“A few months, probably.”

“So, you’re saying we should date awhile before we leap into marriage and biting, like responsible vampires?”

“I think that’s what I’m saying.” He lifts his brows, looking smug. “Tell me the truth, though. You don’t want to get married. You just want me to bite you, don’t you?”

I grin. “You could bite me now and find out.”

“I’m feeling used again.”

---