Ant quickly interrupted him. “I don’t want or need to know.”
“But that’s the point I’m trying to make. There’s never been a Jessie in my life. Never. The last person I had any form of personal relationship with has likely been dead for at least two hundred years. But Carmine deliberately threw a random name into the conversation to try and rattle you, to try and make you feel as though there was some dark and sordid story I was hiding from you.”
Tilting his head slightly to one side, Ant said, “But that negates your point about him learning all about me, doesn’t it? If Carmine truly knew about me, then he’d already know I don’t listen to gossip. Nine times out of ten, I don’t understand it, and I rarely notice it if anyone is playing emotional games with me, either. That’s not the way I am.”
“I know that about you, but not many people would, I agree. All you picked up from Carmine was his anger, his volatility, his frustration, and likely even sadness when he discussed his sister. But, and you just said this, those energies were so strong they gave you a headache. They would also mask the lies he was telling. Don’t you see?”
Ant shook his head before leaning it on the back of his chair. “I don’t think I’ll ever understand how people work. The more Ilearn, the more I’m not sure I even want to know. I hate that this has come between us, though. I hate feeling that you are angry with me. Yes, Carmine’s emotions were dominating my thoughts at the meeting, but I knew he wasn’t angry at me. I didn’t know what or who he was angry at, but I knew it wasn’t me. But with you…”
“I’m sorry,” Viktor said quickly. “I truly am, because I never meant to give you any impression I was upset, annoyed, or angry with you. In all honesty, when we were at that restaurant, it took every ounce of my control not to just pick that man up and shove him through the bloody front window of the restaurant. I’d have happily paid for the glass.
“I hate the thought that he has used the death of an innocent to tempt you to work with him. I accept that you thought you were doing the right thing morally, but I hate that he has used something so tragic as a hook to reel you in. And please, whatever happens going forward with that case, do not expect me to sit by and let him take you over. I might not have acted when I saw what Tony was doing, but I will not stand by and watch Carmine pull you into his web of intrigue and lies. You are far too special for that.”
Ant’s nod was brief, but it was there, and Viktor knew that he’d been heard. They were quiet for a moment, and then Ant said, “Did you realize you’d given me two compliments in the space of ten minutes? Anyone would think you might be getting mushy on me.”
Viktor chuckled. “Not mushy. You know you’re special to me, but that was likely just me being horny and protective. That’s life. Don’t worry about it.”
“Ah, thank goodness.” Ant sighed, and a flood of warmth came through their bond. “That’s something I do know how to handle,and I’m fairly confident that I don’t make mistakes in sexual matters with you.”
“No,” Viktor said. “In those matters, we’re definitely on the same page.” Zooming out of his chair, Viktor picked Ant up out of his, cradling him in his arms as he ran through the back of the house and up the stairs to their bedroom.
Sex was never the answer to any argument, but Viktor did know it was the best way to reassure his mate about how special he was. Viktor might be lousy at the words, but his actions seemed to speak for themselves, and he had a lot to say.
“Touch me,” he growled, as he laid a now naked Ant on the mattress with all the care of an expensive vase. “Touch me and tell me how I’m feeling about you now.”
Chapter Seven
Ant had learned a lot about sex since being with Viktor. With Viktor’s encouragement, he’d mastered oral to the point where he could bring Viktor pleasure, and they’d tried some interesting positions. During their holiday, when the need to connect seemed more intense, they’d played with Ant’s magic and Viktor’s ability to become invisible.
He still blushed when he remembered one such incident. He’d been standing in the kitchen one morning, talking to Bridget on the phone, when all of a sudden, his pants were around his ankles. He knew from the touch it was Viktor who was disrobing him in the kitchen, even though he couldn’t see him. But he’d never got off the phone so fast than when moist heat surrounded his cock and invisible fingers tickled his balls.
This time was different again. Ant could feel how intensely Viktor wanted the connection with him – that wasn’t unusual - and Ant felt that need just as intensely. His mind had been jumbled to the point of pain in his experience with Carmine, and yet Viktor had a knack for grounding him in a way no one had before.
Viktor’s depth of emotions was just as intense as Carmine’s had been, but opposite in their effect on him. Viktor was showing Ant how much he was valued and cared about, through his actions alone. Relaxing back on the mattress, Ant closed his eyes, letting Viktor’s need and desire wash through his body, welcoming every touch against his skin.
Fingers teased his neck, sending tendrils of fire through Ant’s blood. Viktor’s harsh breath skated across his chest as his mouth fastened on Ant’s nipples. While the sensations were arousing, it was the color shifts Ant could see in his mind that heightened all of his senses.
It was like being in a vision, but there was no dog at his side. Ant could feel Viktor looming over him, the hulking shadow of his second self, more obvious in Ant’s mind than if he’d opened his eyes. Viktor had explained in one of their many talks how his true vampiric nature rarely surfaced. With his age and power, too many perceived him as dangerous that way, and Ant could attest that his vampire was definitely that.
The vampire side wasn’t shy in his love for Ant, and Ant groaned and stretched as the vampire side felt his awareness and pushed forward just a touch more. Viktor growled and strained, clearly trying to keep him back, but Ant sent calming vibes through their bond, which was more difficult than it sounded.
He’s just saying hello.
A sharp nip on his hip bone had Ant chuckling. But then Viktor’s tongue ran up the length of his cock, and Ant wanted to thrust, seeking pressure on the tip – his favorite hot spot. Gripping the covers, Ant’s legs moved side to side, trying to resist the urge, but he was fighting a losing battle.
Do it.The words cut through the colors in Ant’s mind as Viktor’s lips closed around the head of his cock.Let yourself go.
Ant let go. His whole life had been about controls on his magic and who could touch him. Viktor was the one man who focused on him entirely every time they were naked together, giving Ant the freedom to enjoy touch for pleasure’s sake and explore his feelings instead of someone else’s.
He could feel the hint of Viktor’s fangs scraping on each side of his cock as he thrust into Viktor’s throat. Viktor’s hand was busy, under his balls, his fingers massaging around his hole. It took a thought, and Viktor’s finger slipped inside, finding that spot that always made Ant’s body hum instantly.
Oh, gods, yes.Ant rocked between the dual sensations. His ass needed more, and Ant knew Viktor would give it to him.
Soon.Ant barely heard Viktor’s mental growl. His body was running on instinct. His balls were tight. The end of his cock felt as though it was ready to explode, but his orgasm was just out of reach. Moaning his frustrations, Ant thrust up as Viktor bit down, sinking his fangs into the base of Ant’s cock.
Yes.That’s what Ant had been looking for. His body slumped back on the mattress, his fingers releasing their stranglehold on the covers as Viktor fed. His mate never took much, no matter where he bit, but there was something about the act of feeding his vampire that was so incredibly intimate, and Ant could feel the pleasure it gave Viktor as well.
“Need you.” Viktor could barely talk, he was panting so hard, his fangs still extended as he pulled off Ant’s body. As Ant rolled to one side, Viktor was helping him, rolling him onto his front, and lifting Ant’s butt into the air.
