Page 36 of Hot Blooded
So, they were lovers. I can only imagine the level of intimacy they’ve shared. Hot, erotic vampire sex. It’s not something I canever hope to compete with. The contents of my stomach threaten to revolt.Breathe, Tressa.
“And when I moved here, I figured that was it. Things were over between us. But then a few months later, Kai relocated to the States as well. For some reason or another choosing the same town as me.”
You don’t just move to a new country for a man unless you’re exceptionally close.
Or want to be close.
Or unless the dick is really good. Wow, Lena must really be rubbing off on me.
“I’m sorry that seeing her upset you.” Reign’s tone is softer now. “I can assure you, Tressa, there is nothing between me and Kai anymore.”
His words don’t soothe me though.
A light rain starts to fall, and the automatic windshield wipers startle me. Tonight has been strange. I’d been so excited to go out with Reign, and then jealousy had reared its ugly head—unexpectedly and without prejudice.
“What did she say to you, when she whispered in your ear tonight?” I can’t believe I’m asking him that, because I surely don’t want to hear the answer. But here I am, words spewing from my lips.
Reign takes a long, slow exhale, which I realize now means he’s stalling, because I’ve been reading more about vampires, and I know they don’t need to breathe. Interesting.
I tap my fingers on my thigh as I wait.
Finally, he relents. “She said there were some feeding rooms at the gala, in the back, tucked away from the rest of the guests. She asked if I wanted to share with her. I said no, of course.”
“Oh,” my words sound defeated, but I’m relieved to know it isn’t anything more.
“Do you believe me?”
I nod. “Yes, I do.” He didn’t seem into Kai’s advances. Didn’t lean into her touch or touch her back. He seemed stiff, like he was politely enduring her attention. I glance over at him. “You know I didn’t do anything with Alastair, right? He only took me away from the party, because he saw I was upset.”
Reign nods, his face drawn tight. “I trust you, it’shimI don’t trust.”
I turn his words over in my head as we drive in silence.
We reach his home and Reign pulls the car into the garage since it’s raining.
Once inside, I slip off my heels and carry them, so they don’t clatter across the floor and wake the staff. Reign follows behind me, and we both head for the stairs. Undoubtedly for him to retreat to his room, and me to mine. The molten hot kiss we shared in the hotel hallway seems forever ago. I don’t know how we get back there, but the moment is lost. I just want to put on something comfortable and wash the makeup from my face. Maybe text with Lena to tell her that we left early… that I never got to dance after all.
At the top of the stairs, Reign’s hand reaches out and he catches my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. When I slowly turn to face him, the look reflecting back at me is predatory, hungry.
This is crazy, but I can’t deny him. I’ve never felt closer to anyone in my life, even though I’ve only known him a few weeks. I’ve never wanted anything this badly, but I want him. Undoubtedly so.
“One truth?” His voice is deep and hushed.
I nod. “Anything.”
“Will you stay with me tonight?” His voice is gravel.
There’s a vulnerability about him that hits me square in the chest. He’s asking me to take a chance with him.
I lift onto my toes and press my mouth to his. The moment I was worried about that was ruined? It comes roaring back to life the second our lips connect. Desire licks through my veins and my lips part to accept the first hot stroke of his tongue. Reign is a very skilled kisser and my desire for him grows exponentially.
“Tressa?” I sense he’s about to repeat his question—that question being—will I stay with him tonight?
My answer falls from my lips on a shaky exhale. “Yes.”
And then Reign’s mouth is back on mine.
Chapter 19
