Page 19 of Seduction in Blood
His hand released my neck as if he'd been burned. I dropped to my feet and braced the wall to stop from falling.
He pushed back several paces, his gaze locked on my lips. I couldn't help it. I intuitively licked them, and he took a step closer. I wasn't sure what changed, and though his eyes still glowed, they had settled into the deep silver-blue of a winter moon.
I blinked, and whatever was going on, the motion seemed to wake him, and he stepped back. His expression changed, and his shoulders drooped as he hung his head.
"We're done for the evening." His voice sounded raw, and he didn't look at me again as he strode out of the room.
My breathing slowed, and damn it all, I couldn't help but notice the person hidden beneath the twisted emotions as he stormed away. Hell's bells, he was a fine-looking man.
Get a grip, Cressa. He almost killed you.
But had he?
I glanced around the room and shivered. My legs shook as I picked up my shoes and socks, but I found enough residual energy to race from the room, not stopping until I reached my bedroom. I didn't slam the door, but I made sure it was locked.
Once in the shower, I replayed the entire training session. Trelane had been irritated when he'd entered the room. Had he been mad at me or someone else? Maybe he was just reminding me of who he was—who vampires were. I had to admit, if they were all like him, their physical abilities were exceptional and not something to take lightly.
He'd told me I would be introduced into vampire high society. Surrounded by them with little to no defenses. Whether he meant his actions to drill that point home or not—he'd succeeded.
But it was the last part that shook me. Was he going to kiss me? I snorted. Right. Kiss me with his fangs out. But after I toweled myself off, I stared at my reflection in the foggy mirror, running a finger across my lips. I still felt the sensation of his fangs as he traced the same path. The tingle in my nether regions returned.
"Stop it." And with that last scold, I threw on the lightweight dressing gown and slipped into bed. But try as I might, I couldn't shake the sensation of his fangs across my lips, and I reached down to cup myself as those silver-blue eyes followed me to sleep.
ChapterEleven
The night waswarm with the scent of honeysuckle and roses. That seemed odd this time of year. It was only spring, but maybe I was in an enormous greenhouse. When I pushed away a vine that had grown over the stone path, a thorn pricked my finger. A deep-red drop glittered in the moonlight. I sucked my fingertip, the taste of copper sharp on my tongue.
I turned, thinking I'd heard someone, but no one was there. Where was I?
I didn't remember getting out of bed. I glanced down, surprised to see my satin nightgown reached mid-thigh. That wasn't right. The one I'd gone to bed in had been cotton and touched my knees. Hadn't it?
I kept walking. Someone waited for me, and I didn't want to be late.
The narrow path led me through lush vegetation bursting with blooms whose heady scent competed with the honeysuckle. Some of the flowers I recognized, others were as foreign as the garden. Yet, I knew where I was going. Had some sense of what was waiting for me. And that knowledge spurred me on with an excitement and yearning almost as unfamiliar as my surroundings.
He'll be here soon.
I hurried, pushing past leaves as long as my arm until the path opened up to a stone grotto. Two dusky-red Japanese maples edged the sides of the alcove. A stone bench stretched across the grotto, leaving a secret place to read or meditate. Surrounding it, a patch of lush grass grew so dense I could already feel the blades tickling my toes.
Our place.
I ran my hands through the maple leaves, then lifted my head to suck in the sweet scent of roses, its vine growing over the top of the alcove. I picked a flower, crimson red in the moonlight, before sitting on the bench. It was so peaceful. The sound of trickling water calmed me, and I knew it was the fountain in a small pond on the other side of the garden.
How did I know this?
The anticipation grew, and I closed my eyes to lessen the aching need to see him. To touch him. I opened my eyes.
Devon.
His shirt was open halfway, revealing a smooth, powerful chest, and I remembered the feel of his pecs, his ridged stomach. Thick, wavy hair hung to his shoulders, giving the impression he'd just woken or had been caught in a summer breeze on his way here. His eyes didn't glow the pure silver of his nature but the silver-blue of his heightened passion, and they caught me in their snare. I ran a tongue over my lips, pleased to see his fierce smile widen to reveal the tips of fangs. His hands balled into fists. He was never as patient as he claimed to be. Not when he knew what he wanted.
I waited. Let him come to me. I was surprised by his careful control as his steady march clearly shouted his intentions. The goosebumps raced across my flesh, and I felt myself grow wet. He knew how to tease. But still, I remained seated.
When he stood in front of me, I lifted my head and lost myself in his gaze. How many times had we played this game? And I never tired of them. Almost wept with the sweet promise of pleasure, the easing of the ache between my legs, and the strength of his arms as he held on tight.
Devon held out a hand, and I took it. He brought it to his lips, his fangs brushing against the warm skin. Then, he pulled me up, wrapping an arm around my waist as he slid his fingers down my neck, making me shiver. He bent down, burying his nose in my hair while his lips nibbled my ear.
"Cressa."
