Page 12 of Every Bite You Take
I couldn’t move. So caught up in his words that both tempted and terrified me, I froze. Waiting there with desperate anticipation.
When he straightened and opened his eyes, I got caught in them. The green was darker now, hungry. Captivating. His expression seemed darker, too, shrouded in shadows.
“But most of all”—he cupped my cheeks in both hands—”it’s you.”
My heart thumped so hard, I swore he could hear it.
“I want you, Kylie.” His voice turned dark and husky, as he lowered his head. “More than you’d ever know.” His mouth was mere inches from mine.
Breathless with anticipation, I couldn’t find suitable words to respond. All I could do was yearn and feel. I rose, desperate to bridge the distance between us, and begged, “Kiss me.”
Then I brushed my lips against his.
He remained still for a moment, and I feared I’d made a mistake. Then he tipped my head back and kissed me deep and hard, as if a dam of self-control broke inside him. The hint ofblood and wine remained on his tongue, and it ignited a strange desire. Although the sight of blood repelled me, this subtle taste stirred a far more sensual craving. I melted against him, and the warmth of his hard chest seeped into me. Caught up in our kiss, I lost all sense of our surroundings.
The sound of the door opening, followed by voices, jolted me back to where we were. I jumped backward as a group of people strode past.
Several exchanged greetings with us, saying good evening and similar sentiments, as if they hadn’t just caught us in a heated kiss.
I stood there, confused, while my heart raced. What just happened? My body reacted with such a primal hunger that was so strong, on some level it scared me.
“I should go,” I said, avoiding looking at Damien. Then I bolted through the door back inside to find safety away from him.
CHAPTER 8
DAMIEN
Iscared her away.
What the hell? Why had I come on so strong? Saying all that shit about how much I wanted her?
And her scent? No wonder she bolted. I was a bloody vampire who’d confessed how her scent affected me. Of course she was going to be terrified—thinking I would attack her.
Memories of past mistakes rushed forward, flooding me like a giant wave had swept over the deck. When I’d been a newly turned vampire fumbling to exist in my new world without killing anyone. Shouldn’t I know better by now? Don’t scare humans. And especially don’t terrify a woman you want so she runs away from you.
“Suave, Rockwell,” I muttered to myself. “You’re really killing it.”
I tormented myself further by replaying our kiss in my mind, the way her lips felt against mine and the invigorating bolt that rushed through my veins. The heat between us had flared so hot, so bright—how could I forget that?
I couldn't. I wouldn't.
What about Kylie? Did she feel anything for me, or was I simply a vacation fling? I'd seen many of those onboard and indulged in a few myself.
The next night,I found Kylie on deck seven after our set. My senses had grown so attuned to her that I’d easily homed in. She’d just left the sushi restaurant with other people. She was wearing a blue dress and black boots, looking absolutely breathtaking. As I drank in how it hugged her curves in just the right places, my mouth went dry.
“Hey,” I greeted her in an oh-so-eloquent greeting.
She caught my eye and then said goodnight to the people she was with. “Damien.”
Her scent filled me, infusing me with desire and—hunger. My fangs itched, longing to break through her smooth neck and taste that sweet ambrosia. I rubbed the back of my neck as I struggled to control my reaction. I searched for the right words. “Just wanted to see if you’re all right.”
“I am.” She gave me a warm smile. “Last night got a little—uh—intense.”
“Right, right.” I nodded. “I didn’t mean to overwhelm you.”
“I’m fine,” she said with a wave. “Just needed a breather, you know?”
“I get it.” I couldn’t tear my eyes from her captivating ones.
