Page 15 of Every Bite You Take
Damien nodded and then swallowed. He glanced down at my leg and lifted the napkins, his nostrils flaring once more. “The bleeding has slowed. Let’s get it cleaned up.” He pulled back. “I’m gonna lift you up.”
He brought me to him and stood, carrying me across the deck while I awkwardly held the napkins to my wound.
When I’d pictured coming on this cruise, I’d thought about exploring Alaska and relaxing on the ship. I found much of that, and had wandered around Juneau during the day, then read a book for an hour or so once I’d returned onboard.
But now I was being carried by a smoldering vampire. How strange. It was almost romantic. That was if I hadn’t been so clumsy and created another bloody incident for the two of us to share.
I gazed up at him, admiring his profile. He appeared determined as he carried me to who knew where.
Instinctively, I bent closer and kissed his cheek. “Thanks for taking care of me, Damien.”
CHAPTER 10
DAMIEN
Stay in control. Don’t do anything rash.
The feel of Kylie’s lips on my cheek still warmed my skin, leaving such an impression. If my hands weren’t occupied by holding her in my arms, I would have brushed my fingers over them to capture that sensation. It almost felt—magical.
The elevator came and fortunately we had it to ourselves. Once we stepped inside, her scent enveloped me. I needed to control my reaction to the scent of her blood—so utterly enticing that my hunger for her grew ravenous.
But I couldn’t let the monster come out. Not when I’d seen the fear in her eyes when my fangs had emerged. Not when my craving would scare her away. I had to regain some self-control. The slow, repetitive human motion of deep breath often helped.
The elevator door opened and I nudged my chin up. Her arms were looped around my neck as I held her, stirring a protective instinct inside me. The rhythm of her heart drummed in my ear, lulling me deeper under her spell.
Once we exited on my floor, I carried her down to my room. “Can I put you down for a second to open the door?”
She glanced at the door and back at me. “Where are you taking me?” She furrowed her brows.
“My cabin.” Somehow my voice came out steady—the exact opposite of the tumult churning inside. “We can clean your cut up in there.”
“Oh.” Her voice sounded breathy. “I figured you were taking me to see the healing bay.”
Fuck. Why hadn’t I thought to bring her to a healer and instead carry her to my room like some caveman?
“Right, I can bring you there,” I said, catching the strangled edge in my tone. “My cabin’s closer.” Was that a save? Not likely.
“Your cabin’s fine,” she said in a gentle voice.
I never knew three words could stir such elation. Once I put her on her non-injured leg to retrieve my card and swipe it to open the door, I pushed it open and lifted her back up.
“I can walk.” She beamed at me. “But this is nice.”
More than nice. Absolute perfection.
I carried her into my cabin and an awareness grew of the intimacy of carrying her into my tiny room where the focal point was my bed. I gently placed her on it.
She drew in a long breath as she scanned my shoe-box-sized living space.
“We don’t get the penthouse suites,” I joked to lighten the mood.
“It’s similar to mine,” she said with a smile. She extended her leg across the bed and glanced down at it. “Oh, gross. I’m still bleeding.” She turned away with a repulsed expression.
Yes, I was painfully aware of the coppery scent of her blood and how it beckoned me.
“I’ll get a washcloth.” Since the bathroom was only a few steps away, it didn’t take long for me to wet a cloth and add soap.
Before I went back out and lost control, I repeated a chant in my head:Be good, be good, be good. Stay strong, stay strong, stay strong.
