Page 20 of Every Bite You Take
My inner turmoil continued as I headed upstairs and set up for the show. Something deep inside screamed that she was the one. And if that was true, what a cruel joke from the universe. And still, I ached to see her again.
The agony was lifted during the third song of my set when she entered the lounge during a Stone Temple Pilots cover as part of our 90s set. She wore a pale blue dress that swirled around herlegs—drawing my thoughts back to last night. That sweet taste of her blood had enchanted me, driving me wild. Awareness pumped through my veins. I wanted her in my arms again, to slide into her warm, welcoming body…
I had to snap myself out of my fantasy before I forgot to play on stage and instead just gaped at her like a gargoyle in stone.
She was joined by a few elder witches. Naturally, she made friends wherever she went. Who wouldn’t want to spend time with someone as bright as her?
When our eyes met, a bolt surged through me. My body, long-dead, felt alive again—almost human—just by being near her. She gave me a small, private smile, as if remembering last night. Or maybe that was all in my head since it was all I could think about.
Somehow, I made it through the set without lunging through the crowd to get to her. Once the show was over, I met her near the bar.
“Kylie.” My voice sounded strangled. “You came.”
“Of course,” she replied with a bright smile. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
We headed outside. I was hot from performing under the stage lights and, more so, I wanted to be alone with her. As we walked around the deck, the night breeze tossed her hair.
“How was sightseeing today?” I asked her.
“Fantastic,” she said. “Took a train ride and got some great views of the mountains.” She showed me a few photos on her phone.
“Looks wonderful,” I said, forcing enthusiasm in my tone. Seeing the mountains like that, such a spectacular view sparkling beneath the sunlight, was something I’d never experience again. One of the costs of becoming immortal. But I wouldn’t dare blow my time with Kylie by turning melancholy. I’d made my decision and had to stick with it.
“How did you sleep?” she asked before she leaned against the railing and looked out at the sea. The moonlight shone down on her hair. When she pushed it over her shoulders, my attention fixed on her neck.
I stepped behind her and wrapped my arms around her from behind. “Not as good as when you were there.” I bent closer to her, inhaling her intoxicating scent. “So cold without you.” Embracing her again filled me with comforting warmth—followed by agonizing desire.
“Oh,” she said, glancing over her shoulder with a hint of surprise on her face. “I’m sorry I left.”
“Me too,” I admitted, unable to resist bending down to nuzzle the side of her neck. “But I’m glad you went exploring. That’s why you came on this vacation, right?”
“Right,” she repeated, her voice now breathy.
Her blood flowed just beneath the surface of her skin. The call for it thrummed inside me. My fangs itched to break that smooth flesh for another taste of her sweet blood. “I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you.”
She let out a soft sigh. “I thought about you too.” She tipped her head, teasing me with greater access to her throat.
A low growl vibrated from deep within my chest. “You don’t know what you’re doing to me. Tempting me like this. After just a taste yesterday, I want more…” I gently bit her neck.
“Damien!” She gasped with a playful smile and turned to me, her cheeks flushed, which made me throb with greater need.
I placed my arms on the other side of her on the railing, caging her in. “I can be good.” I straightened and flashed her a mischievous smile. “Even if it takes all my willpower.”
Her expression tightened and her mouth turned downward. “Accidentally bleeding in front of a vampire… Jeez. What timing—and torment for you. Sorry about that.” She searched my eyes. “But thank you for helping me…and your restraint.” She let out a small exhale with a whoosh. “It would have been a lot harder to navigate today on an injured leg.”
“How does it feel today? Any soreness or pain?”
“No, totally fine.” She reached her hand up to cup my face, and I leaned into her warm palm. “Last night might not have started as planned, but I’m glad at how it ended up.”
“Me too,” I agreed. “Because I got to spend it with you.”
Our eyes locked and the world around us faded. The buzz of activity on the ship faded. She looked ethereal out here like this, hair floating in the breeze beneath the moonlight.
I swallowed. “I know you’re leaving next week, but I also want you to know that last night meant something to me. It wasn’t just a one-night thing. I feel connected to you. And I don’t want to pretend it doesn’t exist.” After my admission, I felt utterly vulnerable—like I’d ripped my chest open and revealed myself to her. I braced myself for rejection.
She assessed me as if gauging whether I was being sincere. “I feel it too,” she admitted.
“You do?” I exclaimed with surprise. It felt like the wind had been knocked out of me. A primal urge to pull her closer and kiss her senseless rose.
