Page 17 of Bite
“Ready?” Sebastian asks, his hungry gaze dropping to the side of my neck.
I take a slow sip of wine, letting it coat my throat, then dip my chin in a nod.
I feel the heat before he even touches me– like anticipation has a temperature. His hand comes to the nape of my neck, tilting my head just so, and his fangs extend with a soft pop. His breath fans over my skin as he closes the last whisper of space between us, and I brace myself for the bite I know is coming.
His fangs pierce my flesh with a sharp, exquisite pressure, my body going taut, then molten. Pain blooms to pleasure in a single heartbeat. The room blurs, my pulse pounds in my ears like a song with no words. Every nerve fires simultaneously and my body betrays me with a low, involuntary shiver, eyes fluttering closed as I cling to the sensation. I’m so gone thatI’m barely aware of the low sound that escapes my throat– somewhere between a gasp and a moan.
An insistent ache pulses between my legs as he drinks from me, confusing as hell, yet undeniable. Carnal need surges through my body, the signals in my brain misfiring. My back arches without thought, another soft sound escaping before I can stop it.
Too soon, it’s over.
His fangs retract, tongue trailing lightly over the wound like a teasing caress. When he finally pulls away, I’m left reeling– more turned on than afraid, but mostly embarrassed.
He licks the last trace of blood from the corner of his mouth with obscene precision, lips curving in a satisfied grin. “Well done, Marilyn,” he drawls. “You made a lovely vintage.”
My throat works around a hard swallow. “Thank you,” I whisper.
Why I’m thankinghimfor biting me, I’m not sure, but my brain isn’t exactly firing on all cylinders right now.
Sebastian slips his phone from his pocket. A moment later, a muffled ping from my own pocket confirms what I already know– engagement complete, money transferred.
Just like that.
He rises smoothly and extends a hand. “I look forward to next time,” he says with a slow smile, and I find myself smiling back as I place my palm in his, allowing him to help me to my feet.
“Maybe you’ll consider changing your preferences on your donor profile?” he suggests.
Heat floods my face. “Maybe,” I giggle, raising my glass to hide my blush and draining the last of the wine. As I hand him the empty glass, I begin to wonder if I’ve officially lost my mind.
Did I just imply I’d give him more than blood? Andgigglewhile doing it? What the actualfuckis happening to me?
Sebastian only grins wider, like he knows exactly how scrambled I am. His arm bands lightly around my waist as he steers me toward the foyer. My legs feel unsteady, and by the time we reach the elevator, my pulse hasn’t calmed one bit.
He presses the button to summon it, the doors gliding open instantly like it hasn’t moved since my arrival.
“Uh, see ya,” I manage as I step away from him and into the elevator.
“Soon, I hope,” he replies, tossing me a wink as the doors slide shut between us.
I sag back against the wall with a relieved exhale, punching the button for the lobby. The metal box hums with its descent, and when it reaches the ground floor, I can’t get outside fast enough.
The cold night air hits my flushed skin like a slap as I push through the door, finding the black car idling at the curb. I sink into the back seat once again, a rush still burning in my veins.
The ride home seems twice as long. Doubt twists inside me like a snake, coiling tighter with every passing block.
What I’m doing is wrong. I shouldn’t be offering myself up for illegal blood donations, and I definitely shouldn’t be enjoying it.
But I’ve got two under my belt now, and neither was unpleasant. Like Bex said, it’s easy money.
Too easy.
Chapter
Six
Iwake the next morning still buzzing, though I’m not sure if it’s from Sebastian’s bite, the fancy wine, or the money that landed in my account overnight. Sleep didn’t come easily– I kept replaying the feel of his mouth on my skin, the heat it sparked through me, the way I giggled like a teenager when he suggestedmore. Every time I closed my eyes, I swear I could feel the ghost of his teeth at my throat.
It should’ve left me shaken. Terrified, even. But what rattles me most is that itdidn’t. Instead, I’m embarrassed by how much I liked it– how much a part of me actually wanted more than a bite.
