Page 69 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1
"Anyway, whether you like it or not, it's happening," Bella says. "Better that you get used to it than fight it."
I give her a weak smile, not entirely sure how I'm supposed to respond to that. I don't want to be used to it. I don't want this to be happening at all, but it seems that's not an option. At least not now.
So I have to just accept it.
And even worse, I have to tell Linc.
SIXTEEN
I don't think I've been this nervous about coming to the library since the first time I came to properly meet Linc, fearing he'd not show up. But each step up the stairs feels as if it's a step closer to heartbreak. Even though it's barely been a couple of weeks, I hate the idea that I have to tell him that this is over between us, and that nothing can happen again.
It's not what I want, but we said that this could only last until we're betrothed and now that's happened, we have to stand by that.
Eric is standing guard the same way he usually does. He nods to me as I approach the door to the private room and I manage a weak smile.
I push it open, stepping inside and running straight into Linc. He reaches out to steady me and all rational thoughts leave my mind. His gaze bores into me, and despite the fact I know we shouldn't be, somehow, we're kissing.
He pulls me further into the room without breaking the kiss, letting it swing shut behind us. I deepen the kiss, not wanting to end this moment even if I should. Maybe that's what makes it so intense. There's something new in the way he's touching me, a hunger that hasn't always been there. Or maybe it always has been and he's just been restraining it until now.
Whatever it is, I can feel it in myself too.
He breaks the kiss, but doesn't move away from me, instead, he kisses down my neck while fingers bunch up the fabric at my hip. A warm thread of desire shoots through me, making me want more, even if that's reckless. My gums tingle and without knowing why, my fangs pop out.
"Wait, stop," I say, pushing on his shoulders.
Linc steps back immediately, a confused expression on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Erm..." I cover my mouth with my hand, trying to think of a way to explain what's happening without sounding like I've lost control.
"Ah." His expression says he's already guessed what's going on. "That's nothing to worry about."
"My fangs are out."
"So are mine." He smiles, showing me the points of his teeth. He reaches out for me, spinning me around so my back is pressed against him. He leans in, his breath tickling against my ear.
I lean back into him, longing for his touch even if I'm having fang issues. The warmth of his body feels good pressed against mine, and I've completely forgotten what I came here to tell him. The only thing I'm able to focus on is the way it feels to be in his arms.
"It can happen when we experience desire," he murmurs, slipping his hand across my stomach. His touch burns even through the fabric of my dress. "I've heard people say that the bite makes this particularly enjoyable."
He moves down my neck and scrapes his teeth against my pulse point.
I gasp, wanting more. Wanting everything. "Have you ever..."
"No," he answers. "I've never wanted to before."
I swallow hard, which only pushes his fangs against my throat. "But you do now?"
"Mmm. You make me want things I've never even thought of before, Bea."
He's not the only one. I've never considered wanting someone to bite me before. Nor have I felt any desire to bite anyone either, but there's no doubt the feeling is building within me.
I turn in his arms and look up at him. His eyes meet mine, full of desire and the need for more. My breath catches in my throat. "We shouldn't," I murmur.
"I know."
"I'm..." I trail off, alarm travelling through me. "I'm supposed to be getting married." I step backwards, putting some much-needed space between us.
Horror flits over his face, and he clearly puts the pieces together. "Your father secured your betrothal?"
