Page 57 of The Highwayman's Bite

Chapter Nineteen

Vivian watched Rhysfreeze like a startled hare in the woods. She didn’t know what reaction she’d expected to her brazen request, but it hadn’t been this look of fear. Not after he’d blithely admitted that he would wed her under other circumstances.

Rhys cleared his throat. “Ah, what exactly do you mean?”

“What I mean is that despite your kind words about finding a husband who I will get on well with, I do not think that can happen anymore.” She held up a hand before he could spout off another round of heartfelt apologies. “Between holding me alone with you in this cave and revealing the secrets of the existence of vampires, I know I must be compromised beyond all hope.”

His features contorted with guilt. “I am—”

“Don’t you dare apologize.” Vivian cut him off. “I am grateful to you for sparing me from the parson’s mousetrap. Especially after tasting freedom from societal mores and expectations. Whether I become a vampire, or am permitted to live out my days as a spinster, either is preferable to marriage. Aside from one thing.”

He steepled his fingers below his chin. “And that is?”

“If I may be candid, I must say that I very much enjoyed your kiss, as well as the feel of your embrace.” Her cheeks heated as she uttered the confession. “I want more. I want you to show me all the pleasures a man and woman can share together.”

Rhys’s eyes glowed molten copper, his desire blatant and palpable as he licked his lips. “I do not think that is wise,” he said raggedly.

“Why not?” She moved toward him, placing her hands on his shoulders. “I am already compromised, staying with you unchaperoned. Why not enjoy the very things that will be assumed anyway?”

“Your uncle—”

“If he did not want this to happen, then he should have paid the ransom immediately.” Another spear of hurt pierced her heart that Uncle Aldric had indeed placed his pride above her safety, but she forced it down. “He deserves to be taught a lesson.”

Rhys shook his head. “That is not a reason for us to...”

“Of course not,” she said with an agreeable smile. “I only mention that because it remains a fact. Besides, you threatened to cut off my finger. I’d much prefer to lose my maidenhead than a digit.”

His frown deepened. “I wasn’t serious about your finger.”

“I know you weren’t.” She shook her head dismissively, wanting to get back to important matters. Matters between him and her. “Never mind about uncle. I know you desire me, and I feel the same. Just because I wish to live as a spinster does not mean I wish to remain a virgin.”

“You cannot know whether you’ll be permitted to live as a spinster.” Rhys’s hands slid to her waist, but then he snatched them back as if he’d been burned. “You do not know what your fate will be.”

“I know that no one has ever given me a choice with regards to my fate.” The old anger coiled in her gut and she spoke more sharply than she intended. “For once I want to make a choice. And I want that choice to be which man I lie with. My choice is you.”

Boldly, Vivian leaned forward and pressed her lips against his. For a moment, he remained stiff and unyielding, aside from a nearly imperceptible quiver in his muscles. Then, his arms locked around her body and he pulled her roughly against him. His mouth moved with hers hungrily, a low growl reverberating in his throat. Vivian slid her hands down his back, reveling in the feel of his firm muscles. Electric shivers rippled through her body as his tongue slid across the seam on her lips and she opened her mouth to yield to his exploration.

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