Page 42 of Bite at First Sight

Her words made him harden further. “Too much of a hassle?” he repeated in disbelief, eyes raking her delectable form. “Surely you are not that innocent.”

“Of course not,” she whispered through temptingly parted lips.

Rafe frowned. Was she trying to seduce him? No, she couldn’t be. No woman would want something as ugly as him. The herb he’d smoked must be altering his perception.

“Will you, ah, take your payment now?” she asked softly.

He shook his head. To kiss her now, after becoming so aroused from her touch, would surely make him lose control. “The pleasure you gave me with this treatment is more than adequate.”

Her long lashes swept her cheeks as she closed her eyes. “Very well.”

Rafe blinked. Could she possibly be disappointed? Surely that was wishful thinking. Wishful thinking compounded by the effects of the drug.

He stood and donned his shirt. He needed to get away from her before he changed his mind about their bargain. “I have some business to attend to. Thank you again for treating my arm, Querida.”

“You are most welcome. Now, do not forget to squeeze that ball.” Her eyes narrowed as she took a deep, shaking breath. “And I still must insist you sleep in the bed from now on.”

Rafe fought back a surge of lust at the thought. “I told you—”

Unbelievably, she held up a hand and silenced him. “If you are that concerned with my proximity, then I shall sleep on the floor.”

Rafe scowled. “I am not about to have a lady sleep on the floor like a dog.”

“Oh?” she countered sweetly. “Yet it is perfectly acceptable for you to do so?” Her chin lifted in mute challenge. “Very well, then if you insist on sleeping on the floor, I shall do so as well, no matter what you say.”

He gaped at her, stunned that she had cornered him. There was no way in hell that he would allow her to suffer such discomfort. “Fine. We’ll share the bed.”

Frustrated and confused at the direction of the conversation, he strode out of the room. Stubborn, foolish woman. How in the hell could she not understand the danger she’d just placed herself in? It would almost serve her right if he succumbed to the temptation she threw in his face and ravaged her the moment they were alone in the bedchamber.

Rafe shook his head and relit his cigar. No, he couldn’t do that to her. He wasn’t an animal. He could control his impulses, no matter how much she seemed to be taunting him. He frowned. Was she? Either way, he would resist her for both their sakes. He had enough guilt on his conscience for all he was putting her through. He didn’t need to add to it.

His stomach roiled in hunger. He licked his fangs, realizing that his hunger was much stronger than it should be. Another effect of the cannabis? Rafe shrugged. Either way, he had better feed once more before rejoining his countess. Best to take all precautions to ensure her safety.

* * *

Cassandra’s pulse accelerated as Rafe entered the bedchamber. She glanced at him over her shoulder, hoping she appeared coy and seductive. “Will you assist me with my gown?”

As his fingers deftly unbuttoned the blue taffeta, she shivered at his touch.

“Does your foolish ultimatum still stand?” he asked levelly.

She fought not to stammer. “It does indeed.”

He sighed. “I hope your stubbornness does not reap unpleasant consequences.”

Triumph curved her lips in a smile as she removed her gown. Rafe was going to sleep in the bed with her. A thrill of anticipation made her knees weak. Would her strategy prove effective? Would he be tempted to take her?

Rafe loosened her stays, yet her chest still felt tight. She did not go behind the privacy screen. Summoning her courage, Cassandra removed her stays and stockings in front of the vampire. His harsh breath stole her own.

Once down to only her chemise, she climbed into the large bed. As he removed his boots, she tried not to stare. Would he undress completely? Rafe stalked closer, then stopped to look at her, his burning gaze searing her for an eternity.

Then he got on the bed…and lay down on top of the covers.

“Good night, Querida,” he whispered and extinguished the lantern.

Cassandra bit back a sigh of disappointment.

Could it be that he didn’t want her? No, if that were the case, then he would not have been so vehemently against sharing a bed…and she’d felt his hard length pressing against her body when he kissed her. His body desired her, at least. Likely he was trying to play the gentleman. His words the night he first brought her here swept through her memory: I won’t ravage you. I may be a monster, but not a reprehensible one.

---