Page 54 of Embers in the Snow

“At least you asked this time,” I say stiffly, as my eyes drop to the collar of his shirt, which is unbuttoned… enough to reveal a glimpse of sculpted perfection underneath. “And because you did a good deed for me back then, I’ll take your words and intentions as earnest.”

After all, he did help Aderick.

And I really don’t think he wants to harm me. I’d much rather cooperate than have him take me by force.

I shrug off my coat, letting it fall to the floor. I pull down the woolen neck of my sweater and tilt my head to one side. “Consider this a token of my gratitude,” I say stiffly, “for saving my brother’s life.”

“That will have to suffice, for now.” His voice cracks. He takes another step forward, his movements like water; impossibly fluid and graceful. There’s nowayanyone could mistake him for human.

“Wait!” I snap, holding up my hand.

His glare could melt iron. “What?” I catch a glimmer of sharp fangs. Fingers trembling, he reaches out and brushes my hair away from my neck.

Danger radiates from him.

I push on in spite of the cold-but-hot knot forming in my chest. “I have one condition.”

He looks down at me, eyes narrowing, his expression regal and terrible.

I can almost imagine what he’s thinking.

What audacity. You aren’t in any position to be setting conditions.

“Tell me,” he rasps.

“When you’re done with…me, you’re going to explain everything.”

What kind of creature are you, that you need my blood to survive?

The demon doesn’t say a word. All of a sudden, he’s by my side, his fingers shockingly gentle as he tucks my hair behind my ear. “I won’t harm you,” he whispers. “Just be still.”

I close my eyes, tensing in anticipation. His fingers slide across my jaw. He tilts my head. His other arm goes around my waist.

He pulls me closer, until I can feel his hard, powerful body through my thick woolen tunic, and to my surprise, he’s warm.

And he smells warm, too; faintly of smoke and spice and leather and parchment andmale.

Suddenly, his mouth is on my neck, gently clamping down on the area above my collarbone. I feel a sharp, twin-pinpoint sensation as his fangs pierce my skin, but it isn’t as painful as last time.

The pain quickly gives way to heat and the molten sensation of his lips against my skin.

As he drinks, he holds me tighter, one arm curled around my waist, his other hand caressing the back of my neck, fingers sliding through the loose strands of my hair.

I close my eyes.

I can’t believe I’m doing this again.

And I don’tmindit.

The tension flows out of him. His terrible urgency relents. His touch becomes gentle; almost tender.

Then, at last, he stops.

His warm tongue glides across the place where he bit me. His lips linger for a moment, exerting slight pressure.

My legs turn weak.

What wasthat?

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