Page 99 of Embers in the Snow

I take a long, slow sip of my coffee, trying to clear my thoughts. But all I can think about isthat.Last night, I wasn’t quite ready to entertain such things.

But now, in the cold clear light of the day…

Do I dare?

To be so bold…

What if he bites me again?

I fear I’m doing a really bad job of hiding my thoughts. Perhaps I’m very transparent to him right now.

“Corvan,” I say slowly, rolling his name off my tongue.

He leans forward; attentive, intense, his gaze sharp and focused entirely onme,as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Yes, Finley?”

“I understand that we’re to travel to Niize today, but before we leave…”

“Yes, Finley?” On the surface, he appears as calm as a pond on a still summer’s day, perfectly patient and restrained, as if he’s just waiting for me to say it.

My heart hammers like a war-drum. Could he possibly feel the same way?

Does heknow?

“I want…” I set down my coffee cup with a deliberateclink.“Corvan, you don’t have to act so gentlemanly with me.”

“Gentlemanly?” A low, dangerous chuckle escapes him. “I’m just training myself to not devour you every single time I catch your scent.”

“We are to be husband and wife. Is it merely my blood you desire?”

“Would you feel so emboldened to ask me such a thing if you thought that was the case?”

“No.” Excitement surges through me. Last night, Corvan made his intentions perfectly clear.

His lips upon mine; thatkiss…

It wasn’t an accident.

I’m here now. My father’s gone. I’m all alone, and my fate is sealed. Vampire or not, Corvan is destined to be my husband. Why should I sit back and act passive when this thoroughly charming man is so obviously trying to seduce me?

“Then don’t ask me again. I would have all of you, Finley, but I won’t use force to take what I want. I’ve already done that once; twice… I won’t do it a third time.”

“Force won’t be necessary,” I whisper, hardly recognizing myself, “if I’m the one that’s asking.”

Crimson eyes widen. His eyebrows rise. His sensual mouth is caught somewhere between surprise and delight.

I can see his fangs again.

“I won’t deny you.” His voice grows hoarse. “In this, you will forever hold the advantage.”

“Well, I intend to make full use of it. Our departure isn’t urgent, is it?”

“It won’t take us long to reach Niize. Whether we leave now or later, it doesn’t really matter.”

“We’ll leave later, then.”

Corvan’s look of surprise morphs into a look of pure delight. His lips curve into a wicked smile. “Finley, I was prepared to be patient, you know. To take things slowly as you ease into your new life here. I would never have suspected you’d have such a side to you.”

I return his smile with a slightly devious one of my own. “Well, you hardly know me. It’s been less than a week since you bit me.”

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