Page 9 of The Biting Bargain

"Wait."

I freeze. Her small, trembling hand has grasped mine. She's kneeling on the sofa, looking up at me, determination written all over her face. Her touch is sending bolts of lightning all through my dazzled mind.

"You have to bite me." She sounds almost desperate.

I shake my head.

"Please!" Her grip on my hand grows fiercer. "Please, I can’t fuck this up. Can’t you bite me somewhere else? Make an exception?"

She gestures to her neck and cleavage. Her absurdly perfect skin. Curves raising and falling with her breath. I swallow.

"Please?" she adds one more time.

My head is reeling. What is wrong with me? I just stare at her as she’s offering herself to me. Why is she doing this? She has checked "Bite only," so she’s definitely not here for the perks…

"Come on." She tucks at my hand once more, smiling a shaky smile. "You look like a proper vampire, all dark and broody and mysterious. I bet you’ve been at the throats of countless virgins, so what’s the big deal?"

And more than you’d ever imagine.

I sink back onto the couch next to her. She presses her cherry lips into a line, eyes flashing with determination. My hand takes on a life of its own, gently wrapping my fingers around her hand.

"Very well," I say as her eyes widen the tiniest notch.

...What difference does it make if I break one of my narrow-minded rules just once?

The rumble in my chest rolls like distant thunder. Her intoxicating scent is that much more intense all of a sudden, enveloping me and misting my senses even more.

"All right, I'll bite you," I say and she takes an audible breath. "You have to do exactly as I say," I add. "Can you do that?"

She nods. Slowly. Once, twice.

"You sure?" I tilt my head, her hand lies tiny in mine, almost disappearing in my clutch.

Like I've caught a little bird.

A sweet, defenseless little dove.

"No chatter? No jokes? No stupid remarks?"

"I can be as quiet as a TV during a power outage," she whispers, then winces as I furrow my brows. She nods again, closing an invisible zipper in front of her lips.

"Exactly as I say," I repeat.

She nods once more.

I smirk. "Sit on my lap."

ChapterThree

Polly

"Excuse me?"

I'm probably staring at him as if he’s sprouting a set of antlers.

"Better access." He leans back, his expression unreadable, while casually undoing the button of his suit jacket. A rush of heat surges into my cheeks.

"Shouldn't I lie down or something?" I can't seem to think of anything better to say.

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