She eventually closed the book. “Why are you here?”

“Join me for dinner.”

Her eyes were locked on mine, the surprise slowly morphing into anger. “No thank you.”

Now that my eyes feasted on her beautiful flesh, I never wanted to leave. Even when she looked thoroughly pissed off, she was stunning. I moved to the chair across from her, wearing my trousers and a basic shirt, hoping the clothing would come off at some point.

“I said, no thank you.”

“And I’m not eating.”

Her fingers gripped the book in her hands.

“I miss you.” The words tumbled out of their own volition. Seeing her bright eyes and glowing flesh sent me on a path of memories. It had been just sex much of the time, but at some point, it became more. I wasn’t sure exactly when.

Her eyes did a quick flash, an emotional response, but she quickly buried it underneath her anger.

I couldn’t read minds—but I could read her appearance.

“What do you want from me?” she whispered.

“You know what I want.”

“I’m not letting you feed.”

“Not that.” I could usually go longer without a meal, but her blood was processed differently. It was more potent, so it burned brighter, but also quicker. I was empty, lethargic, slow.

“Your skin is so pale. Your eyes are so dark they look black.”

“I’m not saying I’m not hungry, because I am.”

“Then go feed on one of your admirers.”

“No.”

“I’m not going to change my mind—”

“And I’m not going to hurt you.”

“Hurt me?” she asked, her eyebrows raised.

“I’m not going to share that intimacy with someone other than you. It’s like fucking someone.”

She looked away.

“You know exactly what I’m talking about.” The second I’d bitten her, everything was different. All the hateful barriers between us were broken, and we became connected in a way we never would have been otherwise. She’d dragged her nails down my back and squeezed my hips with her thighs. It was the first time she trusted me, and that bond has only grown every moment after that. “I don’t want to share that experience with anyone but you.”

“I know what you’re doing.”

My eyes narrowed.

“You’re manipulating me…again.”

It was a slap in the face. “I’m not manipulating you, Larisa.”

“You’re trying to get me to let you feed—”

“I’m trying to get you to understand my commitment to you. I’m sorry I broke my promise to you, but I won’t break my fidelity.”