Page 2 of The Mistress, the Monster and the Marquess

She held his gaze, admiring his green eyes—the unique and beautiful way in which they were smattered with flecks of intriguing yellow.

“No, thank you. I am here to make sure everyone gets home safely.”

Lina inhaled sharply, her stomach tightening with need. His voice was deep and soothing, and he didn’t desire any of her girls, which pleased her immensely. No gentleman had ever said no to her before, and so she assumed that if she offered herself, now, she would not be refused. He was beyond handsome; in fact, his face was remarkably beautiful, like an angel carved in stone by a great artist. And his scent intoxicated her more with every breath she drew. Sweet, yet strong, and deliciously forbidden.

Surprised by the strength of her reaction, Lina tried to hold her breath, but to no avail. Her body was still responding with more than just blood hunger. She had not lusted after a human physically in a very long time and had quite truthfully forgotten what it felt like.

Usually when she fed she would wait until her chosen prey had fallen asleep with one of her girls, then she would take the blood she needed. They were none the wiser and she was left satisfied. This one seemed special somehow, though... and she hadn’t fucked a human in so long. Perhaps it’s time once again?

She stepped closer to him and spoke directly into his ear. “I am clean, though I can’t guarantee your safety. Would you like to spend some quality time with me tonight?”

The scent of his lust spiked at her suggestion, but Lina also sensed shock.

“Thank you, but no,” he answered formally with a tight throat.

A real gentleman, how unusual. Undeterred, Lina drew back and smiled her most seductive smile. “Wait until all of your friends are settled and come find me. I have something I would like to show you.”

The man’s eyes widened again and his nostrils flared. He was picking up on her scent, which was always a positive sign.

Lina needed blood, but she was also uncharacteristically aroused. This man would be perfect for satisfying both her cravings. She flicked her magnificent red hair and walked across the room to her only male servant, swinging her hips in a provocative way as she went. “Look after everything for me, will you dear? But do call if you need me, I won’t be far away.”

Charles nodded; he’d witnessed her strength before and wouldn’t hesitate to call for her.

Lina’s gentleman strode up to her unexpectedly and bowed with an exaggerated flourish she didn’t deserve given her station as the madam of a brothel. “Is there somewhere that I might wait for my friends? Somewhere more private, perhaps?” he asked hopefully, gesturing to the heavy petting and drinking going on around them.

“Of course, sir.” Lina inclined her head, took his arm in the polite fashion, and guided him along the short hallway. Her belly trembled with nerves, the kind she hadn’t experienced in decades. The feeling was as unusual as it was welcome and refreshing. When they reached the door to her underground room, she pressed her eternally youthful and supple body into his, pushing him into the wall.

He was solid and warm, a perfect combination.

“I know you want me, my lord, there is no need to fight it.” Lina reached up and ran the backs of her nails gently down his smooth face as she swayed her hips against his hardening cock. Her own body responded to his obvious arousal, heating, and preparing itself to take him. “I will take you out of yourself and give you pleasure the likes of which you have never felt.” She leaned forward and nipped at his earlobe, using her tongue to taste the saltiness of his skin. “You need only give me the chance to show you.”

Lina felt the shiver that went through her prey and was surprised by the intense rush of need she felt for him. She saw human men as her sustenance and livelihood, and usually no more. Yet, on this occasion, she was amazed at how much she was earnestly looking forward to pleasuring this one.

The gentleman drew a steady breath and used his hands to slowly ease her back, looking her directly in the eyes once again. He seemed hesitant but determined to follow through with his chosen path. “If it pleases you, my lady, I have reconsidered and would like to take you up on your generous offer.” He trembled as he spoke, his natural instincts serving him well. He was afraid and yet so inexorably tempted by what she promised that he couldn’t resist.

Lina smiled at her beautiful prey, most pleased. She was no lady. Certainly not the sort he was used to dealing with anyway. “This way, my lord.”

Lina unlocked the door that led to her underground bedroom, her private chambers, her daytime resting place, and her playroom for the vampiric men she took to her bed. She began to descend the steps, feeling his anxiety escalate as they made their way down. By the fifty-seventh step, the last one, his fear thickened the air like a pungent smell.

“Where are we?” he asked.

“My dungeon.” Lina felt her prey’s flicker of arousal, beating against the fear still surrounding him like a dark cloud.

“Have I been bad, my lady?”

His teasing tone lit a long dead fire in her belly. It had been too long since she had spoken to a human like this.

Chapter Two.

Lina’s pussy was wet and aching for him already. But the question remained... play with him? Or just fuck him? She watched his face as he glanced around the well-lit room.

Fascination and fear warred for dominance over his expression as he took in the chamber’s beauty.

“Do you have a lot of responsibility, my lord?” Lina circled her prey and pulled his tailored jacket down and off his shoulders, draping it on a nearby wall hook.

He didn’t even put up a token resistance, increasing his appeal to her.

No weak lord this one. He wants to play!

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