chapter 5
Sera leaned against the door jamb and sighed softly. The frat house was packed with people, more people than she had ever imagined it could hold. They bumped and jostled her as they made their way through the crowd. Kathleen stood by her side, swaying with the music as she surveyed the dance floor. It was so packed that there was no room for them.
Danielle reappeared, slightly flushed and harried looking as she handed Kathleen another beer. “God it’s packed in here!” she cried.
Sera agreed as she studied the sea of heads. Kathleen sighed wearily as she ran a hand through her tussled, short bob. Even though they weren’t dancing, the heat of the room was enough to make them sweat. She cast Sera a small smile as she stood on tiptoe to look over the sea of heads.
Sera was still amazed that Kathleen wasn’t mad at her for not telling her about Jacob sooner, and for telling Liam first. At first she’d been hurt, more by the fact that Sera had told Liam first, but she had said that she understood. Sera had been even more surprised by the fact that Kathleen had stated that she’d known something had happened to Sera, she just wasn’t sure what exactly. She knew Kathleen, and patience was definitely not one of her virtues. Kathleen loved gossip, and hated being kept in the dark about anything, but although she had noticed it, she had never questioned Sera about her hesitancy around men, her cringing from them, or the fact that she had never dated. She had simply tried to help Sera get over it, in her own way, by forcing her to go to parties and to interact with people. And waited for Sera to tell her in her own time, and in her own way. Sera loved her even more for her consideration, and understanding. At first she had been worried that Kathleen had just said that she wasn’t mad, or upset with her, but over the past three weeks she had shown no sign of it.
Sera returned her smile as she turned to scan the crowd again. She spotted Liam’s dark head above the crowd as he wound his way toward them. Her heart immediately began to beat a little faster and a small smile curved her mouth. She had spent every night of the past three weeks with him. They had spent a few quiet nights hanging out in his room watching movies, and talking. A few other nights had been spent hanging out with Kathleen, Danielle, Mike, Jack, and Doug. Other times they had gone out to dinner, to the movies, and one absolutely ridiculous night of bowling where they had both made fools of themselves, and vowed never to do it again.
They had gone to parties, where every girl there hit on him, but he paid no attention to them as he stayed by her side, dancing with her, and never failing to make her feel as if she was the only woman in the room. He also never failed to make her feel safe and protected. When men leered at her, and made rude comments, one look from him was enough to silence them, and send them on their way.
Sera had never been so happy in her life, never had she felt this wonderful, this blissful, and this secure. He never pressured her, never forced her to do anything that she didn’t want to. When she stiffened involuntarily, he soothed her. When fear seized her for no reason, he understood and gently eased it from her.
She knew that she was falling in love with him, and it scared the hell out of her. She hadn’t thought it was possible to fall in love with someone in three weeks, but she knew now that she was wrong. But she was scared of losing him. There was only so much that a man could take before he got tired of being patient. Although he showed no signs of that happening, she was certain that it was only a matter of time. She just hoped she could get over her fear by then.
He stepped out of the crowd, flashing his dazzling grin as he handed her a beer. Sera took it and sipped slowly as she studied him through lowered lashes. “Hey guys,” Jack said appearing at his side. “This place is a mad house tonight!”
“That’s for sure!” Kathleen agreed.
Jack was bumped forward causing beer to slosh out of his cup. “Hey watch it!” he yelled over his shoulder before turning back to Liam. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Yeah,” Liam replied. He turned back to Sera and kissed her quickly. “I’ll be right back.”
She nodded as he turned and followed Jack back into the crowd. “Well now, wasn’t that sweet.”
Sera turned in surprise at the voice in her ear. Michelle stood behind her, leaning casually against the wall as she surveyed her through narrowed eyes. Her long hair was lose and flowing around her elegant face. Despite the heat of the house, she somehow managed to look cool and refreshed.
Sera stared at her for a moment, trying to sort through the jumbled rush of feelings that rolled forward at the sight of Michelle. She hadn’t seen her since the night she’d left her dorm room. She didn’t know what to say to her now, or why Michelle suddenly seemed to hate her so much. She felt betrayed by her, and she was hurt, but she was also angry, and getting angrier.
“Hello Michelle,” she replied coldly.
“Haven’t seen you around much.” Nor had she attempted to either. Sera remained silent as Michelle causally brushed back a strand of hair. “You two make a cute couple,” she purred.
“Don’t they?” Kathleen inquired sweetly.
Michelle’s eyes flashed to her as a cruel smile twisted her face. “You’re a fool if you think that he really likes you.”
Sera stiffened angrily as her hand clenched around her cup. “I don’t think it’s any of your business Michelle.”
“You’re just pissed because he turned you down!” Kathleen snapped.
Michelle lifted her head haughtily as she tossed back her hair. “I wouldn’t waste my time on someone like him.”
“Oh really Michelle?” They all turned in surprise as Liam stepped beside Sera, his arm wrapped tightly around her waist as he drew her against his side.
Michelle’s eyes flashed angrily as she took Liam in. Kathleen snickered softly, but hid her smile behind her hand. Danielle stood anxiously, her eyes quickly darting over them. Liam stood silently, his arm like a steel trap around her waist. There was an odd sense of power, and anger radiating from him that frightened even her. Sera’s heart skipped a beat as his eyes landed upon her. His face was hard and cold, but there was a warmth in his gaze that she knew was only for her.
“Hello Liam,” Michelle said calmly.
“Were you talking about me?” he inquired as he lifted his head to look at her.
Michelle raised her chin and stared defiantly back at him. “Yes.”
He nodded slowly as he smiled at her, but there was no warmth in the gesture, or in his features. “Good, because I wouldn’t waste my time on you either. So now that we’re in agreement, don’t you have somewhere else to be?”
His voice was filled with an icy bitterness that made the hair on Sera’s arms stand up. Michelle’s eyes widened for a moment before narrowing sharply. “Yeah, I do,” she replied coldly.
“I would suggest going there.”
Michelle glared at the two of them as she stormed past. Sera sighed softly as some of the tension eased from her body. Liam’s arm around her waist loosened marginally but he didn’t release her. He touched her cheek lightly; a small smile curved his beautiful mouth.
“Want to dance?”
She glanced back at the crowded floor. She hated the idea of pushing her way onto it, but the thought of being wrapped in Liam’s arms was too tempting to refuse. “Yeah,” she replied.
He led her out to the dance floor, easily cutting through the thick crowd. She rested her head on his chest as she wrapped her arms around his back. A small smile curved her mouth as she rested her head against his solid, well muscled chest. His arms around her were warm, comforting, and completely sheltering. She felt perfectly safe, and completely at home as she moved slowly with him.
***
Liam moved swiftly through the thick crowd, searching for Mike, Jack, or Doug. “Hey.”
He turned as Jack caught hold of his arm. “Hey.”
“Come on.”
Jack led the way to the back stairway and up the stairs. Liam followed silently behind; his thoughts were jumbled as they reached the second floor and continued on to the third. Mike and Doug were standing outside Mike’s room, their arms crossed over their chests as they talked quietly. This far up the music was only a distant, thumping melody. Shouts and laughter wafted up from below, but the words were indiscernible.
Mike and Doug straightened away from the wall as he and Jack approached. An uneasy feeling began to fill him as he studied the intense looks on their faces. “We have to talk,” Mike said briskly.
Liam raised an eyebrow. He knew what they wanted to talk about; he just didn’t care to hear it. “I don’t have the time now,” he replied.
Mike eyed him. “Then you’re going to make the time.”
Liam folded his arms over his chest. “What is it Mike?”
Mike looked quickly at Jack and Doug, but it was very obvious that they were perfectly content to let Mike do the talking. “Come on.”
Mike strode across the hall and thrust Liam’s door open. He waited for all of them to enter before closing it again. Liam stood silently by the door as he eyed the three of them. “It’s Sera,” Mike said bluntly.
He had already known that it was, but he still didn’t want to deal with it. “What about her?” he asked coldly.
Mike sighed wearily as he perched on the edge of the desk. “Don’t be difficult Liam. You shouldn’t be involved with her, and you know it.”
“It’s none of your concern.”
“It is our concern! We’re involved in this too!” Jack snapped.
“No, you’re not.”
Jack’s hazel eyes narrowed as his solid jaw clenched tightly. He was shorter and thinner than Liam, with a lithe, soccer players build. At the moment his light brown hair was slightly darker from sweat as it curled down to his collar and clung to the wide angles of his face. His nose had been broken when they were twelve, and it was still crooked slightly to the side with a small bump in the middle of it.
“Really?” Jack inquired. “Go tell that to the girl across the hall. She’s there for you, not us!”
Liam’s arms dropped as he took an angry step forward. “Hey,” Doug intervened. “Cut it out. Both of you.”
Jack’s eyes still flashed with anger, but he took a small step back. Liam glared at him, his jaw clenched, as his nostrils flared. “Look,” Mike said, shooting Jack a warning look. “All we’re saying is that you shouldn’t be involved with her Liam, and you know it.”
Liam scowled fiercely at him, but there was nothing that he could say to him. Mike was right; he shouldn’t be involved with her. “I know,” he replied quietly. “But I’m not going to let her go.”
“Oh, for crying out loud!” Jack exclaimed.
“Jack!” Doug hissed warningly. Jack sneered at him. Doug’s dark blue eyes narrowed as he stared Jack down. His dark blond hair was cut short, and at the moment stood in little spikes on top of his head from tugging at it, which had always been his habit when he was agitated. He was shorter and stockier than all of them, but he was wholesome and cute, a combination that had always made people think that he was younger than he was, and never failed to make women flock to him.
“Look Liam, you can’t keep seeing her,” Mike said firmly. “First of all, we can’t keep finding girls for you, second of all she’s going to end up hearing about it, and then what are you going to do, tell her the truth? No, you’re not. Third of all, you’re just going to hurt her.”
A fiery rage was beginning to work its way through him as he glared at his best friends. “I know that!” he hissed.
“Well then, don’t you think you should end it soon, now?”
“No.”
“Shit!” Jack exclaimed.
“Are you insane?” Mike demanded as his patience finally snapped. “Are you listening to yourself? You agree with everything, and yet you’re still being a goddamn ass!”
Liam’s patience, and his temper, was close to exploding. It was the most selfish thing he had ever done, and he despised himself for it, but he couldn’t bring himself to end it with her. The thought alone sent a cold bolt of fear through his heart.
“I’m not ending it with her.”
Mike stood stiffly, his jaw set as his eyes blazed with anger. “I cannot believe that you’re being so damn selfish. What about her? Don’t you think she deserves better?”
“Yes, I do.”
“Then end it with her!”
“No.”
“Liam, you have to,” Doug said quietly.
“No, I don’t.”
“You’re a goddamn selfish bastard!” Mike exploded.
Liam rounded on him, his fists clenched with fury. “Yes, I am,” he hissed.
“You have no reason for hanging on to her!” Jack yelled. “None!”
“I love her!” Liam bellowed.
They gaped at him in amazement, but it was nothing compared to the shock that jolted through his own system. He took a small step back as the realization really slammed home. Jesus, what had he done? He had never meant for things to go this far, never wanted to care for her at all, never mind fall in love with her.
“Crap,” Liam muttered.
“You can say that again,” Jack mumbled.
“Liam, what the hell are you going to offer her? Nothing. Your life, our lives, are nothing but darkness, and blood. She deserves better than that. The only thing you’re going to do is hurt her, hurt you, and maybe even hurt us.”
“I know that Mike, but I can’t let her go. I don’t know why, I just can’t. Not now anyway.”
“It will only get harder.”
Liam sighed as he ran a hand through his hair. He was still completely staggered by the realization he had just come to. Love, he had never expected to love anyone, especially not now. Hell, the only people he had cared about as a human were these three, David, and his family. How was it possible that now, when he was a monster, when he was no longer human that he could fall in love?
“You have to let her go,” Doug said gently.
It would be the hardest thing he’d ever have to do, but the most decent thing that he had ever done, human or not. “I know,” he reluctantly admitted.
“Then...”
“All right!” he snapped. “I will. I’ll end it tonight.”
The thought tore through his heart and sent a fiery rage coursing through his veins. “It’s for the best,” Mike said softly.
“Shut up Mike!” he hissed.
He stood silently as they stared at him for a moment longer. “The girl is across the hall,” Doug informed him.
Liam’s jaw clenched tighter and a muscle twitched in his cheek. “Get rid of her.”
“But...”
“I said get rid of her!”
“You need to feed Liam,” Jack said.
“I’ll kill her if I do.”
He spun away from them and flung the door open so hard that he heard the plaster in his wall crack. He didn’t care as he stormed down the hall and back toward the party. His breath was coming in rapid, angry pants by the time he reached the ground floor. He paused to gather his control before he walked back into the party. The last thing he wanted was for Sera to see him like this. He would scare the hell out of her.
Harnessing his will power he slowly regained control of his rapidly swaying emotions. Taking a deep breath he forced himself to move out of the stairwell and back down the hall. There seemed to be even more people than before and the smell of alcohol and sweat permeated the air. People bounced into him as he shoved his way forward, heedless of their cries of protest. He had left Sera by the dance floor, but she was no longer there.
He turned around and started shoving his way back through the crowd. He found Kathleen and Danielle at the doorway of the kitchen. “Where’s Sera?” he yelled above the noise.
“She went to get another drink!” Danielle shouted.
Liam glanced at the keg by the front door but she wasn’t there. He turned and headed toward the back rooms. There were at least three kegs there. He stepped through the double doors and spotted her talking to a tall guy with dark brown hair. She was smiling softly, but she looked more than a little uncomfortable as she nodded, said something, and turned to leave. The guys hand shot out, grasping her arm to halt her. Sera stiffened, and he could see the tremor that rocked her as she turned back to him.
For a moment, Liam saw nothing but red. Then, he was moving rapidly across the floor. “I have to go,” Sera said softly.
“Can I get your number?”
“I have a boyfriend.”
“So?”
Sera blinked in surprise, unsure of how to respond to that. “So that means back off.”
Liam seized hold of the guys arm and squeezed. The guy turned to Liam in surprise, his mouth compressed. “No one asked you pal,” he said coldly.
“Let her go!” Liam hissed.
Sera gaped in astonishment, unable to believe what was going on. The guys hand fell from her arm, but anger radiated from every inch of him. However, it was nothing compared to the fury that seemed to blaze from Liam. For a moment, she was truly frightened as she gazed at his hard face, and dark, fiery eyes. He looked like he was about ready to kill the guy.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
Sera let out a sigh of relief as Mike appeared at Liam’s side with Doug and Jack behind him. “Nothing,” Liam grated.
“I was just talking to the girl,” the guy said coldly. “If you have a problem with that, then we can solve it.”
“Yes we can,” Liam growled.
“I don’t think so,” Mike interjected, shooting a pointed look at Liam before stepping between them. “There will be no fighting, right Liam?”
Liam’s gaze was still locked upon the guy before him. His whole body was rigid with anger, and he knew that he was close to snapping, close to a place that he had never been before. But seeing the guy touch Sera, and hearing what he’d said had unleashed something inside of him that he hadn’t even known existed.
“Liam.” Sera’s soft voice, and her small hand on his arm helped to pull him from the fiery haze that was encompassing his vision. He glanced down at her. She was staring at him with wide, pleading, frightened eyes. Her lower lip trembled as she looked quickly over at the guy and then back at Liam. “Please don’t.”
He stared at her for a moment longer, his jaw clenched as he released the guys arm. “I think you’d better go,” Mike told the guy.
The guy looked at Mike and then at Liam as his eyes narrowed angrily. “A*sholes,” he muttered as he walked away.
Liam’s jaw clenched, but he managed to refrain from going after him and beating him into a bloody pulp. He sighed wearily as his shoulders slumped and he turned to look at Sera. “You okay?” he asked quietly.
Her eyes rapidly scanned his face. She could still see the anger that clenched his jaw, which caused the muscle in his cheek to twitch. His eyes were still dark with fury, but it was beginning to ease as the warmth that she was familiar with started to seep into them. She hadn’t seen anyone look as wild as he had, not since Jacob, and for a moment he had terrified her. It had been a new side of him, a side that she didn’t like.
“I’m fine. He didn’t hurt me. He was just talking,” she said softly.
He reached out to stroke her cheek. She flinched involuntarily. “Sera...” She shook her head as tears welled in her eyes. “Will you come upstairs with me?” She bit into her bottom lip as she wrapped her arms around herself in a desperate attempt to stop the shaking that was suddenly rocking her body. He took a step closer to her and she tilted her head to look at him. “I’m not going to hurt you Sera. I won’t ever hurt you. I promise. Now will you please come upstairs with me so that we can talk?”
She stared warily at him for a moment before nodding. No matter what she had just seen, Liam had never hurt her, and she truly believed that he never would.
She didn’t flinch from him, something that he was extremely grateful for as he slid his arm around her waist. He turned back around to find Jack and Doug studying him with mixed expressions of surprise and fear. Mike was staring at Sera in surprise, frowning slightly, an eyebrow cocked questioningly.
Liam stopped at Mike’s side. “It’s not going to happen,” he said quietly so that Sera couldn’t hear him.
Mike stared at him in surprise for a moment, before looking back at Sera. “Liam...”
“No Mike, it’s not going to happen.”
His jaw clenched as he nodded slowly. “I hope you know what you’re doing.”
“I don’t,” he admitted before turning and leading her out of the room.
He knew that he couldn’t let her go right now, he wasn’t sure if he’d ever be able to let her go. The thought of her with anyone else was enough to make him want to kill. He loved her, and he intended to be with her for as long as he possibly could.
Tonight he had stood on a precipice that he’d never reached before. His love for her, his fierce desire to keep her safe had pushed him to it, but she had somehow managed to reach through his desire to kill, and pull him back before he plummeted over. He knew now that if he lost her, he would go over the edge. She was the only thing that could keep him from the darkness, and keep him in the light. He couldn’t let that light, that goodness go, especially when his existence was so dark.
He opened the door to his room and led her inside. Flicking the switch on, he turned to look at her. “You scared me,” she whispered.
Liam winced. He hadn’t meant to scare her. It was the last thing that he ever wanted to do. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.”
She nodded slowly, but there was still fear in her gaze. He pulled her slowly forward, enveloping her in his arms. Sighing contentedly he slipped his hand into her thick hair and held her tightly against him. She stood stiffly for a moment before wrapping her arms around his waist and burying herself against him.
He held her for a long time, savoring her warmth, and comfort. Savoring the way that she eased the pain in his dark soul. He pulled slowly away, bent down, and picked her up. She gasped in surprise as her hands instinctively clutched his shoulders. He flicked the switch off and carried her to the bed.
“Liam...”
“It’s all right,” he said softly. “I just want to hold you Sera.”
She didn’t make another protest as he sat on the bed and pulled her down. She laid her head on his shoulder; her mouth lightly brushed against his neck, her breath was soft and warm on his throat. Her small fingers curled into his shirt as she nestled closer. He kissed her head softly. She lifted her head, her delicate mouth parted as she gazed at him with wide eyes. Easing her head down, he kissed her gently, his tongue slowly entwining with hers as she opened her mouth to his. Instantly, he began to harden and throb. He shifted slightly so that she wouldn’t feel his obvious desire for her. Winding his hands tightly into her hair he leisurely imitated with his tongue what he longed to do to her body in long, slow, easy thrusts. She tasted so sweet and delicious that he knew he would never be able to get enough of her.
He gently stroked her breasts as she melted against him, her body limp and trembling against his as her arms wound around his neck. She moaned softly as his hand slid up her shirt to cup her full, luscious breast. Her nipple hardened instantly as he slowly rubbed his fingers around it. He rolled her to the side, leveling himself beside her as his hands gently stroked her satiny skin, and his mouth continued to tease her. She was unbelievably soft and delicate, so enticing as her body moved against his and little erotic gasps escaped her.
It was some time later before he forced himself to pull away from her. She stared silently up at him, her eyes clouded with passion, and her lips tantalizingly swollen from his kisses. He ran his finger lightly along her full bottom lip as she smiled softly. He wanted her so bad that it damn near killed him to pull away from her.
He pulled her back down so that her head was nestled securely in his shoulder. “Why did you stop?” she asked quietly.
He lightly stroked her hair as she cuddled closer to him, her small fingers resting on his chest. “Because you’re not ready yet, are you?”
She was silent for a moment. “No, but you didn’t have to stop.”
He smiled softly. She had absolutely no idea what she did to him. He was so hard and throbbing right now that it hurt. He didn’t want to take the chance of scaring her if they kept on going, and he knew there was a risk that he would. She was beginning to truly trust him, and he had already scared her once tonight.
“Yes, I did.”
She lifted her head to look questioningly down at him. “Why?”
He chuckled softly and lightly pushed back her tussled hair. “Because you drive me crazy.”
The frown, and the questioning look in her eyes, was enough to let him know that she didn’t understand. He took hold of her hand, his eyes intent upon hers as he slowly lowered it to his crotch. Her eyes widened as his hard shaft jumped through his jeans beneath her fingers.
Slowly, her fingers undid the button of his jeans and slid the zipper down. His breath froze as her warm hand slid inside; she pushed aside his underwear as she lightly began to stroke him. His shaft jumped beneath her shy, hesitant touch as he sucked in a deep breath. “Sera you don’t have to do this,” he managed to choke out.
She smiled enticingly as her hand wrapped around him. He bit back a groan. “I want to,” she whispered. “I just don’t...” her words trailed off as a fierce blush crept up her face and her long lashes lowered to shadow her eyes.
A jolt of shock rocked through him as he understood what she had been trying to say. To his surprise, and extreme joy, he realized that she was even more innocent than he had thought. He reached down and gently seized hold of her hand. Her eyes flew back to his, wide and enchanting. Slowly, he began to show her what to do, how to please him, where to stroke, and touch, and squeeze.
He watched with intense rapture the myriad of emotions that played across her face. At first there was a hint of fear, then wonder, and finally amazement. Desire clouded her eyes as she watched him. He gently eased his hand away and allowed her to touch and explore him on her own as he rolled her back to her side. She looked up at him; her eyes were wide as her hand continued to stroke and fondle him. He had to fight against the urge to spill himself as pleasure coursed through his body, but he wanted to wait, he wanted to bring her over with him.
Placing his hand on her soft, delicate thigh, he ran it languidly up to the edge of her skirt and slid beneath. He watched her face for any sign that she wanted him to stop, but there was no fear in her gaze, only awe. He slowly pushed her underwear down, his gaze intent on her as he slid his hand over her soft curls.
She bit into her bottom lip, fear flashed through her eyes as her legs clamped tightly together. “It’s all right,” he whispered. “I won’t hurt you. If you don’t like it, tell me to stop.”
Her eyes were wild for a moment as her hand upon him stilled and she studied him. Then, her thighs eased apart. Liam felt a moment of pure male satisfaction as he slid his hand lower and lightly began to trace her delicate folds. He experienced another moment of satisfaction when he discovered her already wet with wanting. It was good to know that he drove her as crazy as she drove him, and she didn’t even know what she was missing yet.
He was about to give her a hint.
He slid his finger slowly inside her, an involuntary shudder ripping through him as he realized how wet and tight she was. She gasped in surprise as he slid slowly out of her, and then back in. Her face transformed from caution, to shock, then to pleasure in a matter of moments. Her mouth parted in surprise as she inhaled sharply. Her hand on him began to move again. He arched into her touch as he continued to make love to her with his hand.
He bent his head and reclaimed her mouth as his hand entwined in her hair. She arched into him, a soft cry escaping her as he began to move steadily faster within her. He clung tightly to her as she began to match his urgency, stoking faster, making him harder, and pushing him toward the brink. He parted her soft folds and used his thumb to gently stroke her hardened nub. She cried out, arching against him as her muscles clamped around his finger. He groaned as he finally found his own release.
She collapsed on the bed, her muscles still contracting around him as she sighed contentedly. She had never felt anything so blissful or sweet in her life. “Hold on,” Liam whispered.
He rolled out of bed and padded across the room. She heard him searching for something before he returned to her. Gently he took hold of her hand and wiped it with a towel. It was only then that she realized she had his seed upon her. A blush began to stain her cheeks as she lifted her eyes shyly to him. His pants hung loosely upon his narrow hips, unbuttoned, and unzipped. He was so broad and strong, and magnificent.
She looked back at his face to find him studying her with a bemused smile. He slid the jeans off, revealing solid, hard muscled thighs. Sera’s blush deepened as he pulled his shirt off to reveal his hard muscled abdomen, and a V of dark hair that spread across his chest and belly before tapering off at his underwear. She was still marveling at the amazing differences between his body and hers when he climbed back into the bed.
“You can’t sleep in your clothes,” he said softly.
Moving ever so slowly, he reached down and grabbed the bottom of her shirt. He slid it up as she lifted her arms to allow him to slide it over her head. She remained silent as he slid her skirt slowly down. His hands skimmed over her legs, and caused a shiver of delight to tear through her as he slipped it off. Her blush deepened as his gaze traveled leisurely over her.
“You’re beautiful,” he whispered.
Her gaze flew to his. He smiled softly at her as he pulled her down and wrapped the blanket around them both. He gently rubbed her soft, silky back as she nestled into his shoulder. A feeling of utter contentment stole through him as she snuggled closer to him. Her breasts were lush against his chest, and to his amazement he found himself growing hard again. He closed his eyes as he grit his teeth against the fierce desire that was building within him. If he was this obsessed with her now, what the hell would he be like when he did make love to her?
He inhaled sharply as he tried to get himself under control. Suddenly he was assailed with the heady scent of her blood. It was sweet and enticing, utterly tempting. He had forgotten that he hadn’t fed earlier. He was acutely reminded of that fact now. His arms tightened around her.
He couldn’t hurt her, he wouldn’t hurt her. He’d burn in hell before that happened. He closed his eyes as his baser instincts began to slowly subside. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, but the words were lodged in his throat. Instead, he held her as she drifted off to sleep.