“I’m saying this wrong. I’m not good with words but the passion between us can’t be denied. I’m attracted to you, the sex was incredible, and sleeping with you wrapped inside my arms, against my body, was heaven on Earth. I’ve never known such rightness as touching you.”
For a guy not good with words, he said the right ones to melt her heart. She still couldn’t talk though. He shocked her more by dropping to his knees before her and stared up at her face with sincerity.
“You bring me to my knees. I pledge my life to yours, Matty. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you to be my companion.”
She swallowed hard. “What is that? Your girlfriend?”
He hesitated and offered a hand, holding it out to her. She placed her trembling one in his. He brought it to his lips to place a kiss on the back of her hand, turned it in his, kissed her palm. His gaze never left hers.
“It’s a lover, a friend, and you’d use the term wife. It’s a lifetime commitment and we don’t age. I’m going to be honest with you. It’s forever and that could be a long time. I’ve met a vampire over a thousand years old.”
Her knees locked together to keep her on her feet and the wall at her back kept her standing. “You want to turn me? Make me a vampire?”
He nodded, still holding her hand. “I don’t want to lose you to old age or illness. Humans are frail. You’d be much stronger as a vampire.”
She yanked her hand out of his and hugged her waist. “No.”
Pain etched on his features. “Why not? Isn’t that something tempting? You’ll never age and I’ll always protect you. I’m a skilled warrior. Only the sun can kill you or a beheading. No one would ever get close enough to stake you to the ground or touch that pretty head of yours.”
“I…this is insane. You don’t even know me. We had sex once and while I kind of thought you might be a vampire, you’re real. I’m still reeling from the fact they exist and why would you offer that to me? I don’t understand.”
“Kisses don’t lie and nor do our bodies. You’re a perfect fit for me.”
“It was sex one time. That’s crazy to think just because it was good that we should get married. We’re strangers.”
“We’ll have a long time to get to know each other.” He smiled. “I look forward to it.” He paused. “And if you believe that was just good sex I obviously need to take my time the next round.” His gaze lowered to the tie of her belt. “Open it up. I’m on my knees already and just hook a leg over my shoulder.” He brushed his hair back, winked, and licked his lips. “I’ll show you greatness.”
Her jaw dropped open. “You…”
“Plan to do a little worshipping of your bonnie body.” He reached for her.
Matty launched herself against the wall, avoided his hands, and ran for the door. The guy planned to seduce her, bite into her again, and make her a bloodsucking creature of the night. That wasn’t on her “to do” list. He might be hot, have a rocking body, be totally hung, but no guy was worth giving up chocolate forever. Besides that, they were strangers.
She nearly reached the door when an arm snagged her from behind around her waist. Kilt hugged her to his body, wrapped his other arm over her chest, and lifted her right off her feet. She twisted her head to stare at him with fear as he frowned at her, inches from her face.
“Don’t be afraid.”
“Put me down!”
“I won’t hurt you. Are you afraid it’s going to be painful? It won’t.”
“I don’t even know you and I’m not ready to get married. Or whatever you call it.” She struggled but his strong arms refused to release her. She did however feel his body respond when something hard pressed against her ass. She froze and gawked at him.
“Sorry.” He shrugged, turned them both to face the bed, and sighed. “I can’t help it. I want you despite this not being the best time to be sporting a pole.”
“A pole?”
He cleared his throat. “My dick is hard any time I touch you. Is that clearer?”
He gently dropped her on the bed and Matty rolled, sat up, and her gaze lowered to the breeches. He either wasn’t wearing underwear or they were thin because his “pole” was pointing straight out, the material of his pants stretched taut. She raised her eyes to stare at him.
“We’re not having sex and don’t bite me.”
“How about we make love but I don’t bite? I’m prepared this time for how strongly I will react to you.” He grinned. “I need to convince you it’s better than good between us.” He stared at her lap. “Open the robe and I’ll take you to heaven.”
“Um, no. Fangs and that area aren’t meeting. No way. I don’t have any piercings down there and never plan to get any.”
He chuckled. “Do you know what fangs are good for when I’m licking you?” He parted his teeth, revealing they were fully extended. “They fit perfectly on the sides of that pretty little pearl to give my tongue full access. I won’t have to use my hands to keep you spread enough to get to it well. They will be otherwise occupied.”
The vivid picture he painted made her breath freeze inside her lungs and her body responded. She inched back, scooting away from him. “I think I should go home.”
“Damn. I was afraid of this.” He frowned. “You’re scared. I won’t force you to turn but you’ve got to at least give us a chance before you say no.”
“You want to date me?” She paused, considering that. They could get to know each other. It wasn’t as if she had a social life. The idea of it wasn’t scary. Of course they wouldn’t be going out to dinner since he admitted not eating food. Maybe they could see movies together. “We could try that.”
He turned and reached for his sword. Fear gripped her. Would he kill her for refusing to become a vampire? He discarded it and fiddled with the belt he’d removed. He turned, holding up fur-lined handcuffs, and her fear eased. The relief was short-lived when he lunged at her.
Blaron hated to do it but he needed to convince Matty they belonged together. She cried out when he grabbed her, he was careful not to hurt her, but she put up a hell of a fight when he stripped her of her robe. He was careful not to bruise her creamy skin as he gripped her wrists, tugged her up the bed as her feet kicked at him, and secured her wrists through the bars of the headboard.
“Asshole!” She tried to kick him in the face.
He dodged her foot, barely, and grunted when it impacted his shoulder instead. The lass had fire and he loved her a little more for it. His Matty was a fighter. He wouldn’t bite her, he would refrain from tasting her blood. She struggled when he released her, her hips rising from the bed, her feet flat on the mattress, and his cock hurt from the sight as she twisted and wiggled.
He backed away and reached for the waist of his borrowed breeches. He hated the feel of them, the constricting material rubbing the crown of his straining cock, and sighed with relief as he tugged them down. He sat, yanking the damn things off his legs and tossed them to the floor. He was a kilt man. He moved on his hands and knees, watching her wear herself out, and grinned at the curses she muttered. His lass had a mouth of a sailor when her temper was riled. He found it adorable.
She’d learn he’d never take her by force. He’d never be a brute to her but this was for her own good. Lethal would try to harm her if she attempted to run away, and her old life was gone. Guilt ate at him a little bit over that but he’d been in shock after finding her.
Chapter Six
“Now, Matty,” he sighed. “Calm down.”
She glared at him. “Let me go. This is your idea of convincing me you’re honorable? Stripping me and handcuffing me to a bed?”
“It’s not perfect but it will do.”
“Jerk. Asshole. Creep!”
He grinned. “I just heard you use more colorful terms.”
