I was enthralled by all the books, wondering what all I could learn from the large selection that was in that room alone. As soon as I saw the planets, I gasped. I took in the sight of the celestial map, my expression turning awe-struck. “Wow. Are these all of the planets you know to have life? Or ones you’ve been to?”
"All the ones the portals have connected to even if only once. The lines form on their own whenever a new planet is connected by portal. I have been mapping the magic and learning about it for a number of years. It is an incredible tool for building wealth and keeping my world safe. Of course, I am no savior. I just want this one for me," he said, honestly.
I stepped up next to him, closer than intended, my mouth slightly open as I looked at all of the planets. “It’s beautiful.” But I wasn’t talking about just the planets. My hand brushed his, and a shock reverberated through my body, the strength of it surprising me. I pulled back quickly. Slightly embarrassed, I looked away. The books caught my eye once again. “As are those.”
Looking down at me, his smiled softly. "It's a collection I’ve worked on for a long time. I have brought books from all over the planets I have been on. Magic ones and all." His expression warmed at seeing my enthusiasm.
I slowly turned in a circle, jumping as my arm brushed against his coat. “Sorry.” I continued to turn. “It’s an amazing collection. I love a good book.”
"Perhaps I judged you wrong. I am used to taking what I want, as you so loudly pointed out in the courtyard. I have lived hard and fast when it comes to what I want. Maybe I should rethink how I see you. You are something special, Auri." He lifted his hand to touch my arm but pulled back. Turning away, he walked over to a couch nearby.
This time, I did not correct him on my name. I was puzzled by his words. “Well? I’m glad you see it that way.” This time I didn’t hide my smile. “But what made you change your mind? Just because I love your library?”
“No.” He drank from his flask, setting it on the table next to him, leaning back on the couch. “You speak up for yourself yet have restraint. You trust but keep your wits about you, despite having plenty reasons not to. You’re intelligent but appear to have a longing to learn. You are stubborn, but there is a softness to you. This balance is appealing, and I find that I want to know more. Most things bore me. You do not.”
“What do you want to know?” I made my way over and sat on the couch, turning toward him, a leg propped up under me.
"All about you and how you became this woman. Why you became this woman when you could have turned dark. You could have lost your humanity and given in to the evils of your magic.” He threw his arm up over the back of the sofa.
I laughed. “That could take a while.”
“I have got nothing but time on my hands." He allowed himself to take in my form again.
I cleared my throat, feeling his eyes on me. His gaze sending a rush of warmth through my entire body. I wanted his lips on mine again, but I was confused as to why. Sure, he was glaringly obviously attractive. But there was something more that drew me to him. I did my best to block that out and focus. “All about me? Well? I wouldn’t know where to start. I mean, I told you quite a bit at the dinner table. So, I suppose just ask something. And if I want, I’ll tell you. Or tell me about you.” I allowed myself to smile softly at him.
"You love being in charge, huh? Getting off on the thrill of bossing a vampire in his nest?" His hand came up to touch my face.
I didn’t flinch but watched his hand, my eyes fluttering slightly with his touch. “No. I’m used to not letting people run over me. And I’m not bossing you. I’m cooperating.”
With his palm on my warm cheek, his cool thumb went to trace my bottom lip. "How old are you? How do you count age on your planet?" he asked as his hand caressed my cheek.
I steadied my breath. “We count by years. And a year is each time our planet makes a full revolution around our sun.” I bit my lip. “I’m 28. You?” My breath caught.
"We count similarly. Here, I am over 250 years old, last I bothered counting." He smiled, moving his hand down my neck, his nail tracing the spot he would bite if I would have let him. Then, suddenly, he pulled his hand away.
My body shivered in reaction to his touch. A mixed sense of relief and disappointment ran through me and across my face as he pulled away. “Not as old as I expected.” I wanted to reach out to him but refrained.
"You talk older than expected. It is a lovely thing, since you light up when you speak of things you enjoy." He leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. This time softer than in the courtyard.
Several emotions swirled in me. And every reaction was overshadowed by his closeness. I found myself leaning into him in return, making our kiss a little harder than intended.
I pulled back quickly and touched my own lips. “I’m sorry.”
"Don't be. I want more of you." He eyed me over hungrily. "Am I worthy of it now?"
I smirked, hitting his shoulder playfully. “Eager.” I ran my fingers down his chest. “Is this what you do? Find
