Page 19 of The Vampire’s Prey

There is that hard look again. My insides flop around as he glares at me. I should be afraid. Terrified. Why am I drawn to him? I blink several times, causing my eyes to water. Maybe my contacts have dried out? That has to be the explanation. After leaving my eyes closed for a moment, I roll them around, trying to lubricate the lenses without looking like a weirdo.

I open again to see him a breath away from me. Oxygen leaves my lungs as his lips descend upon mine. Pleasure sweeps through my body, overriding my brain. This kiss is different from his last. It’s gentle, teasing, coaxing. I’ve never had a kiss like this before. The gentle graze of his tongue against my bottom lip nearly breaks me.

“Open for me, baby,” he whispers against me, his voice like sin dipped in chocolate. For once, I don’t hesitate. If I’m going to hell, I might as well enjoy the ride. My head tips back, my whole body going limp as his tongue pushes past my lips and into my mouth. Heaven. I sigh and reach the tip of my tongue towards his. His moan fills my mouth as his hand fists my hair.

Groaning, I reach out and slide my palms against his chest. So hard. So hot.

“I said hands by your side,” he growls, pulling away from me.

He pulls back so suddenly that I tip forward a little. He steadies me, but his hands are much rougher than they were before. I sneak a peek at his face, dismayed to see his scowl.

“I’m-I’m sorry. It’s just that I...” I trail off.

There’s no way in hell I can tell him that he’s breaking me down molecule by molecule. I can’t give him the satisfaction. Squaring up, I meet his scowl with a hardened gaze of my own.

“You what? Speak up princess. We haven’t got all night.”

“You know what? Nothing. Just nothing. You’re an asshole, and you know it. You’re enjoying watching me squirm. Well, I’m not playing your game buddy. I have more dignity than that.”

His scowl turns into a look I’ve never seen in a man before. It frightens me a little and turns me on a lot. Frozen in my spot, I can only watch him as he starts to unbuckle his belt. Oh God. Is he going to spank me with that? I gulp and look past him. Maybe Tiberius will be back soon and get me out of this mess? Oh, why does my mouth always have to get me into trouble?

“He’s not going to save you little one,” his voice rumbles out softly. I strain to hear it over the beating of my heart.

Shivering, I draw my arms up around me. “You don’t know that.”

“I think you know that I do. Now. Here’s what we’re going to do. Either you strip yourself, or I will strip you. Trust me. You do not want me stripping you. I am tired of playing these games, Evangeline. I know you want me. I feel it in every move,” he walks closer, “every breath,” even closer, “every moan.” His fingers encircle my throat.

A moan spills out over my lips. I can’t contain it anymore. Every inch of me feels like it’s on fire. I look deep into his eyes. “Please.”

“Please what?” His fingers tighten.

“I can’t.”

Finally. The truth breaks free from me. I can’t give myself to him. I just can’t. Now, if he wants to take it, I can’t stop him.

His lips curve up into a smile. “I hear you baby.”

Without giving me a moment to think, his hands reach down from in front of me and rip my shirt open with one move. I shriek as buttons fly everywhere, landing softly on the carpet. Moving on instinct, I cover my bra as best I can.

“No, no. You keep your hands where I tell you, or your punishment will be even more severe.”

I glance down at his belt.

“That will be part of it, yes,” he chuckles.

I know the belt is coming, but maybe if I’m good, he’ll forget and not use it on me. Yeah right. Pretty sure forgetfulness is not one of the known vampire weaknesses. I lick my lips, my breaths coming in pants. I feel like I’m suffocating.

“Good girl,” he murmurs as my hands go back down to their sides.

His words shouldn’t warm me like they do. It feels so uncomfortable to despise someone so much, yet still get tingles through my body at his small moments of praise. That familiar ache starts forming at my heart, and I struggle to keep my hands from rubbing my chest.

Before I can take another breath, his fingers are at my shorts, tugging at the button. I feel my ears heat up. What if Tiberius walks back in.

“Please. If he sees.”

His fingers still at my fly. “Then I guess you better stop distracting me. The quicker you’re undressed, the quicker I get you downstairs. Now. Shall I continue, or do you want to take over?” His eyebrow quirks up as he looks down at me. “I think I hear someone at the door.”

He can’t be serious! I search his face for anything. A clue or a hint that he’s joking. Damn him. I’m out of options. Worrying my bottom lip with my teeth, I look back and forth between him and the front of the coat closet. Knowing Adrian, he’d take his time just to make sure I was naked in front of strangers.