Page 24 of The Vampire’s Prey

"Now, moving on to your next lesson. Though we are only together tonight, I will still teach you how to act and behave in my presence. It is going to be a long night, and I wish to have some semblance of decorum from you.” Her brows draw together, and I cannot discern if she is upset or confused. "Objections? Questions?"

"Sir, I have decorum. You just haven't been acting like a gentleman, sir."

Ahhh. She is upset. No matter. She will still bend to my will either willingly or forcibly. The choice is ultimately hers.

"I am the one in charge. I can act as I please. You, however, have agreed to be my submissive tonight. As such, you will act as I tell you and not as you think you should. Now, do you see how I am sitting?" I lay each hand on the corresponding knee and straighten my back. "This is called kiza; however, I’m going to modify this and have you do it a little differently.” I shift my hips until my butt is against the floor then slide my hips to the side. “This is called wariza. When I tell you to get into wariza, I want you in this exact position. I’ll save kiza for when you’re extremely naughty. Now. Wariza."

My cock starts aching again as her luscious body starts moving around in position. I see her glance over to make sure her posture mirrors mine. The moment she spreads her knees, I know I'm lost. Her thighs are slick and glistening in the light. The smell of her arousal hits me hard, drawing a growl from me. Her gaze flies back up to mine, her pupils widening slightly.

"Don’t worry pet, you are pleasing me greatly. Now," I shift back up into kiza before bringing one leg up and resting my weight on one flat foot. My knee is bent at a ninety degree angle and my other knee is pressed against the floor. "This position is called tatehiza. You will now get into this position.”

As I watch her unsteady movements, I make a mental note to work with her on her balance. Delicious ideas flow through my brain of how to make this pleasurable for us both. However, I stop short, knowing that she considers tonight to be a one-night stand. I have to convince her to be mine first. Then, I can daydream of how to torture her.

I look down at my prize. Her gaze is soft and inviting. Gone is the look of suspicion and spite. For now, at least. I cannot be foolish enough to hope that I have tamed the mighty beast.

Smiling, I stand and curl my finger towards her in a motion to get up on her knees. I have waited long enough to sample her. It is time I make her pay her penance. Besides, if this can help take the edge off, I will finally be able to concentrate.

"Normally," I say, unbuckling my belt, "my submissive would be the one undressing me and preparing me for the activities to come; however, based on our mutual agreement, this is a one night only situation.”

Her eyes are trained on my fingers as they slowly ease the belt through. I will not correct her since though her focus is not on my face or what I am saying, it is on me.

"Unless you wish to change that agreement.” Damn it. Do I have to sound so hopeful? So wistful? Get it together. Honor at all times.

"No sir. Tonight only, sir."

Is that a look of regret in her eyes? Or is that my hormone addled brain looking for any sort of opening to claim her forever? If I am honest with myself, her rejection hurts. Just a touch. It’s for the best anyway. Vampires don’t make good companions with humans. The dark chuckle rumbles through me. It’s not like she even knows what I am to make an informed decision of who she would be dating. This woman is turning me into a softie. And I don’t like it.

"It’s agreed then.” I finish unbuckling my belt and pull it fast through the loops. She flinches and rocks backwards on her heels in an attempt to put distance between us. "What is it?"

"N-nothing.” She rights herself back into tatehiza . "I'm fine. You just startled me. That's all."

My eyes narrow. Bringing the belt back, I hold it in a striking position. She immediately throws her hands up to protect herself before quickly bringing them back down, playing it off as if it never happened.

"Nothing, is it?"

I toss the belt to the floor, furious. Who dared to cause this beautiful woman to fear my belt. I will kill them, rip them limb from limb. I take deep breaths until the haze of fury passes. I cannot allow her to think this is her fault for her reactions. Lying to me? Oh yes. That will get a different reaction but not the unholy fury that hit me.

"I do not nor will I ever tolerate lying. I want to make it very clear that I am upset and disappointed that you did not tell me the truth. I do not blame you entirely as you and I don’t have that type of relationship. However, for tonight and future reference, if you do ever decide to engage in this sort of play with another.”

I have to take another deep breath. Like hell anyone else will get to play with her. You are being unreasonable. You do not own her. She can play with whomever she wishes. Over my dead body, I growl inside my head. A few more seconds is needed to calm down.

"You will need to disclose any triggers. I want to tease and torment you, yes. But I never want to harm you. There is a huge difference. Now, go back to wariza wariza with your head bowed until I instruct you otherwise."

I need this moment away from her to tamp my feelings back down. I am not one to normally rage at anything. What is this human doing to me? Making my way over to the bar, I motion for another drink.

"Tell Trish I need a fresh ginger and a paring knife. I will peel it myself.”

I take the waiting shot glass and down the blood. How many more times will I have to do this before the night is over? I’m trying to take my time with her, but my body demands I feast as I’m owed.

I stand at the bar and watch her, her shoulders quivering. I know she’s crying; however, I cannot and will not comfort her at this moment. She needs to learn the proper way of interacting in these situations or she could get seriously hurt or killed. My heart hurts at that thought, more than it has any right too. I thought that useless organ to be dead for centuries now. Why decide now to make an appearance.

"Trouble in paradise?"

I tamp down the snarl forming in my throat. Lucius has done nothing but earn the highest respect from me.

"I feel conflicted."

"Well, I can see that," he chuckles, leaning back against the bar and staring at my submissive.