Page 47 of The Vampire’s Prey

I take a deep breath and slow down, sipping the water until it is finished. Adrian takes the glass away from me and sets it on a far table then returns back to me. He reaches out his hands and helps me stand before brushing a light kiss across my lips. Groaning, I try to lean into him, to deepen the kiss, but he holds me at bay.

"Strip."

I stare at him for a second, then look behind him in the direction of the main door. "But what about Maria?"

"What about her?"

"Won't she see me naked?"

He chuckles. "And if she does? Trust me, she is not a stranger to the naked form."

My face falls for a second. "That's right. I forgot. You've had lots of other women here."

Frowning, Adrian steps in and looms over me. "Now you listen to me. What is in the past, is past. Right now, and for my foreseeable future, you are my only. I won’t lie to you and say there are no others.” He tilts my chin up. "as I have said before, I will never lie to you. So hear me when I say that no one I have ever been with comes close to comparing to you. I will not repeat myself again. If it helps you to know though, I have dismissed her for tonight. It will only be you and I here."

Can I actually believe him? He looks to be in earnest. A flutter of excitement flows through me. He must actually like me. He's been interacting with me all this time and still has yet to feed on me. So, obviously he wants more than just my blood. Stepping back to give myself some space, I try my hardest to pull my shirt off in a slow and sexy manner. Smirking at him, I toss it to the floor and begin to shimmy out of my pants.

Adrian clears his throat and points to the clothes on the floor. "You will be respectful of this home and not toss your clothes about."

"I'm trying to be sexy here.” I stick my tongue out at him and playfully stomp over to gather my shirt. The moment I bend over, he catches me at the waist and delivers a smack to each ass cheek. Squealing, I try to pull away, but he holds me strong and fast in his arms.

"Sassing gets this lovely bottom of yours smacked. So, by all means, please stick your tongue out at me again."

"If you insist sir, then I must obey.” I grin up at him before sticking out my tongue again.

Adrian swoops down and lightly holds my tongue in place with his teeth before sucking it into his mouth. I shiver against him as he slides his own tongue up against mine.

"Delicious," he whispers against my mouth. "Now, finish removing your clothes."

I make quick work of my pants and lay all articles of clothing neatly on a nearby chair.

"Good girl," he whispers, his voice deep and husky with need. "Wariza."

This time, I don't hesitate, I slide down at his feet and look up at him expectantly. The loose pants do nothing to conceal his jutting erection. I want so desperately to free him and pleasure him. Anything to have him inside of me in some fashion. Sitting here, exposed to his gaze, I'm already getting so wet. He has definitely turned me into a little hussy. Before, when it was just me, I would only need to satisfy my urges every several months or so. With him, I cannot go even a minute without aching.

"Now will be a good time to go over the rest of the house rules. You will remember to obey them, or I will help remind you. Believe me, after enough time, you will not want my help. As discussed, you will always remove your shoes before stepping past the foyer. When entering into any space of this house, you will give a brief nod or bow, signifying respect. If I am in any room you enter, you will first bow when you come in then rest at my feet in wariza and await instructions. You are only allowed to use your phone during the daytime. The nighttime belongs to me only. I will not budge on this. During the daytime, you may either sleep, hang out with Marion, or find something industrious to do. We will discuss your skills and hobbies at a later time. I am delighted that you had a fun-filled day, but most days will not be like this. Marion does actually have work that she needs to accomplish for me," he chuckles. "But I am pretty sure she was grateful for the day off."

I raise my hand, confusion swirling through my mind. "How long am I staying here? I thought this was like a one or two-night sleepover? I have work to get back to. I can't just stay here. You can't just hold me prisoner."

Adrian smiles down at me. "No, my pet. You are not a prisoner here. I am keeping you with me until we get you past some of these hang-ups you have.” His eyes darkened. "I never want to find you in that state again. I was terrified for you. But yes, you will be going back to work in a few days. I want to make sure you're strong enough."

Sighing, I let my heart slow down. I am allowed to message out in the mornings. If I were actually kidnapped, he wouldn't let me even do that. If I had to choose though, it would be nice to actually stay here and be pampered and fucked. Who wouldn't want that?

"Enough talking," he growls, kneeling down in front of me. I reach out to touch him, and his hands fly towards me and returns them to my sides. "Tonight, you will not move without my permission. You will be completely at my mercy."

Shivers run through me. His voice is like magic. Even with my contacts in, I can't resist him. Nibbling on my lower lip, I look down at the floor, thoughts whirling through my head. Would it really be so bad to have him order me around for the rest of my life? It's not any different than being ordered about by Father and The Family. But it is. It is a night and day difference.

My heart races as my mind whirls. Never once did any of The Family show any care or tenderness. Yes, Adrian is gruff and commanding, but he also makes sure that I'm well and taken care of. In all ways. Wetness trickles down my inner thigh at the thought of everything he's done to my body thus far. And from the feeling of it, we're just getting started.

"Evangeline?"

Adrian's deep voice penetrates the haze in my mind. Damn. I was wandering again. Looking up, I cringe internally, waiting for that look of disapproval or disappointment. I am startled to find nothing but humor dancing in his eyes.

"What has you tied up in such knots? I can feel your distress, my pet. You are basically radiating it.” His fingers brush across my cheek and down my neck, to settle across my throat. "Am I really such an ogre? I have promised you before that I will not harm you. Have I broken my promise yet?"

"No, sir.” I swallow the lump forming in my throat. "You've been nothing but kind to me. Well, maybe kind isn't the word. The ginger was a bit uncomfortable."

He rewards me with his bellowing laugh. What I would give to hear it more often.