“Yes.” I groan. “But also no. We’re linked. I’ve never felt like this for anyone.”
“Lies.”
“Not at all.” I take her hand and place it to my chest. “Feel that?”
She peers at me and wrinkles her nose. “Yes, I know you’re muscly. God, you don’t have to flaunt it.”
I laugh. How long has it been since I’ve truly laughed? I can’t even remember. My life as a vampire has been peculiarly solitary. I don’t even know the vampire who turned me. So, no, I don’t have many interactions or opportunities for amusement, and even if I did, I’m certain no one could interest me half as much as the woman in my lap.
“Not my muscles, but thank you for noticing, poppet.”
“Poppet?” She wrinkles her nose even more.
“That’s what you are. My violent little poppet. Now pay attention.” I put my own hand over hers.
“I’m not violent,” she grumbles, “...usually.”
“My heart.”
She stills and presses her palm flatter against my chest. “Wait, why is it … It’s beating!”
“Yes.” I take her hand and bring it to my lips to kiss her palm. “I’m alive. Sort of.”
“What? How?” She shakes her head. “Ian has never told me anything about living vampires. And all the research I’ve done—nothing about that. What are you?”
“I’m yours.”
“No, you’re a killer. You killed Mr. Dandridge who lived here before you. You killed those kids who were spray-painting stuff. You probably killed lots more, but I just haven’t connected all the dots yet.” As she speaks, she keeps glancing at my lips, and there’s an erotic hunger in her eyes.
“That’s all very interesting, my poppet, but I have a question for you.”
“No, I asked you questions first.”
“You did.” I nod. “That’s fair. How about this? If you let me sniff your cunt, I’ll answer one question.”
Her mouth drops open. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me. I just want a very thorough inhale. Nothing too inappropriate.” Yet.
“That’s extremely inappropriate.” Her nipples harden, and I want to taste them so badly it makes my cock throb.
“It isn’t. I can already catch its scent from here.” I grin as she blushes an even deeper crimson. “I just want a more full-bodied aroma.”
“I’m leaving.” She tries to stand.
“No.”
My command sticks. She’s had enough of my blood to be slightly under my thrall. I could take her right now, fuck her brains out, and she wouldn’t be able to stop me. Though I have to admit that sounds appealing—I am, after all, a monster—I would never hurt her. Even though I’d make sure she enjoyed every second of it. Ah, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
“One sniff. One answer.”
“One truthful answer,” she counters.
“Yes. Agreed. Yes?”
“This is such a bad idea.” She chews her bottom lip. “Okay, fine.”
Before she changes her mind, I lift her easily and position her so her thighs are on either side of my head.
She squeals and grips the back of my chair. “Hey, you didn’t say anything about—”
“I said a full sniff. That means I need to get close.” I lean until my nose almost touches that damp spot between her legs.
She puts one hand in my hair and squeezes the strands.
“That’s my poppet.” I exhale, then breathe in all of her exquisite scent. It rushes through my body like the most powerful aphrodisiac.
Her grip tightens, and I can sense when more wetness trickles out of her, the scent of it beyond tantalizing.
I know what I promised. I do. I remember. But that doesn’t stop me. I can’t help myself. I move closer, my nose prodding against her clit concealed behind the pants and panties.
She gasps, and I lick the seam of her pants, getting a desperate taste of the treasure that lies beneath that treacherous black fabric.
“What. The. Fuck?” I rise and push Everly behind me, then fly at the intruder with the crossbow, ready to rip him apart for daring to threaten my poppet.
6
Everly
I recognize Ian's voice, but I can’t see him. Vincent for some reason is trying to shield me from Ian as if Ian is the threat and not him, the vampire. Heat rushes to my face, knowing that Ian saw Vincent sniffing me between my legs. There is no way he could have missed it.
“Evy, come here,” Ian orders.
“No,” Vincent growls.
I think the sound is supposed to be scary, but all it does is make me wetter between my thighs. Vincent sucks in another one of those deep breaths, and I know he can smell me. Another rumble leaves him.
“Let her go, or I’ll turn you to a pile of dust.”
Vincent doesn’t seem the least bit concerned about Ian’s threat.
Before I realize what I’m doing, I’m up and out of the chair trying to get around Vincent. It’s not to try to escape either. But to jump in front of him. Not that I get the chance. Vincent’s arm shoots out and blocks me from going around him.