Truly? That’s… not ideal, Luella. And now we’re trapped.
"Now, we’re trapped," she echoed, sitting on the bed. Her wings brushed the sheets, and it made pleasure skitter down her spine, magnified from the nature of their conversation, the feel of the vampire within her mind.
Trapped does not mean anything, pet,Bastian purred.We are stuck here for a week. With only ourselves for company. I guarantee you won’t be the only one needy and desperate.
The implications of his words made her breath hitch.
Was she needy? Was she desperate?
Yes, you are,he crooned.Do you want me to show you how to fix it?
Her fingers tangled in the sheets, and she felt a stirring of want in her core. "How?" she breathed.
His presence in her mind bloomed, consuming her.Touch yourself.
Luella gasped aloud, clapping a hand over her mouth.
The vampire’s laughter filled her mind.I know those words are not new to you, pet. Don’t you remember?
And suddenly a memory consumed her, just as he was.
She and Graves, amid a throng of icy blue. Her heated skin, the pulse of awareness in her breast. And his words…
Do you want to know how to get rid of this feeling? Touch yourself.
Then, Luella had been abashed, too, and slightly confused. But this time, she knew the true meaning.
As the memory receded, she said to Bastian, "I-I don’t know."
Hm, pet, don’t tempt me further. It is like being in the fires of the Below… to think of you in this room alone, and I have no way of getting to you.
He was one to speak of temptations—his very words were tempting her. The distant crack of lightning made her jolt, and she felt the well of her magic thrum within her, desperate to be let free. As she placed a hand over her chest, she swore she could feel her power seep through her flesh and brush against her fingertips.
Her tongue poked out, tracing along her lower lip as she thought,No one has to know?
Do you truly think I could keep something like this from them all?Bastian replied.Even if I don’t tell them, they will feel it—feel your pleasure.
Will you keep it a secret… for me?she prodded.
As you wish. I will try,Bastian purred.Lay down, pet.
She did, feeling the feathers of her wings brush against the sheets as she did so. She had removed her cloak long ago, wearing only her shirt with the hole cut into the back and her billowing pants. Even alone, she didn’t want to take them off.
Then, you don’t have to,the vampire reassured.
"I don’t know what I’m doing," Luella breathed.
His sensual croons turned to soft placations, tinged with adoration.I will help you, my pretty pet. Say the word—I can send you back to sleep. Or…
"No. No more sleep."
She was tired of sleeping. Of letting things pass her by. Shewantedthis—even if she didn’t know what it was she truly wanted.
You remember your lessons? How I taught you the power of sensuality?
"Yes," she whispered into the room.
How would you feel if I gave you another lesson? No strings attached.She felt Bastian smile, even though she could not see it.Simply you in this room, and me in your head. Do you want that?
