I open my eyes. He’s so gorgeous. There’s no sign of the full-on vampire from before. This is my gentle, loving Ion.
Running one finger over my chest, he traces the vein there. His face is tight, and there is yearning in his eyes. “I want to bite you here. The blood is said to be the sweetest, closest to the heart. I have never asked this of anyone.”
“Never?” It’s still amazing to me that I am the only woman special to this amazing creature. In all the world, he could have anyone. He could have mated with women in every century, but he chose me.
Shaking his head, he presses his lips to the space.
Heart pounding, I thread my fingers through his soft hair. “I am yours, Ion. You have all of me.”
Humming against my skin, he lets out a soft breath and traces a path with his tongue, just above my breast. “Is that a yes? I need to hear it.”
“Yes. You can bite me near my heart or anywhere else you want.” I brace, despite knowing there will be no pain.
His fangs slice through my skin as if it were butter. Pleasure rushes to every cell in my body. I come in a rush of ecstasy that arches me like a bow off the mattress.
Ion thrusts as he drinks. His cock feels thicker, and he moans long and loud. He draws my blood and my pleasure with every press and suck.
Gasping for breath, another wave pulses through me, and my pussy milks his cock hard and fast.
Pulling his mouth away, he licks the wounds closed and thrusts once, twice, then comes in a rush of cool liquid that draws yet another orgasm from me.
Wrapping my arms and legs around him, I try to catch my breath. “That was… I don’t know what that was.”
“Perfect.” Even Ion draws long pulls of air, and he barely needs it to live.
Entwined in his arms, I’m happy. These weeks since he came into our lives have been the first when I’ve felt safe in my entire life. Joy is not something I’m used to and it came on so gradually, it took a moment to realize the truth of it.
I’m happy. Truly and delightedly happy.
Chapter Fourteen
ION
The rumors about the heart vein were not exaggerated. Tasting Lori there was like nothing I’ve ever felt or tasted before. This night was the greatest of my life.
I slept for nearly three hours, which is something I rarely need. Having her in my arms, her soft, steady breathing, and the even beat of her heart, were like a balm to my soul. Even now, watching her sleep with the sun peeking around the blinds, I’m filled with gratitude for what I’ve found.
A low moan, and she stretches her body long like a cat. Her blue eyes blink open, and she smiles at me. “Good morning.”
I brush her wild red hair out of her face. “Good morning.”
“Did you sleep or just watch me?” She cuddles against me.
“I slept, and I watched you.” Her skin is like silk, and touching her is a gift. “Will you marry me, Lori? Will you make me part of your family and join mine?”
Rising to her elbow, she stares into my eyes. “Are you sure about this?”
“I have never been more certain of anything in my life.” I roll to my other side and open the drawer of the nightstand. Pulling out a velvet box that I’ve had for two weeks, I kneel on the floor next to the bed. Opening the box, joy fills me as her eyes brighten at the sight of the ring with one large central diamond surrounded by small, round sapphires and diamonds.
Sitting up, naked save for the sheet tangled around her waist and hips, she reaches out and touches the ring. “This is beautiful.”
“This is a promise. You are beautiful.”
Meeting my gaze, she asks, “What are you promising?”
“I will love you for the rest of my life. Together, we will build a life of respect and dedication. I will be your friend and care for you throughout your life. I will love and help you raise Dorothy and Olivia. I will treat them as my own. I am extremely wealthy, and all that I have would be yours. When you leave this earth, I will transfer my wealth to our family and leave this world so that I might stay with you in the next life.” I don’t need to breathe much, but I hold my breath and wait.
Tears spill over her bottom lids. “I love you, Ion. I will love you for all my life. I can’t wait to be a family with you. Yes. I’ll marry you.”
