“Of course.” It pains me that this house full of females all expect the worst of those around them. “Many people, myself included, are true to their word.” I shift my gaze from daughter to mother.
“That’s true.” Olivia grasps my hand. “We’re having milk and cookies. Do you like cookies?”
I follow along to the dining area. “I do not. Though when I was human, I was very fond of sweets.”
“Mommy is drinking wine.” Dorothy has a smudge of chocolate on her cheek and an empty plate in front of her. There’s half a glass of milk left, and she sips it.
“I’ll get you a glass.” Lori goes to the cupboard without waiting to hear if I want wine.
“Thank you.” Since vampires don’t feel the effects of alcohol, I’m happy to accept the glass.
When the girls have finished, Lori tells them to wash up and get into bed so that I can begin tonight’s story.
They rush from the table as if they’re heading to an amusement park.
“Who would have believed that my tales would inspire such enthusiasm?” I’m filled with joy at the sight.
“They appreciate the life you’ve lived. They’re young, but they understand the passage of time more and more.” Lori finishes her wine and pours another. Leaving it on the table, she washesthe plates and milk glasses, then stacks them on a drying rack next to the sink.
Unable to look away, I watch every move she makes.
“I’ll just go check on their progress.”
Once she’s out of sight, I sip my wine, then dry the dishes. I don’t know where they go, so I stack them on the counter.
When she pops her head out of the hallway, she smiles and blushes. “They’re ready.”
It’s probably just her red hair that causes the flush in her cheeks with every emotion she experiences. I shouldn’t read too much into it each time.
Taking a chair with me, I sit between the beds. “What would you like to hear about?”
“Where did you live before you came here?” Olivia asks.
“In Nepal, high in the mountains. I would ring a bell each day, and the goats would run to me for their breakfast.”
The twins giggle as I describe a day in my life atop the mountain.
Once they’re asleep, I again press a small amount of elixir on each forehead and follow Lori into the kitchen. “They will sleep through the night. I shall keep watch so you can rest as well.”
Stopping suddenly, she turns, and I’m so close her breath tickles my chin. Her full breasts press against my chest, and she clutches my arms to regain her balance. “Thank you.” Her voice is breathy.
As if under her spell, I cup her cheek and run my thumb over the dark smudge under her eye. “You are very beautiful, Lori.”
Warmed by my touch, she blushes. “I’m just a single mom. I’m not special, Ion.”
How is it possible she could believe such a lie? As if drawn to the forbidden fruit, I lean in, thread my fingers through her soft hair, and press my lips to hers. Warm and soft, kissing Lori is pure heaven.
She gasps and grips me tighter, opening for me like the sweetest flower. Her tongue slips along my lips.
Powerless to resist, I make love to her mouth. A growl escapes as the beast that lives within my calm facade yearns to get free.
Chapter Four
LORI
The kiss ends much too soon. I could gorge my senses on a steady diet of Ion. He’s sensual without trying and safe, yet probably the most dangerous creature living in Harmony Glen. A perfect contrast of delight for all my senses. I’ve never wanted anyone so desperately.
He pulls his cool mouth from mine, and the sound that escapes me is full of longing.
