He smiled. “Deal. And that might be one of your first introductions to a vampire’s love of negotiating.”
She laughed. “I’ve heard about it, of course, but neither Nora nor Leo has done it with me yet. You’re my first.”
He leaned down and whispered, “Laurie and I will introduce you to more intricate deals later.”
Her heart rate kicked up, and he took a second to revel in her heat and scent.
What he wouldn’t give to be able to take her to a back room, strip her, and kiss every inch of her body before tasting her sweet blood.
Focus, Joseph. Give her a good night out first.
Leaning back, he arched an eyebrow. “So, what’s on your list?”
Meadow concentrated on the steps for a second before replying, “Mainly to travel and experience new foods. Oh, and to write a book.”
“I haven’t traveled much myself, but I would like to one day, especially to Italy or France.”
“The food would be amazing in either country, as well as the wine. Although it’s weird because there are various ruins and tours and things back in my time, and yet I don’t know if they are here.”
“There are a lot of ruins or old buildings, but few have strict rules for visiting. Some of the most popular destinations do it out of necessity, such as in Egypt, but not many of the smaller ones.”
“If that’s true, then there are probably a lot of stupid tourist deaths. You know, people who think it’s a good idea to climb a crumbling structure and then fall off.”
He smiled. “I am not that kind of person, so don’t worry.”
“I know. Even Laurie, who seems a bit more impulsive than you, isn’t stupid.”
“Everyone is more impulsive than me, in general.” At her strange look, Joseph decided to change the subject back to Meadow. “But you mentioned writing a book. What would it be about?”
Her cheeks turned pink. “Um, you know, romance and adventure and kick-ass heroines who can stand alone but are stronger with their perfectly imperfect partner.”
“Hm, like a pirate adventure full of naughty bits?”
She snorted. “Naughty bits? Really? Is that what you say here?”
“Nyx’s Kingdom is the epitome of a naughty house, love.”
She smiled and shook her head. “It’s so…British. But I like to call those parts steamy bits, or sexy bits, and in my stories, it would be part of the emotional journey and not just for thrills. Because for me, sex is an important part of a relationship.”
Meadow fell silent and stared at his necktie.
“Meadow, look at me, love.” Once she did, he continued, “I know you’ve had some horrible experiences in the past, but you enjoyed what Laurie and I did with you before, right?”
She bobbed her head.
“Good. Because it’s important for us as well. We’ve had some, er, difficult situations where a female didn’t fancy both of us, or didn’t like the fact our attention was evenly divided between allpartners instead of solely on her. Whereas with you, I don’t think that’s a problem. Am I right?”
Joseph waited for her answer, aware that it could dash his future dreams, but knew it was important to always hear the truth when it came to this.
Meadow nearly trippedover her own feet when Joseph steered the conversation to about her, Laurie, and Joseph and what they’d done in that secret room before.
And now? With Joseph holding her so close, she wished they could be like some of the other couples who’d discreetly left the room to probably do naughty things, as Joseph liked to say.
But then uncertainty had flashed in his eyes when bringing up being part of a threesome again. He must’ve been hurt deeply in the past to still be so hesitant about her wanting him as much as Laurie.
And she didn’t like it.
She leaned closer, until her breasts brushed Joseph’s upper abdomen, and she finally replied, “I told you, I love the stories where they all love each other. Having multiple guys centered solely on me, all the time, would probably be too much. But if the love is shared between three people, then it’s probably more manageable. If that makes sense?”
