Page 104 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

“Some flowers do have them, you know.” The words came out bolder than intended, but I liked this version of myself, liked how far I’d come in just a few weeks.

“Indeed.” He released my throat and began wrapping my hair around his fist, gently tugging my head back. A groan spilled from my mouth. “Your hair is so beautiful.”

My lips parted, eyes going wide at the ceiling.

I listened to the sound of his inhale as he breathed me in. “You are so aroused by this. By me. Did it feel good to come in my arms earlier? While my teeth were buried in your neck?”

“Laurie,” I gasped.

“What’s the matter?” he crooned. “Will you need to finish yourself off again? You’ve done it plenty already. I’ve heard you. I’ve listened.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

The thought of him intentionally listening. It should have embarrassed me. Instead, it did the opposite.

The hand fisting my hair tightened. I whimpered, squeezing my thighs together. A rumble, almost a laugh, shook his chest. “You know exactly what I’m talking about.”

“Fine. Are you asking because you’re interested in joining me?”

He scoffed. “I stopped having sex centuries ago. When you get to be my age, many things lose their luster. For the longest time, blood is all I’ve sought.”

I tried to ignore the sinking sensation in my belly. The sobering of my arousal. The crushing discovery. His admission hit harder than expected. Not just disappointment, but something that felt dangerously close to rejection. “Oh. I… I guess that makes sense.”

Except it didn’t, because I’d felt his erection more than once.

“Come, I won’t toy with you any longer. You need sleep.” He lifted me from his lap. I felt the loss of his warmth and wanted it back. Instead, I was standing.

He swept the tray into his hands and went to the door. “You gave me a precious gift tonight, Lily.” Uncertainty flickered across his expression before his usual mask slipped back into place. “I won’t forget it. Not for as long as I live. Thank you.”

And then he was gone.

A precious gift. My blood. Or perhaps, the memories that came with it?

I was left frowning and frustrated. Confused. But also…utterly mesmerized.

I knew what he was and the danger that came with feeling anything beyond hatred for him. It was like my body saw the ledge and recognized the ravine far below, but also knew that before I struck the bottom, the fall might be entirely worth the breaking that came afterward. The only question was, was I still willing to step off? I was beginning to think the answer was yes.

26

Iwas eating breakfast when a knock sounded at my door. “Come in.” I paused, my fork halfway to my mouth as Laurent strolled in. “Oh. It’s you.”

Never mind that my stomach swooped at the sight of him. His hair was tied back, his sharp features on display. He wore a black T-shirt and jeans. My eyes lingered over his defined muscles.

A small smirk pulled at the corner of his lips when he realized I was checking him out.

I ripped my gaze away. “I thought you were Zola.”

“Zola is tending to her children in the city.” He took a seat beside me. His gaze darted over a full spread of pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, diced fruit, toast, and the most delicious coffee. Vittorio had been excessive. He felt guilty about the demon thing last night. He’d even taken Cinnamon off my hands, babysitting her while I enjoyed some quiet time.

“Is this truly what Vittorio cooks you in the morning?” Laurent reached for my cup of coffee and took a sip. “Hmm. That’s good.”

I gaped at him as he proceeded to drink the rest. He grabbed the press and refilled it. By the time he returned it, he’d added more cream and sugar. He helped himself to a slice of toast, taking a few bites before setting it aside.

“Uh… Did you need something?”

“Are those any good?” He motioned to my plate of pancakes. I shoved a forkful into my mouth to keep from answering. “What’s the matter? Not going to share?”

I sighed, handing him my fork.