Page 74 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

“Yes,” she whispered, stroking my hair with a slow hand.

I didn’t need to ask what she meant. “Are you sure?”

Her heartbeat raced, and her veins swelled. The scent of orange blossoms wafted in the air.

“I want to feel it.” She exposed her neck to me.

So did I. “I won’t take a lot. I just need extra strength to regain my energy.”

“I trust you.” She undid the first few buttons of her shirt and pulled the lapels apart, uncovering her silky skin.

Her scent became so intense it was the only thing I breathed.

“Please. May I touch you?”

“Yes.” I was shivering with anticipation.

She dragged a hand down my neck and chest to slide it under my trousers.

I released a groan when she touched me.

She paused, a blush colouring her face. “Am I too bold?”

I shook my head. “Too beautiful.”

My fangs came out, and my senses sharpened.

She stroked me again, and I couldn’t contain myself. I sank my teeth into her soft skin as gently as I could. Rising on her tiptoes, she gripped my shoulders and moaned.

The warm rush of her delicious blood and her gentle touch shot hot pleasure through me. Her blood reached every remote corner of my body and energised it with love and care.

Through our connection, her pleasure became mine, and she shivered with it. We became one, joined by blood, pleasure, and love.

I didn’t dare let myself go, though. I was in control, but the ordeal had left me drained, and I wasn’t going to take any chances. One moment of distraction could lead me to drink too much, and I’d rather have a holy stake in my chest than hurt her.

With another moan, she sagged against me. I cupped her breast and took a last sip before sealing the punctures with slow strokes of my tongue.

The space between us was gone, and we breathed each other’s scent. The pleasure gave way to something else. Something deep, sweet, and warm. Something that lasted longer.

She breathed against my chest, shaking with her release. But I wanted to give her more because she gave me everything.

I laid her on the bed and took a moment to admire her stunning beauty, her shiny sapphire eyes, creamy skin, and plush lips.

“You’re perfect,” I said, caressing her breasts.

Her embarrassment was like a sting on my skin.

“It’s true.” I rubbed her nipples through the fabric of her shirt until she writhed underneath me, rocking her hips. “If you don’t believe me, I’m going to prove it.”

I pinched her nipple lightly until she moaned again.

“Please.” She widened her legs and raised her hips. “I’ve waited so long.”

Her simple request overwhelmed me. It was too real, raw, and intimate.

I was dying again. Never would I have dreamt of being so lucky as to be with her.

Her fingertips danced over my sensitive skin, and not an ounce of pain or doubt bothered me. There was only her.