Page 24 of Blood Moon

He grabbed my sweater and pulled it over my head, letting it fall to the floor. “You are so gorgeous,” he breathed before trailing kisses from my neck to my shoulders and back.

I ground against his growing erection, begging without words for this to continue. Viktor’s hands ran up my body from my ass to my shoulders before sliding around to knead at my breasts through my lacy bra.

I reached between us to free him from the restraints of his pants. Then I slid down onto the floor and licked him from base to tip before taking his erection into my mouth. He groaned and fisted his hands in my hair.

Suddenly Viktor pushed me away, grabbing my hands with his. “We should get some rest. It’s late, and you’ll want to see your uncle in the morning.”

His rejection stung. With tears in my eyes, I nodded, then sat up. I didn’t want to be alone, but I couldn’t handle being that close to him anymore. I refused to sit there and let him watch me cry. And I wouldn’t beg him to sleep with me. I got up and walked toward the door he had indicated would be my room.

Without a glance behind me, I opened the door and walked through. As soon as the door was closed, the tears started to fall. I slid down onto the floor with my back against the closed door. I felt so isolated, so alone. I had nothing left. My family was gone, and had been for a long time. On top of that, my home had just been destroyed.

I still had Uncle Vinny and I knew that Midnight could be rebuilt, but I didn’t understand Viktor. One minute he seemed to care for me; the next he was pushing me away. I couldn’t let myself get caught up in something that toxic.

Maybe I should just call Anna and go stay with her. I was certain my friend would let me sleep on her couch if I needed to while things got sorted out and I found a new place. I would need a new job too, because there was no way I’d be able to work for Viktor with the way he was treating me. I would never know where I stood with him.

I wondered what had broken him so badly that he couldn’t talk about his feelings. How horrible it must be to push people away instead of letting them in. I started to cry harder at that thought.

I knew that I wouldn’t sleep anymore, even though it was the middle of the night. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw what was left of the only place I’d ever considered home. It broke my heart to see the bar destroyed. Most people would claim it was fate; the push I needed to leave town. Maybe they were right. Leaving would be easier without Midnight to keep me here.

I needed to come up with a plan. There were decisions to be made. I needed to double check my bank accounts and see just how much I had saved. I hadn’t planned to live at Midnight forever, but I had always felt like that was my home. But maybe, just maybe, it was time for a fresh start.

A few minutes later, I managed to fall into a fitful sleep. I was assaulted by nightmares until I awoke with a start.

Chapter 23

Viktor

I didn’t want to push Delilah away, but I hadn’t eaten in hours and didn’t think I could control myself with her. The more aroused I became, the worse the hunger was. I knew if I didn’t stop what was happening, I would be putting her at risk. I needed her away from me. I had to keep her safe.

After she shut herself in her room, I could hear her crying. It took every ounce of self-control not to break down the door and scoop her up in my arms. I wanted nothing more than to go back in time and not push her away.

I shot a text to Jones and instructed him to bring some blood bags, food, and other necessities to the cabin. He was the only one I trusted with the location.

Even though it was four in the morning, it would only take him a couple of hours to get everything together. I was certain I could avoid Delilah until then.

I double-checked the locks and alarm system. Jones had access to both, so I didn’t have to watch for him. After I was satisfied that Delilah would be safe, I retired to my room. When I turned on the light, I was assaulted by the scent of Kat’s perfume.

How her belongings kept her scent all this time is beyond me. She never stepped foot in the cabin, but this room, in particular, smells as if she’s right here with me. Right after her death, I couldn’t function. Everything was too much. Even now, there were days when I didn’t think I could go on. Then I met Delilah and for the first time, I felt like there was hope for the future.

I knew the cases of vampires having children with humans were rare, but it was possible. Could I allow myself to think she would want that? Would I refuse her if she did? I shook the thoughts away. I needed to rest so I could figure out what to do about Strain.

I had already emailed my insurance agent and sent him the video of the break-in, claiming not to know who it was that had destroyed my property. We had an understanding. He knew about vampires but kept it quiet, and in exchange, my corporation only purchased insurance from him. There were moments when it seemed strange to me that we weren’t fully exposed.

Distracted by my memories, I decided to take a shower. I knew that Delilah would be safe since the alarm system was on, and Jones was the only person besides myself who had the codes. I didn’t bother to lock my bedroom door, because I didn’t think it was necessary.

The hot water felt good against my cool skin. I heard the door open but wasn’t concerned, as I assumed it was Jones arriving early with the supplies I’d requested. I finished my shower, wrapped a towel around my waist, and walked into the bedroom.

And ran right into a very bewildered Delilah. “Oh, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have come in, but you didn’t answer when I knocked. I thought maybe you were sleeping. I’m so sorry. I’ll go,” she rambled.

I grabbed her arm gently to keep her from running off. “It’s okay. No need to apologize. What’s wrong? Did something happen?” I looked her up and down, forgetting about the fact that I was standing there barely covered.

She shook her head. “I had a bad dream and got scared by myself. I wanted to see if I could stay with you. I know we had a misunderstanding earlier, but I promise I’ll behave myself. I understand that you’re not interested that way.” The fear across her face floored me. I’d never seen her shaken up this badly. This was worse than when Strain had tried to kidnap her.

I didn’t know how to respond to her accusation that I wasn’t interested. If anything, I was too interested. “Of course you can stay in my room tonight. Jones will be here in a little while with some food and clothes. Why don’t you lie down and rest until he arrives?” I gestured toward the bed.

“Thank you. Everything you’ve done for me tonight has been amazing. I don’t even know why you’re trying to take care of me.” She looked at the floor. I knew that she was embarrassed about crying in front of me, but I wasn’t going to let her feel bad for needing help.

I lifted her chin so her eyes met mine. Her eyes were an entrancing shade of hazel; brown with hints of green and amber. Tears glistening in them nearly broke me. I knew that kissing her was a bad idea, but I couldn’t stop myself. I pulled her closer and pressed my lips to hers.