Page 43 of Blood Match
My breath catches as his lips brush the shell of my ear. “Why did you come back?” he murmurs, voice rich as aged whiskey. The words send a wave of gooseflesh over my skin.
I open my mouth to reply, but no sound comes out. Why did I come back? I don’t have an answer. At least, not one I’m willing to admit, even to myself.
His other hand splays across my stomach, fingers flexing slightly against the thin fabric of my dress. The touch sears through me like a brand. I should pull away. I need to pull away. But my traitorous body leans back into him instead.
“You’re shaking,” he observes, a hint of amusement coloring his tone.
Damn him. I grit my teeth, irritation flaring. “I’m not afraid of you,” I snap, finally finding my voice. The words come out breathier than I intended.
A low chuckle rumbles through his chest. I can feel the vibrations against my back. “No?” he murmurs. “Then why is your heart racing, little witch?”
Because you’re a predator, and I’m your natural prey.
Because this is wrong on every conceivable level.
Because I’ve never felt anything like this before, and it terrifies me.
His lips ghost along the curve of my neck, and every rational thought leaves me in a rush. I bite back a gasp, fingers curling into my palms.
“Tell me to stop,” he says softly, the words a clear challenge.
I should. Every fiber of my being screams that I should tell him to stop, to leave, to never come near me again. It would be the smart thing. The right thing.
But the words don’t come. Won’t come.
His fangs graze my pulse point, sharp enough to raise goosebumps but not break the skin. A quiet whimper escapes me before I can stifle it. Shame and desire war within me, and I squeeze my eyes shut.
The hand at my throat roves downward and cups my breast, thumb brushing over the sensitive peak. A jolt that feels like lightning shoots through me, and I arch into his touch before I can stop myself. Shame and desire war within me as his other hand trails lower, skimming over my stomach to rest on my hip.
Push him away. Run!
But my body betrays me, melting against him as his fingers trace maddening patterns through the thin fabric covering my skin. The grove around us seems to pulse with an otherworldly energy that seems to shimmer around us. More magic…it’s everywhere.
Suddenly, we’re no longer in the forest. Ancient stone walls surround us, flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows. I blink in confusion, but Darick’s touch grounds me in the moment. His lips trail along my neck as his hand slides lower, teasing the hem of my dress.
“Tell me to stop,” he murmurs again, breath whispering against my skin.
The words hover on the tip of my tongue, but I can’t bring myself to say them. Instead, I find myself savoring the hard muscle pressed against me. And that’s not the only hard thing pressed against me. The ridge of his cock is firm against my back. Insistent.
Oh, God. What am I doing?
His mouth trails up the curve of my neck, and fire races through my veins, bringing with it a burning need. But there’s an underlying chill, a fear that refuses to be silenced. He’s a hunter, dangerous and deadly. I shouldn’t want this. I shouldn’t want him. But then again, maybe it’s fear that’s making me respond this way. Fear and lust walking hand in hand, leading me to… What?
The room shifts again, and we’re back in the grove. A glow filters through the leaves, bathing us in an ethereal light. Darick’s hands roam my body, leaving trails of ice and fire in their wake. He slides his hand beneath the hem of my dress, palm smooth against my bare skin. I gasp as his fingers dip between my thighs, teasing and exploring.
“You’re so responsive,” he growls, nipping at my earlobe. “So eager.”
I want to deny it, but my body betrays me once again. I gasp as his fingers slide over the lace of my panties, teasing, taunting, so close…
Darick’s fangs scrape against my neck, his other hand cupping my breast as he pinches my nipple through my dress. Fear and anticipation war within me. Part of me wants him to bite, to take that final step. Another part recoils at the thought.
“What do you want?” he asks, voice rough with need.
I don’t know how to answer. I want everything and nothing. I want to give in to this consuming desire, consequences be damned. I want to run far away and never look back.
His hand slips between my legs again, and rational thought becomes impossible. My breath catches, turning to a desperate moan as his fingers find my clit. My back bows, body tensing as a wave of pleasure crashes over me. The sensation is overwhelming, a forbidden pleasure that leaves my head spinning.
I moan low, my head dropping back against his broad shoulder as the tension builds. I’m aware of nothing but the feel of his hands on my body and the building climax that leaves me trembling on the edge.