“You sure you want to be in close quarters with him right now,” he said under his breath so only I could hear.

  I took a deep breath, putting on my best reassuring face, I replied, “I’ll be fine. It’s not too long of a drive to his place,” I smiled, pulling off his sunglasses. “Here.”

  He shook his head looking into my eyes. “Give them back to me Monday.” His face was serious. I nodded then slid the glasses back in place before climbing into the car. Shawn shut the door just before the car pulled away. “Take us to the apartment, John,” I said barely audibly. I was too worried about taking in a breath and having the smell of Grayson’s blood fill my lungs.

  “Yes, ma’am,” John replied.

  I turned, feeling eyes on me. Grayson was watching, almost studying me. I smiled at him reassuringly. I could see by the look on his face that he knew the smile was forced.

  We made it back to Grayson’s apartment in silence. He opened the door ushering me inside. I took a deep breath when I entered, trying to clear my senses. Walking over to the kitchen, I took off Shawn’s sunglasses, setting them on the counter. Finally, away from unknowing eyes, I relaxed letting my aching fangs drop. My back stayed to Grayson.

  “Why did you step in?” I asked. “I could have handled it.” It wasn’t that I wasn’t appreciative, I was. No one had ever punched another person for me. It was kind of a turn on. The problem was, if he hadn’t stepped in, he wouldn’t have gotten hit. He wouldn’t be bleeding. And I wouldn’t be fantasizing about his blood on my tongue.

  “I couldn’t just sit there and watch some asshole put his hands on you,” he spat. I could hear the anger in his voice.

  “I understand that but I am more than capable of taking care of myself.” I heard his footsteps coming toward me. I turned as he came to stand in front of me. I didn’t want him to see. Normally when he saw my fangs out it was because he had turned me on. I didn’t like the idea of him seeing me when I was thinking of him as food.

  “Gabriella, I’m sorry. I know you’re strong enough to handle yourself. You showed that when you saved my ass from taking a pounding.” He moved around to stand in front of me and I dodged him again. “Gaby? Will you please look at me? I’m trying to talk to you.” I stayed with my back to him. He grabbed my shoulder and spun me. I saw the shock spread across his face. His mouth opened, his brow crinkled. Yup, definitely shocked.

  “Let go of me!” I yelled, blurring across the room.

  I stood against the wall, clinging to it like I was afraid of him. In a way, I was. I was afraid he was finally going to see me for the monster I was. Who could see the person they cared for as food? Only monsters.

  Realization flooded Grayson’s face. He reached his hand tentatively to his face, touching the gash that was still damp with blood. He looked down at his crimson tinted fingers then to me. I was breathing heavy, trying my best not to bury my fingers into his wall to keep myself from him.

  “You want to feed on me?” He questioned with more curiosity than accusation in his tone.

  I sank to the floor, covering my face with my hands. The tears had been building since I saw the shock spread across his face. I let them go. Grayson slowly walked toward me as I sat there sobbing on his floor. The time had come. He was going to ask me to leave, and to tell me that he never wanted to see me again. But instead, he sat next to me on the floor and put his arm around me, pulling me into his side. He held me like that until I stopped crying.

  He tilted my chin up forcing me to look at him. “Do you want to feed on me?” he asked softly. There was still no disdain in his voice. I looked into his gray eyes that were the color of storm clouds. A single tear escaped mine as I nodded my head then quickly looked down as shame washed over me. He let out a long breath. Releasing my chin, he laid his head back against the wall. We sat there quietly for a moment.

  “I’d be lying if I said I never thought about it.” I didn’t dare look at him. “And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious about it. So…okay,” he whispered in a hushed voice. My eyes shot to his face. He turned his gray gaze on me. “I love you, Gaby. If it means every once in a while letting you take a little blood from me will make you happy, of course I’d do that for you.” I wiped the tears that had started to shed again, from my face and crawled into his lap, straddling him. Placing my hands on either side of his face, I kissed him passionately. His tongue slipped into my mouth stroking my fangs. I shoved my hands into his hair pulling him deeper. He broke from my lips running his tongue down the column of my neck. My head fell back as I gasped, lust and desire coursing through me. His hands ran up my thighs and my sides coming to rest around my back, where he effortlessly undid my zipper. He pulled back, grasping the hem he pulled the material over my head, his mouth falling to my skin immediately. I busied my fingers trying to unbutton his shirt, but the pure bliss he was causing me was making it difficult to focus. So I ripped it open instead, sending the buttons scattering across the room.

  I heard Grayson chuckle against my skin then whisper, “God, that was hot.” His fingers found the clasp of my bra. Undoing it, he threw it across the room then dropped his head teasing each peak. Lightly sucking each into his mouth, Grayson flicked his tongue across my nipple almost sending me over the edge. I shoved his shirt back off his shoulders. He lifted his head, running kisses up my neck. I leaned in to return the favor. My teeth grazed across his skin, teasing. I pulled his earlobe into my mouth sucking on it. I heard him sigh with pleasure.

  “Are you sure you want me to do this?” I asked before continuing my light kisses over his pulse. I could feel each beat of his heart against my lips and it was erotic.

  “Without a doubt,” he whispered. I felt his hands gripped my waist, preparing for the bite. I pulled back, looking into his eyes.

  “Not yet. I want you to be making love to me when I do,” I said. He grinned seductively at me, nodding once before pressing his lips against mine. With Grayson supporting my weight, I wrapped my legs around his waist as he leaned over, placing himself above me with me on my back. He broke our kiss to pull my panties down my legs.

  Kissing softly across my tender flesh, his hand busied themselves by running up my thighs, leaving a trail of goose bumps in their wake. I grabbed his hair; trying to pull him to my lips, but he pinned my hands to my side. He trailed kisses lower on my stomach. My back arched when he placed one between my thighs. His tongue flicked across my slick wet flesh, coaxing my desire to build. I groaned with pleasure, wanting more, but Grayson continued teasing me, never pushing me over the edge.

  “Please!” I cried. He pulled back. Kissing my thigh, he sat up slowly, removing his pants. After they were gone, he settled himself between my thighs, allowing them to cradle him. He kissed me softly as he eased himself into me. I had wanted him so bad, that just the feeling of him entering me pushed me over. Grayson paused for a moment, letting my nerves calm. Once my breathing eased, he pulled himself out then slowly back in. He maintained his excruciatingly slow speed, just allowing it tease me.

  “Please!” I cried again.

  He chuckled. “So impatient.”

  I moaned with pleasure. “I need you, Grayson. Please.”

  “You want it?” he asked, thrusting into me.

  I nodded hurriedly, not knowing if he meant the orgasm or his blood. It didn’t matter. I wanted it. All of it.

  Keeping us connected, he rolled us over pulling me on top. Instinctively, I rocked my body against his, building my desire. Grayson’s hands ran up and down my body before coming to rest on my breasts. His thumbs ran circles over my nipples, spreading my pleasure. I was on the edge of my euphoric release when I leaned down close to Grayson’s ear. Still keeping my body moving against his, I whispered, “thank you,” then sank my teeth into his pulse. He hissed as his back arched and his blood rushed into my mouth. He tasted divine, like the most delicious dessert. My orgasm ripped through me the moment his blood touched my tongue. He cried out, his body pumping its release into mine. The pleasure continued on and on until I retracted my fangs from his neck. I crashed against him, complete sated. Even with the smell of his blood in the air, my fangs retracted back and my eyes went back to blue. I was satisfied in every way. I sat up, licking the remaining blood on Grayson’s neck. Never had I tasted blood as delectable as his. With the wounds closed, I turned his head to see his face. He looked just as satisfied as I felt.

  “Are you alright?” I asked.

  He smiled then opened his eyes. “That was, the single most satisfying sexual experience I have ever had.”

  I giggled at his statement. “I didn’t hurt you too bad, did I?” He turned his head to the side, wincing slightly. “At the time, no, but I’m sure I’m going to feel it in the morning.”

  I dropped my eyes, guiltily. “Sorry.”

  Grayson’s hand quickly came up to cup my cheek. “Don’t be. Just give me some time to heal and I’ll be asking you to do it again.” I couldn’t help but smile in response. “You’ll need to take iron supplements so you don’t become anemic, even though I will try to never take too much at a time.” He nodded and I laid my head to rest on his shoulder leaving us connected.

  Chapter 6

  After our sexual escapades, Grayson and I took a shower. We crawled into bed holding each other as we drifted off to sleep. Around 3:30 in the morning, my cell phone alarm went off, signaling my departure. I shuffled out of bed, being careful not to wake Grayson. I dressed in the spare clothes I brought with me. They were a short flowing black skirt and a white button-up top. Hunting through his living room, I tracked down all my clothes from the club, shoving them into my bag and set it by the door. I strode back into Grayson’s room and stood there for a moment just admiring him while he slept. He looked peaceful. He was no longer the successful businessman the world knew. Here, he was simply Grayson. Leaning over, I placed a light kiss on his forehead.

  He began to stir. “You’re leaving?” he asked.

  “Yeah. I gotta get back before it get too close to sunrise. I’ll come back after they go to sleep, if that’s alright.” He gave me a look that said, of course, don’t be an idiot.

  “There’s a key in the mug by the door. I want you to have it.” His features were soft as he spoke.

  “Really?” I asked, excitement creeping into my voice.

  “Yeah. I don’t want you waking me up to crawl back into bed with me anymore,” he laughed. I hit him in his shoulder, causing him to laugh harder. Without warning, Grayson wrapped his arms around me, pulling me down into bed with him. He kissed me so deeply that I forgot my fake hostility. “I want you to have it so you can come and go as you please. I want you to feel comfortable here. And if you weren’t so worried about my human scent clinging to your clothes,” he said sarcastically, “I’d even give you a drawer here.” He reached up, cupping my face. “You are important to me, Gabriella.”

  I leaned in, pressing my lips lightly to his. “I love you too, Grayson,” I whispered against his lips. His face flushed with surprise then switched to hunger. I put my hand against his chest stopping him. “Save that look for when I get back.”

  “Fine,” he grumbled. I climbed out of bed and blurred to the door. I found the mug sitting on the table by the door. Dumping the key into my palm before shoving it into the front pocket of my bag, I headed out the door.

  When I got back to the nest, Anton was leaning against my bedroom door. “You just keep showing up later and later. You’re lucky your mother is out. I’m sure she would not be pleased.” Irritated that I had to climb out of my boyfriend’s warm bed to deal with this, I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.” I spouted, trying to lean around him to get to my doorknob.

  He moved blocking me. “Not so fast. What’s your hurry?”

  “It’s almost five in the morning. I’m tired. So please move the hell out of my way.” I tried to push past him, but he didn’t budge.

  “Have you thought about what we talked about?”

  I knew he was referring to the night I got drunk on sorority girls. “No,” I spat.

  “And why not?” he asked calmly.

  “Because there is no reason to. I don’t desire you, Anton. I just wish you’d leave me alone.”

  He inhaled a deep breath. “Well that is not going to happen.” He shook his head. “Honestly, Gabriella, it would just be easier for you to accept my offer, for I am not the type to give up.” He paused, “I run this nest of vampires. I am a master vampire which means I have power you can’t even begin to imagine. You think I got all that by taking no for an answer.” He shook his head, leaning into me. Then he froze. His eyes darkened with an anger I didn’t understand. It seemed to come out of nowhere He grabbed my upper arms pulling me against him, burying his nose in my neck.

  “What are you doing? Get off of me!” I shoved hard against him, sending him several feet down the hall. I gaped at him. Anton was a four hundred year old vampire; there was no way in the world that I should have been able to overpower him. He got to his feet, clutching his chest where I shoved him like it hurt then blurred back pinning me to the door with his body. My heart was pounding in my throat.

  “You smell like a human,” he hissed in my ear. My heart was going double time. I tried to look anywhere but at the pissed off vampire in front of me. “You fed tonight.” He stated more than asking. I nodded. “Say it!” he demanded through clenched teeth. He couldn’t tell if I was lying if I didn’t speak.

  “Yes.” I gave him a sideways glance, watching his eyes dance over my face. He stepped away from me and I sighed in relief.

  “I will have you, Gabriella. And I’m a very patient man.” He took a step towards me. I squeezed myself closer to the door, almost as if I was trying to sink into it. “I am also a very jealous man. So remember this, if anyone claims you before I do, they will suffer greatly, for you are my prize.” He turned blurring away down the hall.

  I quickly shoved open my door and ran into my room. I doubted he’d come back, but I didn’t want to risk it.

  I sank onto the bed thinking over what Anton said. My burst of strength against him was temporarily forgotten. He must be suspicious. He was sniffing me a lot lately. I worked with humans, so it wasn’t unusual for me to have their scent cling to me. He couldn’t differentiate between men and women, could he? I hadn’t been stopping by Shawn’s to let him sniff me out to make sure I didn’t smell like Grayson. Maybe I had been foolish to think that a simple shower would hide his scent. I couldn’t risk Anton finding out and hurting Grayson and he would if he ever figured out I slept with Grayson, or worse that I loved him. And I did love him. Grayson accepted me for who I was and loved me for all the things that most people would turn away from me for. I would do anything to keep him safe from Anton, and that included removing myself from his life. Even if it meant I would live the rest of my immortality alone, because I knew there would never be another person for me.

  The sun rose, and with it my anxiety. I felt like I was cruising on autopilot. My body knew what to do even though my mind wouldn’t process. I repacked my bag with a change of clothes then headed out the door. I don’t know how much time passed between the walk from my apartment to Grayson’s. It was not a short walk, though it did seem like I stepped out of my apartment and stepped into Grayson’s. Almost as if I had teleported there.

  I reached into the front pocket of my bag, pulling out the key Grayson had recently given me. The whole evening seemed like a lifetime ago. Opening the door, I placed the key back into the mug where I originally found it. I wouldn’t need it after all. The thought caused my stomach to flip and I had to fight back the tears that were threatening to fall.

  The sun was barely touching the living room. Setting my bag down, I climbed onto the couch, wrapping my arms around my legs. Tears began glistening down my cheeks. I brought the death threats from a four hundred year old, crazy ass vampire with me when I came into Grayson’s life. Hopefully, they would follow me when I walked out of it. If Grayson had no connection to me then there was nothing that would connect him to Anton.

  I knew it was the right thing to do, even if the idea of leaving him made me sick. I couldn’t be selfish and risk his life to keep him with me. I cried harder. I sobbed until sleep overtook me where I dreamed about Grayson and the happily ever after we would never have.

  Chapter 7

  Warm hands whispered against my face; soft, unrecognizable words in my ear slowly coaxed me from sleep, beckoning me back to the real world where all my problems awaited.

  “Gaby, baby, wake up.” My eyes fluttered open. They were dry from the tears I had shed. Grayson was squatted down in front of me. His face, covered in early morning stubble, was soft and full of kindness, which broke my heart more. He was dressed in jeans and a white T-shirt. “Why didn’t you climb back in bed with me when you got back? It was empty without you.” His fingers tucked some of my loose hair behind my ear. I wanted to relish in his touch, but I couldn’t. I grabbed his hand, slowly pushing it away.

  “I’m sorry. I had a lot on my mind.” His brows furrowed with concern as I released my grasp on his hand. He had some bruising around the gash on his cheek. The bite mark I left looked more like a hickey. I tried to ignore the memory of it as it came flooding back, and the desire along with it.

  “If there is something on your mind, you know you can talk to me about it.” He sat next to me on the couch, pulling my hand into his lap. I took a deep breath, trying to inhale courage, but breathed in his scent instead. I pushed away from him knowing that if I remained close to him, I’d never be able to do what needed to be done. Standing, I walked to the glass wall behind the couch. The sun had risen enough while I slept that it was now filling the living room with a midmorning glow.