“I can’t bear the thought of anything happening to you,” I moaned as the ties fell free from my neck, but I did nothing to stop him.

  “I know, baby,” he pushed a piece of hair away from my face. “Life is full of what ifs and I want to be happy during whatever time I have left. Whether I die tomorrow or in forty years. The only way I can do that is by spending as much time with you as possible.” His lips were on mine in an instant, allowing me to let go of all the residual uncertainty. His warm mouth moved to my neck while his finger tugged on my dress, pulling it down, revealing my breasts. The moment the air touched them, my nipples began to harden. Grayson brushed over the hardened peaks with the pad of his thumb then replaced it with his mouth. My head fell back against the wall while I moaned from the sensation. I felt his hand grasp my thigh, pulling it around his hip. Placing my hands on his shoulders to steady myself, I lifted myself wrapping both legs around his middle. I wanted him inside me so bad. I didn’t care that anyone could walk in any moment.

  Sensing my desire and lack of resistance Grayson pulled back. “Do you love me?”

  A soft smile spread across my face. “More than what I can contain in this body.”

  He smiled too. “Good. Then stop this whole protecting me thing and come home with me. I’ve missed you and I want to show you how much, properly, in a bed. As much fun as it would be in here,” he looked around at our surroundings, “I wouldn’t be satisfied with it being quick. I want you over,” he kissed my cheek, “and over again,” he kissed my other cheek. “All night.” His lips pressed against mine.

  “I would love nothing more,” I whispered against his mouth. He beamed at me before pulling me back to his lips.

  Once my dress was back in place, the ties secure, and my feet safely on the ground, Grayson and I headed out of the restroom. I stopped when I saw the large man standing just outside the restroom. Had he been out here the whole time? Was he waiting for us? Grayson smiled seeing my shock. He handed the man some money, I couldn’t see how much then grabbed me pulling me toward the exit. That was why no one came in after Grayson. He paid the bouncer to watch the door. I guess there was a benefit to owning the club.

  John stood outside on the curb, with the door to the black sedan open. He smiled at me, seeming genuinely happy to see me. Once in the car I sent a quick text to Shawn. I hated abandoning him like that, but I knew he’d understand.

  Me: G & I made up. Headed to his place to “makeup”

  My phone jingled instantly getting a reply.

  Shawn: Ewww... TMI. Glad you two made up.

  I laughed, throwing my phone back in my clutch. I cuddled next to Grayson, trying my best not to make out with him in the back of a car like a horny teenager.

  Grayson had weakened my fragile resolve. I still felt selfish for risking his life for my happiness but, as he explained, he was the one willing to risk his life for his own happiness. I couldn’t help it, part of me felt a little thrilled. I was surrendering to our desire to be together. It had been hard enough fighting it before he knew my reasons why. Now, I stood no chance against his resolve. I just hoped I didn’t live to regret the decision.

  The moment Grayson and I hit the elevator, his mouth was on mine. Shoving me against the wall, his hands slid up my body. Grabbing my thigh he wrapped it around his hip. I could feel his arousal rubbing against my sensitive flesh. The elevator doors slid open too quickly. Grayson broke away for a moment to check and make sure we were on the right floor then his lips were back on mine again. He walked me backwards while his tongue invaded my mouth, until I was flush against a door. I slid my hands up his chest, not paying attention to where we were. I trusted Grayson to get us where we needed to be. His lips broke away as he fumbled with his keys. I quickly began unbuttoning his dress shirt, pressing kisses to each inch of exposed skin, until I undid the last button. I ran my tongue up his abdomen.

  “Shit!” he gasped, dropping his keys. He crouched down in front of me to retrieve them. Grayson nibbled lightly on my outer thigh while his finger ran up my inner thigh. I gasped, my head falling against the door with a thud. His fingers pulled my panties to the side rubbing vigorously against my damp folds. I placed my hands against the doorframe needing something to anchor myself to.

  He grabbed his keys and abruptly stood. I kissed his chest, while running my fingers over every chiseled muscle. As soon as I felt the door give way, Grayson’s lips were back on me. We fumbled into the apartment, while he kicked the door closed behind us. I pushed his jacket and shirt off his body in one easy motion. Grayson had me pressed against the wall. Quickly undoing the ties of my dress, Grayson grabbed the hem jerking it forcefully over my head. He trailed kisses down my body until he was kneeling before me. His hands slid up my outer thighs. Grabbing my panties, he pulled them to the ground. He helped me remove my boots in the process. I stood in front of him completely exposed. Grayson shifted my leg over his shoulder. My breathing increased as I prepared for what I knew would come next. He looked up at me over the length of my body. Slowly, he lowered his head to my sex and I gasped at the contact.

  He sucked the nub of nerves between his lips, flicking his tongue against it. He lightly scraped it with his teeth, shooting erotic goose bumps up my spine as I cried out with pleasure. It had been so long since we’d been together. My body was building to its release, quickly. Grayson shifted his tongue over my entrance; easing it into me, he pushed me over the edge. I came hard, screaming in utter bliss. Grayson stayed there until my body calmed.

  He stood. His lips claimed mine as he grasped me behind my thighs, lifting me, to carry me to his room where he laid me gently on his bed. Breaking from my lips, he stood beside the bed. Grayson unfastened his belt, undid his pants and slid his clothing down his legs. He stood there briefly, naked, allowing my eyes to take in every hardened inch of him, enjoying the view that I thought I would never be allowed to see again. He climbed into bed next to me, his mouth leaving warm kisses leading to my breasts. Running his thumb over one of the peaks lightly, he caused me to moan from the sensation. His tongue soon replaced his thumb, circling around the pink peak before taking it fully into his hot mouth, and then he dropped his head to my other nipple. I felt Grayson’s hand trail between my thighs, skimming toward my entrance. I pressed myself against his palm wanting him. Taking my hint, he eased two fingers into me. I could feel my muscles clench, preparing for another orgasm.

  “Please,” I cried out. Grayson’s free hand pinched the nipple that his mouth wasn’t claiming. I went crashing over the edge. Laying there panting and feeling utterly boneless, I tried to control my breathing. Grayson shifted, cradling himself between my thighs. I could feel him just at my opening.

  “Grayson?” I asked as he sucked the skin on my neck.

  “Hmm?”

  “I don’t know if I can take anymore.”

  He lifted his head with a smile. “I think you have one more in you,” he whispered. Then he pushed himself into me. I relished in the connection. The pleasure was wonderful but it wasn’t what I missed the most. It was the connection to him. In that moment, we were no longer two separate people. We were one, merged together occupying the same space that only one body had occupied moments ago.

  He was sweet and gentle with me pressing into me slowly. His lips were soft, no longer hungry for pleasure. Instead, he seemed to be finding pleasure in cherishing our bodies being connected just as I was. I wrapped my legs around him and adjust my hips to meet each of his thrusts. My fangs began to ache as they grew to a sharpened point the closer to the edge I got. My muscles shook as Grayson pushed me with each thrust to another orgasm. Locking eyes with me, he thrust hard, sending me skyrocketing to brink of the finish line. I screamed out incoherently with pleasure. Feeling I was on the cusp I leaned up and sank my fangs into his neck. In sync, we both erupted in orgasm. It continued on and on until I retracted my fangs. My body fell to the bed in a heap of tingling pleasure unable to move.

  “God, I missed you,” Grayson sighed.

  “Did you? I couldn’t tell,” I teased.

  He chuckled. “You wanna get a snack. You’re going to need your strength,” he said suggestively.

  “I would love to, but I don’t think I can move just yet.” Grayson smiled, nuzzling against my neck. He laid down beside me, pulling me to his chest.

  “You really did miss me?” I asked.

  Grayson lifted his head to look at me. “Of course.”

  I took a deep breath. I had to know the answer to the question that was nagging me on the edge of my thoughts. “I know it’s not any of my business, I mean, I broke up with you, but while we were apart, did you...”

  Grayson cut me off, knowing exactly where I was going. “No!” he said firmly. “I know where you’re going and the answer is no. The thought didn’t even cross my mind. It never really felt like we were broken up. Not to me.”

  We laid there quietly for a while. Finally being able to move, I lifted my head resting my chin on the back of my hand. I wanted to tell him about Anton. Being with Grayson didn’t change the arrangement I had to go through with Anton.

  “Grayson, I should tell you something.”

  He took a deep breath. “Are you going to try to leave me again?”

  “No,” I giggled.

  “Is it a life or death thing?”

  “No,” I replied.

  “Then Gaby, can we just enjoy this moment right now. Everything else can wait.” I nodded. I drifted off to sleep wrapped in Grayson’s arms.

  When I opened my eyes, there was light in the room. I reached out for Grayson, but found his side of the bed cold and empty. I sat up looking around the room, when I smelled something delicious filling the air. I hopped out of bed and headed to Grayson’s closet. I slipped on one of his many dress shirts before making my way to find him.

  “Hey, sleepy head,” he said when I entered the kitchen. I blurred to him. Not even flinching, Grayson placed a chaste kiss on my forehead while wrapping his arms around me. I tilted my head up and gave him a quick kiss on his lips.

  “You’re getting too used to the weirdness,” I said, as I made my way to the barstool.

  He chuckled at me. “Breakfast will be ready in a few.”

  I took a deep breath letting the scent of vanilla fill my lungs. “It smells amazing.”

  “Shawn dropped off your bags this morning,” he said making his way back to the stove.

  “This morning? What time is it?”

  “About ten thirty,” he paused from his task facing me. “You seemed exhausted, Gaby,” he looked at me with concern. “Each time I’ve seen you, you look...” He exhaled, shaking his head he turned back to preparing breakfast. “You haven’t been eating have you?”

  “You know food has no nutritional value for me,” I joked.

  Grayson’s expression showed he didn’t think it was funny. “Fine, feed then.”

  I sighed. “No, Grayson, I haven’t. Not until last night.” I smiled suggestively. Grayson smiled in response.

  “Speaking of feeding,” he placed a plate of food in front of me, “Shawn dropped off a small cooler with your clothes. I put it in the fridge for when you needed it.”

  “I’m feeling pretty satisfied right now.”

  Grayson chuckled taking his seat next to me. I looked down at my plate and smiled. He had made French toast. It reminded me of the first night I had spent with him when I couldn’t pull off French toast to save my life. I took a bite and it was delicious. We sat in silence enjoying the food and one another’s company.

  After we were both finished, I stood and grabbed both plates, took them to sink, and started washing the dishes. It seemed only fair after Grayson did the cooking.

  “You know,” Grayson walked up behind me slipping his hand around my waist, pulling me against his chest. He nuzzled into the side of my neck, whispering, “I was surprised to find you still in my bed when I woke. It hasn’t happened since the first time we were together.”

  I dried off my hand before turning in his arms. “Would you like for it to happen again?” I ran my hands up his muscular chest.

  “Very much,” Grayson’s hand slid down my back then slipped it under the shirt I was wearing, groping my ass.

  “Okay,” I moaned.

  His hand froze. “Don’t tease me, Gaby. I want nothing more than to wake up next to you every morning, if possible.”

  I slid my hand up grasping the back of Grayson’s neck, pulling him down to me stopping just before my lips. “If you want me to stay the night with you, I will.”

  His face knitted with confusion. “I thought... Your mother...”

  I nodded. “I know. Something happened while we were apart.” I smiled. This was it. I was going to tell him about my arrangement with Anton, if that’s what you called being forced into dating someone. “I’m now considered an adult in the eyes of the nest. I don’t have to answer to my mother anymore.”

  “So, you can stay with me?” he asked.

  “Not every night, but...”

  Grayson kissed me, silencing me. His hands on my hips lifted me on the counter then busied himself undoing the buttons of my shirt. In an instant, I was naked and his mouth was on my body. My neck, my shoulder, my breast, he worshiped every available inch. With a groan, he stepped back shoving his lounge pants down, releasing himself then his mouth was back on me. Without much effort, he slid inside me. I was lost in the emotions and sensations. Everything else forgotten, including the conversation we needed to have about Anton.

  Chapter 11

  After a day of falling back into bed with Grayson, repeatedly, dinner was a welcome arrival. Grayson was finally going to show me how to cook and we were making spaghetti.

  “Okay, so the first thing you want to do is to put water on to boil. Then you are going to start browning the hamburger meat.” Grayson gave the directions and I followed.

  “But for your first time, we’re going to cheat,” he said holding up a jar of pasta sauce. “My mother’s side is Italian so I don’t do marinara sauce like this very often. It’s basically a sin.” He explained it was easier to season a pre-made sauce than to try to make it from scratch.

  Once the meat was browned, Grayson went to open the jar. I tried my best to stifle a smile when I saw he was struggling. I grabbed the jar from him and with very little effort, thanks to my vampire side, I twisted the top off.

  Grayson gaped at me for a moment.

  “I’m sorry. Did I just emasculate you?” I spoke with a teasing tone, protruding my bottom lip giving him my best pouty face, not thinking that I very well could have done just that.

  He grinned at me wickedly before smacking me hard on my ass. I yipped jumping forward. Vampire or not, it still stung, but vanished quickly. Forty-five minutes later, we were sitting down to the first meal I had ever cooked, and it wasn’t too bad either. I guess Grayson was a great teacher. With full stomachs and sexually sated, we curled up on the couch together. Grayson held me tight against his chest, his arms wrapped around me under the blanket that was covering us. Each breath allowed his intoxicating scent to fill my lungs. The TV was on, but after the physically and emotionally exhausting day I had, and the extreme comfort I was experiencing, I soon was drifting off to sleep.

  I woke just as Grayson was laying me down in his bed. I wrapped my arms around his neck before he could stand.

  He chuckled, “I’m sorry, baby, did I wake you?”

  “Mm, hmm.” I lifted myself up to his lips. Our kisses started out light when suddenly something snapped in Grayson. He groaned against my mouth, covering my body with his, settling himself between my thighs.

  “God, Gabriella! I don’t think I will ever get enough of you,” he whispered removing the clothes that were separating our skin from touching. I felt my body fill with desire as his words sank in. And I was lost in him again.

  The next morning, I sat on the bed wearing only a sheet, holding my cell phone.

  “What are you doing?” Grayson asked. He was lying on his back, his arms behind his head with only the sheet covering from the waist down. He looked deliciously sexy.

  “I want to take your picture.” I pointed the camera on my phone at him.

  “Now!” He exclaimed blocking my phone with a swipe of his hand.

  I giggled, “Yes, now. I won’t take anything inappropriate. It’s just...” I trailed off.

  “What baby?” He sat up on his elbow.

  I shrugged, “It’s just when we broke up... I realized that I had nothing to remind me of you. Nothing. Just my memories.”

  “Gaby, I’m not going anywhere, remember?”

  “I know, Grayson. It’s just something I want. I know it’s silly.”

  Grayson studied me for a moment then letting out a deep sigh he said, “Alright.”

  “Really?” I gasped in disbelief.

  “Baby, you just want a picture. It’s not like you are going to post it on Facebook or anything. Come on.” He grabbed my phone. Using the front facing camera on my iPhone, he took his picture. I giggled, wrapping my arms around my knees. Quickly, he turned the camera on me snapping a picture.

  “No, Grayson. I look horrible.” I turned my face away.

  “Gaby, look at me.” I kept my head turned. “Come on baby, look at me. I won’t take your picture. I promise.” I turned slowly towards him, my face buried in my knees. “You never look more beautiful to me than you do when you are naked in my bed.” I smiled. He slowly raised the camera and took my picture again. Yanking it from his grasp, I started snapping away.

  We traded off, taking photos of each other. Then we started taking pictures together. I giggled, enjoying every minute.

  After lunch, it was time for me to leave. Sundays were the day the blood bank made their weekly delivery.

  “When can I see you again?” He asked, watching me dress.