She shifted on the bench seat, trying to ease the throbbing between her thighs. Her panties were already damp. What was it about Lucian that made her want and need him so? Was it because he was indeed a vampire? And still she couldn’t quite wrap her head around the idea. It didn’t seem possible or real while they were sitting here in this lovely restaurant surrounded by people. Had he done something to her? She frowned, not liking where her thoughts were heading.

  “Is everything all right?” His concern settled her nerves. If all he wanted was to get her into bed and he was exerting some kind of control over her, he certainly didn’t need to take her to an expensive restaurant. All he’d have to do is take her home with him.

  Was everything all right? She didn’t know and for tonight, she didn’t want to question things between them. Her problems were still very real and had to be dealt with, but for once in her life she wanted to throw her responsibilities aside for a single evening. She wanted to enjoy a wonderful meal in an exclusive restaurant with a very interesting and handsome man. She wanted to laugh and talk and flirt, to feel alive and womanly. She’d kept her sensual side under wraps for so long, it was clawing to be set free.

  “Everything is fine,” she assured him.

  A need to please Lucian grew deep inside her. Last night, he’d brought her to sensual heights that she’d never even dreamed existed. Tonight, she wanted to return the favor. A wicked idea formed in her mind. She licked her lips, wondering if she was daring enough to do it. Taking one last look around, she confirmed their absolute seclusion from the rest of the restaurant. Only the muted sounds of people talking and eating intruded on their privacy.

  When the waiter gathered their menus and left them, Delight made her move. Knowing it would be fifteen to twenty minutes until their meal appeared, she was determined to take advantage of their time alone.

  She casually dropped her linen napkin on the floor, feigned surprise, and then reached down beneath the table. “Oops. I’ll just get that.”

  “Leave it. The waiter will bring you another.”

  “No, I’ve just about got it.” Not giving herself time to think about what she was about to do—if she did she’d talk herself out of it—Delight slipped from her seat until she was on her hands and knees under the table. Ignoring the napkin, she scooted over until she was kneeling in front of Lucian.

  “Delight.” Lucian sounded slightly perplexed. He began to lift the edge of the tablecloth.

  Acting quickly so she didn’t lose her nerve, Delight placed her hands on the front of Lucian’s legs and slid them over his knees and kept going until they rested on top of his thighs. The muscles shifted and clenched beneath her palms.

  She pushed his legs apart and scooted between his spread thighs. Her face was directly in front of the crotch of his pants. The material bulged forward as his erection grew and thickened. Delight licked her lips in anticipation and reached for the fastener on his pants.

  The button was hard to undo because the material was pulled so snug, but she persevered and was rewarded when it finally slipped through the hole. Lucian muffled a groan as she eased the zipper over his swollen shaft. Pushing back the material, she was slightly startled when warm flesh leapt out to meet her hand. He wasn’t wearing any underwear.

  His musky scent filled her senses, making her squirm with need. She wanted his cock thrusting hard inside her. But that would come later. This was all for him.

  The table moved slightly, making her jump. Her startled gaze flew to Lucian, who was now staring down at her. He’d only moved the table a few inches, but by doing that and tugging up the ends of the tablecloth, he could see her kneeling between his legs waiting to service him.

  The vibrant green of his eyes seemed lit by some inner light. His gaze scorched her as he stared at her. “Pull down your top so I can see your breasts.”

  Delight shivered at his heated command. She felt wicked as she slipped the thin straps over her shoulders, peeled the clingy dress down her torso and let the material pool at her waist. She skimmed her hands over her stomach and palmed her breasts, rubbing the sensitive tips until she moaned.

  Lucian’s strong fingers tangled in her short hair and guided her mouth toward his straining cock, not so subtly reminding her of her original intention. She laughed wickedly and swirled her tongue around the bulbous tip, taking pleasure in licking the liquid seeping from its slit. Using her fingers, she cupped his sac gently and massaged his balls as she continued to flick her tongue around the head.

  She gripped the bottom of his shaft with her other hand and squeezed. Then she began to glide it up to the very top before sliding it back down to the base. Up and down, she pumped her hand in a slow rhythm. His cock pulsed against her fingers and she felt an answering call between her legs.

  She shifted slightly, straddled one of his legs and rubbed her aching sex against it. She was so aroused it wouldn’t take much to push her over the edge. She’d never thought of herself as much of an exhibitionist, but knowing they were in a public place and could be caught at any moment added an edge to the already potent sexual situation.

  Lucian thrust his leg harder against the fabric of her dress and Delight couldn’t hold back a moan. His cock jumped in her mouth as the vibration went through him.

  She thought she heard him swear softly and then her head was caught in the vise of his hands. “Deeper.”

  Not waiting for her to comply, he arched his hips and drove his length into her warm mouth. Delight parted her lips, eager to take him as deep as she could. Using her tongue, she stroked the length of his cock when he pulled it to the edge of her lips before forging his way back in again.

  Delight sensed his tension growing as she continued to suck and lick his thrusting shaft. His sac tightened, pulling up closer to his body. His response fed her own desire and she arched her lower body against his leg. But she couldn’t get close enough. Her clothing was in the way.

  She yanked up the skirt of her dress until only her damp panties covered her. Her inner muscles clenched, needy and desperate as she frantically pushed against him.

  Lucian’s fingers grew almost painful as he clutched at her hair. Pumping his hips hard, he drove his cock deep into her throat one final time. His release was fast and furious. She pressed her sex more firmly against his leg and rubbed. She came immediately, her entire body trembling and shaking with her release.

  When Lucian’s orgasm finally ran its course, he sank back against the plush seat. Delight continued to suck on his length, unwilling to let him go just yet. She was just about to move when the tablecloth was jerked back in place.

  Delight blinked at the darkness and then froze when she heard the waiter’s slightly perplexed voice. “Mademoiselle has left?”

  “The lady is powdering her nose. Leave our dinner and do not disturb us.” Lucian’s deep commanding voice made her shiver, and to her surprise, she felt desire welling up inside her again. She lazily sucked on his semi-erect cock and was annoyed when he reached beneath the table and tugged her head back until he popped out of her mouth. Sighing softly, she rested her head on his thigh and waited.

  The waiter’s quick “Yes, sir” was followed by the clink of dinnerware being placed upon the table.

  Delight didn’t move, even when she heard the retreating footsteps of the waiter. She was content to stay where she was so she wouldn’t have to face Lucian. Now that the pleasure was fading from her orgasm and the sounds of the restaurant were seeping back into her consciousness, her common sense began to reassert itself. She couldn’t believe she’d just given Lucian a blow job in a public place.

  “You can’t stay down there all night long.” Lucian’s amused voice drifted down to her.

  “Yes, I can.” Her boldness from moments ago had deserted her.

  The tablecloth was flicked back and she blinked as his face came into focus. “Where has the temptress gone?”

  Delight buried her face against the fabric of Lucian’s pants, ignoring him as he zipped and buttoned them. Before she could figure out what to say or do, he reached down and eased her from under the table.

  He slid his hands from her shoulders, bringing them to rest over her bare breasts. Using his thumbs, he teased the still hard nubs before leaning down and sucking one right into his mouth. Delight shifted on the plush bench seat, pushing her breast closer to Lucian’s mouth. She suddenly no longer cared that they were in a public place, she wanted his mouth everywhere.

  As if he’d read her mind, he raised his head and smiled a wicked smile. “Soon, my love.” He lapped at her nipple one last time before sitting back. “But first you must pay for your teasing.”

  “What do you mean?” Her sex clenched, making her squirm. She tugged at the hem of her dress and tried to compose herself.

  “First, we will enjoy our dinner.” Delight was confused by his change of subject and started to tug her dress back up to cover herself. Lucian’s hand shot out and grabbed her wrist, stopping her. “Leave it. I want to look at you while we eat.”

  “I can’t sit here half naked,” she whispered. She cast a worried gaze to the small secluded opening that led to their private corner.

  “But you will. There is no need to be concerned. No one will bother us.” It was a command. But Delight knew it was a test as well. A test of trust.

  If she could trust him with her life, and she did, she could give him this. Her sense of humor reasserted itself and the corners of her mouth turn up slightly. The worst thing that could happen was that the waiter would see her and they would be asked to leave.

  She picked up her fork and used the edge to cut into the salmon. Taking a small piece, she tasted the fish. She chewed carefully and savored the flavor before swallowing. It was perfection, seasoned just enough to enhance and not overpower. She pointed her fork at Lucian and made her final plea. “Remember, if we get thrown out of here it’s on you. And I won’t be very happy if it happens.”

  Lucian chuckled, picked up his cutlery, and sliced off a thin piece of the bloody rare steak. His teeth gleamed in the candlelight as he forked it into his mouth. She trembled slightly as she watched him chew and swallow. His every movement was one of sensual pleasure. He never took his eyes off her breasts as he ate.

  “I will remember.”

  Delight felt goose bumps cover her torso and she knew he was referring not to what she had said, but rather to what she had just done.

  Chapter Twelve

  Delight hadn’t realized there was such a thing as sensual torture until this evening. Because that’s exactly what supper had been. She’d felt edgy, as though her skin was stretched too tight on her body, she’d been so aroused.

  Lucian had finally allowed her to cover herself when he’d finished eating his steak. Or rather, he’d done it for her. Enjoying every moment of her discomfort, Lucian had once again fondled and kissed her breasts until she was ready to throw him on the table and have her way with him. Then, the devil had calmly tugged the straps of her dress over her arms and fixed them into place seconds before the waiter had returned to find out if they’d wanted dessert and coffee. Both of them had declined.

  Lucian was close behind her as they walked up the steps of his home. Neither of them had spoken on the short ride back, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Now that the time had come to talk, Delight wasn’t sure she was ready. It was easier just to live in the moment and enjoy the sexual pleasures they shared than to discuss last night.

  When the door closed behind her with a solid thud, Delight tossed her small purse on the table that sat just inside the foyer. A single wall sconce flickered to life, adding a warm glow to a portion of the space. She faced Lucian and all thoughts of talk fled. His green eyes blazed with lust and the hard planes of his face were even more chiseled in appearance. He had the look of a man who had reached the end of his limits.

  Every muscle in his huge body seemed to be pulled taut, making him appear even larger than usual. The front zipper of his pants bulged. Lucian was very aroused and making no secret of the fact. His blatant desire fanned the embers of her own and goose bumps ran down her arms.

  It was so unlike her to react like this to any man, but Lucian was different from anyone she’d ever known. She licked her dry lips. Her panties were already damp with arousal. The ache between her thighs began to throb once again.

  Lucian stalked toward her, his intent clearly stamped on his face. He wanted her. Now. Delight took a step back, partly aroused and partly afraid of his overwhelming passion. He didn’t stop but kept advancing. Delight backed up until she hit the wall. There was nowhere left to go.

  He loomed over her, his gaze running down her body from head to toes and back up again. His eyes lingered on her breasts and again at the juncture between her legs, pure possession blazing from their depths.

  All the air left her body in a rush. It was as though he was physically touching her with his hands instead of just with his eyes. Her skin sizzled wherever his gaze landed until she felt as though her entire body was ablaze.

  “Breathe.” He spoke softly, his breath feathering across her cheek. She followed his advice. Air filled her lungs as she took a deep breath and then another.

  Crowding closer to her, he inserted himself between her legs, forcing her to spread her feet wider to accommodate him. His hard erection poked against her stomach, making it flutter with nervousness.

  She glanced up at him and froze as he smiled at her. In the dim light of the foyer, she could see two long fangs gleaming. They hadn’t been there earlier. No way would she have missed them. She fisted her hands in the front of his shirt, unsure whether to push him away or pull him closer. Her entire world had turned itself upside down these past two days until she no longer knew what was real and what wasn’t.

  With her lower body pinned to the wall by his, she was at the mercy of his superior strength. She knew what he was. Even if she’d been able to explain away what happened last night, saying it was nothing more than a dream or a hallucination, the proof was staring her in the face.

  Lucian Dalakis was a vampire, a creature of myth and legend. One that haunted people’s nightmares. He was dangerous and wild and deadly. He lived by drinking blood, or so all the legends said. He’d certainly taken blood from her. He’d also eaten a steak. So what was the truth? How did he live? What did he need to survive?

  He lifted one of his hands and caressed her cheek, his touch incredibly gentle. She nuzzled her face closer, wanting more of his touch. He groaned and his fingers slid down to cup her chin, tilting it up so she was caught in his burning gaze.

  “You know what I am?”

  They both knew she did, but he wanted her to admit it out loud. It was more difficult than she imagined to push one tiny word past her lips. “Yes.”

  If anything, her response seemed to drive the tension in him even higher. His grip on her face tightened as if he wanted to make sure she could not escape him.

  “I am a vampire.” He spoke each word carefully, making sure there was no way she could misunderstand him. His accent was more pronounced than usual. It made her wonder where he was originally from.

  She tried to nod, but his grip made it impossible for her to do more than tilt her head slightly. He thrust his lower body harder against her. She arched her hips in response, wanting him closer. Longing to have him buried inside her.

  “I am immortal. I need blood to sustain me, but I can enjoy food in small amounts. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, a stake through the heart, and beheading will kill me. Nothing else.” He gave a short bark of laughter. “Except perhaps you.”

  “I would never hurt you.” The promise poured from her lips before she had time to think. Just the mere thought of harming him was abhorrent to her.

  A grim smile crossed his lips, making his face look cruel in the meager light. “Dalakis men love only once in their lifetime. It is their gift and their curse.” His hand curved down her chin until it was wrapped loosely around her throat. “Many have given up in despair and faced the killing sunlight rather than live any longer without finding their true love. Others have done the same after being rejected. And a few have joined their love in death after a human lifetime is lived and their mate dies.”

  He leaned down and rested his forehead against hers. “It is your choice to make.”

  Delight sagged against the wall for support when he stepped back from her, releasing her totally. Her knees were wobbly and she felt empty inside at the thought of never seeing him again.

  “But know this,” he continued, drawing himself up to his full height. “If you stay now, I will never let you go.”

  The force of his words rocked her to her core. In a flash, the urban, sophisticated man disappeared, to be replaced by the barbarian warrior of old. Cold ruthlessness and power emanated from him. This was not a man to be crossed or thwarted by anyone.

  It would be easy to give in to him, lured by the sensual promise he offered. But Delight wanted more. Needed more than just a sexual relationship. She licked her dry lips and locked her knees to steady herself as she pushed away from the wall. He had to say the words. She needed to be sure before committing herself to what was sure to be an impossibly difficult relationship. She was human and he was not. He lived in darkness and she was a creature of sunshine and warmth. Theirs would never be an easy union.

  “Does that mean that you love me?” She’d meant her words to be forceful, but they’d come out more as a plea for reassurance.

  Lucian stared at her as if she’d lost her mind. And maybe she had. Why else would she ask a man, a vampire, she’d met only the night before such a thing?

  He gave an exasperated huff, took a step toward her, and then stopped. He raised his hands and then dropped them back to his sides, clenching them into fists that shook slightly. That he seemed as uncertain as her helped settle some of her fears. They were both swimming in uncharted waters.

  The expression on his face softened slightly and he shook his head. Delight felt as if she’d disappointed him. That she’d somehow missed something important in what he had said. “I’ve got to be sure.” She willed him to answer her, to understand why she needed such reassurance.