He stalked toward her. “Yes.»
She looked up at him. His cheeks were flushed, his pupils dilated.
He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her body flush against his. She could feel his arousal pressing against her. Hot. Strong.
Heat began to pool between her legs. How was it possible? How could she go from fearing him to needing him all within mere moments?
He kissed her, his mouth feeding on hers. She didn't hesitate. She kissed him back, her tongue sliding against his, causing a low growl to sound from the depths of his throat.
He pulled back, moving his mouth down the slender column of her neck. She felt the rough silk of his tongue sliding against her skin. She closed her eyes, her breath coming hard and fast. She fought to hold on to her reason, which was quickly disappearing into a whirlpool of desire. “Are you sure,” she paused, wetting her lips, “that you're not controlling me?»
His head lifted and his gaze locked on hers. Anger flashed across his face. “What do you think?»
Her fingers clenched around the muscular width of his arms. “I think I need you more than I've ever needed anyone else. I think I want you so much that I can hardly breathe because the hunger is so sharp.” She could feel her body trembling. “I've never been like this before. This isn't me!” And it wasn't. She was always cool, always controlled. All of her emotions, her feelings, were held carefully in check. Now she felt wild, reckless. Her body was too hot. Her clothes too confining.
William's face softened. His fingers rubbed lightly over her sensitive lips. “Poor Savannah. You don't completely understand what's happening yet, do you?” His hands soothed her hair back with gentle care. “I feel it, too. The hunger. The need. I am as captive to it as you.»
Her eyes widened.
«I want you,” he whispered, his breath feathering over her. “I want you more than anything else on earth. You're a fire within me. I see you, and I hunger. I need.»
Her lips trembled. Her body yearned.
«I'm not controlling you,” he continued, his voice husky. “I wouldn't do that to you.»
She believed him. Her lips parted to speak.
William stepped back and her arms fell weakly to her sides. She felt cold, empty, without him.
With a wave of his hand, William sent the wooden door swinging open. “You can leave. You can go upstairs and sleep alone. You don't have to be with me tonight. The choice is yours.»
She thought about leaving. About returning to her quiet, empty room. And she thought about him.
She took a step forward, wrapping her arms around him. “I want you, William. You.” Her will was her own. As was her desire.
William scooped her up in his arms, carrying her easily toward the bed. The lights from the candles seemed to flare brighter.
He held her tightly, pressing her against the strength of his chest. She could feel his heart pounding beneath her fingers. She could feel the tremor of desire that slid over his body.
He placed her in the middle of the bed. Before she could even blink, he'd removed both their clothes. He stood, naked and strong, surveying her in the flickering candlelight. His gaze was intent, almost worshipful as it fell upon her.
«You are the most perfect thing I've ever seen.” He touched her breast gently. Her nipple hardened. She arched into his touch.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. When his lashes lifted, she could see a faint red circle around his pupils. “I won't be able to go slowly, not tonight.” The words were guttural.
She reached for him, her arms sliding down his chest. Down to the curling mass of hair at the juncture of his thighs. She touched him, marveling at the strength and heat of his desire. Her fingers closed around him, squeezing lightly. He growled. She leaned forward, her tongue sliding to taste the tip of his shaft.
«I don't care,” she whispered. “I just want you.” She took him into her mouth.
His fingers fisted in her hair. His eyes closed, and he shuddered against her.
She kissed him. She licked him. He felt so strong. So hot. So—
«Enough!” He pushed her back onto the bedcovers. His body slid on top of hers, and he pushed her thighs apart.
She lifted her hips, eager to feel him once more.
His mouth claimed hers, his kiss full of passion. Hunger. He thrust into her, and Savannah moaned as pleasure shot through her.
His hands locked around her hips, and he lifted her, moving her in time with his powerful thrusts. Her head thrashed against the pillows. She heard someone crying, moaning, but she didn't realize the noises were coming from her.
William's face was intent. His eyes blood red. His fingers were clenched so tightly around her hips that she knew they would leave marks. But she didn't care. The pleasure was building. Closer. Closer. Her body tightened. Tensed.
William surged into her. She exploded as waves of pleasure slammed through her. She screamed his name.
He stiffened against her, his body going as taut as a wire. He closed his eyes, his teeth clenched. And he whispered her name.
They rode the climax together, the pleasure so intense it was almost painful. Their bodies were locked together. Their hearts beat as one.
For a timeless moment, they were one.
* * * *
«How did you become a vampire?»
William flinched at her question, his hand clenching around her arm. He'd been enjoying the aftermath of their lovemaking, enjoying the feel of her in his arms.
«William?»
Reality was intruding into his world, and he didn't want it. He didn't want to talk about his past. Not now. Not while they were still together. Not while the scent of lavender hung in the air. Not while he still touched her.
He leaned forward and kissed her softly, a caress of the lips. And she had such wonderful lips. Full. Tempting.
He pulled her closer, cradling her body against his. He wanted to hold her. To—
She pushed against his chest. “William.” She swallowed, and he could see the need in her eyes. A need that she was struggling to control. “Tell me. Tell me what happened.»
He sighed and ran his hand through his loosened mane of hair. “I thought you already knew. What was it you said that first day?” He frowned a moment, thinking. “Ah, yes, something along the lines of becoming a vampire because of my love of the ‘dark arts?’”
She shook her head once, a quick motion. She pulled the sheet up over those soft, delicious br**sts and stared at him, her lips pressed into a thin line. “That wasn't true.»
He lifted one brow. “And how do you know that?” His love of the dark arts was a legend that had begun before he even reached manhood.