She ignored William's cry and ran into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her. She turned the lock, sagging against the door.
She'd taken his blood. She'd actually drank from him.
William's fist pounded against the door. “Savannah! Dammit, Savannah, open this door!»
She walked slowly toward the sink. Her fingers gripped the marble top, and she forced herself to lift her head and gaze into the mirror.
She expected to see a monster.
But she just saw—
Her eyes. Her green eyes. Her pale skin. The nose that she'd always thought was too small. The lips that she'd always thought were too big.
She looked the same as she'd always looked. But she could still taste William's blood.
She turned on the faucet, catching water in her hand. She had to wash the taste away. She had to!
She sipped the water, swirling it in her mouth, then she spat it into the sink over and over. But still the coppery taste remained.
«I'm coming in!” There was a loud, splintering crash, and then the bathroom door swung open slowly, the lock smashed.
William stood naked on the threshold, his eyes flashing. “What the hell is going on?»
Her gaze fell to his neck, to the marks she had left upon him. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry—»
His eyes narrowed. He took a step toward her, but he froze when she shrank back against the sink. “You don't have anything to be sorry about. You didn't do anything wrong.»
She shook her head. “I bit you. I took your blood!” And she'd enjoyed it. She'd reveled in the rush of power that his blood had given her. And that knowledge shamed her.
«I gave it to you freely,” he said.
Her lips trembled. “I couldn't stop,” she whispered in despair. “I didn't want to do it, but I couldn't stop myself. I had to drink. I had to!” She blinked away the tears that gathered in her eyes, refusing to let them fall.
William moved slowly toward her. His hands lifted and wrapped around her, pulling her against his body, cradling her. “Sweet Savannah. I should have told you…»
She stiffened. “Told me what?»
He rubbed her back, his hands gentle, soothing. “For a vampire, physical lust, desire, will stir the blood hunger. It will push your control until the need for release and the need for blood are bound together.»
She pushed back and stared up at William. “I didn't mean to hurt you.»
«You didn't hurt me,” he assured her, his voice urgent. “You gave me pleasure, more pleasure than I'd ever thought possible.»
And then she remembered the feel of his mouth upon her neck, the ecstasy that had coursed through her when William drank from her.
«You remember now, don't you?” he asked, his gaze watchful. “The blood connects us, lets us share our pleasure.»
Her brow wrinkled. “Will it be like that when I have to feed from someone else?»
William tensed against her. “No. You'll only lose control if your physical desire and your blood hunger merge. And since you won't be with anyone but me…»
His sentence trailed off, but Savannah knew what he meant. She'd promised to be with him forever. He expected her to be loyal to him, to desire only him.
«And you won't be with anyone else, will you, Savannah?” His eyes flashed red.
«No. Only you,” she told him softly. And it was true. She couldn't imagine wanting anyone else. It was only William. He alone was the one that she desired, the one that she craved.
She felt the tension ease from his body. “What about you?” she queried, suddenly nervous. “You won't be with anyone else, will you?” She repeated, holding her breath and waiting for his answer.
He touched her cheek. “Do you really need to ask that?” He smiled. “You're the only one for me, Savannah. Now and forever.»
Warmth spread through her, chasing the chill from her body. He captured her hand and led her back into the bedroom.
«We need to dress. There is much we must do tonight.»
She frowned, stepping into her closet. There was a strange urgency to his tone. She pulled on a blue sweater and slipped on an old pair of jeans. By the time she found her shoes and walked back into the bedroom, he was fully dressed.
They exited her apartment and headed down the empty hall. She pushed the button for the elevator, waiting nervously for the car to reach her level.
With a soft ding, the doors opened and they stepped inside. Savannah lifted her hand, intending to push the button for the ground floor.
«No.” William's fingers wrapped around her wrist. “We're going to the roof.»
Savannah frowned but obediently pressed the button for the top floor. Once there she knew they would have to take a flight of stairs in order to access the roof.
She leaned against the mirrored wall of the elevator. She studied him silently. He was wearing all black, again. A black shirt and black pants. Even black boots. She didn't think he actually owned any colored clothing.
But it didn't matter. He looked good in black. With his dark hair and that scar, he looked dangerous. Sexy.
She felt desire begin to stir once more, and she was shocked. How could she want him again so soon? Her need for him was becoming uncontrollable.
The elevator chimed. She swallowed, “We're here,” she mumbled unnecessarily.
William glanced at her, his brows drawn low in obvious concern. She forced a smile and stepped into the hallway. She had to get herself under control.
They walked quickly down the hall. Savannah showed William the door to the stairwell. The door was locked, but, with a strong jerk of his hand, he busted the lock and swung the door open.
They climbed the stairs in silence. Why were they going to the roof? she wondered.
He pushed open a door at the top of the stairs, and they walked outside.
The night air was warm. Stars shone brightly overhead. Savannah walked to the edge of the roof and gazed below, wonder filling her. The city was beautiful. Alive with a thousand different lights. She stared down, awed by the sight.
«Are you ready?” William asked.
Savannah forced her gaze away from the view and turned to look at him. “Ready for what?»
«Your lessons.»
Lessons? What did he mean?
«How high would you say we are?” He asked curiously, moving to stand beside her.
«Fifteen stories,” she replied as a knot of fear began to form in her stomach. Suddenly, the view wasn't nearly as appealing as it had been a moment before.
He pointed across the street. “And that building? How far away is it?»