Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 119694 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119694 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 598(@200wpm)___ 479(@250wpm)___ 399(@300wpm)
The contrast to my crappy apartment almost makes me laugh. Back home, my bathroom faucet drips unless I twist it exactly right, my couch has a spring that stabs me in the thigh, and my “view” is the back of another ugly beige apartment building. Here, I feel like I’ve stepped into a gothic fever dream.
Lucian sets me gently on the edge of the bed. The mattress sighs under me, molding to every curve, and for one crazy second, I want to wrap myself in the silky sheets and relax. But then his voice cuts through the haze.
“You will rest here tonight, my Queen.” His eyes blaze storm-gray, intent and absolute. “I will leave you for now—but soon…” His gaze roves over me, heat burning through my towel. “Soon I will need to drink from you.”
My stomach lurches. I can’t help glancing at his mouth, at the sharp white fangs that flash when he speaks. During that incredible bath he gave me, I almost let myself forget why he really wants me and what it involves…which is bound to be a whole lot of painful biting.
I blurt the first thing that comes to mind.
“I don’t think so—I’m not about to be your personal blood bag. I don’t even like needles, let alone fangs.”
If my negative answer dismays him, he certainly doesn’t show it. The corners of his mouth curve, slow and deliberate, like a predator entertained by its prey.
“Needles are so cold…so clinical. My bite is nothing like that.” His voice drops, velvet wrapped in steel. “When I take your blood, it won’t hurt you, my lovely one. You will feel only pleasure. Intense pleasure.”
Heat pools low in my belly before I can stop it. I hate that he can do that with just a few words! Still, I try to play it off like he’s not affecting me, even when he’s giving me that “I want to fuck you right now” stare.
“Uh-huh, right. Pleasure. That’s what every vampire says in the books before they go full Dracula. You can just keep your needle-sharp fangs to yourself.”
A low chuckle rumbles from his chest.
“No needles, Julia. Only my mouth. Only me on top of you, piercing your sweet throat to drink.”
I swallow hard. My brain tries to tell me what a bad idea letting him bite me would be. But my body…my body is way too interested. All my life I’ve been reading romance books where the heroine’s body “betrays” her. But I’ve never actually experienced it up until now. My body is genuinely aching for something I know would be bad for me—or should I say someone.
Lucian leans down to murmur in my ear, his breath brushing my cheek.
“But of course, before I drink, the Sanguis Vita in your blood must ripen.”
“Ripen? Like I’m some kind of fruit?” I demand, trying to keep my voice from shaking and not quite managing it.
“Like a Queen.” He pulls back to look into my eyes. His gaze holds mine, unblinking. “You see, the Sanguis Vita must be awakened through pleasure. I will have to bring you to the brink again and again until your body sings with it.”
My cheeks go hot.
“Excuse me? Did you just say—”
He bends closer, his lips ghosting my ear.
“I said I’ll need to pleasure you—to touch you and taste you. Of course, I’ll need to put you in my harness to stimulate you properly.”
My jaw drops and I pull away.
“Harness? What the actual hell are you talking about?”
His tone is maddeningly calm, but his eyes are burning as he explains.
“It’s something special I commissioned—I wanted to have it ready when I finally brought you to the Shadow Realm. It is a harness designed to caress your nipples and pussy at the same time. To hold you open and keep you safe while I explore you. You would be restrained—gently.” A slow, sensual smile curves the corners of his mouth. “The restraint is part of the ecstasy.”
“You mean like BDSM?”
“If you prefer that term.” He nods. “A Curvy Queen’s body must be fully awakened to unlock the power in her blood. The harness will be most effective for you…and most pleasurable for both of us.” His eyes go half-lidded. “I cannot wait to strap you in and tease you until your blood is ripe. Until your nipples are so tight they ache and your pussy is so wet your juices wet your thighs. Until you beg me to let you come.”
My heart is banging against my ribs like a drum. My Book Club has read plenty of smut with blindfolds and cuffs, but those are books. I never expected to experience anything like it in real life—my real-life résumé of kink includes exactly zero experience.
“Yeah, no. Not happening.” My voice sounds shaky and unsure. “I’m not built for leather straps and…and nipple caressing machines, thank you very much.”