My eyebrows rise sky-high as I set my coffee down. “You would agree to that? The whole empire would be banging down the doors to receive an invitation to the imperial prince’s wedding.”
Corvan smiles, showing the points of his fangs. “I couldn’t care less what the rest of the empire wants. Our wedding shall be what you want it to be.”
Oh, Corvan.
Is it possible that beneath his cold, beautiful exterior, this man is truly sweet?
Sitting across from me with the morning light on his inhuman face, looking so relaxed and peaceful, he’s more mesmerizing than I’ve ever seen him.
More alluring.
My body reacts more strongly than ever before.
I truly want this man… to feel his touch upon my bare skin… to taste his…
My cheeks are on fire. Between my thighs, there’s a slow, aching throb.
I take a long, slow sip of my coffee, trying to clear my thoughts. But all I can think about is that. Last night, I wasn’t quite ready to entertain such things.
But now, in the cold clear light of the day…
Do I dare?
To be so bold…
What if he bites me again?
I fear I’m doing a really bad job of hiding my thoughts. Perhaps I’m very transparent to him right now.
“Corvan,” I say slowly, rolling his name off my tongue.
He leans forward; attentive, intense, his gaze sharp and focused entirely on me, as if he knows exactly what I’m thinking. “Yes, Finley?”
“I understand that we’re to travel to Niize today, but before we leave…”
“Yes, Finley?” On the surface, he appears as calm as a pond on a still summer’s day, perfectly patient and restrained, as if he’s just waiting for me to say it.
My heart hammers like a war-drum. Could he possibly feel the same way?
Does he know?
“I want…” I set down my coffee cup with a deliberate clink. “Corvan, you don’t have to act so gentlemanly with me.”
“Gentlemanly?” A low, dangerous chuckle escapes him. “I’m just training myself to not devour you every single time I catch your scent.”
“We are to be husband and wife. Is it merely my blood you desire?”
“Would you feel so emboldened to ask me such a thing if you thought that was the case?”
“No.” Excitement surges through me. Last night, Corvan made his intentions perfectly clear.
His lips upon mine; that kiss…
It wasn’t an accident.
I’m here now. My father’s gone. I’m all alone, and my fate is sealed. Vampire or not, Corvan is destined to be my husband. Why should I sit back and act passive when this thoroughly charming man is so obviously trying to seduce me?
“Then don’t ask me again. I would have all of you, Finley, but I won’t use force to take what I want. I’ve already done that once; twice… I won’t do it a third time.”
“Force won’t be necessary,” I whisper, hardly recognizing myself, “if I’m the one that’s asking.”
Crimson eyes widen. His eyebrows rise. His sensual mouth is caught somewhere between surprise and delight.
I can see his fangs again.
“I won’t deny you.” His voice grows hoarse. “In this, you will forever hold the advantage.”
“Well, I intend to make full use of it. Our departure isn’t urgent, is it?”
“It won’t take us long to reach Niize. Whether we leave now or later, it doesn’t really matter.”
“We’ll leave later, then.”
Corvan’s look of surprise morphs into a look of pure delight. His lips curve into a wicked smile. “Finley, I was prepared to be patient, you know. To take things slowly as you ease into your new life here. I would never have suspected you’d have such a side to you.”
I return his smile with a slightly devious one of my own. “Well, you hardly know me. It’s been less than a week since you bit me.”
He feigns contrition. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”
“It was rather shocking.”
“I was a desperate man. The very moment I set eyes upon you, this unbelievable thirst came over me. I can’t explain it. It was like nothing I’ve ever known before.” He draws a deep, ragged breath. “Please. Don’t drag this torture out. I don’t plan on losing control like that ever again.”
“And what if I tell you that I wouldn’t consider it a total disaster if it were to happen again? Though I would also be pleased if you developed restraint…”
“Do you really understand what you’re asking?”
“I think I do. I know what you are now. You don’t terrify me.”
“I’m very pleased to hear that. But… do you trust me yet?”
Well, you could have done whatever you wished with me, and you didn’t.
He could have locked me away and drained me to death.
He could have killed my father and let Aderick die.
He could have abandoned Tyron and its people.
But he didn’t.
He isn’t that kind of man.
“I trust you enough to make an advance on you.” I feel strangely confident. I don’t know why. Maybe this is all his doing.
“Well, that’s a start. A welcome one. Because you should.” Corvan rises and moves until he’s standing behind my chair. His hands come to rest on my shoulders. His touch sends a pleasant thrill through me. He leans in. “So. You’re making an advance on me, hmm?”
I look up into his startling eyes; his impossible-to-resist face. “A woman has needs, too.”
“I’ve never known a woman who’s as straight and to the point as you, Finley.”
I tip my head upwards. My smile is sharp-edged. “I’m probably not like the women you know from the Court. Anyhow, I should hope you haven’t… known anyone else like me, I mean.”
“It’s as I said last night. Nothing else compares.” He gently caresses my neck with his gloved hand, making me yearn for the feeling of his bare fingers on my skin. “You only have to say the word.”
“The word?”
“What do you want, Finley?”
“Isn’t it obvious, Corvan?”
“Maybe I just want to hear you say it.” His voice is a deep, irresistible rumble.
I melt under his touch. Fine. I can’t deny that I’m attracted to his dangerousness; his otherness, which is wrapped up in gentleness and decency, surprising me. All right, fine. I want this man. “I want you to fuck me, Corvan.”
He leans in. His lips meet mine in a slow, searing kiss. “That can certainly be arranged.”
Why should I hold back when I have nothing to lose? When he’s so obviously willing?
I bring my hands up to his. He slips his fingers into mine and pulls me to my feet, turning me around, leading me away from my almost-finished breakfast.
We pass the window, where he draws the curtain half-shut. “I’ve missed the sunshine, but not that much.” His eyes glow in the shadows.
He leads me across to the bed, where he places his hand on the small of my back and gently lays me down.
I stare up at him. “You’re obviously not worried about doing this out of wedlock.”