“Sophie, you have no idea how wonderful that sounds to my ears, and if you don’t cover your neck right now, I may not be able to stop myself from taking your offer. But before you do, I need to tell you something.” No games, he reminded himself.
“Nothing you tell me could change how I feel for you, and I can feel your hunger. Please, Gio, drink.” Sophie smiled softly, invitingly.
Gio moaned painfully as he laid back on the bed and flung his arm over his eyes. Sophie fell forward on top of him. Her sweet scent circled around him and he started running his hand lovingly up and down her back. “Not until you hear what I have to say.”
He rolled sideways and they lay on the bed facing each other. Her face open to hear anything he had to say. Ready to give this relationship everything she had, only she didn’t have all the facts.
He pushed her dark hair over her shoulder and took her hand in his. “Do you believe in reincarnation?”
Confusion filled her eyes and a frown pursed her lips and wrinkled her forehead. Gio felt worry creep up his spine. It would be so much easier if she did.
Sophie shrugged, it was the last thing she expected to hear from him in that moment. “I don’t know what I believe in anymore. So many things have changed. I mean, I never believed in the mythological gods as anything more than just that, myths, until I met some of them. Knowing they’re real is shocking in itself, and finding out they’re aliens is just as traumatizing.”
Gio listened to her while he softly ran his fingers up and down her arm. He was so afraid she was going to react badly to the news he had to tell her, but he pushed forward anyway. “Before all this happened, did you believe in reincarnation?”
“I don’t think I ever thought about it. But if vampires and werewolves exist, mortals and immortals, perhaps reincarnation does, too.” Sophie was baffled with his line of questioning and couldn’t understand why he was killing the mood with all the spiritual conversation. This could be a discussion they had over dinner, for goodness sake, not while she was trying to seal the relationship deal between them.
There was hope! “Do you remember the vision you had when we kissed?”
“Sure, I could hardly forget something like that.” She didn’t want to tell him it wasn’t just the vision, but also the feelings that went along with it. Every time he brought it up she felt a little jealousy enter her heart, and there was no place in this bedroom for that at the moment.
“Did it seem familiar to you?” Please say yes, please tell me your soul recognizes my soul. Make this easier on both of us.
Sophie’s frown deepened. It did seem familiar in a way, like something she’d seen in a movie a long time ago. “It was sad. I really don’t feel like discussing that particular vision at the moment. I’d much rather talk about the vision you are with your shirt off.” She grinned wickedly as she ran her fingers from the button on his jeans up to his neck.
“Yes, it was sad, heartbreaking.” Gio agreed and grabbed her hand in his, kissing the inside of her wrist. “Please, Sophie, I’m trying desperately to be serious here. Did it seem familiar?”
“I guess. Why?” Sophie was beginning to get scared. Whatever it was that was bothering him she just wished he’d tell her and get it over with. Had he changed his mind about them? Did the vision remind him too much about the love he lost all those centuries ago? Her heart stopped beating for a moment as she hung on the silence waiting for his next word.
“Because according to Thanatos, you were Beatrice in a past life.”
Sophie felt the air in her lungs expel from her body. She wasn’t expecting that! “Come on, Gio! How is that even possible?”
“Thanatos knew you were my true mate. As a friend, he wanted to see me happy, I guess. I’m not really sure why he did it, but he did. He searched for you in his spare time, and when he found you he offered rebirth.”
Sophie jumped out of bed, and put a little space in between them. At least her heart was beating and her lungs were breathing air again. She needed a moment to process what he was telling her. It explained so much, but opened up a whole new bunch of questions. “Is that why you are so driven to have a relationship with me?” She couldn’t help the accusation that played out in her eyes as she narrowed them on him. “Seriously, Gio, how long have you known?”
Gio shook his head. “I didn’t know until yesterday when Thanatos brought me to the dream realm to help you. If you’ll remember, I desired you before that.”
Sophie let out another deep breath. Her world was crumbling around her again as she started to wonder if anything was real. Tears stung her eyes. “But your attraction was because I’m Beatrice? So none of this between us is real?” She dropped into the chair across the room while she tried to process what was happening.
Gio jumped out of the bed and went to her. He made sure his eyes locked with hers before he spoke. “You have some similarities to Beatrice, but you are Sophie. You’re strong, independent, loyal, determined, and fierce. You need to know you aren’t the same woman I fell in love with centuries ago.”
Sophie swallowed hard as she tried to digest the information he was telling her. It was incredible. Unbelievable. It seemed impossible, and yet there was some truth to it her soul recognized. “But a part of me is.”
There was a sadness in Sophie’s eyes as she lowered her head. Gio knew she was trying to process this new development. He’d hoped she would recognize what he was saying as truth. He promised no games, and he meant it. He knew she needed to know why they were so attracted to each other. But none of that changed his feelings for her.
Sophie pulled her arms from his grasp as the tears stung her eyes and threatened to fall. He called her his true mate. Did he always know that Beatrice was his true mate? Did she? She’d been curious about it the moment he talked about the idea. It was like it spoke to her.
She watched him with a wary eye. His head fell into his hands as he waited for her to say something, anything. The silence was killing him.
“I think…” she chewed on her lower lip, trying to find a way to express her feelings, “deep down I knew all of this.” Sophie offered a weak smile she wasn’t feeling when Gio looked up at her with hope in his eyes.
Sophie was scared at the idea of what all this meant, but she couldn’t deny the feelings she felt for him. The instant attraction. The immediate lust. The need she had when he was away from her. Deep down she knew he was hers from the moment they met. Just as she felt like she was his. Knowing this actually made everything make more sense. She wasn’t the kind of girl to fall for a man the moment she met him. She wasn’t the kind of girl who couldn’t keep her hands off her boyfriend, and she was far from the kind of gal to feel jealous.
“Don’t get too excited yet.” She put her hand up when he attempted to pull her in for a hug. “For this to work there needs to be some ground rules.” Sophie’s voice was barely a whisper.
Giovanni nodded, patiently waiting. “Let’s hear them.” He smiled.
“I’m not Beatrice, I’m Sophie.” She started.
“I know. You’re very different. I loved Beatrice, but I feel different for you. The feelings are stronger.”
Sophie nodded. “So there are differences.” That was good to know.
“You’re the same, but different. I don’t know how to explain it. Beatrice was strong-willed and outspoken, but she couldn’t defend herself like you can.”
“Because I’m a witch.”
Gio shook his head. “Yes and no. The power of the witch helps, but you’re stronger with or without the power. You’re stronger here,” he touched her head, “and here,” he touched her heart. He placed his hands on her thighs. “You’ve changed, but so have I. I’m not the same weak man I was back then.”
“I can’t imagine you ever being weak.” And she was being truthful with that.
“It was my weakness that got her killed.”
Her? That’s good, he’s keeping us separate in his mind. “I highly doubt that.”
<
br /> He sighed heavily. He decided now was a good time to tell her the rest of what happened. Put it all out on the table. That way if she couldn’t forgive him for failing her when she was Beatrice he’d know. He took both of her hands in his. “After my father knocked me out he raped her, and as I was regaining consciousness, he strangled her, taking the life from her before my helpless eyes. I killed him when I was able to function again, but it was too late and she was lost.” Tears fell down his cheeks as he spoke about the tragedy. Pain stabbed his heart and she felt the jab.
Sophie knew his words were true. Memories and feelings began to flood back into her mind. She was overpowered with the tragedy. The physical pain, the sadness knowing that Gio tried to save her but was unable to do so. The love she felt for him was unconditional. She wasn’t upset that he couldn’t help her, she was sad that he’d had to live with the pain of not being able to save her. Sophie’s heart broke for the love they lost all those centuries ago.
It was pain she never intended to feel again. A loss she’d never face again. He was hers, she was his. Time and space didn’t matter. Past pain and heartbreak was just that - in the past. Her soul had waited a long time to be reunited with his and nothing was ever going to keep them apart again.
She reached down and wiped his bloody tears with her fingers, and then kissed him tenderly. Passion exploded between them. “I forgive you.” She said against his mouth. She didn’t need to forgive him, but she knew he needed to hear it. He rained kisses on her face, kissing away the salty tears that were streaming down her cheeks.
In this moment they needed each other more than she needed to breathe. Hands roamed over each other’s bodies. Hers over his hard, cold flesh, and his over her soft, warm skin. His hand cupped her breast and he pulled back. “Sophie?” He needed permission to love her.
“I need you. I want you to make love to me.” She smiled as she leaned into his hand.
Doubt clouded his grey eyes. He was frozen, unable to move. Like a statue, her own personal Adonis.
Sophie let a wicked smile curve her lips. It was at this moment she was thankful she wasn’t timid. She placed her hand on his chest and moved one down slowly toward his jeans. He sucked in a breath as her fingers grazed his stomach. She unsnapped his jeans. “Take me now, Giovanni Mancuso.”
He growled, stood up with her in his arms, and tossed her gently on the bed. Her clothes were torn off her with blinding desire, and before she knew it they were both naked on the bed. He was on top of her, crushing his lips to hers with a need so powerful she thought she was going to explode. Hands were all over each other’s bodies. Just as they were both near bursting with desire he stared into her eyes. “Are you sure?”
“No doubt in my mind.” She reassured him.
He didn’t wait another moment before he plunged deeply inside her. His size was massive, and he filled her to capacity. There was a moment of pain and then he started moving in and out with a rhythm that sent them both over the edge. Never once did either of them lose eye contact, intensifying the passion that rose between them. She let out soft moans as she got closer to her climax.
He felt her tighten with each movement he made. She was so perfect. They fit together like a hand and glove. There was a ferocity in his movements that matched his need. He was carrying them both over the edge when she reached up and pulled his mouth to her neck. “Drink.” She whispered.
He sunk his teeth into her flesh, she felt the slightest pinch when his teeth broke her skin, and then it was replaced with a euphoric feeling as he drank from her neck while carrying them both over the edge into ecstasy. It was like nothing she’d ever felt before. She was literally seeing stars, and the world shook.
Then she tumbled down falling through space back into his loving embrace. She tried to catch her breath, but the aftershocks of passion kept her breathless and desiring more. Gio broke the connection and licked the puncture holes. His saliva sealed the wounds and allowed the healing process to begin quickly. In a matter of hours there’d be no evidence that he bit her at all.
Her blood was warm and far more refreshing than any other he’d ever tasted, even tastier than Marissa’s – another sign she was his true mate. He needed less to rejuvenate him. If the stories were right, and he finished the process, he wouldn’t be able to get sustenance from another person, only her blood would feed him now. She’d live eternity at his side, not a vampire, but a vampire’s mate. She’d be his greatest weakness and his strongest asset.
Without another word he rolled her over on top of him and their eyes locked as she rested on his chest. Her black hair was feather light on his skin and tickled him in ways that made him chuckle. She was the most exquisite creature he’d ever met and he knew he’d never let anything happen to her.
“What is so funny?” she asked in a breathless tone.
His hand instinctively went to caress her bare back creating goose bumps in its wake. He pulled her tighter against him when she shivered. “Your hair tickles.” He kissed the top of her head.
“I never knew vampires could be ticklish.” She returned the kiss to his chest. She felt whole now that they sealed the deal. They fit perfectly, it didn’t even scare her when he drank her blood. She couldn’t imagine being anywhere else other than here, right this minute. The problems in the world faded away as she basked in his love.
“Thanks to you I’m only half a vampire now.” He continued to caress her back and she propped herself up on her hands.
“What do you mean?” Sophie couldn’t believe the sensations were still racking her body and his tender touch was only building up more desire for him. If she could have her way they’d remain like this forever.
“Let’s not spoil this moment with vampire talk.”
Sophie sat up. Her position left her only one option as she straddled his waist. Instinct took over and Gio cupped her bountiful breasts in his hands. His thumb flicked her nipple and she let a moan escape her lips. She felt his body ready for another glorious assault and when he entered her she lost all thoughts about vampires and witches as passion took over.
They rocked back and forth to their own rhythm. Both focused on the other’s passion. Sophie reveled in the way his face changed to determination as one hand claimed her breast and the other moved down her torso to her center. When his finger worked its magic below, she lost control as he sent her tumbling over the edge once again.
He quickened his thrusts and joined her only moments later. They both fell into the void of passion - their breathing, shallow. As she came down, she locked her lips with his. Their tongues greedily exploring each other’s mouths. She felt the sharpness of his incisors scrape against her tongue and reveled at how he was able to function with teeth so sharp.
“You are going to be the death of me, woman.” He growled as he rolled her over onto her back and rested against her soft chest. He was still inside her and she wondered if there was any way for them to stay this way forever. It was nonsensical, but so was loving a vampire prince who was once her lover in a past life. Everything about her life was different now, and she wouldn’t change a thing. Her mother was wrong to keep her blind to this world that she so obviously belonged in.
“We need to save my mother, Gio.” Her voice came out softer than she intended. “I don’t know what they can do to ghosts or spirits or whatever she is, but she risked her life to save me, gave her life to protect me all these years. We need to find a way to release her spirit so she can continue on her journey.”
His tongue circled around her breast while his hand stopped caressing her body at her belly. Her pulse quickened as the actions sent desire through her once again. Dear Gods! He wanted her again!
“You’re right. We need to talk to Thanatos and find out if he can help.” He reluctantly pulled away from her breast. “I’d love to stay here in bed for the rest of eternity, but we have a lot of work to be done.” He rolled off the bed and put his jeans back on.
Sophie couldn’t take her
eyes off how sexy he looked after making love. His long, dark hair was sticking up in every direction, his stormy eyes were glazed over with passion. His body glistened with sweat. It took everything she had not to reach over and pull him back into bed. But there were far more important things at stake at the moment.
Instead, she started to dress also. The silence between them stretched uncomfortably, and reality set back into place. It wasn’t her intent to fall in bed with him the moment she saw him. She only came up here to get him so they could make a plan to save her mother. She wasn’t the kind of girl to just jump into bed with a man. She hadn’t even gone out on a date with him.
As if by reading her thoughts, he said “We need to get things back to normal so we can go on that dinner date.” He grinned and kissed her quickly on the lips.
That simple act had her heart soaring. He really was interested in more than a fling with her. He didn’t use lines like ‘true-mate’ or ‘past life lovers’ to win her over. They both put on their shirts, and Sophie asked, “So what does a true-mate have to do?”
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