by Renee Rose
“Oops. I guess I didn’t make the knots tight enough.”
Growling louder, I pull her close when she gets near enough. “Oh, you didn’t? I guess it must have ‘accidentally’ fallen off you.”
She nods her head vigorously, her crimson hair sliding forward to cover half of her face. Unable to stop myself, I reach out and tuck it back behind her ear. I linger there a moment, my fingers stroking the silken strands, imagining myself gripping them as I guide her mouth over my body. I then let go as the thought flows through me.
Clearing my throat, I motion towards the packages on the couch. “Can’t go to a ball in bedsheets, can you?”
She pokes out her lower lip as she reaches for the biggest box. “I made those sheets look good.” Her gaze goes to my crotch. “At least, some part of you thought so.”
I roll my eyes and remain silent. No need to feed an already inflated ego. Her fingers still as she takes in the dress once she’s removed it from the box. Her eyes speak volumes as she looks over at me—unfortunately, I can’t seem to translate their meaning.
“This is too pretty for someone like me.”
This time, I do mean for my growl to come to the surface. “Someone like you? Please, do explain.”
Dahlia shrugs and steps away from the dress. “Can you seriously picture some couch surfer dressing up fancy and flaunting herself in front of the rich hoity toity?” Her longing gaze goes back to the box before she looks down at the ground. “You seriously don’t have to take me to some ball to have sex with me. I was going to do that as payment for letting me stay here, anyway.”
My vision darkens as rage flows through my body. She can’t seriously think I want her as a mere payment? Quick on the heels of that thought is one that I need to shove out of my mind just as quickly, or heads are going to roll. The matter of fact way she put that indicates she’s done it before. It’s what’s ‘expected’ of her. Now more than ever, I want to make tonight memorable. Something she can use as leverage against herself and these darker thoughts.
That does nothing to soothe the rage in me, however. Instead of going on a rampant killing spree, though, I can think of several ways to channel this energy into something that will help both of us. With a quick jerk, I pull her down over my knee. She squeals as her breath pushes out of her lungs when she connects with my solid thigh. The struggle doesn’t help her in the slightest. I grip her around the waist, securing her wriggling form against me.
The heat from her skin seeps through my pants and into my body. Her lying on me is more heavenly than I could even imagine. For a moment, I simply let my hand brush against her ass, reveling in the feel of her soft skin under my palm. The squirming resumes, but this time, the scent of her arousal accompanies it. Breathing in deeply, I take in her scent, firmly imprinting it into my brain. Since tonight is our one and only time, I want as much of her imprinted on me as possible.
Without warning, I lift my hand and bring it firmly down on her ass, delighted with the instant pink that spreads across her creamy skin. It’s addicting, like a drug racing through my system. I have to see if the other cheek marks just as well. A quick swat confirms that, yes, it does indeed. Her body writhes against me as I pepper her ass with swats—some light taps, others much harder thwacks.
Soon, that writhing turns into bucking. She’s scissoring her legs within mine, but I keep her flush against me and increase the tempo. The world fades away until there’s nothing left except the heat of her skin and the smack of my hand. Her body sags against me, the fight seeping out of her. I keep up my rhythmic swats but lighten them to a less punishing staccato until I’m barely brushing her skin.
Dahlia’s body heaves against mine as her breaths come out in gasps. After a few more moments, I stop completely and rest my hand on her blazing skin. She turns her face up towards me, her eyes wet from tears.
“What was that for?”
I smile and wipe away the stray tears escaping her lashes. “No reason is needed, cara, when one has an ass such as yours.” My fingers dig into her bottom, squeezing and kneading the muscles. With my hands, I demand that she let go and relax. After some coaxing, she slumps back over, completely limp. “But, truth be told, I don’t feel you give yourself enough credit.” Frowning, I skim my hand from her ass and up her spine to cup her head. “You shouldn’t have to sleep with someone to have a place to stay. And I want you to hear me, belissima: at no point did you sleeping with me to have use of a bed ever cross my mind. Sleeping with you? Yes, please don’t mistake that. I want to use your hot little body in every way imaginable, but not as a barter.”
Her face tips back up to me, her teeth worrying her lower lip. Her fangs are absent, and for an odd reason, I find myself missing them. I instantly cut off that line of thinking. Nothing positive would ever come from me turning another. Instead, I lean down and slide my fingers against her cheek.
“You… you just want me?”
Unable to resist, I graze her bottom lip with my thumb. “For tonight, yes. I want you. Now then…” I help her stand up, holding her steady as her legs quake for a moment. An unreadable look passes over her eyes, but she remains silent, looking between the dress and me. “Let’s get you dressed for the ball. You may be Cinderella, but I don’t wish to be late.”
“What if I don’t want to go?”
“Why not? You seemed excited just a few minutes ago.”
She starts nibbling on that damnable lip again. “That was before it hit me just how rich y’all must be. I’ll just stick out like a sore thumb. Can’t you just give me a night to remember with just you?”
Her request tugs at my heart. How easy it would be just to stay here and cocoon myself with her. But no, there are people waiting, and surprises to be had. “I’m granting you a night to remember. Trust me, as sexy as I am, there is so much more that awaits you.” I pull her hand up to my mouth and scrape her knuckles with my fangs. “Besides, be a good girl and go to the party with me, and I’ll have you for dessert.”
Shivers wrack her body, but she grins and nods. “Fine, if it means that much to you.”
I raise my eyebrow and cross my arms. “It means nothing to me. I can see these people any night I choose. I’m doing this for you, for a few reasons. Lift up your arms.” I dig into the box, under the dress, and pull out a strapless bra. Turning her towards me, I look up into her eyes, slowly inching my way towards her pert nipples. If she wants me to stop, she has all the time in the world to ask me. Her arousal floods my senses as I flick the tight bud of her nipple with my tongue before engulfing it into my mouth.
With a loud gasp, Dahlia reaches down and threads her fingers into my hair, pulling me even closer. “Arms back in the air,” I growl, biting down—just a nip before soothing the sting with my tongue. Her arms shoot up and her body rocks closer to me. Grabbing her hips, I draw her in between my legs, my mind absently noticing how well she fits cradled inside me. I ignore my brain and turn my attention to the other nipple, laving it for a few moments before giving that one a bite as well.
Dahlia squirms in my grip, but I just hold on tighter, her breaths coming in pants. With my tongue still wrapped around her nipple, I pinch her other one, not wanting her to feel bereft in any way. Her chest juts out even further, demanding I take more. Obliging, I bite down just a touch more, hardening even more at her low whine. Unable to help myself, I turn her sideways, drawing her close to my body. Her luscious ass grazes my left thigh, and I bite back an oath. However, when her thigh grazes my cock, white clouds my vision. I clutch her to me, grinding against her. With my free hand, I palm her ass, the red heat seeping into my skin. I allow myself a few more moments of heaven before easing her back from me.
Glancing down, I see her thighs have a slight glisten to them, and it takes every bit of willpower not to sink into her wet heat. I knew she was turned on, but I didn’t realize it would be this much. I can’t wait to see how much wetter I can get her before the night is over.
For now, I have t
o get us both ready to leave, and staring at her damp thatch of curls isn’t going to help that endeavor. With reluctance, I grab the strapless bra and put it on her, touching my lips to her spine before closing the clasps. Next comes the dress. As the thin fabric slides up her thighs, I send a prayer up to whomever might be listening that it fits. It’s been decades since I’ve had to dress a woman, and I hope I’m not rusty.
The white fabric fits her like a glove, hugging every curve on her body before flaring out mid-calf. The rows of diamonds dip over her body, accentuating her trim waist and highlighting her breasts and ass. I don’t care what anyone else is wearing, no one will be more beautiful than my Cinderella.
“Bellissima. You take my breath away. Now, sit here and don’t move while I get ready.” I leave her there, hoping she doesn’t get into too much trouble. Within moments, I throw open my closet and pull out my outfit. Sentimentality washes over me as I finger the full-coverage mask. It’s one I’ve had with me since I purchased it in Venice all those years ago. I figure why not come in traditional style? Besides, it would be nice to air out these old relics.
I slip on the white trousers and white brocade jacket, satisfied that I look every inch the fairytale prince for my princess. Wincing, I gather the mask and head back out into the living room. She’s not my anything. She’s here for a night, then the spell will be broken and all will go back to normal. Lonely normal. I ignore my brain and continue towards Dahlia. Lonely or not, she’s not the one to change things. A human could never again hold my heart.
Not only is she not sitting, she’s actively digging through the boxes, a frown furrowing her brow. I cross my arms and watch her for a bit. “Looking for something in particular?”
She jumps and whirls around, her expression guilty. It’s kind of cute, actually.
“My fan?”
I look at her, confused. “Fan?”
“Yeah, you know.” She picks up one of the starched napkins and flits it about like in the movie.
Laughing, I scoop her up into my arms and set her on my lap. “There are no fans tonight. But I promise you, you won’t miss it.”
Dahlia juts out her lower lip and I snag it with my teeth, ignoring her slight hiss of discomfort. Her lip barely misses my fangs as it slides out from between my teeth. I kiss her softly before depositing her back onto the couch. Swiftly, I put the ‘glass slippers’ on her feet, marveling at how much she sparkles with diamonds on her dress and on her shoes. Only one other piece is missing, but that I’ll get at the club. Standing her up, I grab both of our masks and lead her outside the hotel and into my car.
The ride is silent, and I can feel the anxiety pouring off her. I want to comfort her, to tell her that she’ll be okay, but I can’t promise that. She’s reawakened a beast in me that I long thought dead. There’s no way she’s getting out of tonight unscathed. Reaching over, I squeeze her hand, trying to convey a world of words in that one touch, but I know it’s woefully inadequate. After a moment, she lets go of my hand and fiddles with her mouth for a few moments. Those damn fangs, which she put back on before we left. I stifle a chuckle. Who am I to deny her this pleasure?
Once at the club, I scan the area before walking over to Dahlia’s side and opening the door. As she gets out, I slam it shut behind her and grab her by the throat, pinning her to the car. The nice guy from earlier slowly disappears back inside me. There’ll be time for him later. Once she’s back in my hotel room and gasping from my pleasure, then I’ll let the tenderness back out. But right now, she wants a taste of my world, and I promised to give her a night she wouldn’t forget.
Hopefully, her being dressed in white will help curb my baser instincts. It’s so much harder to get blood out of something white than nearly any other color. Oh, who am I kidding. I want her blood to flow, but only for me. No one else will get that pleasure tonight. Her pulse flutters under my palm but her face remains placid. We’ll see how long that lasts.
“Remember,” I growl, dipping my head to her ear, “you will obey me tonight. This is not a negotiation. Don’t make me cut your time here short.”
I lean back and stare into her eyes—they are wide, mostly dark, with a ring of light blue. As the moon reflects in their depths, I force myself to pull back. This witch would have me go back on everything just to stare into her eyes. Backing away from her hypnotic pull, I slide my mask into place and hand her hers. The white mask with feathers I ordered to go with the dress frames her eyes beautifully, and sets her hair on fire. Hand in hand, we make our way into the club.
I spot Bentley and jerk up my chin in greeting before depositing Dahlia on a barstool. Not even looking at the person serving drinks, I order a brandy for myself, and a Coke for Dahlia.
“Wait, I’m twenty-one now. I deserve a drink!” she says.
Smirking, I look down at her for a moment. “Of age or not, I’m not playing with someone under the influence.”
Crossing her arms, she looks away and huffs. “But you’re drinking.”
I tuck my knuckle under her chin and force her gaze to mine. “Yes, but I know what I can handle. I don’t know anything about your tolerance, nor do I want to find that out by you puking on me.”
Dahlia sniffs, obviously offended. “I’ve never puked on anyone after a drink.”
“Look, you’ve had alcohol before, so missing it on your twenty-first birthday is not going to be a hardship.”
“That’s beside the point! I—”
I raise my hand to silence her. “Would you like a drink, or do you want to go home? The choice is yours. I will have the final say.”
Bowing her head, she mumbles an apology, but not before I catch a glint of mischief flashing through her eyes. “Coke is fine. No ice, please.”
“Good girl.”
I wait another moment for the bartender to get me my drink. The amber liquid swirls in an intoxicating way inside the glass as I tip it back and forth. Then I down it in one shot.
Slamming the cup down, I look around for Bentley. Catching his eye, I nod to a nearby corner. I keep one eye on Dahlia as I make my way over. The furtive looks I’m shooting around make me feel like I’m in a damned spy movie but, if I’m honest with myself, it’s more excitement than I’ve had in a long time.
“I’ll be honest,” Bentley murmurs, rubbing his jaw, “I wasn’t expecting a call from you.” He gestures to the vampires and their guests as they file in. “Several of them, oh yeah, but I’ve never seen you so much as look at another submissive. You don’t even avail yourself of the sweetbloods. So tell me, what are your intentions with this collar?” He pulls out a silver band, studded with tiny rubies, with a larger one hanging in the center, and chains ending in rubies shaped like blood drops hanging in intervals around the edges. The lights in the club shine on the delicate work, setting the stones ablaze. The collar will look perfect on my spitfire.
Bentley levels a stare at me, and an uncomfortable itch starts at the base of my spine and works its way up. I know he can read my mind, and I have nothing to hide, but it’s still disconcerting to have your thoughts dissected in such an efficient manner. Rolling my shoulders, I meet his stare with one of my own. After a few minutes, he nods and hands me the collar. The cool metal burns in my hands as I curl my fingers around it.
He slaps me on the shoulder and smirks. “You can give it back in a few days. Just know, this collar is one-of-a-kind. As such, it’s quite valuable. Guard it with your life.” He looks between Dahlia and me. “Or make sure she doesn’t run off with it. Take care if you play with it on, it’s easily snaggable. Honestly, I’m not sure why you didn’t go with a simple model. It would still have looked stunning on your human.”
Nodding, I look back over at Dahlia, who is delicately sipping her Coke and taking everything in, her wide, alert eyes not missing a thing. After a moment, her gaze shifts to the bartender. With a crook of her finger, she motions him over and whispers an order. Even with my excellent hearing, I can’t make out what she’s saying over the
din. After a few moments, the bartender returns and sets a drink in front of her. It looks suspiciously like a cocktail. Shaking my head, I feel the beast prowling inside me. So that’s how she wants to play it? With another smirk, I motion towards her. “She’s not mine, and she’s not simple.”
“I see.”
I turn to leave, but Bentley grabs my arm and stops me. “There’s room for two, you know. Taking her doesn’t mean giving up Alessandra.”
A band squeezes my heart. “You can’t possibly understand how I feel about this.”
“I can’t?” A haunted look passes over his face. “Being alive as long as we have, there are going to be losses. Some of them are more painful and damaging than others. You’re not alone in this. And if you think you are, you’re more foolish than I initially thought.”
He turns and heads back towards his human, his words still echoing in my brain. Turning, I look over at Dahlia, her hair aglow from the various lights, her smile bright, her eyes quick and eager. Could she actually manage to fill that void? I make my way back over to her side, happy to be back next to her. Again, another thought for another time. Right now, I need to confront the little minx about the drink she just ordered. Luckily for her, just as I get there, Locke slides in next to me, striking up a conversation.
His words pass by me as a blur—the only thing on my mind is how close Dahlia is to me. That tantalizing hint of citrus that teases my senses. I try to concentrate. I try ever so hard not to be rude, but I’m finding it harder and harder to keep my mind from drifting to the mortal next to me. When Temi joins us, it all goes downhill from there. Dahlia’s adorable brow furrow when BDSM is mentioned nearly has me scooping her into my arms and taking her back home for an intimate education. Fortunately for her, I am not always bound to my baser urges. However, her look of curiosity as her gaze darts between Locke, Temi, and me has me hopeful that tonight will be enjoyable for her. She’s nothing but smiles as Temi leads her away for a more in-depth, no males needed, discussion of the finer points of BDSM.