by L. Rosario
"Ah ... no...” She squirmed under him and pushed at his shoulders. “Wait,” she gasped. “Slow down."
He loosened his hold on her neck and withdrew his cock until only the slick head breeched her. Her hips reared up of their own accord to coax him inside again. Maybe her brain wanted her to go slow, but it wasn't the organ winning the war. Hooking her feet around his thighs, she forced him down, and he thrust home again. Her ass sank into the bumpy mattress until she felt the hard press of bedsprings. Valentino pulled out and thrust back in, time after time, with no sign of relenting.
Sera did her best to prolong the experience, but it was no use. Each time his cock slid home, he banged the upper reaches of her womb, and when he withdrew, the friction burned the walls of her vagina. She was on fire. It was too much for any girl to take. Reaching up, she fisted her hands in his hair and managed to lift his head from her neck. His eyes seemed unfocused as they met hers.
"You're driving me crazy.” She forced the words out on a ragged whisper.
He nodded within her grip, his expression reminding her that he had once made her come with just his voice. “Yeah. I know. That's sort of the plan."
Before she could speak, he aimed for her mouth and shoved deep inside her pussy one last time, smacking her ass with his balls and spreading her legs wider with the hard ridge of pelvis. He swallowed her scream, and she absorbed another full load of semen.
That should have been it, but it wasn't.
Sera barely had a chance to remember her name before Valentino pulled out fully, slithered down her body, and put his face between her legs. The first flick of his tongue made her scream, and she was thankful they were three floors up in the attic. She clawed so violently at the threadbare blanket under her that shredded fabric gathered under her nails.
"Valentino, please!” She couldn't take it anymore. Already she felt the chill seeping into her veins, and before long, her need for blood would rush to the surface and destroy this wonderful encounter. If he brought her to orgasm again, she'd lose control, and he was the only one around to bite.
He lifted his head and met her gaze across the length of her body. “I want you to remember, Sera.” He took hold of her hips and lifted them a little ways off the bed. He blew lightly on her pussy and smiled when she cried out. “I want you to remember everything I've ever done to you."
She nodded, unable to speak. The moment she'd placed her hand on his bare skin, the memories had come back. His smell, his touch, his taste—all of it was indelibly imprinted on her soul. How she had managed to forget for even a moment was a scary testament to Constantine's power.
"Do you remember how excited you were the first time I bit you?” Valentino's voice pulled her into focus.
She closed her eyes and groaned. Oh yes, she remembered. Memory became reality as Valentino's teeth snared her clit. He sucked it deep in his mouth, then released it to scrape the smooth line of his chin across the sensitized flesh. She trembled and took a step closer to another orgasm. Oh no.
"No one else knows you like it rough, do they?” he asked her between nips of his teeth.
Sera shook her head, not strong enough to lift it off the mattress. She pressed her knees wide and angled her hips higher. Valentino took the hint and buried his face right where she wanted it. With his hands holding her ass off the bed, and his arms keeping her legs open, he worked her inside and out until the blanket ripped under her nails and her voice rang out around the room.
The climax left her numbingly cold and very close to the edge. She pried her eyes open just as Valentino crawled back up her body to settle between her legs. His crooked, close-lipped smile and wicked eyes let her know he wasn't through with her yet. This had to stop.
"Val—"
He kissed her to shut her up.
Sera surrendered to the swirl of his tongue inside her mouth and the taste of her body on his lips. Pulling back, she licked the moisture from his chin and tangled her hands in his hair to arch his head further back.
He complied with a soft chuckle. “Gonna bite me, little vampire?"
Sera didn't answer. She lifted her shoulders off the bed to reach the tempting chords in his neck and dragged her elongated fangs up and down the thickest one. He chuckled again and shifted to brace his weight more fully on his hands. His lower body pinned hers to the mattress, but his chest hovered above her. She missed the slick feel of his skin, but her need for blood outweighed everything else at the moment.
Right before she sank her teeth into his thick artery, the queen's warning came back to haunt her. The woman believed Valentino might be dangerous. Did she mean physically or had she been referring to his blood? If Sera gave into the urge to drink from him, would he poison her again? Would she die this time?
A cold chill of real fear crept over her, and she pushed Valentino away with a little cry of anguish. He rolled to his side, then sat up to shoot her a confused look. “What's wrong?"
Sera shook her head and rolled into a ball with her back to him. She squeezed her eyes shut and tried to concentrate on something other than the erotic temptation of warm blood filling her mouth.
Valentino laid his hand on her hip. “Baby, what's wrong?"
"Don't touch me,” she bit out. “Please, don't touch me.” Her hunger had escalated to the point where she was shaking. Pretty soon, it would hurt. “I need blood,” she finally whispered.
"Take mine."
The sight of Valentino's perfect neck flashed behind her lids, and she groaned again. “Mortal blood."
"You're afraid mine will still make you sick?"
His wounded tone didn't make things any easier. “Please. Go get someone else."
His hand slid off her hip, and the mattress dipped as he got to his feet. “Who do you prefer?” There was something buried in that question that forced her to roll over and meet his gaze. His eyes stared through her.
Oh God, he hated her for rejecting him. She'd do her best to explain, after she had blood. “Rick.” Pain stabbed at her heart as the name tightened Valentino's already rigid features. Nodding once, he turned away and snatched up the silk pants on his way out. He didn't glance back before slamming the door behind him.
Chapter Twenty-five
Rick followed Valentino into the room a short time later, wearing an expression that let Sera know she'd made his night by sending for him. Well, he had ruined hers.
She sat up under the covers she'd pulled over her tattered clothes and tried not to let her gaze stray toward Valentino. Of course, she failed. How could she not look at him if he was in the room? It just couldn't be done. Never mind that Rick—and all his towering, blond hotness—was dressed again in tight jeans and no shirt, he paled in comparison to the glowering man at his back. Valentino was shorter by a few inches and not nearly as bulky, but she'd dare any man to come within shouting distance of his beauty.
Rick certainly didn't.
"You called for me, mistress?"
"Don't call her that,” Valentino barked before Sera could even part her lips. He stepped behind Rick and shoved him toward the bed. “She needs blood. Shut up and feed her."
Rick's sea-green eyes settled on her face, and he arched a pale brow. “Is the pit bull staying?” The comment earned him another rough shove in the back.
Sera tucked the blankets under her arms and patted the space next to her. “Please, don't make this any more difficult than it already is.” She felt Valentino's gaze and met it. “You don't have to stay."
His expression was all the response she needed. He wasn't about to leave.
Rick sat on the edge of the bed—a little closer to her than necessary—and reached for her shoulders. His fingers had barely closed over her skin before Valentino was beside him.
"Don't touch her."
Rick glanced toward Valentino. “Look, buddy, she told you to leave."
"She told me I didn't have to stay. Not the same thing. Now take your fucking hands off of her or I'll feed them to you."
/> Sera stared at Valentino's face. Anger pooled in his eyes, turning them the color of deep, dark chocolate. Her body reacted to the sight with a surprising jolt of lust. She should not be turned on right now, for God's sake. What was wrong with her?
His gaze shifted and clashed with hers. The intensity didn't dim, but it changed to something entirely different. Something that promised really naughty things were going to happen the moment they were alone again.
Sera broke eye contact and Rick's light grip on her shoulders. “Just put your head back and let me feed.” He seemed surprised by the blunt request but did as instructed.
His skin stretched over the column of his throat, and her fangs finished their descent from her gums. Careful not to touch him, lest Valentino go off like a stick of dynamite, she scooted closer and placed her mouth against his pulse. The bite she'd given him earlier seemed a good place to feed from now, and with very little effort she broke the skin and called his blood to the surface. He didn't even flinch.
Thankfully, it was over quickly, and she pulled away with new life humming in her veins. Rick shuddered as she swiped her tongue over the wound, but he refrained from making any comments. Smart guy.
His gaze met hers as she licked the last drop of blood from the corner of her mouth. “Does this mean you've decided to make me your servant?"
"No.” It was Valentino who offered the sharp reply.
Rick stood up and stared down his nose at Valentino. Dislike clung to ever pore on his body, and he fisted his hands at his sides. Heavens, was he tempted to hit Valentino? She couldn't let that happen. She got out of the bed, careful to keep the ragged blanket around her body, and stepped foolishly between the two bristling men.
Valentino lowered his gaze to scowl at her, but she turned her back on him to address Rick. “Calling you here was an act of desperation. Nothing more."
His disappointment bothered her. “Yeah, okay.” He flicked his gaze past her. “Seems you've gotten rid of one heavy-handed keeper just to acquire another.” He looked at her again. “I wish you a lot of luck.” He turned toward the door, but Sera lashed out to grab his arm.
"Wait."
Valentino growled softly behind her, but she ignored him. “What do you mean? Has something happened to Constantine?"
Rick glanced at Valentino for a second before telling her. “The master punished him for his rebellion."
Sera released Rick's arm and looked over her shoulder. “What does that mean?"
Valentino shrugged and crossed his arms before glaring at Rick. “Tell her what it means."
Sera rolled her eyes. She'd have to get used to this new badass Valentino, but first things first. She glanced at Rick. “Just tell me whatever you know."
He nodded once. “There's really only one way to punish a vampire, and that's to deny them blood.” He shrugged his muscular shoulders. “I assume Constantine is now locked away somewhere, wishing he'd kept his mouth shut."
Sera gasped then tried to hide the sound behind her hand. It was too late. Valentino took hold of her from behind and snapped at Rick to get the hell out. Rick shrugged once more, then sauntered from the room.
Valentino whipped her around, and the blanket drifted to the floor. “Do you actually feel sorry for him?” The anger was back in his eyes, and it was all for her this time.
Sera didn't know how to answer. Constantine had made her. Regardless of how much she loathed him, she couldn't deny the bond they shared. Putting all that into words didn't seem possible with Valentino's fingers biting into her shoulders, so she shook her head and averted her gaze.
He shook her. “You're lying, damnit!"
Sera glanced back up. “Please don't yell at me."
Valentino snatched his hands off her shoulders to rake them through his hair. His lips parted, but instead of speaking, he dragged in a deep breath that expanded his chest and feathered across her face when he exhaled. It made her shiver, and she wrapped her arms around her nakedness.
"I'm not going to hurt you.” His tone was back to normal.
"I know.” Sera laid her hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat. It was fast and hard, more mortal than vampire. “Just tell me why you're so angry."
He covered her hand and gripped her fingers tight. “I don't want to see even a glimmer of sympathy on your face for that bastard. Let him rot. He deserves it for the way he treated you."
Sera stared at their joined hands. Her skin was so much paler than Valentino's, and she wondered if he'd eventually lose the golden hue. Part of her hoped he didn't. “I'm not sorry to hear that he's indisposed."
Valentino hooked a finger under her chin and eased her face up. His eyes were back to the comforting milk chocolate color that was so easy to drown in. “Just tell me what he means to you. I deserve to know that much, don't I?"
"He means nothing.” Saying the words let her hear the truth behind them. Constantine had ceased to mean anything the moment he shut her out of his life. She'd survived without him, and damn well, all things considered. A little smile pulled at her lips, and a giggle tickled the back of her throat.
Valentino didn't look as amused. “What's so funny?"
Sera stepped closer and wrapped her free hand around his waist. She snuggled into his chest and inhaled the fragrance of his skin. He smelled like sex. His silk pants brushed her bare thighs, and her body let out a silent wail of need.
"Sera?"
She glanced up. “I find it a little humorous that I've wasted over two centuries believing I somehow needed Constantine in my life. Not that I wanted him there, but I convinced myself it was his right.” She frowned as Valentino's gaze narrowed. “That doesn't make sense, does it?"
"Yeah, but it's not exactly humorous."
"Is annoying better?” He nodded, and her smile grew. “Everything I've ever done was because of him. Not drinking from mortals, stifling my real desires, hating sex—"
"You don't hate sex."
"I did before you came along. I was too afraid of losing control.” She buried her face in his chest. It was easier to be open and honest if she didn't have to stare into his eyes. “I was terrified of becoming the sort of vampire Constantine wanted."
"Why?"
"I was afraid he'd come back for me.” It was a fear she'd laid down with everyday, but one she needn't worry about anymore. Was this what liberation felt like? If so, she liked it. She snuggled closer to Valentino, and he wrapped his arms around her. “I still don't enjoy drinking from mortals though."
"Unless it's my neck,” he teased.
In response, she slid her cheek against his chest until she could lick the hollow of his throat. “You're too delicious to resist, and that isn't my fault."
He dug his hands in her hair and eased her back to see her face. “But you're afraid to take any more of my blood, aren't you?"
"The queen warned me that you might not be the usual breed of vampire. Until we figure it out, I should play it safe.” Never mind how much she wanted to sink her teeth into him even now. Just the proximity of his neck drove her mad, and she wasn't even thirsty anymore.
"Does that mean I have to watch you feed from Rick again? Not sure I can or want to do that."
Sera fought back a smile. “Jealous?"
Valentino tightened his arms and lifted her off her feet to kiss her. “Jealous enough to want to do some serious damage to him,” he said once he'd thoroughly branded the inside of her mouth. “I didn't like it.” He set her back down and kissed the top of her head. “I didn't like it at all."
"It's what we are—"
"No, that's Constantine talking, and we both know it. My Sera lived a happy life sipping synthetic blood from a silly mug. We'll get the hell out of this place and see that you have all the fake blood you need so that you never have to sink those sexy fangs into a neck again."
It sounded nice. Real nice. “And what about you?"
He cupped her face and kissed her forehead. “What about me?"
"My blood ma
de you sick, so it's possible you can't ingest the fake stuff. If that's the case, you'll require a servant to feed from.” The thought did not sit well in her stomach. How could she watch him feed from another, knowing the ecstasy to be found in his bite? She couldn't do it. She refused to do it.
"I'm not so sure your blood would have the same effect on me now."
Sera frowned at that. “Why?"
Valentino pulled her close and buried his face against her neck. “I've fed twice and I'm still hungry. Is that normal?"
"No."
He licked her skin, making her shiver. “I think I need your blood."
The thought of having his fangs inside her was unbearably tempting. “And if you're wrong?"
He lifted his head from her neck to kiss her mouth. His gaze met hers. “Then I'm wrong.” He began to peel the ruined shirt off her body. When he reached for her bra, his touch was gentle, and he took the time to slide the straps down and unhook the clasp.
"What are you doing?” The jab of his erection through his pants made her breathless.
"Since you're all full and happy with blood, I see no reason not to fuck you again."
His bluntness squeezed her insides, and she pressed her thighs together to trap the moisture there. “I didn't say I wanted to do it again."
He had her naked now, and he scooped her off the floor and into his arms. “You have until we get to the bed to say yes.” It took two strides to get there. He arched a brow and looked down at her. “Well?"
Sera giggled and ducked her face against his chest. “Yes."
"Say it louder."
She lifted her face and stared at the sensual promise of his mouth. “Yes."
"Yes what?"
She growled in frustration and squeezed her eyes shut. “Don't you dare make me say it."
His lips brushed over her eyes. “I want to hear it. I want to hear you say, ‘Fuck me hard, Valentino.’ Can you say that?"
She squirmed in his arms, and the musky scent of her arousal intensified. His sharp intake of breath let her know that he could smell it. Ah, the joys of being a vampire. Wait until he realized he could see in the dark and hear through walls.