Romance with a Bite

by Tamsin Baker

  “Never.” He tongued a nipple as his fingers trailed downwards and thrust into her. “You’re so wet.”

  “Because of you.” She moved on his fingers. “I want you inside me.”

  Etienne stiffened, his fingers stilling inside her. He groaned. “I forgot a condom.”

  Amy’s breath sounded choppy between them. “Oh.”

  “I’ll get it.” He lifted his hand away. “It’s in jeans pocket.” He lifted her off him.

  “No.”

  He frowned. “What?”

  “Don’t worry about it.” Amy settled back in his lap. “I’m clean. I had tests during my cancer treatment and I’ve not been with anyone since.”

  “Are you sure?” When she nodded, Etienne kissed her. “I’m clean too. I wasn’t lying when I told you I haven’t been with anyone in years. I found the resort supplies to ensure you were protected.”

  I want my Eti. Warmth flowed through Amy. Skin to skin, no barriers, no regrets. “I’m on the pill.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I can’t have children.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Don’t be. I’ve had a long time to reconcile myself to never having a natural-born family. I do have a family—everyone here.”

  Etienne pulled her close with shaking hands. “I’ve made love with you many times and it’s always like this.”

  “Me too.” Amy rubbed against him. “I thought you didn’t make love, only fucked.”

  “With you, it’s both.” He tangled his fingers into her hair and touched his lips to hers. “Whatever it is, I can’t get enough of you.”

  Etienne lifted Amy and with a quick thrust, impaled her on his cock. Their groans echoed around the cave.

  Amy rocked back and forth. “S…so good.” I can’t stop. “What are you staring at?”

  His sexy grin widened. “A beautiful woman with a beautiful name. Amy—your name means beloved in French.” He slowly thrust into her.

  “Y…yes.” Amy threw her head back, her mouth open. “I know. I questioned my parents” choice over the past years when I didn’t feel loved.”

  Etienne cupped her breasts and squeezed. “By whom?” He pumped into her again. And again.

  What did he say? “My last two boyfriends.”

  His hands dropped to her hips. “They were fools.” They moved lower to her arse and cupped her cheeks. “No matter.” He pulled her to him, to his hard, thrusting cock. “Their stupidity led you to me. And this.”

  Etienne squeezed her arse and ground his cock into her pussy. Her knees scraped along the rock shelf, the pinpricks of pain intensifying the pleasure ignited by his hard, deep thrusts.

  Noises echoed around the cave. Splashing water, slapping bodies. Deep moans. The sounds fuelling hands touching and lips kissing.

  Etienne kissed her neck, then licked. His body trembled against hers. He scraped his teeth against her skin. Amy shuddered. “That feels good.”

  “I know.”

  A deep growl rumbled from him as he pumped his cock harder and tightened his arms around her. His mouth pressed down on her neck.

  Amy jerked in shock at the sharp pinch, then groaned at Etienne’s mouth sucking at her, pulling in tandem with his pounding cock. “Oh, yes.” Her body bowed, pushing her neck tighter to his mouth, his cock deeper into her wet pussy.

  Heat spun through Amy. She blinked, her eyesight hit with colourful fireworks. She closed her eyes, her senses focused on his skilful mouth and cock.

  Images flashed against her eyelids. Etienne—dressed in old fashioned clothing—running with a woman who resembled her. Both were trapped in a burning room, flames flicking up the walls. The woman’s screams, Etienne’s despair and desperation. The ceiling collapsing, sending sparks and debris down onto them.

  Amy blinked and it was gone. What was that?

  Etienne’s mouth dug into her neck. His arms tightened, his thrusts grew stronger, rougher.

  A tsunami of tingling flickers enveloped and Amy sucked in air. Her body tightened as the orgasm hit.

  Etienne pumped several more times and lifted his mouth away from her neck. He held her close as he stiffened and orgasmed, plunging his cock in her still-spasming pussy.

  Amy’s vision wavered. Don’t faint. She raised a shaky hand to push hair away from her face. That’s never happened before. She blinked, confusion clouding her mind. His face. Etienne’s mouth seemed wider, his teeth longer. Darkened with something. She blinked again. Must be the lighting.

  Etienne placed his cheek against hers and thrust again. “I can’t stop.”

  “D…don’t.”

  He pumped harder, faster. His tongue continued licking her neck but she no longer felt his teeth. On and on, he went deeper and harder.

  Amy screamed through the next orgasm.

  What have I done? Etienne slumped against the cave wall and lay Amy against his chest. She gulped in air as he rubbed her back.

  Amy lifted her weary head. “What happened?”

  He grimaced. “I lost control.”

  “Don’t apologise.” Amy smiled. “I liked you losing control.” She cupped his cheek. “I liked it very much.” She yawned. “I can’t move.”

  “You don’t have to.” Etienne lifted her off him and swam them back to the grotto beach. He carried Amy and placed her on a sheltered grassy area. He lay down beside her. “Rest.”

  “For now.” Amy snuggled closer. “After, you’ve got to repeat whatever you did in there.”

  He tensed. “If you wish.”

  Her eyes closed, her breathing deepening with sleep.

  The solar lighting through the overhead fronds cast shadows on Amy’s gorgeous, relaxed face. Etienne brushed hair from her brow, rubbing strands between his fingers. Soft, like her skin. He kissed her cheek, inhaled her unique scent. Seductive and totally addictive.

  He groaned, the deep sound echoing around them. Amy mumbled in her sleep and arched her body towards him.

  Mon Dieu, I lost control. Etienne sat up, his shoulders slumped. The dark mark on her neck hid two puncture wounds. I want to do it again.

  He hadn’t taken blood from a human in centuries, a sort of atonement for the atrocities he’d committed in Paris. He licked his lips, the fresh, metallic aftertaste still lingering. Thierry was right. Now that he’d had fresh, it would be hard going back to the blood bank’s bagged, days-old substitute.

  I must. I can’t taste Amy again. He turned away from temptation. His body shuddered. No matter how much I ache for it.

  Amy moaned and rubbed her hands over her body.

  “Shhh.” Etienne raised her hand to his lips. “Sleep, my beloved.” She is my beloved. He’d hungered for Amy from the moment he’d seen her standing on the beach below the cliffs. Her scent, her touch, set him on fire. Now that he’d tasted her blood, he knew. No other blood had given him such a high over the centuries—not even Marie’s before he’d finally conceded to her pleading and made her a vampire like him.

  Tonight had sealed his fate. The moment he’d kissed Amy’s neck, his tongue tasting her flesh, his body vibrated. The hunger reared up, its heat roaring through him. His teeth elongated and he couldn’t stop. Didn’t want to stop.

  Being inside Amy as he drank from her brought out the animal he’d always known he was. He’d taken her rough and drank deeply from her, giving them both unforgettable climaxes. Amy wanted more. He groaned. As do I.

  Etienne stood and marched around the grotto. She’s changed me. He’d told Amy things he’d never spoken of to others—not even Thierry—trusting her with his secrets. She makes me dream of a life with her. Impossible—we’re worlds apart, both genetically and geographically. She wouldn’t want to stay here. And she can’t. No matter how much I want her to.

  Amy slept, unaware of his turmoil. I’m fixated on her, my body wants her every second. As if it’s a normal human male body. His cock stood to attention, ready again for Amy.

  He rubbed the back of his neck. Did Amy have any idea what he was?
He experienced physical orgasms like a human male, but he couldn’t fill a condom or Amy’s body—and he wanted to. He wanted to give her a part of himself, have her belly grow with their child. The dead can’t give life.

  “Eti, what’s wrong?”

  Amy stretched her arms above her head, twisting her body on the plush grass.

  “Nothing.” He was beside her in an instant. “Sleep.”

  “No.” She shook her head. “I don’t want that.” She reached for him. “I want you.”

  Etienne enveloped her in his arms. Her heartbeat sounded like drums in his ears, the blood rushing through her veins singing to him. “I want you too.” He brushed his mark on her neck then trailed his fingers down her body.

  “Yes.” Amy pushed into his hand. “Don’t stop.”

  His cock twitched, hardened, punching pleasure-pain in his gut. The hunger hit, his body shook. He clenched his jaw, forcing his fangs to retreat. No, I won’t do that again.

  He cupped her breast, traced the outline of her tattoo. Magnificent.

  Amy opened her legs to cradle his body and covered his mouth with hers. She lowered a hand to his hard cock and guided it into her, grabbed his arse and pulled him home. She grunted at the impact. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

  “Never.” Etienne thrust into her, time and time again. He kissed her lips, face, everywhere but her neck. That tempting neck with his mark…that called for him to feast again.

  He held her tight and flipped onto his back, his cock driving deep as he settled Amy onto him. She placed her hands onto his chest and rode him harder and faster, her mouth open with gasping breaths.

  He squeezed her breasts, pumped harder into her wet, tight pussy. Strong spasms clamped on his cock. “Come for me.”

  Amy flung back her head and screamed into the night as she rode him through another cock-clenching, pussy-drenching climax. She collapsed onto his chest.

  “Now I really can’t move.”

  “You don’t need to.” He wrapped his arms around her. “I’m here.”

  Etienne sighed as Amy’s heat and scent wrapped around him, his cock buried deep inside her. Her breathing slowed as she fell asleep again. I could stay like this forever. He hugged her close. But we can’t have forever—not together.

  A wave of sorrow enveloped him and he closed his eyes. He’d always hunger for her blood, her unique taste. Was it due to the drugs she was taking? Or something else? His body stiffened as the sad reality flashed into his mind.

  Amy has to leave. With her touch, taste, smell and beauty forever imprinted on him. As was her sweet blood.

  In a few days, she would return to her home city, to normal life, to regular doctor check-ups. Amy must see a doctor—and soon. I must let her go. Her life depended on it.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Amy paced around her bungalow, the spacious room closing in on her. I’m going nuts and it’s his fault. She couldn’t stop thinking about last night at the grotto with Etienne. How he’d touched her, loved her. Given her the most spectacular orgasms she’d ever experienced.

  That’s all I thought about all day. His body—on me, in me. His mouth. Oh God, what he did with his mouth. Her hands trembled, her body ached and shook with never-ending tremors. I’m out of control, acting like Olivia. What’s happening to me?

  She ran to the ensuite and splashed cold water on her face. The mirror reflected sparkling eyes, rosy, swollen lips, and her skin rubbed pink by Etienne’s stubble-covered jaw.

  She raised her hand to the purple area on her neck. I have his mark now. I’m his. Shivers tumbled through her. And I am. Crazy how he’s changed my world in only a few days.

  She marched to the bungalow’s main room and checked the time on her mobile. Paced around the room—watching, waiting. The day had dragged, despite spending hours with Olivia snorkelling, sunbathing, and playing tennis with other guests. Dinner was great. Olivia was back to her normal self, despite still being with Thierry, and she’d left an hour ago to spend another night with him. Where’s Etienne?

  The days, while filled with activities, meant nothing. She only waited for the nights to be with him. Is this the life I want if I stay here and live with Etienne? She stopped. What the—? Where did that idea come from? Did she want to stay here forever?

  Amy’s stomach churned. Would Etienne even want me to stay? He hadn’t said he loved her, but he did say he’d miss her. He’d said he loved her body, and showed her that in many ways. Was that enough to drastically change her life to be with him?

  Two sharp knocks sounded on her bungalow door. Why is Etienne approaching that way? Heated pleasure flooded her. She raced to the door and flung it open.

  Disappointment blanketed her.

  “Good evening, Miss.” A handsome young man carried a tray and bowed to her. “I hope you’re well.”

  “Hello. Yes, I am.” The dark, empty pathway behind him mocked her. “Can I help you?”

  “I have a message from Etienne.”

  Dread flooded her. What’s happened? “Yes?”

  “He apologises as he’s been detained by an urgent matter.” He pushed the tray to her. “He’ll come to you as soon as he can. He wanted you to enjoy this dessert while you wait.”

  She took the tray. “Thanks.” The man bowed and disappeared down the path.

  Amy closed the door and shuffled to the dining table, dropped into a chair, and placed the desert in front of her. A deep sigh escaped her lips. She lifted up the spoon and dipped it in the thick, dark, chocolate pudding. Might as well indulge while I wait for him.

  Another hour passed, the sinfully rich dessert devoured and still no Etienne. Amy paced the room as she’d already done countless times. She shook her head. Enough. She headed to her room and changed into shorts and a shirt, then put on her running shoes. I’m not going to sit around, slowly going insane until Etienne decides to show up.

  Amy pounded around the paths, the resort slightly eerie with the moon and stars blanketed by heavy clouds. The solar lights placed set distances apart provided the only lighting. She found herself increasing her stride to reduce time in the darkened areas.

  She hadn’t seen anyone—guest or staff—for a while and even the insects and birds were strangely silent. She stopped and put her hands on her hips, breathing deeply. Where am I? She didn’t recognise this area, the darkened foliage surrounding the paths closing in on her. Her pulse raced, her senses tingled. She spun around, adrenalin pumping through her. I’m being watched.

  Something dropped—possibly a branch—the loud snap like a whip crack. Amy spun around and headed back in the direction she’d come, hopefully back towards her bungalow. And Etienne. Is he waiting for me?

  Amy jogged down several paths. Her heartbeat raced, her breathing was jerky. Don’t panic. There’s no reason to be scared. But she was—and didn’t know why. She stopped in her tracks. Did I just see red eyes? She shook her head. Don’t be stupid. She breathed easier, recognising the open park not far from the dining area. With reduced solar lighting and the moon still hiding, deep shadows covered the trees. The slight breeze rustled the fronds and carried another sound to her ears.

  Someone’s having sex. Amy stepped back. The cries grew louder, the echoes carrying on the wind. And enjoying it. The clouds uncovered the moon and revealed the couple.

  They stood against a tree a few metres away, the woman sandwiched between the tree trunk and the man. From his movements, her leg wrapped around his waist and the noises coming from her open mouth, they were having a good time.

  Amy’s face flamed. Don’t watch. They reminded her of what Etienne did to her last night. How much I want him now.

  The man increased his thrusts, bent the woman’s head to the side and bit her. He fucked her—she went wild—and his mouth worked at her neck. He seemed to be sucking, chewing at her flesh.

  Amy stumbled, crying out in shock. No. The man detached himself from the woman’s neck and spun his head around, his eyes large and red-tinged. His mout
h was open wide and covered with red. His teeth gleamed, long and sharp. Splattered with…the woman’s blood.

  She backed away. No, impossible. The man sniffed in her direction and his long tongue slowly rimmed his lips.

  She swallowed against the rising nausea. He’s drinking her blood. The woman grabbed his head and arse. The man lunged into her and sucked on her neck again.

  Amy spun and raced down the path. Impossible. She blinked, her sight hazy, her mind blank. I didn’t see that. She kept running, breathing deeply. It can’t be true.

  Amy barrelled through her bungalow door and locked it. Raced around to lock the windows and the doors leading to the beach. Her body trembled, cold spasms pulsing through her. No, I didn’t see it. She wrapped her arms around herself. What do I do now? She closed her eyes and shook her head. How do I get out of here? A bubble of hysterical sobs pushed up her throat. Is Olivia safe?

  A loud knock tore a scream from her mouth. She slammed her eyes open and spun towards the door. Silence. Her heart thundered in her ears. Another knock, this time to her right. From the double doors.

  A tall shadow stood on the deck. He came closer, his face clearer. Etienne. Amy moved to the doorway and put her hand on the glass panel that separated them. “Hello.”

  He frowned. “Are you okay?”

  Confused, scared. She shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  Etienne noticed the locked door. “Amy, can I come in?”

  She lifted a hand to unlock it and froze. His face, his stance. He knows. “What’s going on, Etienne?”

  “I don’t know what you mean.” His face hardened.

  “I think you do.” Amy took a deep breath. “You know what I saw.” She rubbed her suddenly aching brow.

  “Will you let me in to explain?”

  “To tell me lies?”

  His mouth thinned. “Amy, I’ve never lied to you. I only told a version that kept our secret safe. That kept my family safe.”

  Amy hesitated for several seconds. Etienne stepped back, his shoulders drooped.

  “I hope you’ll give me a chance to explain before you leave.”