by Ann Lory
“Are you sure, Cassandra?” He paused. “I cannot change what I am.”
She touched his cheek, a cheek that had already healed from where she had struck him in her dreams. There was total acceptance in her eyes. “I have never been more sure of anything. Make me yours and yours alone.”
Groaning, he covered her mouth, exploring the warmth and tenderness she offered in the caress of her lips. Ever so slowly, his hands slid up the length of her arms and gently pushed away the flimsy straps of her gown, causing the material to fall in a cool tangle around her waist.
Dimitri left her eager lips to stare at the creamy offering of her breasts and cupped one in his hand, his fingers lightly playing over a dusky pink nipple. Unable to resist, he lowered his head and took the hard peak into his mouth.
Cassie cried out, clutching him, her head back. She arched, an unspoken invitation for him to take more of her into his mouth.
He lowered her to the bed, suckling and pulling at her nipple, rejoicing in her cries of pleasure as he continued to worship her with the hot brushes of his mouth. Leaving one breast, he went to the other, paying it the same homage, knowing he had never felt anything akin to what he felt for the woman in his arms.
While Dimitri had bathed, Cassie had lain back on the sheets, the cool material feeling refreshing beneath her. She’d closed her eyes and thought of him in the shower, imagining the water running over his body and his hair sleeked back, water dripping from the dark locks. She knew he would be magnificent nude, and the thought caused her to blush. When he had come out of the bathroom in only a towel, she thought she would die from desire for him.
Cassie’s fingers twisted in his hair, her whole body alive with the sensations this man was bringing out in her. His hands trailed down between the valley of her breasts and over her stomach. Cassie moaned, writhing under his exploring fingers. Then with a fluid grace that surprised her, he lifted her and removed the last of the gown from her body, leaving her completely naked beneath him. “You are lovely,” he whispered. Her whole body flushed more with passion and desire.
Cassie grabbed his towel and pulled it free, tossing it to the floor, her searching eyes taking in the full length of him straining toward his belly. She reached out and cradled him in her hand, running her hands up and down his shaft and smiling as his head fell back and he groaned.
She cupped his balls with her other hand, eagerly caressing him, not wanting the sounds of his pleasure to end. The sound was intoxicating. Just touching him made her wet and aching with need.
She rose up and flicked her tongue over his nipple and he gasped in delight.
Grabbing her hands, he pushed them above her head and held them there as his other hand roved over her stomach, causing her to quiver, and down over the top of her thigh to rest on her dark mound of curls. His breaths came in deep rasps, and she thought she would burst at just the thought of becoming one with him.
Cassie strained against his hand, whimpering as his fingers spread the folds of her sex and stroked her. She was wet, ready for him, but he trailed kissed down her body, holding her hips as he brought himself between her legs. She looked at him, then cried out when his lips touched her. Cassie had never felt anything so overwhelming, not even that first time he’d tasted her in her apartment. His tongue was wicked, driving her mad. She needed him, was desperate to have him inside her.
He must have read her thoughts; he rose above her and pressed against her opening. Suddenly, his mind was open to hers as well. She found that she had tasted exquisite to him. Her juices, the essence of her had filled his mouth and his senses while his tongue had plunged and stroked. But now he held her hips, keeping her from bucking away from him, while an orgasm slammed her body, causing her to quiver and spasm. Just the feel of his flesh touching hers was enough to send her to her peak.
He groaned as she parted her legs, wrapping them around him, pressing her pelvis into his. “Dimitri, please, I need you.” She was begging and she didn’t care.
Her lips touched his and he slowly entered her, gasping as her warmth enfolded him. She felt his surprise when he broke through her virginal barrier. Dimitri immediately ceased his movements, his hands framing her face. She looked at him, tears in her eyes.
“Cassandra, did I hurt you?”
“Only a little, but I think that is to be expected.”
“I didn’t know.” He looked upset. “I should have.”
She gently touched his face, bringing him back to her. “I saved myself for love. I saved myself for you.”
Dimitri kissed her then. He began to slowly move inside her, clearly trying to hold back and bring her to another climax before he found his.
Their passion knew no bounds. He seemed to fill her, to complete her, and Cassie wanted to weep at the unfamiliar sensations he brought her. Never before had she felt this way, never knew it could be so wondrous. She cried out at the ache that began again in the depths of her womb, begging for release. Her whole body tingled with life, then she exploded into her orgasm.
Cassie felt his teeth graze at her neck and felt his fangs, then her pleasure intensified as his tongue licked at her flesh while his length continued to move in and out of her in an erotic rhythm.
The exquisite feeling once again erupted within her, bursting like flashing lights, blinding her with its purity. “Dimitri!”
* * * * *
Cassie woke with a satisfied smile, feeling deliciously sore, then sat up in the bed at the sound of something scraping across the stone floor. “What are you doing,” she asked Dimitri, a shy smile flittering across her face, as memories of what they had shared came to play in her mind.
Dimitri gazed at her, smiling back at her over the top of an easel and canvas before him. There was a light in his eyes as he sat in a swivel chair, paints at his side. “I was inspired,” he announced.
“By me?” Cassie asked a little bewildered.
“I was hoping not to wake you. You don’t mind, do you?”?
“Well ... I don’t know.”
“Please, agapi mou, it pleases me very much.” His dark eyes seemed to wrap her in their embrace, holding her as if they would never let her go. She finally nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
His grin caught at her heart as he brought his hand up, the paintbrush nestled between his long tapered fingers, then the sound of the brush stroking down the dark canvas whispered in her ears. A shiver coursed up her spine at the sound; she felt as if he had just glided the soft bristles along her skin.
Cassie didn’t move, couldn’t move. Her eyes never left him. She was transfixed by every detail about him, enthralled with the way his midnight-black hair fell straight onto his shoulders as if the strands caressed him, the dark locks flowing free. His handsome face was set in concentration as he gazed upon her, taking in her features, that dark look capturing every secret of her body.
His body was bare, and she inspected each ripple of his flesh in return, every hard peak her gaze could touch. Her tongue darted out over her suddenly dry lips, moistening them. She remembered his strong capable hands causing their own stroking sensation within her even as his brush moved across the canvas. They had worked their own spell over her body. Her breaths became short and quick.
She examined his sensual lips, which had curved into a knowing smile. They had touched her body, making her wild with passion. How she longed to feel them pressed against hers again, to caress and deliver excruciating pleasure.
“What?” Cassie abruptly realized that he had spoken to her.
“I said I’m finished.”
She smiled brilliantly. “Can I look?”
“Yes, come.” He motioned with his hand, extending it toward her.
Wrapping the sheet around her, holding the ends together at her breast, she stepped from the bed and rushed to Dimitri. Peering at the canvas, she gasped in amazement at his creation.
The background was dark as black velvet. She lay on the bed, her chestnut hair wild around her fa
ce. The ivory sheets were tangled suggestively around her body, one leg peeking out, exposing a slender, creamy calf. Her shoulders and arms were bare, her delicate hands holding the cover over her breast. Her violet eyes seemed to beckon a lover, her pouting lips seductive, pleading to be kissed.
It was beautiful, but Cassie was a little embarrassed at the way he had portrayed her. “Why did you draw me with that look, Dimitri?” she asked, feeling her face redden.
He gently touched her cheek, and she turned to look at him as his fingers brushed a lock of hair from her face. “Because, agapi mou, that is the way you were looking at me.” His deep voice seemed to flow over her.
Her cheeks grew hotter; she hadn’t known just how transparent her thoughts had been. He swiveled his body to her, and she stepped between his legs; his arms surrounded her, and he rested his head against her breast.
“It’s beautiful, Dimitri. Thank you.”
He looked up at her, his dark eyes filled with fire. It was obvious that his searing need matched her own. His hands glided along her hips, clutching the satiny sheet in his fist, and gently tugged it down.
Cassie released her grip, letting the material fall in a pool at their feet. She gasped as his hands cupped her breasts, bringing one dusky peak into his mouth. Her fingers tangled in his raven locks, and her knees buckled at the swirling pools of pleasure that rippled through her body.
He brought her on to his lap so that she straddled him on the stool. His strength made her insides quiver more, and she sighed when he held her in place for his hard cock to press into her entrance. Spreading her legs wider, she allowed him to slide into her, driving to the hilt so that they both groaned. Balancing her feet on the foot rests, Cassie tried this new position, rocking her hips back and forth, wrapping an arm around his neck for leverage.
He felt wonderful, filling her completely. There wasn’t a spot he couldn’t touch, causing her to cry out as an orgasm clenched her body. He captured her mouth, devouring her as she continued to ride him, slow and smooth.
Dimitri rose swiftly to his feet, holding her to him. Her legs wrapped securely around his waist as he carried her back to the bed. He left her body only for a moment, responding to her disappointed sigh by laying her on her side, then coming down behind her and entering her swiftly. She groaned as his hands caressed her breasts, her hips, then touched the bud between her legs while he continued to thrust in and out of her passage. His loving turned slower, eventually delivering her to the fire that only he could give her.
Chapter Fourteen
Cassie was startled at the loud knock on the chamber door. Rising, she looked down at Dimitri, who appeared like death. She touched his icy face. Fear clutched at her heart.
“Dimitri,” she said, but he gave no response. Cassie placed her ear to his heart and almost cried out when there was no discernible heartbeat. He wasn’t breathing either. Coming to her knees, she grabbed his shoulders, tears forming in her eyes. “Dimitri!” Her voice was rising with hysteria.
Cassandra, do not fear. I am only at rest. His voice seemed lethargic, as if it were difficult to communicate with her. He opened his eyes slightly, then closed them again.
I thought ...
I know, agapi mou. Go with Rowlin. Kelly is here to see you.
Cassie reared back in surprise and saw the hint of what could only be called a smile flit across Dimitri’s face. Disgruntled, she climbed from the bed and quickly donned her gown and robe. The chamber doors opened on their own for her, and she hurried out to greet Rowlin.
“Miss Matthews is here to see you. I showed her into the study.” He chuckled. “I feel inclined to warn you, Miss Stephens, that she is fit to be tied.”
“Why?” Cassie hurried down the stairs.
“She hasn’t seen or heard from you in two days.”
Cassie gave him a horrified look over her shoulder. “Two days!” Running down the hall to the study, she raced through the doors. Kelly rushed toward her, grabbing her in a ferocious hug.
Tears were in Kelly’s eyes when she finally pulled away. She glared at Cassie.
“Have you been here all this time?”
“Yes, I have,” Cassie admitted guiltily.
“Was a phone call too much for you? You didn’t pick up at home, your cell phone or the office. I have been worried sick!”
Her outburst took Cassie by surprise, and she had the good grace to blush.
“Kelly, I am so sorry, I didn’t know.” That was the truth. She really hadn’t known how long she had been shut away with Dimitri in his chamber. She wished she could explain to Kelly, but she didn’t dare.
“I don’t know what to say other than how sorry I am.”
“I almost called the police until I thought of coming here! I didn’t think you two had gotten back together, but I didn’t know where else to look!” Kelly was pacing wrathfully, venting her anger.
Cassie grabbed her friend’s hand and held it for a moment, looking into her blue eyes. “Kelly, please, it will never happen again.”
“You have no idea how frantic I was! How anxious Craig was!” Kelly glared even harder at Cassie. “I am absolutely furious with you!” She yanked her hand away.
“I know, I know, I am really, really sorry.”
“I thought you had been kidnapped, or ...” Fresh tears filled Kelly’s eyes. Cassie stepped toward her, but Kelly waved her away and sat down, red-faced and clearly not at all appeased.
Cassie lowered herself to Dimitri’s chair across from her and stared back. They didn’t speak for a long while, then Cassie finally broke the silence. “Please, Kelly, I know it was irresponsible and inexcusable. It will never happen again, I swear it.”
Kelly studied Cassie until she finally gave a surrendering sigh. “Fine! You’re forgiven, but I am still mad at you! Never do that again, never ever!”
Cassie shook her head. “Never!” She hugged Kelly tightly, grateful for such a good friend.
It was then that Cassie smelled the delicious aroma of fresh rolls drifting from the kitchen, tantalizing her senses. Make-up food! She pulled away and smiled at Kelly. “Rowlin is a great cook. Do you want to see if he has any goodies for us?”
Kelly obviously tried to hold it in but finally couldn’t help but giggle. “Let’s!”
They walked quickly down the hall like two little girls up to mischief. As they entered the kitchen, Rowlin turned with a smile and held up a plate of fresh cinnamon rolls, icing dripping from the warm pastries. A bowl of strawberries, cantaloupe and pineapple was on the island.
“Oh, Rowlin, I knew I could count on you,” Cassie said, racing across the kitchen. Her stomach loudly announced itself. She and Kelly settled on stools and eagerly filled their plates.
“You see before you a balanced breakfast. The fruit is healthy, and the pastry is our required dose of fat intake for the day,” Cassie stated, popping a piece of roll in her mouth, moaning when it seemed to melt there.
Kelly laughed. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Rowlin turned to leave the room, but Cassie protested. “Join us for breakfast.”
“Thank you, but I have things I need to do. You enjoy your time with Miss Matthews.” With a smile, he left.
“So, when did you and Dimitri get back together?”
“Well, I guess two days ago.”
“How did it happen? What did he say?”
Cassie thought for a moment. She hated lying to her friend, but there was no way she could tell Kelly what was really going on, that Dimitri was a vampire. She could just imagine Kelly’s reaction. The words “crazy” and “insane” came to mind.
“I don’t really know. He showed up at the New Year’s Eve party and convinced me to leave with him. And here I am.”
Kelly examined Cassie’s face intently. Her friend had always been able to tell when she was lying. They never used to keep anything from each other, but it seemed to be happening a lot lately. Kelly really didn’t know much about Cassie’s relationship with Di
mitri, after all, but Kelly wasn’t stupid. Cassie knew her friend was aware something was going on, something big, and she’d hate being left out.
“Well, what did he say? I mean, you would never tell me why you two broke up in the first place.”
Cassie began to fidget under Kelly’s intense scrutiny. “Well, we talked and ...” Her mind was racing, but she couldn’t think of anything convincing. Kelly’s blue gaze seemed to bore into her, and she couldn’t look her in the eye.
Then Cassie noticed an odd look come over Kelly’s face, as if she heard something.
“I have to go,” she said suddenly, standing and looking at Cassie. “Will you walk me out?”
Cassie was stunned at her reprieve. “Sure.” They walked out of the kitchen, through the dining room. Kelly looped her arm through Cassie’s, resting her head on Cassie’s shoulder as they went toward the entrance.
“This is such a beautiful house. You snagged a good one this time, Cass.” She sighed. “He’s handsome and rich, and when he isn’t making you miserable, he seems to be kind and utterly in love with you.”
Cassie smiled, her heart warming as she pictured Dimitri. “I know.”
At the door, they hugged again; then Kelly grabbed the sash of Cassie’s robe. “By the way, nice jammies. That man has great taste. Talk at ya later!” Kelly descended the steps to her car and drove away.
Closing the door, Cassie leaned back against it, glancing toward the third floor.
Dimitri?
Yes, agapi mou.
You wouldn’t happen to have had anything to do with Kelly’s quick departure, would you?
Why, I don’t know what you mean.
She could hear the humor in his voice and she laughed. Stepping away from the door, she walked up the stairs to her room on the second floor. Entering her bathroom, she turned on the water and undressed.