Bite Me I'm Yours

by Stacy McKitrick

  “Because I didn’t want you to worry.”

  “That’s not your job. You should have told me when I told you about that article.”

  He sat back on his legs. “And how exactly would I have explained myself? You didn’t know about me then. I swear, as soon as I realized he hadn’t turned himself in, I searched everywhere. If I thought there was any chance you were in danger, I would have protected you better.”

  And he would have, of that she had no doubt. “So what happened? How did he find me?”

  John took her hand and ran his thumb across her knuckles. “I honestly don’t know. It could have been chance. You were in the same area as before. Maybe he’s been staking the place out. You don’t know how badly I feel. I should have done better by you. I’m so sorry.”

  “It’s not your fault. You thought you had taken care of it.” Her anger dissipated while fear reclaimed her. Would she ever feel safe again? Sure, John helped, but he couldn’t be with her twenty-four-seven. She concentrated on him stroking her hand, anything to keep from screaming. “We should tell the police we know who the serial killer is.”

  He looked at her as if she’d gone mad. “You can’t tell the police that Ray is the serial killer.”

  “Why not? I want him caught!” Frustration caused her eyes to water. She wouldn’t feel safe until Ray was behind bars.

  “He will be caught. You’ve given them his description. Please trust me. If you even mention the words serial killer, they’re going to ask a lot of questions. Questions we can’t answer. Do you understand?”

  How could she think reasonably when there was a killer on the loose? A killer after her? But John probably had resources the police didn’t have. “I suppose so. Just don’t expect me to be calm about this.”

  He smiled before kissing her forehead. “I’ll do my best to take your mind off of it.”

  The forehead? Really? She might be sore, but her lips worked fine. She opened her mouth to protest and her stomach growled.

  “When was the last time you ate?”

  He did seem fixated on her dining habits. At least she knew why he didn’t eat, special liquid diet, indeed. But when had she eaten last? “Lunch yesterday?”

  “Yesterday?” He shook his head. “Sarah…you need to take better care of yourself. What can I fix you?”

  Good thing he didn’t ask what she ate for lunch. Ice cream and cookies weren’t exactly nutritious. She sat up. “Food doesn’t appeal to me right now, but I guess I can find something light.”

  John held her down. “No, you stay here. The doctor said you should rest.”

  It was just as well. That little movement had hurt.

  Chapter 19

  John’s idea of spending a day with Sarah without the prospect of sex might end up being a day of torture. After he fed her soup, she decided to take a shower, against his better judgment. She could barely stand. But as soon as she entered the bathroom and turned on the water, his thoughts turned carnal. Just knowing she was in there naked, wet, and soapy got him harder than hard. He needed to get his shit together or he’d blow this great opportunity to show her he was still a decent person, regardless of being a vampire.

  Sarah emerged from the bathroom wearing a robe that only reached her knees. She had always worn slacks or jeans, never dresses or skirts and it had teased him to no end. Now her legs were bare, which wasn’t helping his erection one bit. Damn, she was sexy. But if he kept staring, his boner would never leave, so he blinked and forced his gaze on her face.

  “Would you help me dry my hair?” She pulled the towel free, uncovering a wet, frazzled mess.

  “Sure.” John followed her to the mirror, where she picked up the comb and started working out the knots. With each movement, she winced in pain.

  “Come on. Let’s get you somewhere more comfortable.” Taking her hand he got a shock of heat. He couldn’t wait to feel that warmth all along his body when he made love to her. His penis jerked in what little room he had in his pants. Damn it. He really was an idiot.

  He led her back to the chair. Easier access and she’d be off her feet. When she settled in, her robe opened momentarily giving him a glimpse of heaven. Holy shit, she was naked under that thing. He could easily bury his face inside her and go to town.

  Damn it. Shit. Crap. Not gonna happen. He quickly moved behind her, knelt on the carpet and nearly moaned at the pressure on his groin. Served him right for thinking.

  He inhaled to clear his head, but got a whiff of her shampoo instead. It was some floral blend, enhancing her natural scent and making him harder than ever. Okay, so maybe he should stop breathing. He concentrated on working the knots free and ran his fingers through her hair.

  When it came time to blow-dry it, the cord was too short for the nearest outlet, so he picked up the chair, with Sarah still in it.

  “Whoa, John. What are you doing?” she asked, grabbing onto the arm rests.

  He put her down. “Sorry. Wasn’t thinking. There aren’t any plugs near you.”

  She glanced over her shoulder toward the wall. “Oh. Then warn me, okay?”

  Warn her? Well, damn. “Will do.” She didn’t stand, so he did as she suggested. “Hold on.”

  She stared at him with those beautiful green eyes as wide as they could get and gripped the arm rests while he lifted the chair and moved it near an outlet. He never wavered because she wasn’t heavy.

  “Impressive.”

  He flashed his eyebrows and smiled. She really was accepting his whole vampire thing. How did he get so lucky?

  * * * *

  Sarah leaned back in the chair while John ran his fingers through her hair and blow-dried it. His touch was pure torture. All she wanted to do was turn around and kiss the guy. And maybe fondle him a little. Or a lot. He was clearly interested—the bulge in his pants told her enough—but he probably thought she was too sore. Wasn’t that the truth?

  She could barely move around, let alone make love. And why was she naked under her robe? John was doing his best to be a gentleman and she was acting like a hussy. What kind of heartless bitch had she become? A horny one, apparently. After flashing him, she’d seen the error of her ways and tucked the robe between her legs.

  The blow dryer cut off, ending her sensuous interlude. She wouldn’t mind him doing this all the time, but only if he wanted.

  He knelt in front of her. A slow smile spread across his face as he toyed with her hair. “I wouldn’t mind doing that again. That’s if you enjoyed it.”

  If she were feeling one-hundred percent, she’d more than enjoy it. “I did.”

  He brushed his fingers against her cheek and lingered there while he gazed at her with those shimmering blue eyes. His eyes were filled with such love and tenderness. And what had she done when she discovered his secret? Thrown his love back in his face. How did she deserve his love after that?

  Tears ran down her cheeks.

  His eyes widened. “What’s the matter? Are you in pain?”

  Sure, she hurt everywhere, but the only organ that mattered was her heart and it ached for him. “I’m sorry, John.”

  He furrowed his forehead as he wiped the tears away. “What are you sorry about?”

  “For the way I treated you when I found out. I told myself if I ever discovered who came to my rescue, I’d hug them first then ask questions. I haven’t even thanked you for saving my life that night. And now you’re being so nice. I don’t deserve you.” The tears flowed a little more freely.

  “Ah, Sarah. Don’t cry. You were scared and confused. I’m just so happy you can accept me the way I am. That means more to me than anything.”

  He deserved that hug. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and rested her head on his shoulder. “Thank you for saving me. Thank you for being in my life. I hope you never leave.”

  Ever so gentle, his arms came around her. “I don’t plan on it.”

  His voice sounded husky. She was probably temp
ting him again, but she liked being in his arms. Almost as much as kissing him. But probably not as much as making love, if they ever got around to actually doing that. She rubbed her cheek against his neck, which brought a gasp from him. “What do you feel when I touch you?”

  He leaned into her touch. “I get a rush of warmth.”

  “But aren’t you always warm? Isn’t that why you don’t need a coat?”

  He pulled away and looked at her. “I don’t need a coat because I adjust to the temperature. Except for touching you—and sunlight—I don’t notice any difference.”

  “Wow, to never be cold or hot. I can’t even imagine.”

  “Yeah, but I can never enjoy the sun on my face or the heat from a fireplace. You’re the closest thing to that pleasure. Actually, you surpass it.” He caressed her cheek as if in thought, then blinked. “You ready for bed now?”

  Bed was the last thing she wanted. That, and being alone. Ray had already tried to abduct her twice, what was to stop him from trying a third time? Did he know where she lived now?

  “He can’t get you here.” He held her face and stared at her intently.

  “I know, but…” God, she sounded whiny. How could he stand it? She wasn’t sure she could.

  “Why don’t we watch TV and when you fall asleep, I’ll carry you to bed. And then after each time I wake you, I’ll stay until you go back to sleep.”

  She liked that plan, but… “You have to wake me?”

  “Doctor’s orders. Remember?”

  Oh yeah, doctor. But sleeping in John’s arms? Now that was something she could wrap her mind around.

  Chapter 20

  John sat on the loveseat, waiting for Sarah to get dressed. Darkness had finally descended, bringing a sadness along with it. Who knew spending a quiet day with her would end up being the best day of his life? He wanted to spend every second with her, but she did have a life, and a job. Heck, so did he, but he would remedy that later. Before he left for Wings, he insisted on taking her out for dinner. Those two tiny meals she’d eaten couldn’t have filled her up. He’d told her she wasn’t torturing him by eating in front of him, which had been all the encouragement she’d needed to agree on the date.

  She emerged from her room, walking with a little more ease. “I think I’ll be able to make it to work tomorrow. Guess I better call Lori for a ride.”

  He rose from the loveseat. “You don’t need to call her. You can use the Xterra until the insurance settles things.”

  “What? I can’t do that. How will you get around?”

  “I don’t need a car, but people question you when you’re different and I try very hard to appear normal.”

  She eyed him suspiciously. “You don’t need a car? Really?”

  “Where am I going to go during the day? You can use mine. I’ll be fine.” He opened the closet and pulled out a blue coat.

  “What’s that? That’s not mine.”

  “It is now. I told you I would replace it, so I bought you a new one.”

  She rushed to him and wrapped him in a hug. “I can’t believe you did all this. Not just the car and the coat, but the way you’ve taken care of me all day. And after the horrible way I treated you. You’re the best thing to ever happen to me. What would I ever do without you?”

  He stiffened at her question. Did she really feel that way about him? He’d be lost without her. No one filled his heart like she did. When she died, she’d take his soul with her, whether or not she loved him back.

  She placed a hand on his cheek. “What is it? What are you thinking?”

  He buried his face in her hair, taking in her scent. “That I’m lucky to have you in my life. I love you so much, Sarah.”

  She squeezed him harder. “I love you, too.”

  In his wildest dreams he couldn’t imagine the joy inside his heart at hearing those words. Heck, he never thought he’d ever hear those words. He cupped her face and gently kissed her. He’d been avoiding this kind of contact all day, afraid he might overreact. But she loved him. He could kiss her for that. “Oh Sarah, you don’t know how happy you’ve made me.”

  Her laughter sounded wonderful. Now it truly was the best day of his life.

  * * * *

  Sarah sat in the Bumblebee and ran her fingers along one sleeve of her new coat. The padding was thicker than her old one and the color almost matched his eyes. She loved it. “When did you get it? You’ve been with me since last night.”

  John pulled into a parking spot and killed the engine. “I went out between wakeups.”

  “You left me?” Argh! What was with her whininess? It wasn’t like he had to report to her.

  “You were sleeping fine and I did have to feed.”

  Jealously flared out of nowhere. Who did he feed on? A man or a woman? And why did it matter? How silly was it she felt threatened by a meal? No sillier than wishing she were said meal. “Did you ever think of maybe feeding from…me?”

  His eyes widened. “Uh, no.”

  “Why not?” Wasn’t she good enough?

  He closed his eyes and pinched the bridge of his nose. “I don’t feed from people I know.”

  Well, that sort of made sense. She probably wouldn’t want to eat hamburger if she had named the cow, except he said he didn’t kill to eat, so wouldn’t that be like drinking the cow’s milk? So what was the big deal? And did he feed from men or women? Oh crap. Who was she to boss him around anyway? She certainly didn’t want to anger him. “I’m sorry. I had no right to question you.”

  “Don’t worry about it, okay? But if it makes you feel better, you’re forgiven.”

  The hostess seated them in the back of the quiet restaurant. Almost like they had the whole place to themselves.

  She picked up the menu and John did the same. Why would he do that? The waitress arrived with two waters.

  “I’ll have the chicken pot pie with rolls and a Diet Coke.” Sarah put the menu down and smiled at him. This should be interesting.

  He lowered the menu. “I’ll have the same.”

  He’d have the what? Sarah waited until the waitress left before she bent over the table and whispered, “What are you doing?”

  Mirroring her movements, John grinned and whispered back, “I’m having dinner with you.”

  She rolled her eyes. “No, silly. Why did you order?”

  “Wouldn’t it look strange if I went into a restaurant and didn’t order anything?”

  “But won’t it look strange when you don’t eat it?” She certainly hoped he didn’t expect her to eat his dinner, too. She might be hungry, but she wasn’t that hungry.

  He sat back and folded his arms across his chest. “Oh, I’ll eat it. Don’t worry.”

  She frowned. What did he mean by that? All this time he could eat and he’d led her to believe otherwise? Why would he do that?

  John laughed.

  “What’s so funny? I thought you couldn’t eat.”

  “I never said I couldn’t eat, just that I don’t. I’ll take care of it so don’t worry. Just enjoy your dinner, okay?”

  The questions in her head bombarded her. What did he mean he’d take care of it? If he could eat, why the story about his liquid diet? She’d love to ask him, but the place was almost too quiet. Anyone could overhear them. She would ask him later.

  Their meals arrived, and after one whiff, Sarah’s stomach grumbled, revealing how famished she really was. She broke up the crust and the pot pie steamed around her face. It was too hot at the moment, but the rolls were okay. She took one and buttered it. Three bites later, she bit her lip. “Damn!”

  John, in the midst of breaking up his own crust, looked up and scanned the room. “What’s the matter?”

  “Oh, I went and bit my lip. I hate it when I do that. Now I’ll probably bite it at least three more times.” She fished out an ice cube and wrapped her napkin around it before placing it on her lip.

  He slid from his side of the
booth and scooted beside Sarah. “Let me help.” He took the napkin and placed it on the table.

  “Help how?”

  Holding her chin, he leaned over and ran his tongue across her bottom lip. The soft sensation set her desire on fire and when he let out a little moan and pulled away, she wasn’t about to let him go. She grabbed the back of his neck and planted her lips on his. This was what she’d been craving all day. This was what he’d held back. She ran her fingers through his hair and explored his mouth. God, he tasted good. Her body tightened with a need so strong she slid her hand to his waist. She was inches away from his crotch.

  “God, Sarah, you have to stop,” he said into her mouth.

  Oh crap. John had been right to hold back. Kissing him was asking for trouble. Embarrassed at how she’d reacted in a public place, she apologized and released him so he could sit back on his side of the booth.

  “What was that all about?” Damn, her mouth still tingled.

  “How’s your lip?”

  She ran her tongue around and found no evidence of ever having bitten her lip. So he’d been healing her, not kissing her. Figured. “It feels great. Wow, you can be pretty handy. Of course, next time you could warn me so I don’t attack you in public.”

  John laughed and said, “Will do. Now eat your dinner and try not to bite your lip again.”

  Curious, she had to ask, “Did I taste good?”

  He let out a long breath and stared at her. “Eat.”

  She pouted when he wouldn’t answer. Didn’t seem fair. Of course, if she had tasted bad, he probably would have grimaced or something.

  He skewered a carrot and slowly ate it, as if he wasn’t sure what to expect. His eyebrows shot up and he smiled. “I forgot how much I liked carrots.”

  “It tastes good?”

  “Yeah, it tastes great.”

  John took to his food as if he’d been starving and Sarah enjoyed her first meal in ages. It was nice eating with him and she couldn’t understand why he’d never bothered before. If he was so concerned about her eating habits, all he ever had to do was join her.