“Olivia.” Robby scooped her into his lap and wrapped his arms around her. “Sweetheart, ye’re safe now. I willna let anyone harm you.”
She buried her face against his shoulder and let the tears go. She’d held them in for so long, always trying to be strong on the job. She cried for the girls who had died. She cried for the perversion she’d been forced to endure. She cried for the torture Robby had suffered.
He continued to murmur sweet things as he rubbed his hands up and down her back.
She rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “I got the confession like I was supposed to, but I felt so dirty.”
He took her by the shoulders. “Sweetheart, ye’re an angel. Ye canna be tainted with that man’s evil.”
She smiled and touched Robby’s cheek. His whiskers were prickly and sexy, but above the whiskers, his skin was baby soft. He was the sweetest man she’d ever met, and God help her, she wanted him with an ache that squeezed her heart till she could hardly bear it.
“I think we should modify that quote of yers. No one can make ye feel dirty without yer permission.”
The tears returned to her eyes. “Thank you.”
He smiled. “We’re good for each other.” He wiped her damp cheeks with his fingers. “Enough sad tears.” He kissed her cheek. “We should be happy.”
She smoothed a hand over his temple and into his hair. “You make me happy.”
“Lass, ye fill every dream in my head and every desire in my heart. I’m falling in love with you.”
She was speechless. She was lost. She opened her mouth to speak, but simply stared at him.
He pressed a kiss against her lips, then sat back.
“Robby.” Her heart cracked open, and she knew he was the one. The one she’d waited for all her life. She flung her arms around his neck and squeezed him tight. “I want to be with you forever.”
“We can do that.” He rose to his feet, still holding her in his arms, then skirted the coffee table. He dropped to his knees on the rug in front of the fire, neatly depositing her on the afghan and pillows.
She pulled him close for a kiss, and he claimed her mouth with a hunger that thrilled her. He stretched out on the floor, half on top of her. She smoothed her hands down his back and arched against him. She’d never felt so desperate before. Or so bold.
A small voice in her head reminded her that she’d only known Robby a few days. It was all happening too fast. She didn’t know him well enough.
But she knew he was the one. Wasn’t that what mattered? She needed to stop overanalyzing and enjoy this. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him back. He groaned and rolled onto his back, pulling her on top of him. She dusted his cheeks and closed eyelids with kisses.
His hands slid underneath her tank top. Abruptly, he shifted her onto her rump and whisked the top over her head. She gasped, but before she could react, he’d pushed her onto her back.
“Robby.” She struggled to catch her breath, painfully aware that each breath caused her bare breasts to heave. And he was watching, his eyes downcast.
“Ye’re so beautiful.” He rested a hand on her rib cage, then slowly moved it up to cup the underside of a breast.
Her nipples pebbled, and she closed her eyes, feeling suddenly shy and embarrassed. She shivered when Robby nuzzled her neck and nibbled on her ear.
“Yer nipples are growing darker,” he whispered. “They were a lovely shade of pink, but now they’re turning red. Do ye think they’re more sensitive now?”
She jolted, her eyes flying open, when he tweaked a hardened tip.
“Och, I was right.”
She watched as he lowered his head and circled his tongue around her nipple. With his free hand, he cupped her other breast and teased the nipple with his thumb. She moaned. She’d never felt anything this good before.
He sucked her nipple into his mouth.
She jerked in response. Oh, now this was even better. She’d never felt anything this wonderful. Her fingers dug into his back. Her toes curled.
He was doing something incredible with his tongue. And it was making her squirm. Making her feel wet.
He released her nipple and she stared at it, shocked that it could be so red and distended. He moved to her other breast and clamped down on the nipple. All the itchy, wiggly sensations started again. They prickled her skin and sent waves of heat straight to her vagina.
With a moan, she squirmed and pressed her thighs together.
His hand skimmed over her pajama shorts. Her heart lurched. Yes. She lifted her hips just as his hand cupped her.
She gasped. She lowered her hips to the floor and held her breath. She’d never gone this far before. The one time she’d come close, she’d caught the guy lying and she’d stopped him.
But now all she could feel were her own sensations, and Robby was making it so good. He suckled her breast gently and started pressing his hand against her core, massaging her in a circular motion. Her nervousness melted away and she was able to breathe. Her breaths matched the movement of his hand. It felt like her whole body was in sync with his hand.
She moaned and rocked her hips in rhythm with his hand. This was definitely the most incredible thing she’d ever felt. Her whole body was tingling and tensing.
He released her breast and blew on it. She shuddered. Then suddenly, the slow, languid circles weren’t enough. Her fingers dug into his back. “Robby.”
“Yes, love.” He slipped his fingers inside the baggy hem of the pajama shorts and stroked the damp hair.
She whimpered. Something intense and amazing was building inside her.
He hooked his fingers around the crotch of her pajama shorts and pulled them down her legs.
She’d never been completely naked with a man before, but instead of feeling awkward, she was desperate. “Robby, please.”
He seemed to understand she was past the point of gentle coaxing. He slid a finger inside her wet passage, then pressed his thumb against her clitoris.
She cried out as her orgasm shot through her. She pressed her legs together as her spasms squeezed his finger.
She pressed a hand against her chest as her breathing slowly returned to normal. She noted his eyes looked red again. Strange, but maybe it was just a reflection from the fire. His smile was decidedly smug.
She grinned. He had good reason to be proud. “You were incredible. I’ve never felt anything so wonderful before.”
His mouth twitched. “Are ye sure?”
“Yes.”
He moved between her legs and pressed a kiss into her belly. “Are ye really sure?”
Her mouth fell open as he trailed kisses down her belly, into her pubic hair, and then between her legs. She jolted at the feel of his tongue teasing her clitoris. Good God, he was right. This was even more wonderful.
She let her legs fall open wide so he could lick and suckle all he wanted. She squirmed while the tension coiled within her. “Oh, Robby.”
He inserted a finger inside her, waggling it while he flicked his tongue. A second orgasm crashed over her, and she clenched him between her thighs as she cried out.
“Oh my God, Robby.” She struggled to catch her breath.
He loosened the drawstring around his waist. “Olivia, I’m dying to be inside you.”
She swallowed hard. Should she tell him now about her virginity or let him discover it later?
“I want ye to know how serious I am about this. Once I’ve taken you, I willna want to lose you. Ever.”
She sat up and touched his cheek. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t love you.”
“Och, Olivia.” He cradled her face in his hands. “I’ve waited so long for you.”
A loud knock sounded on the front door.
CHAPTER 9
Robby groaned. Bloody hell, not now. “Just ignore it.”
Olivia glanced toward the foyer. “Could it be the other guy who lives here?” she whispered. “Carlos?”
“Oh, right. He probably has a key.” She fumbled through the pillows and located her pajamas.
“Sweetheart, we’re no’ finished.” They’d better not be finished. His erection had reached painful proportions.
A banging noise echoed through the house as the unknown visitor pounded on the door.
Olivia jerked the pajama shorts up to her waist. “Who could it—”
“Police!”
She gasped. “Oh no!” She pulled on the tank top.
“Bugger,” Robby muttered.
“What are they doing here?” she whispered.
“It must be about the jaguar.”
“I thought they didn’t believe you.”
Robby stood and winced at the bulge in his pants. What a way to greet the local police. “I’ll take care of it. Wait here.” He headed across the room.
“They might want to check the grounds. And if they look through the windows…this could be bad.”
He turned and saw her tossing the pillows back onto the couch. A twinge pricked at his gut. “Ye shouldna be embarrassed.” Or ashamed. He couldn’t bear to go through that again.
“I need to get dressed.” She dashed toward the kitchen. “If they see me like this, the whole island will hear about it, and my grandmother will be mortified.”
Would you be mortified? He wanted to ask, but she’d already run into the kitchen. He heard the door to the utility room shut, then more banging on the front door.
“Bugger.” He trudged into the foyer, then cracked open the front door and peered out, making sure his swollen groin was hidden behind the door frame.
“Police,” a portly, middle-aged man said with a thick accent and the hoarse voice of a habitual smoker. There was a badge pinned to his khaki uniform. “You telephoned about the panther?”
“Yes. Did ye find it?” He hoped Carlos was all right.
“We thought you were drunk, so we did not look for it. Then we get a call from Spiro. His goats were very loud, so he goes outside. The big cat is there, scaring the goats. He tries to shoot the panther, but it runs away.”
So Carlos had wanted goat for dinner. Robby aimed a surge of psychic vampire control at the police officer. There is no panther. Spiro was mistaken. So was I. We had too much to drink. If ye see anything that looks like a panther, ye willna shoot at it. Ye willna try to harm it. Do ye understand?
The police officer nodded with a blank, glassy stare. “I understand.”
Ye will leave and no’ return here. “Thank you for stopping by,” Robby added out loud.
The officer looked confused as the mind control faded away. “Oh. Okay.” He stepped back. “I will go, then.”
“Good night, officer.” Robby shut the door. The policeman would subconsciously follow his orders, so hopefully, Carlos would be safe.
Robby wandered back into the family room and glanced at the rug where just moments ago he’d brought Olivia to climax. Twice. She’d been so passionate and responsive, so sweet and loving. Tonight should have confirmed their future together, but a small doubt had weaseled into his heart. What if she couldn’t handle the truth about him being a vampire? What if she found it ugly or shameful?
No, he rejected that thought. Olivia was not like his wife. She would never betray him. His wife had put her own interests first, but Olivia was different. She’d wanted to face the panther alone rather than put him in danger.
“Did you get rid of the police?” she whispered from the darkness of the kitchen.
“Aye, they’re gone.” He strode into the room and noted with dismay that she’d dressed.
She avoided looking at him. “I–I left the sweater. It was still wet. And my shoes are still on the patio. I’m sure they’re wet, too.”
“It’s all right. We can wait. No one knows ye’re here.”
“My grandmother knows. And if I don’t return soon, she’ll be sending the police back here.” She looked at him now, her eyes sad. “I’m sorry. I know you…expected more.”
“Sweetheart.” He touched her cheek. “Ye’re far beyond anything I ever expected. I never thought such a beautiful and brave lass could care for me.”
“Robby.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I don’t know how this can be happening. How can I fall in love so fast?”
“There’s no need to question it.”
“But that’s what I do. I analyze feelings and situations. When people fall in love this quickly, how can you trust it to last when times get—” She stopped when he placed his fingers on her lips.
“Do ye believe in love?”
She nodded.
“Do ye believe in faithfulness and loyalty?”
“Yes.” She took his hand in hers and smiled. “And I believe good will overcome evil. I believe in family and friendship, kindness and respect. Just don’t ask me to believe in unicorns and the Tooth Fairy.”
He chuckled. “Nay. But I will ask you to believe in me.”
“I want to. I really want to.”
“Then do it.” He kissed her brow. “I wish ye would stay with me.” Forever.
“I need to go for now.” She placed a hand on his chest. “But I could come back tomorrow night.”
“Tomorrow?”
“Yes.” She smoothed her hand through his chest hair and over his nipple. “Can you wait till tomorrow?”
“I could wait forever for you.” He slapped himself mentally. “But I doona want to wait that long. I’m ready for you now.”
She glanced down and winced. “I noticed. Would it help if I threw more ice water on you?”
“Cruel wench,” he growled, then smiled at the sound of her giggle.
“Can you give me a ride home? I don’t want to walk with a panther out there.”
“Aye. I can do that.” Robby gathered the car keys and his ID. The evening hadn’t gone completely as he’d hoped, but over all, he couldn’t complain. He’d given Olivia pleasure. He’d felt her shatter in his arms.
He’d confessed his love, and she’d surrendered her heart. She might not quite realize it yet. She was putting up a wee bit of resistance, but there was no denying it. She was falling in love with him.
Tomorrow night he would lay full claim to her. And then nothing would ever part them.
It was almost noon by the time Olivia woke on Thursday. She’d tossed and turned most of the night, waffling between anxiety and elation. Elation because she was falling in love with the sweetest, most gorgeous, most heroic man she’d ever met. Anxiety because she’d known him less than a week. And she was seriously considering losing her virginity to him tonight.
For the first time in her life the term “madly in love” was making sense. The overwhelming rush of passion and desire was causing her to do crazy things. But it felt so good. The things he’d done to her with his hands, his mouth—he was incredible. And she didn’t need her empathic powers with him. She could feel his love with every touch, every glance, and every word he spoke to her.
She dressed and wandered into the kitchen. “Good morning, Yia Yia.”
“Morning?” Eleni snorted as she tossed some olives and feta cheese into a salad. “It’s time for lunch, child.”
“Sorry.” Olivia checked the kettle on the stove. The water inside was still hot. “I didn’t sleep well.”
“No one will sleep well until they catch that nasty jaguar,” Eleni grumbled. “Just as well you missed breakfast. I didn’t dare go to the bakery for fresh bread.”
“What’s the latest news?” Olivia retrieved a mug from an overhead cabinet. She’d told her grandmother about the panther after Robby had driven her home the night before. Of course she’d avoided letting Eleni know how close she’d come to being attacked by the wild animal.
“Alexia called this morning. She heard that a goat was killed near Horos. The goat herder said a huge black cat like a panther did it, but the police are saying there is no panther. No one has seen it all day.”
&nbs
p; Olivia nodded as she fixed a cup of tea. “It may be nocturnal.”
“I don’t think you should go out tonight.”
“I’ll be fine. Robby said he’d pick me up.”
Eleni heaved a huge sigh. “I had such high hopes for Spiro. But this Robby seems like a nice boy. He sent you a nice box of fruit this morning.”
Olivia’s breath hitched. Her hand trembled and she set the mug on the counter. “Fruit?” She turned to face her grandmother. “What kind of fruit?”
“Apples. Next to the—child, what’s wrong?” Eleni hurried over to her.
Olivia stumbled back against the counter. No, no, it couldn’t be him.
“What’s wrong?” Eleni touched her shoulder. “There’s a dark aura of…terror surrounding you.”
“Where?” she whispered. “Where are the apples?”
“On the counter by the refrigerator.”
Olivia forced herself to walk, one step at a time, around the kitchen table to the fridge. There was a deafening noise in her ears, the thundering beat of her heart. Her grandmother was right beside her, still talking, but her voice seemed fuzzy and far away.
She spotted it. The familiar brown box with the green logo. He always sent six apples. Red ones nestled in green Easter grass. Inside would be a note. Typed.
Previous messages flitted through her mind. Dearest Olivia, I’ll never let you go. Dearest Olivia, you are mine forever. Dearest Olivia, you are the only one worthy of me.
Her hand shook as she opened the lid. Six red apples. Green grass. She stepped back as a sob escaped her mouth. Why did he keep doing this? Did he intend to terrorize her for the rest of her life?
“Easy, child.” Eleni patted her back.
“How did he find me here? The bastard’s in solitary. Damn him!” Olivia grabbed the note and tore it open. The words were neatly typed.
Dearest Olivia, I will always find you.
“Dammit!” She wadded the note in her fist and threw it.
“Calm down,” Eleni said in a soothing voice. “It can’t be that bad.”
“It is bad. He knows I’m here. This was supposed to be my safe place. My sanctuary.” Tears filled her eyes. “I was supposed to be safe with you!”
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