Page 14 of Darius

“Did you learn something about yourself that day?”

Mara nodded as her cheeks flushed pink. “I started looking at guys trying to figure out who was a Daddy.”

Jealousy flared inside Darius. He’d definitely had other lovers over his extended existence, but having someone else Daddy his mate bothered him a lot.

She traced the deep wrinkle between his eyebrows. “You don’t like that. Would you be happier if I shared that I haven’t been brave enough to explore that part of me?”

“I would want you to have enjoyed your life before meeting me, Mara. But if I’m honest, I would be tempted to rip the head off any fake Daddy who hurt you.”

“No way. A bloody vampire,” she joked.

He could tell she didn’t quite understand the creature he’d become so many years ago. Darius hoped when she did, Mara wouldn’t panic and run. He would eliminate anyone who threatened his mate in the most painful way possible.

“Exactly,” he confirmed, keeping his tone light. He would love to show her how caring he could be before the reality of his existence and hopefully her future one smacked her in the face.

“I need to feed you, Zoí mou. Then you will take a warm bath to soothe your soreness.”

“I’ll be okay,” she said quickly.

“You will allow me to care for you, Little girl. This is my purpose in life. Treasuring my mate and helping her feel her best is important before I ravish you for a second time.”

“We could…” Her voice trailed off as her bravery in propositioning him faltered. Darius loved her innocence as well as her desire to join with him again. Obviously having noted his cock pressed against her, eager to delve into his mate another billion times, she wiggled over his body.

“We will. But not until you have a chance to soak. Many years stretch ahead for us to make love. I will not cause you harm.”

“You’d spank me.”

“I would—both for pleasure and for correction.”

“Pleasure?” she said, with an astonished tone.

“Oh, yes. You will enjoy those spankings. Want me to demonstrate?” His cock, already hard against her, jerked, betraying his interest in providing this experience for her.

“Will the punishment hurt?”

Was that fear or excitement in her voice? Darius drew on his ironclad self-control. “Yes, mate. But this hurt will feel good. A good girl spanking is a reward. Not a punishment.”

“Will you stop if I ask?”

“Yes, Zoí mou.”

She nodded. “I think I’d worry less if I had some experience.”

Shifting her, Darius sat up with Mara in his arms. He turned to hook his legs over the side of the bed. Darius kissed Mara’s forehead before adjusting her to lie over his thighs. She clutched at his calves for stability when her fingertips and toes didn’t reach the floor.

“Um, maybe this isn’t a good idea.”

Darius didn’t answer. He rubbed her bottom before tapping it softly. Soon, he added a bit more force, warming her skin and admiring the pale pink hue her skin developed. Mara gasped softly. In that inhale, he could hear the same excitement she’d demonstrated several times for him last night. His lips curved into a satisfied grin. She was perfect.

“Legs apart, Zoí mou.”

She froze but slowly moved her knees to reveal her shiny juices coating her intimate inner thighs. The sight of her response brought a smile to his face. His mate was perfect.

As a reward, Darius swatted her pussy directly. A wet sound echoed through the room as she froze. He returned to smacking her buttocks, scattering his touch over her upper thighs to the full curve of her hips. Heat gathered on his hand as he savored her first experience. Darius’s cock jerked against her smooth flesh pressed against him, eager to explore the delights of his mate. He reinforced his control.

Mara squirmed on his lap. Not trying to get away, but more as if she simply couldn’t stay still as the sensations built on her skin. He slapped her intimately again and relished her moan of excitement. Darius rewarded her by exploring her pink folds.

“Please!” burst from her lips, and Mara slapped both hands over her mouth to stop her sounds.