Page 34 of A Vampire's Pain
“It is different for us,” she said.
“So, you don’t want to rip my clothes off?” I asked and held out my arms. “I mean go for it. I give you my consent.”
She looked shocked, but I could see she wanted to. She just wasn’t quite ready or comfortable enough to admit it.
“Don’t joke about that!” she said.
“I’m not joking,” I told her and lowered my arms, sounding serious. “If you really said you wanted me naked here and now, I would be.”
“Right here?” she asked and pointed to the floor, a small smile spreading on her lips.
“I got nothing to hide, and dare I say a killer body. I don’t mind standing naked right here.”
That made her laugh a little, and she bit her lower lip, probably imagining what that was going to be like or if she should really do it.
“No, that would be cruel.”
“Cruel because you would probably be too scared to touch me,” I said.
She narrowed her eyes a little.
“You think I’m too scared to touch you?”
“Well, you haven’t so far.”
“Why would I?” she asked.
“Because we are mates, and while you might not feel much yet, I know my scent attracts you,” I said.
She moved even closer, so there really wasn’t any space between us, and then she reached out, placing her hand on my chest. We both seemed to gasp a little from the contact, because it was so intense, and I knew Valeri felt it too because when she looked up at me, I saw nothing but pure lust in her eyes.
“You two really need to get a room.”
Valeri stepped away from me and turned around, looking at Lara who was standing further away, smiling at both of us. I just winked at her.
“That was what I was saying!” I joked.
“You wouldn’t even invite me in!” Valeri said and looked over her shoulder.
“I am trying to teach him some manners, but it is a slow process,” Lara said and walked over to us.
Valeri laughed, and I just rolled my eyes.
“So, I hear we are spending the night together,” Lara said, and Valeri started to look guilty.
“I’m sorry. I know I involved you in this and I shouldn’t. There is a good explanation for it, but of course, it doesn’t excuse my behavior and—”
“Wow, wow, slow down, Valeri,” Lara said, holding up her hands. “I already know why you did it, and I am okay with being your partner-in-crime here.”
Valeri looked at me shocked and then turned to Lara.
“He … told you?”
“He almost didn’t have to. He looked ready to pull you away from Damon when he made you leave the party,” Lara said, smiling at me.
I shrugged a little and Valeri turned to me, looking almost surprised.
“You were?”
