Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 90099 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90099 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 450(@200wpm)___ 360(@250wpm)___ 300(@300wpm)
He cupped her face, tilting her head up to him. “We don’t have much time. Ilano will be coming as soon as his business tonight is done. When he does, you better wear my mark.”
“Is the mark permanent?”
A clouded expression crossed his face. “Will it bother you to wear my mark forever?”
“I’m only being practical. What if this … us … doesn’t work?”
“Stop.” He bent down and brushed his lips over hers. “Stop thinking and feel for once. I’m asking you to let go. Trust your heart. Let me show you how good we can be.”
She hated herself for what she had to do, but there was no other way. Tim had confessed what he was, but not what he was involved in. She’d have to keep on pretending she didn’t know. The arms had to be destroyed. No matter how sweet a man he was, he was a criminal, making his money by the death of innocent people, and she’d be wise to remember that. If she had to live with a mark for the rest of her life to stop the evil Tim was helping Godfrey to spread, so be it. In fact, a part of her already knew she was going to say yes, that she had accepted, and wanted the signature of his teeth on her neck.
“Go ahead,” she said, squaring her shoulders.
He kissed her again, but only lightly. “Don’t be afraid. I also promised to never hurt you. I want you to remember that when you become frightened.” He took her hand and led her to the door.
“Where are we going?”
“To my bedroom. I want to do this right.”
Chapter 10
Frida stood in the hallway when Maya and Tim exited the lounge hand in hand. Her ice-blue gaze rained fireworks on Maya.
“Where are Lee and Cesar?” Tim asked.
“In the kitchen.”
“We’re going upstairs. Tell them to be alert.”
“Tim.” Frida grabbed his arm. “You’re making a mistake.”
He froze. The usual warm tone he used with Frida turned cold. “I didn’t ask for your opinion. Tell Lee and Cesar to be on the lookout. If Ilano shows up, he’s going to be annoyed. And persistent. He’s not welcome here. Not tonight. Deal with it diplomatically.”
She dropped her hand to her side. “Of course.”
Tim motioned at the stairs. “After you, Maya.”
She climbed the red-carpeted steps slowly to give herself time to think. Was she ready for what awaited? Wasn’t this the same as a wedding night and as sacred as getting married? She shook her head mentally. It was just a mark for protection that would also allow her to continue executing her mission in peace. The last thing she needed was a persistent vampire like Ilano on her ass. She could’ve handled Ilano as a man, but if he was as powerful as Tim had said, he was too strong, even for her. Being drained or turned wasn’t going to help her get this job done. Whether she liked it or not, Tim was right. The best thing was for her to have his hands-off stamp on her body.
They went down a short hallway and stopped at the first door. Tim turned the handle and ushered her inside. She looked around the room. It was decorated as the rest of the house with a cherry wood bed, red carpets, and burgundy velvet curtains. White silk sheets covered the bed.
He studied her as she observed his domain. For the first time in her life, her heart beat like a runaway train just thinking about what they were about to do. Before Tim, she’d always been in control, a little bit bored even, with her sexual encounters. This was different. This was a commitment in some kind of way.
“Nervous?” He pulled her against his chest, tilting her head up with a finger under her chin. “Don’t be frightened. I won’t hurt you.”
“I’m not worried about that.”
He searched her face. “Tell me what worries you. I want to make it perfect for you.”
“This feels like a big thing. I don’t even know what a girl is supposed to wear for the first time she receives a mark. Don’t brides have a special nightdress or sexy lingerie? Is there some kind of dress code?”
He chuckled. “You’re such a girl, worrying about what to wear. No, there’s no dress code. You look perfect. Besides, when I bite you, you’ll be naked with my cock and teeth so deep inside you that you’ll feel it in your soul.”
Blood rushed through her body at the image he conjured in her mind. Her nipples and clit tightened and tingled as the harsh rhythm of her heart echoed in her ears. It was passion at its most deafening.
His voice was strained. “God, Maya, I can hear the blood gush in your veins and smell your arousal. You’re an open invitation.”