Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 64030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 64030 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 320(@200wpm)___ 256(@250wpm)___ 213(@300wpm)
His pupils went wide.
Remember, Masie. You’re a strong, sassy Southern girl. You don’t take crap from nobody. “If you show me anything in your mouth that looks sharp, this night is over. So are you,” I warned. “Now, if you don’t mind, I’m starvin’, and Mamma always says it’s a sin to waste food.”
He watched me grab a plate from the cupboard. I was so nervous, I grabbed a chicken leg with my hands instead of tongs. The meat fell off the bird like butter sliding off hot bread. I served myself heaping piles of potatoes and salad, too.
“I love how you take your sustenance in such bountiful proportions,” he said.
I sat at the counter and took a bite of the chicken leg. Oh God! It was bitter and tart.
“Do you like it?” he asked.
I’d rather eat at Al’s gas station over by the Rooster. Everyone knew you only went there to lose ten pounds.
I swallowed down the rancid meat. “What’s in this?”
He smiled like I’d never seen him smile before. “Are you asking for my mother’s recipe?”
Something deep in my gut told me this was a test. But if I was wrong, this would be the end of my journey. In the South, it was a cardinal sin to insult a mamma’s cooking. Couldn’t be much different elsewhere in the world.
“I appreciate when any man makes an effort,” I said, “but this food should’ve kicked the bucket with the people in your village. It’s nasty.”
He threw his head back and laughed.
I sighed with relief. I’d passed his test. “Laugh all you want, but I’ll never eat anything you cook again.”
His chuckle fizzled out. “I should hope not. Vampires cannot taste anything but blood. Having one prepare a meal for you is like asking the comatose to perform surgery.”
“You said you drink wine.”
“True,” he replied. “But I cannot taste it. Not like you do. The effects of the fermented fruit still take hold, but there is no joy in the act of consumption.”
Yes. Another nugget of information. Vampires could get drunk.
He stepped toward me, cupped the back of my head, and stared deeply into my eyes. “I much prefer to drink my wine through a beautiful woman.”
My breath stuck in my chest. Being this close to him felt like being cuddled by a frisky rattlesnake.
I stepped back, breaking free from his grip. “Then too bad for you, because I don’t consent.”
His gaze softened. “I am beginning to think you are toying with me, Masie.”
“Says the man who just cooked an inedible meal to test my honesty.” I drew a breath. “When are you gonna stop the games, Stark?” He claimed to be serious about me being his special someone.
“As soon as you give in, Miss Kicklighter.”
“Then I hope you’re good with your hand.” I turned and headed for my bathroom. “Good night, vampire. I need to shower and hit the hay.”
I was almost to the bathroom when two strong hands grabbed my shoulders and spun me around. I gasped as his pale eyes drilled into me.
“You think I’ll let this go on for much longer?” he growled. “I see right through you.”
I blinked up at him. “If you see through me, Mr. Stark, then tell me what I want. What am I thinkin’ right now?”
He was about to speak, but instead pressed his mouth to mine.
I froze, trying not to panic. I had a deadly savage pressed to my mouth and two sharp fangs a centimeter from my lips.
Relax. Relax. Relax. He hadn’t bitten me yet.
To my surprise, his lips were soft and warm, not cold or repulsive. He breathed into me as his tongue worked inside my mouth. I didn’t join him, fearing I might cut myself.
After a few seconds, my heart started racing again, but for an entirely different reason. His kiss was really…passionate, sensual.
Once again, he’d caught me off guard. I couldn’t get the upper hand.
He slowly broke away, staying close enough so I could still feel his breath on my lips. Vampires breathe. Another piece of info.
“Your heart is beating very fast,” he whispered.
“It means nothing.” A lie. I was out of my depth with this man. He knew what he was doing when it came to seduction.
“Nothing?” he replied skeptically.
“Lots of things make my pulse race,” I said with a breathy voice, “scary movies, hot peppers, too much coffee. Oh, if you’ve seen my mamma drive, bring a defib.” I turned my head away, needing a reprieve. “Try harder next time. Just remember, I’m mortal and don’t have all day.” I stepped into the bathroom, locking myself inside, where I pressed my back to the door. Leave, just leave…
After a few moments, there was a gentle knock.
“Masie?” His voice was low and tender.
“What?”
“I know the real reason you are pushing me away,” he said.
“Do you?”
“Yes. You are still hurting over the death of your friend,” he said quietly. “And I am sorry for that. Had I understood how precious Deedee was to you, I would have acted.” He paused for a moment. “I am trying to make it up to you, Masie, but please understand; I have not had to think of much besides myself for a few centuries. I am trying to relearn the skill. I want…to be good to you—what you need. You are the first thing that has made me want to stop killing and start living. Won’t you give me a chance?”