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"I know it's customary for the newlyweds to share cake, but I want to share myself with you, Sisi. If you'll have me."

I stand up on shaky legs, slowly going toward him, my mind in a thousand different places as I realize just how special this is.

"Yes," I answer as I reach his side. Going around his back, I place my hands on his shoulders as I lean in to lick the bits of blood pouring from the cut, closing my lips over his skin. "This is the most wonderful surprise, Vlad," I tell him sincerely.

"But first, I want Sasha to take a piece from me too."

The words are barely out of my mouth as he turns toward me, his eyes wild.

"Hell girl," he groans and I think he's going to refuse. He places his forehead on my shoulder, breathing harshly. "Having a part of you…" he trails off. "I wouldn't dare ask for that."

"You don't have to. It's freely given." I caress his cheek, placing a quick kiss on it before sitting down.

The process is fast and not as painful as I would have imagined.

Vlad's piece is done, while mine is quickly cooking on the hot grill. When we have both a piece of each other in our hands, welook into each other's eyes, slowly bringing the morsel to our mouths.

I watch as his lips close over a piece of me just as I bring the piece of flesh to my mouth.

The burst of flavor is immediate, and it takes everything in me not to moan at the taste. Or even worse, jump on him and tear at his clothes.

He seems to have a similar reaction, and his gaze doesn't stray from me as he slowly chews on the piece of meat.

"You're part of me now, hell girl. Just like I'm part of you," he drawls, his dangerous smile engulfing me whole.

"Yes, we're finally one."

The moment stretches between us, and it's like everything fades away. There's no noise, no people around—just us.

We gaze at each other and I know that what we have is stronger thananythingin this world. There's nothing that could tear us apart.

Not even death.

Because where one goes, the other follows.

At some point, the guests leave, and we're finally alone. The entire house, though, is a mess and will probably need a thorough cleaning.

"You were such a gentleman today," I praise him, playing with the collar of his shirt and teasing the small expanse of flesh visible.

"Is that so?" he asks, and my eyes zone in on his lips, licking my own in response.

There's just something magnetic the way he pulls me toward him without even trying. My body just reacts to his, and like a moth drawn to a flame, I can't possibly resist. I want him to consume me.

"Make no mistake, Sisi," he starts, his hands going down my dress until he grips the tulle of my skirt firmly in his fist. "I amstill a beast. But now I'm a lucid beast." That dangerous grin again, and in no time, he has the material ripped from my body, shreds falling to the ground as a look of pure satisfaction appears on his face.

"Run, my little nun. Run."

He smiles wolfishly at me, his muscles rippling with withheld tension. His eyes are attuned to my every move, and I know he's ready to pounce.

And what do you do when you have a predator hot on your trail?

You run.

And hope he catches you.

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VLAD