Page 103 of House of Blood and Roses: Vol. 1

There are two pricks of sharp pain as he sinks them into me, but it's quickly replaced by pleasure as he draws my blood into him.

My release crashes over me from nowhere, much more intense than any of the times I've achieved this myself. My body shakes and I cry out, pushing myself into Linc and trying to work out if I want more.

Or more like how I want more.

He retracts his fangs and looks up to meet my gaze, his hand still beneath my dress.

I nod in response to his unasked question. "Yes. Good. Fine."

He chuckles, the sound rumbling through me. "Those are technically words."

I close my eyes and nod again, not really capable of saying more.

"Beatrice, Uncle Gerard has sent me...oh."

I move quickly at the sound of Bella's voice, all traces of my release gone. I push Linc away from me and straighten out my dress.

My cousin has turned her back to us and is doing her best to study the painting on the wall and not look in our direction. "Your Highness," she says, trying to sound cool and collected, but failing.

Linc clears his throat. "Lady Vermouten." He gets to his feet and tidies up his jacket, taking a moment to adjust himself as he does.

I bite my bottom lip as I watch, trying not to let my mind stray too far, or my curiosity get the better of me.

"I'll see you in the ballroom?" he says to me.

I nod, not really knowing what else to say. I watch him leave, wishing I could say something, but not having the words.

Bella turns around and gives me an unimpressed look. "Your bedchamber is right there."

"We weren't..."

She raises an eyebrow. "I wasn't turned yesterday, Beatrice, I know exactly what you were doing."

I glance at the floor, trying to think of a reasonable excuse. "It wasn't intentional."

"Mmm, I'm sure it wasn't. You have blood on your neck."

My fingers fly to the spot where Linc bit me, feeling the slightest residue there.

"Lick your fingers and use your own spit," she says. "Should do the trick."

"Oh." I do as she suggests, feeling a bit silly.

"You need to redo your hair too. Really, Beatrice? Couldn't you have waited until after Bastian's wedding?"

"Apparently not," I mutter.

There's a hint of amusement on her face. "Go through to your bedchamber, I'll sort it for you," she promises.

For a moment, I consider telling her that it's fine and I'll call for Jemima, but I don't really want anyone else to know about this.

So instead, I get to my feet and head into my room, trying not to regret the fact that Linc and I were interrupted too much.

SIXTEEN

I push open the door and step inside, only to be greeted by a wagging tail and a happy face.

"I didn't know you were back from your walk," I say to my dog, crouching down to fuss her.