Page 64 of Love Bleeds

Chapter Twenty-One

Crimson knew he would have to tell Luke about Brian one day, but he couldn't do it, not that night. Luke deserved to know what had happened to his friend, and he deserved to know exactly what kind of monster Crimson was, but Crimson simply couldn't get the words out to tell him. He'd missed his chance, and now Luke was drifting off to sleep in his arms.

Crimson didn't want to disturb him.

More than that, he didn't want to spoil the memory of what had just happened between them.

Back when he'd been Damian, he'd never have thought it possible. He remembered that much. Even that night that they'd playedDungeons & Dragons, he'd spent much of his time reminding himself not to sittooclose to Luke, because Luke had this tendency of brushing up against him without thinking, and that made it really, really hard for Damian to focus on the things he should be focusing on.

He'd wanted Luke too much. His sweet smile, his wit, his air of innocence... Dipping his head, Crimson closed his eyes and breathed in Luke's hair. He smelled so good.

Have you bitten your friend yet?

Crimson tensed. The voice in his head was not his own. He’d been wondering if his sire could still talk to him, even if he couldn’t locate him… Well, that answered that question.

I don’t know how you’ve managed to hide from me, but you can’t hide forever.

Crimson tried to block the words out. It didn’t matter what Nicolai thought. Nicolai wasn’t here. He was only a voice in his head. In an effort to distract himself, Crimson studied Luke’s sleeping face.

Why would you run off with the mortals?Nicolai’s voice rang through his head again, no matter how much Crimson didn’t want to hear it.You know he doesn’t return your feelings. He’s straight.Or do you just want to bite him? I must admit, his blood is delicious.

Crimson closed his eyes and told himself not to listen. He wouldn’t fall for his sire’s manipulations. He would not. Even as it was hard to stay calm while Nicolai reminded him that he had fed on Luke.

Against his best efforts, Crimson’s teeth itched. It had been less than three nights since he’d last fed, but lying here next to Luke, it felt more as if it had been three weeks instead.

But he wouldn’t bite Luke before they’d dealt with his sire, andneverwithout Luke’s permission.

He wondered if Luke would ever give it. Maybe not. His first experience with vampires had been pretty traumatic. Everything in Crimson drew tight at the memory of Luke in Nicolai’s hold. If Luke never wanted another vampire to bite him again, Crimson couldn’t blame him.

Crimson didn’tneedto bite Luke. It was enough just to kiss him.

Seriously, how amazing was it that he could do that now? Kiss the boy he'd always loved. The boy he'd always been afraid to tell.

Damian had been terrified that Luke might discover his secret. He'd never have thought that Luke would handle it like...this.That they could ever be together this way.

And maybe theycouldn'tbe. Not because of Nicolai’s allegations, but because Crimson wasn't Damian.

Damian had never killed one of their friends.

Crimson didn't deserve Luke.

But he'd never let go willingly.