Page 19 of Relic
NINETEEN
As Horatio lays me down on the chaise lounge in the sitting room, my nerves kick up and I break out in a sweat. I’m really doing this.
“Don’t be afraid,” Horatio says softly. “In my arms, you are safer than you have ever been.”
“It’s the unknown.”
He nods in understanding. “Are you ready or do you need more time?”
A strong scent, sensual and alluring, teases my nose, drawing me closer to my vampire. His eyes glow red, his fangs visible. He’s excited for this. Dang, that’s kind of hot.
“I’d rather do it now. If I wait, I’ll be obsessed about it.”
He smiles, sliding his hand to my neck, and pulling me close for a kiss. As our lips meet, I sink into him. He’s between my legs on his knees, one hand holding my head to him, the other roaming over my body, massaging first my thighs, then my tummy and chest, until I’m overcome by desire.
Instinctively, I lean my head back, exposing my neck. Horatio kisses his way up, sucking gently on my flesh as I rub against him, desperate for contact. I want him, every part of him in every part of me.
I’m so delirious with lust I hardly notice the intense sting when Horatio sinks his teeth into my flesh. Gripping his shoulders, I gasp softly, listening to the oddly soothing sound of my blood leaving my veins. Horatio’s sexy moans vibrate through me, lighting me up even more. He continues drinking, and slowly, the tension slips away and I lie slack in his arms.
I can feel it happening, my life slipping away, but the urge to fight it isn’t there. Maybe because I know I won’t actually die. My eyes flutter closed and I shiver as my body turns cool. Memories flood my mind, flashing by from childhood to the day I met Horatio. I smile, even at some of the bad parts. I guess it’s true your life flashes in front of your eyes when you’re dying.
My muscles seize up, my fingers and toes turning numb, and pain wracks my entire body. I know Horatio is still here, still holding me, but when I open my mouth to say something, no words come out, as if my brain forgot how to make words. It hurts a lot and panic grips me, but I force a deep breath to relax.
Horatio’s hand brushes across my forehead as he whispers something it takes my brain a few seconds to get.
“I’m here for you, my love, the sweetest beignet, my future. No one will ever hurt you again. You are so strong, so powerful. I’m incredibly proud of you.”
What’s left of my heart flutters for a moment, slowly weakening as the last bits of my mortal life slip away. Horatio’s face blurs while my eyes unfocus and close for a long sleep.