Page 154 of Vampire so Virtuous

He frowned. “You were looking at…” He turned away and took a couple of paces into the room. “My apologies again. I am fighting to stay awake. Please forgive my stupid remarks.”

But I was staring at his…

Did he want to? Did vampires even…?

Belle’s voice intruded in her memories once more.“A vampire cannot get you pregnant, ma fillette.”

Cally gritted her teeth. Thatsowasn’t helpful. “I meant, should you feed on me? Just to… keep my power from”—killing me—“getting out of control?”

“Ah.” He was refastening the top button of his jeans, the act pulling the denim tighter across his ass. He turned around once he’d finished. “I don’t think we need to worry. You were a witch before I first fed on you, and it did you no harm. If the symbiosis grows your power… well, it is still early. One assumes it will take time before your power grows to a level where it could threaten you.”

Of course. That makes perfect sense. I should’ve realized.

“Sorry to bother you.” She made to leave.

“On the other hand,” he added thoughtfully, “it might be better to stay on top of such things.”

“Do you think so?”

“We should err on the side of caution. I can take only what would be required.”

“Do you need to feed?”

He hesitated. “Need? No, not really. I would like to, but I can resist if you prefer not.”

Damn it. It would’ve been easier if he hadn’t given her an excuse.

“Wouldn’t it be better to keep your strength up? So that you can defend us if needed?”Did it sound like she was encouraging him?“We both have targets painted on our backs.”Yeah. That made sense. The reasons were solid.

“True,” he said thoughtfully, rubbing one hand across the stubble on hischin. “It would help us both.”

“Do what you need to do.” Only because it was necessary. It wasn’t like shewantedthis. The fact they both enjoyed it was just… food. Eating was pleasurable, right?

So was being eaten.She kicked herself mentally.Not helpful, Cally.

His eyes widened slightly and he breathed in, as if smelling the air again. Or smellingher.

Goddammit, can he scent—

“Would you like to lie down?” he asked, gesturing gracefully toward the bed. “It might be more comfortable.”

She stepped in, eyeing the bed, and let the door close behind her.

“Or standing, if you prefer,” he added quickly.

“The bed is probably fine.” It would be easier to lie down. On her bed. Dressed only in a robe, while he was half-naked. Could she trust him not to take advantage? He was so much stronger than her. Did shewanthim to take advantage?

She should leave. Turn around and walk out. This wasn’t even necessary; he’d said as much.

Except theywereboth targets. If something happened to him? If Minh took his revenge? If Antoine died, she died too.

He moved to the bed, lying down on his side, watching her with his head propped up on one hand, his legs stretched out, his feet bare. What little light there was played across that deliciously gorgeous naked torso of his.

The other side of the bed lay open, waiting for her. He hadn’t tried to pressure her; she had to take the steps herself. Lie down next to him. Offer herself. Food for a vampire. In her apartment. On her bed.

Far more intimate than she’d ever thought.

And she’d suggested it.