Page 122 of Vampires of Eden

“I remember that,” I tell her. “I wasn’t there, but I read about the champagne fountains and chefs from Italy and France in the papers.” Ollie was there, too. This is where he took his infamous photos of the derelict houses along the outskirts of the village.

“It was so disheartening,” Leoni goes on. “Such a missed opportunity to support our local ranked vamps and their talents. Veronica—Mayor Hart—wants to rectify this. We’ve been talking and I’ve been helping her plan the event, among other things.”

I admire Leoni’s efforts and that she’s always making meaningful connections within the villages. Someday soon, I’d like to do the same. “If there’s anything I can do to help the two of you, let me know.”

She pushes up from the table to stand. “Oh, you being here and doing the weekend markets with us helps a ton. Ranked vamps seeing the ‘Golden Prince’ supporting their work? Not at splashy faraway banquets, but doing wine tastings and perusingthe market on a Saturday morning in Bruck? It’s huge, Puercoespín. The ultimate morale booster. It gives them hope that things can change. Thank you for talking about the proposal with us, too.”

I stand as well. “Trust me, I’m more grateful to you and Danny for lighting a fire under my ass. If it weren’t for you two, I’d probably still be lying in bed, depressed.”

“Speaking of,” Leoni says as she leaves the kitchen, “don’t be too loud tonight. I have to get up early for a village meeting and the walls are thin. Danny’s room is right next to mine, so, no screaming and headboard banging, please.”

My body stiffens as I frown. “We—Nobody is?—”

“Yeah, yeah, sure.” She waves a hand as she turns the corner into the living room. “Good night, Puercoespííín.”

After my conversation with Leoni, I head to my own bathroom because there is absolutely no way in hell that I am going to insert myself into Daniel’s shower. We agreed to take things slowly, and I have no idea what my nature will do in a naked, wet and steamy shower situation with Daniel Lim. Not happening.

As the hot water sprays over me, thoughts of Danny flood my mind. The way his tingly essence rushes over and warms my skin. How the simple nearness of him sets my eyes ablaze. His subtle but complex scent of black cherries, autumn and some rich earthen flavor. Coffee or dark chocolate—I can never decide. It draws me in and I want to be closer to him. To touch, smell, taste and feel him profoundly.

This yearning brings me to a startling revelation. I’ve never experienced physical intimacy for… well, for the sheer pleasure of it? Fucking for fucks sake?

Whenever I’ve had sex, there’s been a distinct purpose attached to it. When I slept with a couple vampires before Ollie, it was practice for the bonding ritual, period. There was no emotioninvolved. I simply didn’t want to look like a complete novice during the ceremony.

And then, when I had sex with Ollie, it was required of us. The act was more of a performance than anything else. There was zero desire on his part, and for me, well, I was carrying out my responsibility. It’s what everyone expected of me.

What does it feel like to be physically close to someone—to indulge and touch them, to please them—without duty or obligation attached to it? Because you simply want it and, miraculously, they might want you too?

I have no idea.

Dressed in my pajamas and robe, I climb the stairs. It feels strange to be going to Daniel’s room at night. I’ve never thought of myself as a prude, but the way he kisses me has shed a light on how novice I am. Whatever I was doing as far as kissing and intimacy before Daniel? A fucking joke. Cheap tricks.

Softly, I knock.

“Come in.”

I open the door and peek inside. The room is draped with his enticing scent and hazy moonlight. Daniel’s bedroom is larger than the one I’m currently occupying, but still cozy with two rectangular windows overlooking the front of the vineyard.

Potted plants of varying sizes are clamored on the window ledges and along the floor just underneath. Some are even hanging from the ceiling and near his bed like green and lush chandeliers. I don’t know plants well enough to identify them, but it’s definitely a vibe. Like a pseudo jungle tree house. On the opposite wall, his yoga mat is rolled up and leaning against a narrow, humble-looking bookcase packed with colorful spines.

This is Danny’sbedroom. God… fourteen-year-old me is reeling inside like a giddy fanboy.

“I was beginning to think that my invitation had been declined,” Daniel says quietly, pushing himself upright in bed. He’s wearing a gray t-shirt and his dark hair is braided back and hanging between his shoulders.

“Does it still stand?” I ask, then exhale to calm my nature from bucking around in my abdomen and low at my spine.

“It does.” He flips the duvet down at the corner. The gesture reveals that his long legs are naked beneath the sheets. “Join me.”

Does he have underwear on? Don’t think about it. I untie my belt and shrug out of my robe, then lay it across the ottoman at the end of his bed.

“You don’t get hot wearing all these clothes to sleep?” he asks.

“Sometimes but, I’m used to it? Someone always comes to my room early in the mornings—usually Raphael or another servant if he’s busy. It’s better if I’m semi-dressed depending on who comes in to wake me or whatever.”

“Very little privacy, then.” Daniel’s expression is flat as I climb onto the bed beside him. When I’m settled and sitting upright, I glance over. My Adam’s apple bobs heavily in my throat.

“Are we alright?”

“I don’t know,” he says calmly. “You tell me?”