Page 141 of Vampires of Eden

“That’s alright. We can learn together.”

Alexander bites his bottom lip, nodding. When he swallows, his Adam’s apple bobs in his throat and I find the whole thing incredibly sensual. “I… don’t have any lube though. We should probably get something while we’re down here.”

“No problem, kitchens are stocked full of lube possibilities. Lubricants behind every cabinet and cupboard.”

Alexander smiles and shakes his head. “Hey Raph.”

I’m confused by the way he’s casually called his manservants name, as if he’s standing in the room with us. But a millisecond later, Raphael’s voice registers in the entryway behind me. I swivelon the stool and he’s there. Breezy and with his palms clasped behind his back.

“Yes?”

“Will you take Buffy with you tonight, please?”

“I sure will.” He walks into the kitchen, then dips to pick up Buffy near our feet. “Daniel, I’ve put your bag, extra towels and a robe in Alexander’s ensuite bathroom. Is there anything else you need?”

My mouth is slightly agape as I look back and forth between them. “Were you standing there and listening the entire time?” I thought he was asleep. I thought we were alone.

Raphael shrugs with the cat in his arms. “It’s my job to stalk him. Are you good for the night?”

With my fingers, I rub the space between my eyebrows. My God. “Yeah, I’m all set, thanks.”

He flashes a smile and scrunches his nose. “Great. Have fun tonight.” Raphael moves toward the entryway, then turns. “There’s olive oil in the pantry. Almond oil, too. The almond oil smells nicer, but absorbs faster, so be aware of that. Goodnight.” He turns, then disappears.

My head whips back to Alexander. “Are we seriously getting lube recommendations from your manservant?”

Alexander shrugs. “Trying to hide this from him would only be more stressful for me. It’s better that he knows.”

“Knows,” I repeat, “and isverysupportive.” Wow.

Alexander steps backward and toward what I’m assuming is the main pantry. “Do… you have a preference? Olive or almond?”

I exhale a breath. Half disbelieving and half thrilled. “Bring both. We can test and decide together.”

With his eyes sparkling, he nods. “Sounds good.”

CHAPTER 34

Alexander

Asilent seriousness hovers in the air around us once we enter my bedroom. Similar to this morning.

Daniel is quiet and utterly focused as he undresses me. His palms and fingertips caress the lines of my shoulders and chest. My arms, stomach and then my waist as he progresses from my jacket and shirt to my pants and underwear.

When I’m naked and he isn’t, I feel insecure and am tempted to make a joke to break the intensity of the mood. Before I can deflect, he lifts and wraps his arms around my bare shoulders to kiss me sweetly. Centering my attention.

My hands find his waist as he presses into my chest and groin and holds me tight. Reflexively, my nature races up my spine and unfurls. His mouth is hot and luscious, filling my mind with the same vivid sensations—autumn flowers and fire. A glittery night sky, a full moon and dark fruit.

I can’t simultaneously indulge in him and stifle my nature. The taste and feel of him are too good. Too compelling to be neatly compartmentalized.

He draws up from the kiss and whispers. “Lie on the bed, please.”

I don’t want to let go because he feels wonderful in my arms.But generally speaking, I am an obedient vampire, so I do what he asks. When I’m on my bed and sitting up on my elbows, I watch Daniel undress. His movement is slow and provocative as he watches me in turn. The haze of silver moonlight coloring the room gives his skin and eyes an ethereal hue. Pale but luminescent.

When he’s naked, he tugs at the hair tie binding the tip of his braid. He walks toward me, lazily untangling and running his fingers through his hair until its wavy and settled heavily on his shoulders. My eyes are alighted and my cock is hard. Part of me feels ashamed to be lying here like this. So blatantly aroused by him.

But I want to touch and feel him. To hold him close and know him. To let myself love him ineveryway. The ache of wanting him and resisting it is agonizing and I don’t want to do it anymore.

He grabs the bottle of almond oil before climbing atop the bed and settling against my thighs. I’m just… beside myself that we’re here. That Daniel Lim is in my bed, naked and sitting on top of me with his pastel eyes and raven-dark hair. Like a secret adolescent wet dream that’s somehow, impossibly come true.