Page 162 of Vampires of Eden

I glance toward my golden prince. “What was that?” Like it’s our fault that he has shitty timing, always.

“I asked him to get our drinks so you wouldn’t be worried about the restaurant’s waitstaff spying on us. He said he’d do it, but now he’s acting like a little bitch.”

Thoughtful. Appreciated. “We have privacy at the vineyard. No waitstaff at all. When are you coming to see me?”

“Sunday. After Kat and Roland’s clinic opening. Maybe… I can spend the night?”

“I sincerely wish that you would.”

“Done.” He grins. “How was the appointment at the opera house? Father texted me and said he got to hear you play! I’m so fucking jealous.” Alexander leans forward to grab the open champagne bottle and pour us drinks.

“Your father was eavesdropping. I didn’t know he was there.”

“Still. Ugh. I’ve been wanting to hear you play again for so long. It’s unfair that he...” Alexander straightens and blinks as if he’s realized something. Having filled our glasses, he sets the bottle down and turns to me, serious. “How did it feel? Playing the piano after so many years?”

I chuckle, taking hold of my glass. “Did you suddenly realize that my playing today is, perhaps, not about you?”

“Yes. Sorry. How was it?”

Bringing the glass to my lips, I take a long contented sip. I love the way he grows and self-assesses before my eyes. So quickly. It’s sexy as hell. “Good. Cathartic. I hadn’t planned on playing today, but once I was alone and sitting there… I touched the keys and the music just unfurled. Do you knowIn the Hall of the Mountain Kingby Grieg?”

“Of course.”

“When I was very young, that was the first piece of music that I made my own. I took liberties and played with the dynamics and pacing—making it richer and more ominous in the beginning. Telling the story of Peer Gynt entering the mountain and facing the evil troll king in my own unique way. I hadn’tplayed it in forever and it just leapt from within me. It felt incredible.”

I thought that I had lost that part of myself to Josefina. When I was with her, the piano became entangled and muddied with lust and desire. The yearning, pain and rejection. Reconnecting with it today feels like a new start—like these white roses laying on the table. Innocent and pure despite my harrowing past.

I never imagined this. To feel this sparkly, citrusy joy and excitement. To be seen and loved through the eyes of another vampire. To love him sincerely in return.

“It sounds like today was an important experience,” Alexander says, leaning on his elbow with his chin rested against his palm. “Part of your healing?”

I tip my champagne flute to my mouth and finish off the bubbly liquid. As I set the glass on the table, I say, “It was, absolutely. Thank you for giving it to me. For everything you give me.”

Alexander’s mouth quirks up in an ironic grin. “I didn’t give you anything. My father wanted you there because you’re an amazing pianist?—”

He blinks when I press my fingertips against his lips. I speak calmly. “No, Rabbit. I didn’t even want to meet your father, remember? Because I was afraid. But you didn’t back down and you encouraged me. You gave me strength and stood beside me—you always do this.”

Alexander offers me grace after I snap and lose my temper. Patience when I’m being a coward. Kindness and thoughtfulness when he considers my health and well-being. Love and trust when he feeds and allows me access to his mind and essence.

Sighing and with my heart racing, I drop my hand. “You give and give, and I want you to know how incredible you are.” Whispering, I lean in until my nose brushes his. So that my words caress the soft fullness of his lips. “How wonderful you are. And how lucky I am that you’ve chosen me.”

He’s speechless, blinking as I slip my fingers through his hair against the back of his head to pull him into me. I lick thedelicious swell of his bottom lip before I take his mouth. There’s no hesitation as Alexander exhales a contented sound, opening to me.

The kiss is ravenous and luscious with our mouths moving and pulling like the deep undercurrents of a vast and dark ocean. Like a storm brewing and threatening to destroy everything in its wake.

My hands thread in his hair and his palms slip tightly around my waist and lower back, cradling me into his body as if he wants to lay me down and have me right here in this booth.

Honestly, I wish that he would.

I was so hesitant about being in this public space with him. But if he started undressing me right now, I would not stop him.

He doesn’t undress me, but his intense kisses leave my mouth and trail down to my jawline, beneath my ear and hungrily into the curve of my neck. He wants me again. To taste me and fill himself with my essence and lifeblood. I know it inherently as I lift my chin. Ifeelhis desire pulsating within the heat of his essence. Raw and beautiful and apologetic. He doesn’t need to be remorseful for wanting me again, but we’ll work that out later. We’ll get there.

“Feed,” I whisper, closing my eyes.

Alexander bites down harder than before and I gasp aloud. My eyes flash with life and heat because the subtle pain of it sends an intense ripple of pleasure straight down my spine. Like fire shooting through my veins and spreading deliciously in my belly, cock and groin.

I can barely breathe because it all feels sogood. His mind, emotions and the love he gives as he pulls is so strong and… deep-rooted. Like something he’s held onto for a long time, but he’s finally showing me the edges of it. He’s submitting to the desire and allowing it to pour into and gratify me. To please and exalt me.