All Souls' Night - Renee Rose Page 0,213

little? How much is too much?”

My mind races, trying to remember what I learned in health and science class. How much could a person lose? A pint? Two? “People give blood all the time, and live. It’s not that dangerous.”

Damiano’s head dips low as his nose slides against my cheek and over my ear. “Yes, cara, but typically those taking the blood are humans, not monsters that live off it, get off on it.” He blows a cool breeze against my earlobe and I shiver, completely unable to help myself. “Do you know how delicious your blood is?”

I try to move, but with the first shift of my head, Damiano circles my neck with his strong fingers, pinning me in place. Heat pools low within me. Every breath sends my chest scraping up along his forearm. Exquisite agony. His movements smooth and controlled, he eases my head to the side, exposing my neck to his hungry gaze.

“And would you offer me that same deal? Sleeping in my room in exchange for ‘a little’ blood?”

My whole body trembles. Fear and excitement war within me. Is this really going to happen? Am I actually going to let him drink from me? Before I can even finish the thought, my heart and mind already know what I’m going to choose.

“Of course!” I say.

“Then you’re an idiot.”

Damiano flicks his wrist and tosses me down onto the couch before he walks away, just enough to give us space but he’s still near me. My whole body aches for him. I just want—hell, I don’t know what I want, but I feel like whatever it is, he can give it to me.

“I’m not an idiot. You can’t blame me, can you? You open up this whole world to me, a world I’ve fantasized about since I was a girl, and I’m an idiot for taking you up on your offer? How about you’re the idiot for even offering it to me?”

I cross my arms, refusing to look at him. So many emotions swirl through me. Anger is the top one, though, and it’s strongly warring with my lust.

“Fine. You want to see how it is? You want a taste? Tomorrow night, I and several other vampires are celebrating Halloween by throwing a masquerade ball. You can stay here tonight and join me for the party tomorrow. Then we will see if the reality really lives up to your fantasy. Who knows, maybe you’ll come out of this alive.”

My gaze leaps up to his face. Is he serious? Is he really going to let me join them? Melodrama aside, I can’t believe my luck! And of course I’ll make it out alive. But, if I don’t, what a way to go! My heart pounds in the silence. Here he is, offering me what I’ve wanted since the first time I heard about vampires. But what’s in it for me? He doesn’t seem to want my blood.

“What’s the catch?”

“Well, my little Cinderella, the catch is, this is a one-night only deal. You will go with me to the masquerade. While we’re there, I will have my complete way with you. Give you a taste of this forbidden life you’ve dreamed about. But after that, we’re done.”

I jump up from the couch, but Damiano raises a finger, cutting me off before I can speak. “There is one rule, though.” His eyes smolder as they look me up and down. “You will give me your complete obedience. You will obey me the instant I say something. Failure to do that, and I will take you home and send you on your way. Do we have a deal?”

I pause for a moment. “When you say you’ll have your way with me—”

“What I mean is, I’ll have you screaming my name so loudly that vampires counties over will hear it. Now, do we have a deal?”

I swallow, my pulse flooding my ears. I’m about to make a deal with the devil, and damnit, I don’t actually care if he drains me. One night is worth it. Nodding, I hold out my hand to shake his.

Instead of grabbing it, he slides up to me, gently gathers my fingers into his, and kisses the back of my hand before turning it over to scrape his fang across the pulse point in my wrist. Flames lick at my skin, however, it’s over far too soon.

“I have some calls to make before sunrise. The doors are sealed and will only unlock with my fingerprint.” He points