Taken by a Vampire (Vampire Queen) - By Joey W. Hill Page 0,108

he brushed a kiss over her forehead. “Now ye can take that shower. But we leave in the next half hour, so no lingering over female nonsense.”

The teasing smugness in his voice made her think about getting onto her knees and whacking him with the pillow. Then he added, “You’d be lovely if I took you tae town just as you are. Though I’d much prefer to stay here and do this all the day.”

She wanted to stay here, too, just like this, for the next decade. However, the past few minutes were gift enough. She couldn’t ask for more, nor should she. As she slipped from the bed, she sensed his gaze on her. He rolled out the other side, zipping the pants only enough to hold them on his hips. “If we had a larger shower, you wouldnae be getting away from me so soon. I’ll take the outside spigot.”

“Oh.” She bit her lip, realizing she should offer to take the colder outside water, but instead she yelped as Niall’s shirt landed over her head, where he’d tossed it. By the time she removed it, he was striding down the hallway. She watched the play of the dragon on his back and the way those pants, low enough on his hips to show the upper rise of his buttocks, drew the eye to their movements. Then he disappeared out of view.

If she had three marks, she could have showed that view to Evan. She was sure he would have appreciated it as much as she did. Artistically, of course. She imagined taking that shower with Niall, her skin flushed anew. He’d pleasured her, but she was nowhere near sated. They’d unleashed a hungry monster inside her, and she wasn’t sure if she should thank or curse them for that.

With her fingers digging into the soft stuff of Niall’s shirt, she lifted it to her face, brushed it against her cheek. He’d let her sleep on his body in the glade, held her. Then he’d been so angry, arguing with Evan about her. That part had felt so horribly wrong, and not just because of her worry about them. All the terrible things she was having to contain, the worry and fear, the guilt and failure, could be cracked open so easily by such stress.

When she looked up, he’d returned, was studying her. She still had the shirt up to her face, making it obvious what she was doing. She lowered it, discomfited. “I’m hurrying. I was just—”

He shook his head, crooked a finger at her. She came to him, still holding the shirt against her. Putting his hand to her waist, he brought her full against him. He kissed her, long and slow. She made a noise in the back of her throat and stretched up on her toes, reaching for more of him. Sexual energy stirred, but something else, too. Her chest was tight as her arms circled his neck, fingers curling there, tangling in his long hair. His hand roamed downward, over her buttock, stroking, slow and easy. Soothing.

When he lifted his head, he was holding her weight with his solid strength. He squeezed her buttock. “Aw richt, then?”

The warm affection in his tone helped ease some things. She nodded. “I was fine. Am fine.”

“Okay.” He brushed her lips with his again. “Go get ready, then. We’re behind schedule.”

Though she hurried, he checked on her a couple of times while she was doing her hair. Apparently, Evan had also given him additional things for their “town list,” and since it was obvious going into the city wasn’t Niall’s favorite thing, her bear became more gruff and impatient.

She expedited hair and face preparations, not wanting to cause him further delays. It was a good decision, because as soon as she emerged in the main room, he had her out the door and bundled into the Rover. When she hesitated with her foot on the runner, looking back at the house, Niall touched her shoulder.

“Don’t worry, he’ll be fine. He always is.” That touch of acid suggested their fight was preying on his mind again. It had been frightening to watch, like savage dogs, but she understood men could be like that. Niall discouraged any conversation about it, however, maintaining an otherwise companionable silence with her until they reached the main highway.

He nodded to the console. “You can play some music if you want.”

She chose a playlist titled “Niall’s Theme Songs.” When it started with the powerful drum