A Whisper of Eternity - By Amanda Ashley Page 0,83

now.

She found Dominic sitting in the chair in front of a roaring fire. He wore a black velvet robe over a pair of black sweatpants. She couldn't help thinking that it was a very sexy outfit.

"Hi," she said softly. "How are you feeling?"

"Better, now that you are here."

She knelt beside his chair, her gaze running over him. The burns on his face and hands looked red and ugly.And painful. Still, he looked much better than he had last night, though he still looked a trifle pale, even for a vampire.

She looked up to find him watching her intently.

As though it were a great effort, he lifted his hand and ran his fingers over the edge of her turtleneck. "Is this to keep me out?"

Tracystared at him. Was that why she had chosen this particular sweater? Had she subconsciously seen it as some sort of barrier?

She read the yearning in his eyes, knew the decision was wholly hers.

"Relax,my best beloved one. I will not force you. I will not even ask." Placing his hands on the arms of the chair, he levered up to his feet.

Tracystood. "Where are you going?"

It was a foolish question, one he did not bother to answer.

She bit down on the corner of her lower lip. If she wouldn't oblige him, then he would find someone who would. "Should you go out? I mean... is it safe?"

"I have no choice."

"Can't you wait until you're stronger?"

"I will not get stronger unless I feed."

"But..."

"Tracy,mi mejor querida , if we are to have any life together, you must accept me for what I am.You need not join me if you cannot, but I cannot change what I am, nor would I."

"I don't want you to go out. Not tonight. Not until you're stronger."

His gaze narrowed on her face. "Are you saying what I think you are?"

In lieu of an answer, she drew the neck of her sweater down,then turned her head away, giving him access to her throat.

Taking her by the hand, Dominic led her to the sofa. Sitting, he drew her down beside him and slipped his arm around her shoulders.

"Relax, querida. You know I will not hurt you." He placed a finger over her lips. "Do notworry, I will take only a little."

She turned to face him again. "Will a little make you stronger? As strong as you were?"

"No, but it will ease the pain."

"I never knew vampires could feel pain."

"Vampire senses are more intense than those of mortals. We feel everything more keenly.Pleasure. And pain."

"Take what you need, Dominic."

"Tracy, I do not want to force you."

"You're not." Leaning toward him, she turned her head to the side and gazed at the fire in the hearth. "I want to do this for you."

Murmuring to her in a language that sounded familiar even though she did not understand the words, he stroked her cheek with the back of his hand. She felt his lips against her throat as he kissed the sensitive skin behind her ear, felt the heat of his breath as his mouth trailed moist kisses down her neck. Her heart was beating wildly when she felt his fangs at her throat.

She could not believe she was doing this. Never, in any other life, had she permitted him to take her blood. Floating on a sensual sea, she wondered what was different now. Why was she letting him do this when she never had before?

Her skin grew warm and she closed her eyes, surrendering to the pleasure that flooded through her. No wonder Dracula had been able to seduce so many women. How could anyone resist his Dark Kiss? She was boneless, weightless, floating in a sea of molten crimson, sinking blissfully deeper and deeper into velvet darkness...

With a wordless cry, Dominic jerked his head back, his gaze moving anxiously overTracy 's face. Her skin was pale, almost translucent, and he swore under his breath. By the fates, had he taken too much?

He whispered her name, his heart pounding with fear. He should have stopped long ago, but her life's blood tasted like the sweetest nectar, her life-force so potent, he could feel his wounds healing, feel his strength returning. Each time he had been about to draw away, he promised himself that he would take only a little more... and a little more...

He stared down at her, hating himself for his weakness. He knew she would hate him if he had to bring her across. But he could not let her die. Not this time. Not