Total pages in book: 436
Estimated words: 415303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 2077(@200wpm)___ 1661(@250wpm)___ 1384(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 415303 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 2077(@200wpm)___ 1661(@250wpm)___ 1384(@300wpm)
"Tell me, is the party to your liking, Genesis?" Cassius asked.
"It's beautiful." She wrapped her arm around my body, placing her head on my chest. "But Ethan promised me we'd spend some time alone tonight, so we're actually leaving."
Brave girl.
Cassius's eyebrows shot up.
"And does Ethan speak for himself these days, or do you do that for him?"
"Cassius," I warned. "Perhaps I like hearing her voice. I've been alive so long I've tired of hearing my own."
People around us laughed.
Genesis looked up at me adoringly.
So I did what any male would do in my position. I kissed her — hard. Our mouths fused together, our tongues tangled, and I forgot completely that I was in front of Cassius — or anyone. I lifted her against my body, my hands digging into her hair as she let out a little moan.
"Enough!" Cassius grunted out. "This isn't a brothel."
I released her, though it was hard, considering all I could focus on was the pulse of her heart through her swollen lips. I wanted to bite — again.
"Control yourself, Ethan," Cassius sneered. "Her blood will still be there when you get home. Then again, you're probably not going to be taking her blood, will you?"
Genesis hung her head.
"You know…" Cassius shrugged. "I wonder if it would be considered fair or loyal to your old mate? Taking a new one and destroying her as well?"
I released Genesis and pushed against Cassius's chest. "Take it back!"
He grinned and held up his hands. "My mistake."
Shaking my head, I stepped back and grabbed Genesis's hand. It killed me, absolutely killed me to bow my head to Cassius, to give him the respect he was due, when all I wanted to do was end his life. But I managed it, a slight bow.
He returned the sentiment.
And in a flash I was outside with Genesis.
When the demon threw me my keys, I almost threw them back at his head, needing some sort of violent act to soothe me.
"Sorry." Genesis voice was weak, afraid. "I hope I didn't make things worse, I was just—"
"You," I turned and cupped her face, "did beautifully."
I kissed her again.
Because I could.
Because she calmed me.
Because I knew I couldn't claim her again in public, and I knew that once we got to the house, I'd have to leave her, lest I lose complete and utter control of myself.
When her arms snaked around my neck, I let out a pitiful growl and took a taste… just a few drops… directly from her tongue.
She gasped into my mouth, driving me into a frenzy to have her body closer.
Without thinking of her being as fragile as she was, I pushed her against the waiting car.
She let out a little grunt.
"Shit." I stepped back and pinched the bridge of my nose. "I'm sorry. I forget how fragile you are."
"Do I look broken?" Her eyes were shadowed, hazy, lustful. Damn, it was a beautiful look on her.
"No." I smirked. "You don't."
She reached for me.
I stepped back again, my breath coming out in gasps. "We should go."
The look on her face nearly brought me to my knees. I couldn't keep it up, kissing her and pushing her away, wanting her yet lying to myself about it.
"Okay." Again I was struck by how small her voice sounded.
I opened the door and ushered her in…
Then contemplated lying down in front of the car and asking the demon to hit the accelerator.
Genesis
He kissed me like a man dying of thirst — and maybe he was, maybe it was my blood. Was it wrong to hope it was my smile? Maybe even my dress?
I played with the beautiful silk fabric, waiting for Ethan to acknowledge the kissing — or at least part of what Cassius had alluded to.
When the silence stretched the entire ride home, disappointment stabbed me in the chest.
We reached the house.
He pulled the car up to the massive gate; it opened.
Still nothing.
He turned off the car and reached for the door when I blurted, "Do you hate me?"
His hand froze on the car door; in fact, his entire body froze. My heart picked up speed. I knew he could hear it, but there was nothing I could do about the effect he had on me.
"No…" His voice was low, almost a growl. "I could never hate you."
"I'm sorry…" Tears stung the back of my eyes. "…for whatever I did. I'm sorry you were forced to protect me when you didn't want to."
"You're apologizing?" His voice rose. "To me?"
My throat got tighter. "Yes."
He looked over his shoulder at me, his green eyes glowing in the darkness of the car. "You're tired."
"Yeah, but—
"We can talk tomorrow. I'll show you to your room."
So that was it.
My fingers clenched the silk dress tighter. I didn't trust myself to speak. The warmth I'd felt in his presence was long gone, replaced with nothingness.