Page 55 of Slaying the Vampire Conqueror

It wasn’t really“good morning”for vampires, was it?

“—evening.”

He blinked at me. The sedation would make him groggy. He seemed like he had to fight his way back from sleep.

Then a slow horror fell over him.

He practically leapt to his feet.

“I apologize,” he said. “I was—I thought?—”

I was grateful for the many years of training that allowed me to look utterly nonplussed, even if I didn’t feel it. I held up a hand and gave him a small smile.

“It’s nothing.”

“I thought you were—” He cleared his throat. “I had… dreams.”

Oh, he had dreams alright. As if I didn’t notice the way his eyes lingered on how much skin I had showing now. Or the way his hands were folded over his lap.

I told myself that this was good. It was better for my task if he wanted to fuck me. The closer I could get to him, the better.

Weaver, he was actuallyblushing. That was so amusing it made it blissfully easy to ignore the little, uncomfortable truth—that it had felt good to be touched that way. I didn’t want to think too much about how my own body had responded to his.

“It’s fine,” I said. “Really. Besides, I get the impression a good dream was probably a nice break for you.”

I was being overly charming, worming my way into his affections. And yet… it was still the truth. The ache of his pain still throbbed under my skin, a distant echo. I knew how to withstand pain, but even I couldn’t imagine living with that every day.

For a long moment, he didn’t say anything. His hand wandered to his chest and pressed there, as if in wait.

“You are in a lot of pain,” I said.

His eyes flicked back to me, a wordless rebuke, but I stood firm—confronting it, even if hewouldn’t.

“I won’t tell anyone,” I said. “I know you aren’t a man who likes to reveal your weaknesses.”

His jaw tightened. He let his hand fall. “Good. I expect as much.”

I stood. His stare lingered on my body. I was suddenly aware of exactly how much skin this stupid little scrap of silk didn’t cover.

I only smiled.

“Enjoying the view?”

“Go change into real clothes,” he muttered. “Before the others see you.”

“Why? Are you jealous?”

Risky, to tease him like that when he was so obviously embarrassed. I wasn’t sure why I did it, other than an inexplicable, compulsive need to make light of the uncomfortable sensation I couldn’t shake.

He gave me a flat glare.

“No,” he said. “They don’t need any more distractions.”

“I’m a distraction? That’s very flattering. And here I thought you didn’t notice.”

A beat. An odd expression crossed his face. Almost a smile, maybe—albeit from someone who had never witnessed one before.

“I’m not the blind one,” he said.

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