Page 62 of Crossing Between
"It's complicated," his voice tight. "I'm ancient, Zoey. My kind, we form bonds through blood. If we were to pursue something more between us, I would want to only drink from you or someone else with your permission."
I watched his profile, the tight set of his jaw, the flicker of something vulnerable in his eyes.
"You look like you're either going to kiss me or throw me out of the car," I observed.
Without warning, Varon swerved the Bentley off the main road onto a secluded overlook that provided a sweeping view of the valley below. He cut the engine, plunging us into sudden silence broken only by my accelerated heartbeat.
He turned to face me fully, his eyes darkening. "This is dangerous. I'm not in full control right now."
"I trust you."
"Why?" The question seemed to surprise even him.
"Because you're the only one who never touches me without asking."
Something shifted in his expression, like ice cracking to reveal the depths beneath. Slowly, deliberately, he leaned across the console. I held my breath as he brushed hislips against my pulse point, his cool breath raising goosebumps along my skin.
"Last chance to change your mind," he murmured against my neck.
In answer, I tilted my head further, offering myself to him.
The initial pain was sharp but brief as his fangs pierced my skin. Then came the pleasure, a wave of it so intense I gasped, my fingers dug into the leather seat. It was like every nerve ending in my body had suddenly awakened, singing with sensation. My back arched involuntarily as liquid heat coursed through my veins.
My soul magic sparked and surged, wrapping around us both in tendrils of golden light. It was the same reaction it had with Kenji, a recognition, a belonging. The warmth that flooded through my chest was overwhelming, a connection so profound it brought tears to my eyes.
Varon pulled away with visible effort, his pupils blown wide, lips stained red with my blood. He licked my skin where he'd bitten, the gesture kind, almost worshipful. The small wound closed under his ministrations, leaving only a pleasant tingling sensation.
I felt dazed, floating on waves of euphoria. My body hummed with residual pleasure, my magic still pulsing gently around us.
"Your blood sings to me," Varon's voice was rough, deeper than usual. "I'm not sure I'll ever stop wanting it."
I reached for him, pulling him toward me. Our lips met in a kiss that tasted of copper and desire. It wasn't gentle like our previous kiss on my porch. This was raw, desperate, like something had cracked open between us, releasing everything we'd been holding back.
His hands tangled in my hair, anglingmy head to deepen the kiss. I moaned into his mouth, pressing closer despite the awkward position across the console.
Varon pulled back suddenly, his breathing ragged. "We should stop."
"Why?" I challenged, my voice husky with need. "I want this. I want you."
"Not here. Not like this." His control was visibly slipping, fangs extended, eyes dark with hunger of both kinds.
"Fuck that," I growled, surprising us both with my vehemence. "I want you to lose control. I want you to fuck me, right here, right now."
Something snapped in him at my words. With inhuman speed, he was out of the driver's seat and opening my door, pulling me out of the car. He pressed me against the side of the Bentley, his body hard and unyielding against mine.
"Is this what you want?" His voice was barely recognizable, rough with desire. "Me, losing control?"
"Yes," I breathed, my hands already working at his belt.
His mouth crashed down on mine again, hungry and demanding. His hands weren't gentle as they pushed under my crop top, palming my breasts roughly. I gasped at the sensation, arching into his touch.
"Turn around," he commanded, spinning me to face the car.
I braced my hands against the gleaming hood, the metal warm beneath my palms. Varon pressed against my back, one hand snaking around to pull down my leggings while the other pushed up my top. Cool air hit my exposed skin, making me shiver.
He yanked my leggings down just far enough, his fingers finding me already wet and ready. I moaned as he stroked me, his touch expert and demanding. His other hand tangled in my hair, pulling my head back to expose my neck again.
"May I?" His breath was hot against myskin.
