Page 51 of Lore and Lust
She sits on the other side of the table. When she’s comfortable, Cellina slides the box across the smooth surface and looks up at him from beneath her dark lashes. “A peace offering.”
“For telling me to go to that miserable party and then ditching me?”
She pouts. “Nino.”
“I’m not mad,” he says. “But I’ll take the cannoli anyway. Chocolate cherry?”
“Of course.” Cellina winks.
When Nino thinks about that night at Moretti’s estate, it turns out it was a blessing in disguise. The tumultuous evening had somehow brought him and Haruka even closer.
Cellina leans onto the table with her elbows, cradling her chin in her palms. “You smell like you’ve made some significant progress with your handsome friend.”
Nino turns his head and lifts his arm to sniff his coat. “G said that as soon as he saw me the other day. I can’t smell anything.”
“Well, the purpose is to letothervampires know that you are off the market as a feeding source. That you’re being taken care of.”
Nino smirks. “Is that why you never let me feed deeply from you? So you were always free to shop around?”
“Don’t be stupid.” She waves her hand. “What’s going on? Give me thescoop. He finally pulled your aura, yeah?”
“He did. It was better than any sex I’ve ever had.”
Cellina laughs and claps her hands, bubbling with delight as a waiter approaches to take their drink orders. When he walks away, Cellina coolly runs her hand up her hair, patting her large bun. “I’m so happy for you, Nino—youneedthis. The actual sex will be phenomenal.”
Nino’s entire lower half stiffens. He takes a breath to calm the arousal. “Lina… Jesus.”
“Itwill.” She smiles warmly. “You two are gorgeous together, like perfect bookends. Sunlight and moonlight. Jupiter and Mars… Mercutio and Romeo.”
“Cheesy.” Nino frowns. “They weren’t a couple.”
“Maybe they should have been? So talk. I’m listening.”
He considers for a moment, allowing the charming image of Haruka to flood his mind. “We’re just… taking it slow and doing whatever feels natural. It’s unbelievable, Lina, I never—I don’t know. I never imagined that I would meet someone like him. It sounds cliché but being with Haru is so easy and comfortable, and now…”
Nino stops to think again, the warmth in his heart overwhelming him.
“And now?” Cellina gently prompts.
“He’s opening up. In a new way. It’s slow, but I’m seeing more of this… seductive and frisky side of him that I didn’t expect. He’s still being careful, but a lot less formal and rigid than he was when we first met. Maybe… this is the real him? When he’s comfortable…”
Cellina sits straight and smooths her hair again. “Ugh, I am eating this shitup.This is amazing.”
Nino laughs. “I’m glad you’re entertained. You know what I told him? He’s like a black panther. He’s watching me and taking his time thinking, prowling around me in a circle with those wine-colored eyes.”
“Mm, if he’s a panther then you’re a tiger.”
“Can you please stop?”
“When is the panther going to start feeding you?” Cellina leans against the table, folding her arms as she rests. “Am I off the hook today?”
Nino frowns. “Have you beenonthe hook? Am I troubling you?” The waiter returns to the table with their drinks and appetizers. He lingers a little longer than necessary, smiling and chatting in Cellina’s direction. When he walks away, he winks at her.
“Of course you’re not,” says Cellina. “But if he’s seducing you, pulling your aura, and you enjoy these things, he should feed you. You feedhim. Don’t you want his blood?”
He sighs. Nino wants his blood like a hungry wolf wants meat. His body is aching for it. He ignores the feeling as best he can, but the longing burns hot from the inside out. He leans forward with his elbows on the table, running his hands into his hair as he drops his head. “I wanteverythingfrom him. I want all of him.”
For the first time, he admits it aloud and to himself. The quiet truth has been acknowledged. He can’t keep pretending otherwise.
