Page 42 of Enchant the Dawn

Dominic grinned at her. “The second was because the first was so exquisite.”

Maddy stared at him, unable to believe she was having this conversation. Needing something to occupy her hands, she stacked their plates and set them aside. “I guess that’s a compliment.”

“The best there is,” he said with a wink.

Unable to think of a reply, she said, “Why don’t you go make yourself comfortable in the living room while I clear the table and put things away?”

“I’ll help.” When she lifted one brow, he shrugged. “My mother made me do the same chores as my sister. And vice versa.”

“Smart woman.”

It didn’t take long to put the kitchen to rights. Dominic followed Maddy into the living room, and after a moment’s hesitation, he sank down beside her on the sofa. Close, but not too close.

Maddy bit down on her lower lip, all too aware of the man beside her—the man who wasn’t a man at all. She had tossed and turned all night, her mind in turmoil, as she tried to convince herself to end their relationship. She ticked off all the reasons why she shouldn’t see him again, but now that he was here, none of those reasons seemed to matter. Sure, the blood thing was a little off-putting, but she enjoyed being with him. He was kind and funny. He treated her like a queen. She loved the sound of his laughter, the way his smile did funny things in the pit of her stomach. She loved being in his arms and she desperately wanted to be held again, to feel the strength of his arms around her, the sheer ecstasy of his kisses. Right or wrong, he was here now and she wanted him to stay.

Dominic blew out a shaky breath. “I can read your mind, remember?”

Embarrassment warmed her cheeks. “Then you know what I want,” she said, her voice little more than a whisper.

“Maddy! Honey, are you sure?”

“I know it’s crazy,” she said in a rush. “Maybe I’m crazy. We just met. You’re a vampire. But I can’t help the way I feel. I don’t care what you are. I want to be with you.”

“No more than I want to be with you.” He drew her gently into his arms, his gaze searching hers. “I think I fell in love with you the first night we met.”

“Dominic . . .” She buried her fingers in the hair at his nape and tugged his head down to hers. “Shut up and kiss me.”

“Don’t ask me twice,” he muttered and claimed her lips with his in a long, searing kiss that turned her bones to liquid and her blood to fire.

She sighed as his hand slid under her sweater to skate up and down her spine, then crept around to cup her breast. Desperate to be closer, she climbed onto his lap, her arms going around his neck, her tongue darting out to meet his.

They fell back on the sofa, her body sprawled on top of his, their mouths fused together.

Dominic groaned as she writhed against him. “Maddy ...”

“What?”

He ran his tongue the length of her neck, felt his fangs extend. “Maddy, we’ve got to stop.”

“No.” She rained kisses on his brow, his cheeks, before returning to his mouth.

Dominic fought for control, but he feared it was a losing battle. He had never wanted another woman the way he wanted—needed—this one. His body was on fire for her, his hunger clawing at him.

Calling on every ounce of self-control he possessed, he lifted her up and set her on her feet, then jackknifed into a sitting position, his head cradled in his hands.

Maddy stared at him, her whole body aching for his touch, her lips bruised from his kisses.

“Dominic? Dominic, what’s wrong?”

When he looked up, his eyes were tinged with red.

“Dominic?” She took a hesitant step toward him. “Are you all right?”

“Don’t come any closer.” He took several deep breaths. “Just give me a minute.”

Suddenly wary, she backed away from him, hands clenched at her sides. “Is there anything I can do?”

With a shake of his head, he closed his eyes. Damn! He had never come this close to losing control. It scared the hell out of him. He usually fed late at night, but from now on, he’d make it a point to satisfy his thirst before he came to see her.

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