forehead. Nicole shook her head. “No … I need to talk about it, I think.” “Okay.” He gave her an encouraging smile. Nicole took a deep breath before continuing. “Jay was sick … I had him in a bath of cool water. The phone rang … I left him to answer it. I was only gone for a minute. I mean … he was five years old and the water … it wasn’t deep at all.” Her last words came out with a sob. Taking a deep breath, she struggled to bring her emotions under control. “When I came back, he was facedown in the water. I tried to save him. I tried to bring him back,” Nicole cried. “But it didn’t work.” Alec wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. “You don’t have to say more.” “They said he’d tried to get out of the tub and had a seizure … because of the fever.” “You couldn’t have known.” “I should have known! I should have been more responsible than that! The phone could have waited!” Nicole’s self hatred came through in every word. “And now you seek death so that you can rectify this wrong … so that you can pay?” Alec asked. Nicole nodded. “I should be the one dead, not Jay. He was just a little boy. He was as innocent as a soul can be.” Clasping his hands on both sides of her face, he tilted her head so that she was looking into his eyes. “I know your pain.” He lowered his mouth to hers - kissing her gently. Nicole eagerly opened her lips to his probing tongue - letting him draw her into his crushing embrace. Outside, the storm raged, while in this place of death - she was finding the strength to endure life. She felt his hand slip beneath her shirt and caress her back - making his way to the clasp of her bra. He easily freed her of it. Then his hand was at the front of her blouse, where he unbuttoned it so that he could caress her breasts. At first he was gentle - squeezing and softly stroking her flesh, but then he began to squeeze harder - sending a sensation through her body that was pure pleasure. His lips moved from her mouth to her jaw. Along with his soft kisses, she could feel his fangs nipping at her skin. She quivered - her need mounting until she was nearly beyond reason. “I want you Alec,” she gasped. “Are you sure?” “Oh yes, I’m sure.” Alec lifted her up - cradling her in his arms. He then carried her to the crypt and laid her down. “Even if I have to make love to you here?” “Yes,” she whispered. Alec reached down and opened her blouse completely - his eyes drinking in the sight of her bare breasts. He then slipped her pants off so that she was lying there - exposed to his eager eyes. His clothes came off even more quickly than hers had. Nicole inhaled sharply. He was glorious - his body a tribute to all that a man could ever be. She felt him spread her legs and his tongue darted teasingly at the moist heat of her woman’s flesh. Nicole arched her hips to meet his tongue - shivering as he brought her such wicked pleasure. The grip he had on her thighs was painful, but the pain only enhanced the bliss. His tongue moved to her thighs - slowly he made his way up to her stomach to her breasts - tasting her as he did. His mouth found her erect peaks and he began suckling on them softly - but soon she felt his teeth piercing her skin. Nicole groaned - her hunger exploding when she felt his stiff erection against her thigh. She yearned for him to possess her. Wiggling beneath him - she urged him to penetrate her throbbing core. She was now crazy with lust and could think of nothing but the moment he would take her completely. “Hmm … Alec, I need you now!” she breathed. Growling, he moved his mouth to her throat. She could feel his teeth, but was beyond caring what he did to her - as long as he sated her hunger. “Are you sure?” he asked, his deep voice taking on the rough quality she’d come to recognize as a sign of the vampire’s hunger. “I could hurt you.” “I’m sure … that