Summers, Jordan by Gothic Passions [html]

fire, confirming his most fervored hopes and fears—she
was his bloodmate. He’d sucked her lip between his own, before quickly sealing
the wound with a swipe of his tongue. She’d tasted like everything he’d
imagined, sweetness, life, utter ambrosia to his senses. For a few moments he’d
been sated and at the same time utterly intoxicated. He hadn’t felt that
sensation since he’d been mortal.
    For a moment he’d feared losing control. He shuddered
as he recalled that very thing happening ten years ago. Richard had practically
attacked one of his lovers after accidentally nipping her mouth. His fangs
lengthened, triggered by the blood. The sight sent the woman into screaming
fits. She’d gone around town declaring him a monster, before Richard had a
chance to distort her memories.
    It had taken him two years before he’d been ready to
return to London and the high
season. He couldn’t afford to make the same mistake with Lily. He had to keep
his fangs off her long enough to get her to the chapel.
    Despite folklore, if invited, he had no problem walking
into a house of God.
    With her blood zinging through his veins it would be
difficult if not impossible, to be in her presence without being tempted for more.
She’d succeeded in merely whetting his appetite. He licked his lips reliving
the erotic taste in his mind. He had to feed.
     
    * * * * *
    Lily’s head spun as Sims, her family’s butler, opened
the door for her to enter. She swept into the foyer and straight up the stairs
to her room. Lord Lyon seemed to have the ability to seep into her mind, her
body, overwhelming her senses to the point she didn’t know where she ended and
he began.
    He’d been exceedingly polite during their ride this
evening making no untoward moves. Yet he did press subtly forward, not allowing
her to decline his offer of the use of his carriage for tomorrow night’s ball.
Though she knew she should not, part of Lily really wanted to like the rogue.
His touch had brought tingles to her skin, igniting in her feelings that she’d
kept buried away. Richard’s daring behavior spoke to the chained woman inside
her, who longed to break free of the prison that was fast becoming her life.
    Lily pressed her fingers to her temple. Her thoughts
were nonsensical. There would be no breaking free, nor agreeing to his proposal
or lack thereof. What had he thought her reaction would be? That perhaps she’d
drop to her knees, thankful that someone wanted to marry her. Lily railed at
the thought. She had spent a lifetime being manipulated by a rake, otherwise
known as her father, she wasn’t about to continue forward into married life
with one. Tonight she was definitely going to need Tildy to fix her a sleeping
draught. Without it she feared she’d find no rest. Lily entered her room and
shut the door.
    A welcoming fire glowed in the hearth warming the
sudden chill that had crept upon her skin. She let out a long sigh and slumped
against the door, her mind a whirl of emotion. A tap from the other side caused
her to jump. Lily spun and opened the door, half expecting to see Lord Lyon
standing on the other side. Which was ridiculous, a gentleman wouldn’t dare be
caught visiting a lady’s bedchamber.
    Tildy stood wide-eyed, staring at Lily, an innocent
expression masking her face. “Beggin’ your pardon, my lady. I’ve come to help
you turn in for the night.”
    Lily’s face warmed as she recalled her previous
thoughts. “Of course, do come in. I’ll be sure to fill you in on the details.”
Lily covered the short distance to her mirrored vanity and sat.
    Tildy giggled. “I didn’t say anything.”
    “You didn’t have to, I know you well enough to
recognize that look. You’re practically bursting to find out how the carriage
ride went.” Lily laughed, as Tildy nodded her admittance. “Tonight I think I’m
going to need one of your special sleep draughts.”
    Tildy bobbed a curtsy. “I’ll help you out of your gown
then go to