Don't Bite the Bridesmaid (12 page)

“Yes,” his voice rumbled from low in his chest. He turned and captured her gaze with those stormy eyes. Her breath caught in her throat. “I’m an upstanding citizen these days.”

“Are you?” She couldn’t look away from his eyes. God, they were beautiful. Swirling with emotion and strength. She could live and die in those eyes.

He took the soap from her hands and then tugged her into his spot under the pouring water. Hot and soothing, it rushed over the skin on her back. She didn’t want to look away from him, but had to when he made a spinning motion with his finger.

“My turn.”

She obeyed, almost shivering in anticipation, despite the warmth of the water. His hands slid against her back. Slow and sultry, and with far too much soap. Then they moved over her shoulders, his slightly rough hands slid around her breasts, making her gasp. Then he glided them down to her stomach. Why were his hands rough?

“Your hands are rougher than I’d expect for someone in your line of work,” she murmured. His hands stilled. “It feels nice,” she added in a whisper.

He continued his half wash, half massage of her stomach and hips. “I do some woodworking in my garage. It’s cathartic.”

“That sun sculpture in your backyard?” God that was a beautiful woodcarving. She’d asked about it when she’d gone there to ask him on the cruise, and she’d wanted to know more. But he hadn’t exactly been thrilled to see her that day, so she hadn’t wanted to hang around and give him a chance to change his mind. “It’s gorgeous.”

“I carved it.” He sounded pleased.

He explored her hips, and her breath caught in her throat. How could she be this turned on so soon after they’d just had sex? Her breasts suddenly ached to be touched, teased by the water spraying against them. And her sex pulsed as his hands grew closer, caressing her thighs before moving back up to her bottom.

“What happened here?” he asked, mouth very close to her ear. His hand paused over a small scar on her hip.

“My first and only attempt at skateboarding.”

He chuckled against her ear as his fingers caressed the scar. How could such a simple thing, a massage of an old wound, be so erotic?

His soapy hands moved back up her body and she almost cried out in protest. But when he squeezed and caressed her breasts, she moaned.

One in each hand, he massaged her, then slid his thumbs over her nipples. Like a shock, the sensation shot from her breasts to her sex, and her stomach clenched in response.

“Noah,” she managed.

“I want to taste you, Alice.” His chest rumbled against her back as he spoke, and his hand slid down to her core. She almost jumped when he touched her. He stroked her confidently, and every thought she might have had flew away as a rush of sensation overwhelmed her. The hot water streaming over her while he touched her so possessively made her ache so badly for him that she writhed against his hand.

Before she even realized she was moving, she stood on the other side of the shower. Noah lifted her leg and set it on a large ledge, near her soaps and shampoos. His shampoo bottle was under the sink, full of blood. The thought almost startled some sense in her, but then he knelt between her legs and she couldn’t think anymore.

His tongue touched her, the gentlest of touches. And she suddenly felt very exposed—spread out in front of him, under the too bright lights of the bathroom. Painful shyness hit her. “Noah, I don’t know if I can—”

“Shh…” His hand held her hip firmly, and his eyes raged like a storm when they met hers. So intense, she couldn’t look away. “You’re so fucking beautiful, do you know that? Do you even realize—” He shook his head. “Of course you don’t. But you will.”

She couldn’t understand the words. He’d called her beautiful, and the emotion in his voice was so strong she couldn’t even summon an argument. Or a polite platitude. Or even a thank you.

He lowered his head, and his mouth touched her again. He held her hips firmly. To keep her upright, she was sure. His tongue stroked her. So intimately. The explosion of sensation as he explored her pushed any shyness out of her head. She sucked in a lungful of steam, listening to hypnotic sound of the shower water hitting the tile.

“God, you taste so good. So sweet. I knew you would.” He stroked her softly, then harder. Licking, sucking, and nibbling.
God, his fangs.
They didn’t touch her, but were so close. The idea of it should have horrified her, she knew that. But instead, it pushed her even further, closer to bliss.

She used one hand to balance herself on the wall and gripped his hair with the other. She didn’t mean to pull it, but when he growled against her, she realized how hard she clutched him. But she couldn’t stop. If she relaxed, she didn’t think she’d ever come down from it.

One of his hands moved from her hip, and then she felt him push into her. One finger, stroking her inside as his mouth sucked on the center of her desire. Then two. Pushing in and out. His mouth, no longer gentle. His other hand, digging into her hips.

The orgasm hit her like nothing she’d ever felt before. Her body convulsed, and then she was standing only because he held her. His mouth stayed on her, coaxing aftershock after aftershock from her. And when her body finally stilled, he was there. His mouth on hers, the taste of her still on his tongue.

He drove his cock into her without warning. And the sensation of being so suddenly full rocked another orgasm from her. Mercilessly, he drove into her, holding her leg up to his hip. He pushed her closer and closer to the brink again. The thought that she shouldn’t be able to come again so soon hit her a split second before the orgasm did. She tensed in his arms, her body rocking. Her name fell from his lips, low and guttural, almost unrecognizable. And she felt him shudder against her, his face buried against her neck as he found his own release.

Chapter Seven

S
unlight streaming through the balcony door woke him. They’d forgotten to shut the curtains. The light didn’t touch his skin, but it pained his eyes to look at it. Alice snuggled into the crook of his arm, asleep and wearing one of his T-shirts. He pressed a kiss onto her forehead, smelling her hair as he did. Fruity shampoo. He was starting to really love the smell of shampoo.

His cock stirred, but he ignored it. After last night, she needed her rest. They both did. How long had they slept? He glanced at the clock. They’d definitely missed brunch. Maybe they’d be able to catch the family for a late lunch. He didn’t want to keep Alice from seeing her family at this joyful time.

He slipped out of the bed and she made a small noise of protest. But by the time he got across the room to close the drapes, she was sleeping again. A small snore escaped her and he stifled a laugh. The ocean slid by them, bright and beautiful. Too bright for a vampire. He slid the drapes closed.

He locked the bathroom door behind him and turned on the water in the sink. A long drink of blood from the shampoo bottle perked him up. Treated blood—originating from the blood bank with added chemicals to keep it from going bad outside of refrigeration—wasn’t anywhere near as good as the real thing, especially straight from the vein.

But that form of feeding brought its own headaches. For one, you had to mess with the memory of your victim in most cases, and that felt far too close to immoral for him to indulge in it except when absolutely necessary. Not that he hadn’t lived differently before. But those were different times, and he was a different man. And there were rules about it. The Council had rules for everything these days. Modern technology demanded it. It was too easy to be videotaped on a cell phone camera and end up on YouTube. Careful rules kept them all safe.

Feeling the weight of the bottle, he frowned and shook it. Empty. He must have drunk a bit more than he’d thought the day before. But it was okay. He still had a bottle of blood disguised as conditioner and a small emergency supply in what looked like a cologne bottle.

He brushed his teeth and his mind wandered to the night before. What a night. Had he ever felt such fire with a woman? No. Not even when he was still human. Not even with his wife—as brief as their marriage had been. He’d known her an even shorter amount of time than he’d known Alice.

His wife had been a woman of a different time. More reserved. Lovely and kind and giving. But she simply couldn’t deal with what he was. What she needed to become to be with him. But she hadn’t had Alice’s resilient character.

Alice was as passionate as he knew she’d be. Perfect in how she fit him, in how they both seemed to have an innate understanding of how the other liked to be touched. And her blood…a sharp stab of guilt hit him as he remembered the teasing taste of her blood on his tongue.

He hadn’t nicked her on purpose, but he certainly hadn’t pulled away when the sweet taste hit him. If anything, he’d milked her mouth for more. And despite the guilt, he hardened at the memory, and his fangs lengthened, pressing against his bottom lip.

Blood and sex weren’t always intertwined, but when they were, it was like nothing else in the world. He couldn’t help his desire for both, but he could control his actions.

With water from the sink, he wet his hair and smoothed it. She’d fulfilled his every need, except for his desire to plunge his fangs into her neck while he took her. He’d been able to stop himself. But never had he been so tempted. Sharing blood wasn’t something he could take lightly. There were laws that had to be upheld. Drinking blood from a living human was only permitted if the donor’s memory was fogged after. Sharing of blood was also allowed between vampires.

And of course, allowances were made for human mates—people who were transitioning into vampires.

He leaned against the counter, weight on his hands, and shook his head. No. He wasn’t going to bite her. No matter how much he ached to. Sex would have to be enough. And sex with Alice was better than blood and sex with anyone else, so he wasn’t exactly suffering.

Not that he had any intention of going back to their formerly platonic relationship. They couldn’t just be friends, not after last night. If that had ever been a real possibility. He hadn’t intended to sleep with her, and was more than a little irritated with his lack of control. But it had happened.

And maybe—just maybe—it didn’t have to end with the cruise.

He flashed his teeth in the mirror, and with a slight push in his mind, his fangs grew. No, he couldn’t tell her about himself, not right away. And he certainly couldn’t tell her about his impending nuptials. Trust wasn’t something that came easily to her, not after Brent. His hands fisted at the thought of her ex. She might take the whole “supposed to marry another person” thing the wrong way. If the vampire part didn’t send her screaming out the door first.

And it would. His wife’s face had faded from his memory. Odd, the things you forgot when enough time passed. He could still picture her, but her features had fuzzied. The exact shade of her eyes escaped him, and the line of her jaw.

But the horror in her expression after he explained what he was—after he’d proven to her he was a vampire—stayed with him. He couldn’t deal with that from Alice. He’d have to be sure of her first. Certain she’d at least give him a chance.

He could spend the rest of the cruise convincing her to trust him.

They needed to talk, at least. He had to make sure she knew he took this—and her—seriously. He’d meant what he said to Charles. Alice was not someone he’d just play around with. A lifetime commitment wasn’t something he could promise. She’d run for the hills when she found out what he was, and he couldn’t hide that from her for long if they spent enough time together. Even if he were very careful, it would only be a scant number of years before she would notice he never aged. But he couldn’t see not being with her—not being able to hold her, kiss her, touch her—anytime soon.

He slipped back under the covers, this time on the side she faced, and woke her with a quick peck on her nose. Her eyes opened slowly, fluttering before a slow, satisfied smile enveloped her face. The room warmed with that smile.

“Morning,” he said, then kissed her mouth softly.

“Good morning,” she replied, face flushed. Then she glanced at the clock and her eyes widened. “Oh, we so missed breakfast.”

He grinned. “We were tired.”

A blush rose on her cheeks, making her even prettier.

“We’d better go reassure my mother we’re alive. I’m surprised she hasn’t come knocking on our door yet.”

“Beautiful, the way we left the dance floor last night, I’m pretty sure your mom knows exactly why we weren’t at breakfast.” Hell, if they hadn’t all guessed he’d dragged Alice off to ravage her immediately, they’d have to be idiots, or not paying attention. And Edna, he suspected, was paying attention and certainly anything but an idiot. A keen mind hid behind her joking attitude, and she seemed to see far more than she let on. Not a quality he normally found appealing in a human, but Edna was an exception to the rule. She was the mother he—everyone—wished they’d been blessed with.

The small flush on Alice’s face grew exponentially and he laughed.

“Oh God, they’re going to all be staring at us this morning. Cindy isn’t so bad, but Mom will—well, prepare yourself for some really awkward commentary.”

“I can handle it if you can.”

She grinned at him. “We should probably get going soon then, before she comes to check on us to amuse herself.”

“I think we should talk first,” he said, and her grin faltered.

“Do we really need to talk?” She looked at her hand on the comforter, as if her fingernails were suddenly doing interesting things.

They had to talk. He had to tell her how he felt. Or at least, tell her that he cared for her, since he wasn’t exactly sure how to identify the emotions swirling through him. It was better to get things out in the open. “I think we do.”

“Look, let’s make a deal. No talking about…anything. Not until we get back to California. Let’s call this a serious talk-free boat.” She wouldn’t look at him as she spoke, and there was a tremor in her voice that he didn’t care for. “Can’t we enjoy ourselves without—” She shook her head. “Without talking about the future until we get back to port?”

He frowned. Something worried her—and he would swear that fear caused the quiver in her voice. But was she afraid he wanted something past this cruise, or that he didn’t? It hadn’t been long since her last—and he suspected only—serious relationship ended badly. Maybe she wasn’t ready to commit to something serious yet. Or even talk about the possibility.

His stomach rolled at the thought and words to convince her were on the edge of his tongue. But that wouldn’t be fair to her. If she wasn’t ready yet, he’d have to spend the rest of the cruise convincing her he was trustworthy, that he wasn’t going to use her like Brent had. For now, he had to respect her wishes.

“Sure,” he replied, and to his relief his voice came out strong. Confident. Not at all worried.

Tension visibly drained from her shoulders and something fisted over his heart, squeezing it. Was she that worried he’d press her for something serious? Did she find the idea of a serious relationship that repulsive? That frightening?

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly, wishing he could take his feelings out on someone deserving. Namely Brent. But this was good. He could deal with it. It wasn’t like he was in love. If he couldn’t convince her to be with him seriously by the end of the cruise, he’d survive.

After all, he’d lived for decades without anyone in his life other than Charles and Alex. He could do it again. A sudden pang of loneliness twisted in his gut, and despite what he told himself, he felt unsure. He rolled over and pushed up from the bed.

“Better get ready before they send in the search team,” he said, forcing a smile to his face.

A
lice had prepared herself for the knowing looks. But the occasional grins from her mother and sister when they reached the deck for lunch still brought heat to her cheeks no matter how cool she tried to play it. They made her want to run back to her room and hide for the rest of the trip—preferably with Noah in tow—her family’s speculation be damned.

There were so many things they could do alone for the next couple of days. Sexy things. In the shower and the bed. The couch and the floor. The cabin could really use some more rooms. But heck, what they lacked in space they could make up for in other creative ways. A knowing look from her mother brought her out of her speculation, and she kept her gaze from meeting anyone else’s at the table after that.

But Noah handled the knowing looks and suspiciously innocent questions with ease. She watched him from under her eyelashes, and warmth filled her chest.

He was so good with her family. He seemed comfortable with them, even more so than he’d been around her until this trip. And if she wasn’t mistaken, her family was quite taken with her reserved neighbor as well. Why wouldn’t they be? He was genuinely kind. Funny. Strong.

She liked him for all the same reasons her family did. And she liked him for her own reasons, too. The desire in his eyes when he looked at her. The way he held her and guided her across the dance floor. Not to mention the sex. And it was worth mentioning. Last night had been an experience she would never forget.

And that was the problem.

She’d known exactly what he was going to say when that serious expression came over his face after he’d woken her up. The words—even unspoken—reverberated through her mind. First, he’d tell her what a nice time he’d had. Reassure her she was a wonderful girl and that he’d enjoyed their time together. Then his smile would turn grim, and he would bring far too much reality into the conversation.

He’d tell her he wasn’t in a position to make a commitment. His job, his family, his whatever, wouldn’t allow it. And maybe it would be true, if not exactly for the reason he’d specify. He wasn’t a normal man; he was a vampire.

She wasn’t ready to hear it.

In her heart, she knew this wouldn’t be lasting. It felt too perfect. And they were too different. But she wanted—needed—to tell herself they might have a future. Even if it was a fantasy. Just for a little while. A few days.

She deserved that, didn’t she? After Brent, she deserved to at least pretend. And Noah was trustworthy. She felt that down to her bones. He wouldn’t use her like Brent had tried to. Nor would he treat her badly or make her feel like shit.

He just wouldn’t stay.

And she was okay with that. She was. She had to be.

“I’m sorry, what?” she asked her sister as her name being called finally penetrated her brain.

Her face bright with the sunshine streaming in from the window beside her, Cindy smirked at her. “I said, are you still going onshore early so you can cook dinner tonight?”

“Yes, of course.” Noah squeezed her knee, a show of support, and she gave him a small smile.

His plate filled with eggs and sausage from the breakfast buffet, Robert pulled out one of the white chairs and sat next to Cindy.

Her sister clapped, a big smile on her face. “Oh, I’m so excited. You may not know this about my sister, Noah, but she makes the absolute best lasagna. It’s just…” Cindy’s eyes glazed over. “So. Good.”

Noah laughed at Cindy’s expression. “That good, huh?”

“Better,” Cindy assured him. “It’s a family recipe. One our aunt only shared with Alice. She’s got the gift, apparently.”

“Why doesn’t your aunt make it?” he asked.

“She’s retired from making lasagna. Or so she says.” Cindy shook her head regretfully. “But Alice does the lasagna justice.”

“I’ve only gotten to try it once, at Edna’s birthday party a couple of years ago. But Cindy isn’t exaggerating,” Robert offered. He took a bite of sausage, then around the food mumbled, “Best. Lasagna. Ever.”

“I guess it is pretty darn awesome,” Alice said. Her sister and mother laughed and then went on to discuss the new house Cindy and Robert were considering purchasing. Thankful that the attention had moved away from them, she put her hand over Noah’s, which still rested on her knee. “Not to mention that you were able to rent Mom and Dad’s bungalow for us to share this meal in. That’s…” she swallowed down the sudden lump in her throat, “really special.”