Nina put a finger on his lips. “Shh. I wanted you too, I just didn’t realize how much until tonight. Come.”

Amaury let himself be pulled to the couch and sat down. With a quick move she settled over him, straddling him. Nina gazed into his blue eyes. What a big softy he was, her dangerous vampire. Hidden behind all that brawn was a heart he didn’t like to show. A bigger heart than she thought anybody could have.

When he’d saved Eddie during the fight, she’d seen no hesitation in him, as if he’d done it just because she’d asked him. The one time he hadn’t listened to her pleas was when she’d asked him to save himself. Of course he hadn’t. Amaury never listened to her when it came to his own safety. She’d have to have a word with him about that—later.

And now he’d offered her freedom, to release her from their bond. But there was no release from the bond until one of them died. She sensed that he was prepared to take that step just so she’d be free.

Amaury’s final act of selflessness had confirmed what she’d felt spreading inside her: the knowledge that she was his, not because he’d bonded her, but because she wanted to be his.

“Why don’t you ask me now?” she teased.

There was a moment where he hesitated, but then the words spilled from his mouth. “Will you bond with me, Nina? Will you be mine forever, and let me be yours?” The blue in his eyes became more brilliant as he waited for her reply.

She should let him wait, but the thrill she felt, knowing she’d brought this man to his knees—well, almost—was exhilarating, empowering.

“Under one condition.”

Shock registered in his face. “What condition?”

She pulled the lapels of her bathrobe open to expose her breasts to him. Nina noticed his gaze drop lower as she cupped one of her breasts and presented it to him. “Feed from me, Amaury.”

Underneath her she felt his erection grow, evidence of his desire in what she offered. Somehow she knew it was what he’d wanted since the night he’d taken her blood. And she’d give him anything in her power.

“Oh, Nina, chérie, you have no idea how happy you make me.”

His hand went to her breast, and he stroked it lightly. “I don’t deserve you. But I’m glad I got you anyway. You’re not going to resist me again, are you?”

“Resist you? You know I always will, because that’s what you need.”

“I might have to spank you if you do.” His wicked smile made her heart skip a beat.

“For that you’ll need your strength. And without food, I’m not sure how you can keep up your strength.” She dropped her gaze to her breasts and noticed him do the same.

“I like the way you argue your point,” Amaury agreed in a husky tone.

His hand brushed over her erect nipple. Without haste, his mouth descended onto her flesh, his lips connecting with her skin, setting her on fire. A lick with his tongue followed, making her entire body tingle. Oh, God, how she loved this man, this vampire.

“Amaury, take me, please.”

“I’m yours,” he whispered before Nina felt his fangs pierce her skin. His mouth closing over her breast, he sucked and took the life-giving sustenance she would provide him with for the rest of her life.

Their hearts beat as one, their souls connected by invisible tendrils so strong, no forces in this world could separate them. They were one—one body, one mind, one soul.

My mate. My hellion.

Mine.

THE END