Total pages in book: 401
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 390373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 1952(@200wpm)___ 1561(@250wpm)___ 1301(@300wpm)
Several moments passed, and I kept my gaze fixed on him. The only thing that moved on him was his chest and his thumb. He appeared lost in thought, and I knew if I acted now, I could possibly overpower him. But I couldn’t look away. I had no excuse other than that.
Thick lashes fanned the slightly shadowed flesh beneath his eyes. My gaze tracked over the stubble on his tense jaw. The bruises I had given him minutes ago had begun to fade, and the skin of his lip had already healed. Gods, he was beautiful.
“Why aren’t you fighting me right now?” he asked, his voice strained, each word seeming to get caught in his throat. His thumb slipped away from my mouth. “Have you asked yourself that? I’m sure you have.” His fingers splayed on my cheek. “And I’m sure you know why.”
I did—
Searing, relentless pressure exploded in my head, making it feel like it might cave in. I squeezed my eyes shut and focused on breathing.
“Poppy,” he said, his voice hoarse. “I don’t want to fight you.”
Don’t trust him.
My eyes snapped open. His eyes glittered like polished citrine. “Let me take away your pain.”
I’d heard that before, and it had been a lie. But…
“I can help you,” he promised.
My heart urged me to trust him. Told me I could as I watched him smile just enough for the hint of a deep dimple to appear on one cheek.
“You’re in pain,” he said, his voice strained with anguish. “I can take it away. My blood is yours. My strength is yours.” He shuddered. “I am yours.”
Do it.
Take him.
I closed my eyes. My jaw had started to ache from how tightly I was clenching my teeth. I couldn’t—
End him before he sees what you’ve become.
I needed to stop him.
Kill him before it’s too late. Because I knew how this would end.
Still, I didn’t struggle against his hold.
“Such a fool. So weak. You’ve always been a disappointment.” His laugh was like cracking ice, freezing my skin. “Please, let me help you.”
My eyes stung as a different kind of ache filled my chest. How was telling me that I was a weak and disappointing fool supposed to help?
“Godsdamn it, Poppy,” he growled. “Look at me!”
I obeyed out of surprise. It was the first time he’d raised his voice at me since I woke. I expected to see a smug grin on his face, but there was no trace of that taunting laugh. His eyes searched mine intently, clearly looking for something.
A ragged breath left him. “I love you, Poppy.”
And I lo—
My heart constricted as pain exploded in my temples. His voice. His words. Despite the aching head, I knew I’d heard him say them before. And regardless of my chaotic thoughts, I knew he meant them.
Always and forever—
Back arching, I let out a cry as a crushing force clamped down on my skull, sending shockwaves through me that stole my breath.
His weight suddenly left me as he shifted back, lifting me with him to hold me in his lap. Releasing my wrists, he clasped my cheek. Ravenous hunger erupted and quickly overcame the faint charge of energy, but something else brimmed beneath the need, spreading like a wildfire and clawing at the very core of my being. It was that twisted darkness. As my gaze met his, I had the violent and blood-soaked urge to sink my fangs into his throat. Not to feed.
But to kill.
Yes.
“You need to feed, Poppy. You’ll feel better once you do,” he coaxed, his voice a seductive lure. “I’m sure of it.” A moment passed. “Take what you need from me.”
Every cell in my body was starving. My gaze zeroed in on his throat.
I should take from him. Take everything.
My stomach plummeted with fear, and I pulled back.
The arm around my waist stopped me as a pained sound came from him. “I need you to listen to me,” he said, his voice rough, his hand sliding from my cheek to the back of my head. He guided me to his throat. My nose brushed his skin as I breathed in his scent. “You need to feed, Poppy.” He cupped my cheek. “Please.”
That one word from him.
It undid me.
I could no longer stop myself. My breath danced over his pulse. A heartbeat passed, and then I sank my fangs into the vein.
A tingling sensation erupted and spread in my mouth when the first drop of blood hit my tongue. The taste…
Gods.
It was a jolt to my senses, tart and sweet as it coursed down my throat. I swallowed as unease itched at the edges of my consciousness, faint and hollow. But I was immediately lost in the warmth and texture of his blood. Thick and warm, it hit the void in my chest first. It was the most amazing thing I’d ever tasted. I wanted more. Needed more. I gripped the back of his neck.