"You're late," Maximus snapped, his tone cutting through the stillness of my bedroom like a slap.

He established himself on my childhood bed, his wrists tucked behind his head, the etchings of his sculptured torso protruding through his tight white tee.

"Late?" I gulped, pressing against the closed door.

"It's Thursday." he stated, a vein popping from his left temple. 

I gasped, my hand moving instinctively to my neck.  

"I'm hungry." Maximus stared. I squirmed under the weight of whatever thought was brewing behind those eager emerald eyes.

I shook my head and pleaded. "I-I can't." 

Swoosh! Maximus closed the distance between us, his inhumane speed inciting a stack of papers to spiral off the near

The wind was knocked out of my, I gasp for air. 

In the light, I could see his shoulder-length hair, pulled back exposing dainty features. Plush pouty lips bloomed from his round mouth , a slopped nose, wispy brown lashes framing doll-shaped eyes.

He was gorgeous, like a fairy, ethereal in nature. But looks were deceiving.

The man in my room was dangerous. No -- he was danger. 

My breath hitched as his fingers brushed a stray lock of hair from my shoulder, his touch lingering just long enough to make my skin prickle.

"Is someone else draining you?" 

I vigorously shook my head. No.

"Then... why?" His voice strained with hurt. I directed my gaze to my shoes. Guilt knocked in my chest 

A beat passed, Maximus grinned. He bared his fangs, dragging his tongue slowly over the sharp tips before driving them into my neck.

My mouth flew wide in a silent scream, the muscles between my ear and shoulder tensing and convulsing. His bite was deep, raw, as he drew out what he needed, the pull of my blood causing my knees to buckle.

I felt the hot trickle of blood sliding down my skin as he finally wrenched his fangs free.

My legs buckled, and Maximus caught me, pressing me against his shirt, now stained with blotches of red

"Thank you..." he exhaled, his voice like gravel, before releasing me. My bed's cashmere sheets caught me in a comforting embrace.

He stood, casual as ever, like he hadn't nearly just drained the life out of me. From his back pocket, he pulled out a roll of bills, tossing them carelessly onto the bed.

"Same time next week?" he called over his shoulder, not waiting for an answer. I heard the window open and close, then silence.