We went inside without any other events. Nathan wasn't poking his crooked nose anywhere.

We settled on the couch when I snaked my arm around her and pulled her  to me . It had been chilly outside, and her skin felt cool... Not strigoi cold but still. She snuggled closer to him as my hands ran all over her, enjoying the feel of her warmth. Soon our mouths met, hard and furious. She wrapped her fingers in my hair, trying to pull me closer to her. Meanwhile, my probing fingers were running against her bare leg, pushing her skirt up almost to her hip. I purposefully put the tease in my ebry move. Anticipation and eagerness lit up on her featured. Those soft, secret coves of her needed my touch.

Her hands moved down to my shirt, undoing all the buttons. I gasped as I felt her hands tracing the muscles running along my chest. Her skin still felt like fire, a startling contrast to the frost within me. I  moved my lips from hers, down to her neck and shoulder, pushing down the dress’s strap as I covered every inch of exposed flesh with hungry kisses.

Mine!

My hand was still on the side of her bare hip, and she frantically was  struggling to pull my shirt off altogether. This act broke through my muddled conscience that I had managed to ignore for so long. I had given her all of my attention without asking. And if this continued, she'd just bask in the feelings of the body and not make a decision about her transformation anytime soon.

I jerked away and shoved her down, purposely pushing her away.

“No,” I said, my voice hard. “Not yet. Not until you’re awakened.”

“Why?” she asked desperately. I bet she couldn’t think of anything currently except me touching her—and, well, another bite.  “Why does it matter? Is there . . . is there a reason we can’t?”

She was thinking that I couldn't have sex now with her. Imbecile. All their irrational ideas.

I leaned toward her, putting my lips near her ear, making sure my voice sounded rough and sensual. “No, but it’ll be so much better if you’re awakened. Let me do it . . . let me do it, and then we can do anything we want. . . .”

It was a bargaining chip. She wanted me—it was written all over her. I wanted her too but sex had to wait. We had pressing matters at hand.

“No,” she whimpered. “I . . . I’m scared. . . .”

Something cracked within me. A scared Rose wasn't something I had expected from the fearless warrior I had mentored.

“Rose, do you think I’d do anything that would hurt you?” I crooned.

“The bite . . . the turning would hurt. . . .” her voice faltered, unsure.

“I told you: It’ll be just like what we’ve already done. You’ll enjoy it. It won’t hurt, I swear it.” It didn't hurt during my transformation, did it?

She looked away. Damn it. She seemed to be debating within herself again.

“I don’t know,” she said lamely.

I released her and sat up, frustration filling my brain, altering my calm features. “Galina’s patience is running out. So is mine.” I threatened.

“You said we still have time. . . . I just need to think more. . . .” she looked like she was telling the truth. I narrowed my eyes, letting her know clearly that she wasn't getting away with this.

“I have to go,” I said harshly, letting her know by my expression that there would be no more touching or kissing, “I need to deal with some things.”

“I’m sorry,” she said, both confused and afraid.

I said nothing. Without any other warning, I leaned down and bit into the tender skin of her throat. She closed her eyes, nearly falling over, and only my arm wrapped firmly around her kept her upright. Just like when we kissed, her flesh was warm against my mouth.

And like that, it was over. I pulled away, licking my lips as I still continued to hold onto her. I was bidding my time, waiting for the lull of endorphins to be back to put her to sleep. She smiled up at me and tried to hug me again, but I was already leading her to the couch. She looked drunk to waste.

“I’ll see you later.” In a flash, I was at the door. Her expression saddened.

“Remember, I want you—and I would never let anything bad happen to you. I’ll protect you. But . . . I can’t wait much longer.” I added, almost as a warning before running out of the room before she saw, me break.