Captivated (Deep in Your Veins 6)

I moseyed along the curving stone path, admiring the exotic flowers, lush green hedges, decorative borders, water features, and flowering trees.

I was just passing a wishing well when I heard a man’s voice coming from the octagonal gazebo. His words were muffled, but they lashed like a whip. A lighter voice shakily responded, and then feminine weeping danced along the air.

Feeling my lips thin, I advanced toward the gazebo. Beatrix sat on the stone bench inside it, her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking. Derek leaned over her, telling her to pull herself together. He must have sensed my approach, because he whirled to face me.

“Is everything okay here?” I asked, climbing the two steps.

Beatrix’s sobs came to a halt, and she sat staring at the floor.

Derek jutted out his chin. “All is good. You can leave.”

I didn’t. I leaned against one of the gazebo’s posts instead. “I wasn’t asking you.” I slid my gaze to the other vampire. “Beatrix?”

She swiped at the tears on her face and gave me a bright smile that didn’t touch her eyes. “I’m okay, thanks.”

I didn’t move. I just stayed very still, staring at Derek, who eventually stalked off with a hard sigh. I looked at Beatrix again. “You sure you’re all right?”

She gave a jerky nod. “I’m fine, I just … I don’t understand men sometimes.”

I pursed my lips. “I’ve had that same thought on many occasions.”

“I suppose you’re wondering why I take him back over and over.”

“I am. But I’m not judging you for it.”

She blinked back tears. “When we’re together, it’s just so amazing. He’s so attentive. So loving. I guess I’ve come to live for those moments.” She let out a shaky breath and stood upright.

“I’m a good listener, if you ever want to talk,” I told her. “Think about it.”

“I will.” She offered me a weak smile. “Thanks, Maya.” Then I was alone.

I didn’t continue moseying around the garden. I stayed right there, staring out of the gazebo windows, letting the sounds and smells calm me.

Grass rustling.

I looked to see Ryder prowling purposely toward the gazebo. My heart jumped. My body went stiff. My hormones? They pulled out the party poppers.

His eyes glittering with heat and resolve, he ascended the steps and stalked toward me, not stopping until there were mere inches between us. The air snapped taut. There was no misreading why he was here or what he wanted.

I didn’t say anything. Neither did he. It made me think of the first time he’d turned up at my apartment—we’d simply stared at each other for a long moment and then, before I’d thought better of it, I’d stepped aside to let him in. He’d pounced before I even shut the door. We’d spent hours fucking like bunnies, and that evening had birthed our fling.

Right then, he brushed his thumb over my mouth. “I need another taste. Just one more.” He dropped to his knees and hiked up my dress.

Oh shit, that hadn’t been what I thought he meant. At all. And, although I should have probably at least made a half-hearted objection … well it turned out I was too weak for that.

(Ryder)

I ripped off her panties, not in the mood to be careful or exercise any patience. I needed this too much. Needed her.

I tossed one slim leg over my shoulder and put my mouth on her. I swiped my tongue between her folds, lapping up the taste of her, and groaned. Fuck, yeah.

Gripping two fistfuls of her ass, I licked, probed, and flicked. Not gentle or seductive. I couldn’t be gentle when so many emotions rode me. Need, jealousy, frustration, possessiveness. It was all there, and it all spurred me on.

I growled as she scratched at my head and pulled at whatever tufts of hair she could reach. I’d missed going down on her. Missed those goddamn moans that were like hot tongues lashing my cock.

All damn night I’d wanted to go to her, touch her, taste her. Maybe it wouldn’t have been so hard to resist temptation if it hadn’t been for that round of Truth or Dare. Or maybe I’d never stood a chance against her pull. Right then, while I had her with me, I couldn’t have fucking cared less.

I drove two fingers inside her, humming in approval as she arched into my hand. I pumped my fingers hard and fast. “That’s it, take them.” I gently suckled on her clit, knowing exactly how she liked it.

Her thighs trembled. Her inner muscles fluttered. Her breath hitched. And then she came with another one of those goddamn moans, her back arched, her head thrown back.

Now it was my turn.

I shot to my feet and slammed my mouth on hers. I sank my tongue inside and flicked her own. Her response was instant. Wild. Desperate. We greedily ate at each other’s mouths, tongues tangling, teeth clicking.