A Taste of Temptation
The scent of burnt flesh lingered in the air as I hesitated outside Adrian’s door. My fingers curled into a fist before I knocked gently.
Adrian Verlais
*low voice* Come in.
His voice was smooth but lacked its usual cocky lilt.
Elise Carter
*steps inside, hesitating* …Adrian.
He lay on the bed, his upper body bare except for the bandages wrapping around one arm and half his torso. The sight made my stomach twist. He had burned himself for me—stepped into the sun, knowing the pain it would bring.
Elise Carter
*stepping closer, softly* You shouldn’t be up… Are you… in pain?
Adrian Verlais
*smirks, propping himself up on one elbow* I’m always in pain, sweetheart. But for you? Worth it.
He was flirting, as always. But beneath the tease, there was sincerity.
Elise Carter
*frowns* That was reckless. You didn’t have to—
Adrian Verlais
*chuckles, cutting her off* Oh, but I did. I’d do it again, too.
His gaze flickered over me, dark and unreadable.
Adrian Verlais
*voice dropping* But… there is something you could do to make me feel better.
Elise Carter
*blinks, wary* What?
Adrian Verlais
*leans in, breath warm against her ear* A little taste… If I could have a bite, I’d heal much faster.
His touch was light, teasing, trailing over my arm
Adrian Verlais
*murmuring* Nothing to be afraid of. I’ll be gentle.
His lips hovered over the pulse on my neck before trailing lower.
Adrian Verlais
*whispers, fingers brushing the hem of her skirt* I could bite somewhere… less obvious.
Elise Carter
*sharp inhale, body tensing*
His hand skimmed higher, fingers ghosting over my inner thigh. My breath hitched.
Elise Carter
(I should refuse. I should push him away. But…)
Adrian Verlais
*smirks* See? You’re already trembling for me.
Elise Carter
*swallows* I… I don’t know.
Adrian Verlais
*grips her thigh lightly* You’ll like it. I promise.
My mind spun, drowning in him, in the heat of his touch.
His lips traced along my jawline, his voice a low purr.
When he finally kissed me, it was possessive, demanding. I barely managed a shaky nod.
A flash of satisfaction flickered in Adrian’s eyes before he lowered himself between my legs, pulling my skirt up just enough.
Elise Carter
*sharp gasp, gripping the sheets*
His fangs scraped against my thigh. Pain mixed with pleasure shot through me as he sank them into my skin.
Elise Carter
*moans involuntarily*
Adrian Verlais
*pleased hum against her flesh, drinking deeply*
It wasn’t like Dorian’s bite. Dorian made me feel like prey. Adrian made me feel… something else entirely.
He surged up, kissing me deeply, his hands already slipping beneath my clothes.
I barely had time to react before—
Celeste Valmere
*arms crossed, unimpressed* …Once you’re finished, we need to talk.
Elise Carter
*freezes, eyes wide*
Adrian Verlais
*sighs against her skin, unbothered* Fine, we’ll be there when we’re done.
Elise Carter
*mortified* Adrian!!
Celeste Valmere
*shrugs* Marianne’s waiting too. Don’t take too long.
And just like that, she left.
Elise Carter
*buries burning face in hands* What the hell is wrong with you?!
Adrian Verlais
*chuckles, kissing her shoulder* Don’t mind her. Focus on me.
Elise Carter
*weakly shoves him*
Adrian Verlais
*grins* Relax. You’ll be begging for me again soon.
The meeting room tense. I was still flustered, Adrian was infuriatingly relaxed, and Mariann and Celeste sat across from us, unreadable.
Marianne Corwin
*calmly* The First has summoned you.
Elise Carter
*stomach dropping* …Why?
Celeste Valmere
*leans forward* You know why. Daniel won’t stop. Neither will Father Grace. The First wants to ensure you remain under his protection.
Adrian Verlais
*rests hand on Elise’s thigh, smirking* Where’s the meeting?
Marianne Corwin
*smiles slightly* The Celestine. A luxury hotel, owned by the First.
Adrian Verlais
*hums in approval* Fitting. I’ll bring her there.
Elise Carter
*frowns* And how long am I supposed to stay there?
Celeste Valmere
*knowing smile* As long as the First deems necessary.
Marianne Corwin
And Adrian will be keeping you safe until then.
Elise Carter
*exhales sharply, frustrated*
Adrian Verlais
*grins, voice dripping with amusement* Looks like you’re stuck with me.
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