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  “Um…sure, I have, but not with all the lights blazing.”

  “There’s nothing for you to be ashamed of. You’re a stunning woman and I want to see you clearly.”

  Joan’s lashes fluttered. She looked at the ground. “Thank you, that’s very nice. But despite your flattery, I’m still not comfortable undressing with the lights on.”

  “There’s another reason that you’re not telling me. Tell me the truth. Why not?”

  She hesitated and fidgeted while avoiding looking him in the eye. “I was in a car accident a while ago. I have scars and they make me feel…unattractive.”

  “Let me be the judge of that,” Severus said, taking her hands and making her stand before him. “Take your blouse off.”

  With trembling fingers, Joan unbuttoned her shirt. Her quiet reluctance was an aphrodisiac. The more nervous she became, the sexier she was in his eyes. Severus was at a loss to explain it. Then, finally, after about five full minutes, she slipped the blouse off her shoulders. The scars she’d told him about were indeed severe. Most were lightly raised jagged lines that traversed her torso, but one was more pronounced and ran across the middle of both breasts. To another human, they might have been repulsive, but to Severus, they were remarkable and unique. There was a story in them, a story of pain and survival, two things he knew well.

  He reached out and touched the big scar across her right breast. The side of Joan’s mouth dipped into a deeper frown and he could sense she was close to tears. “Don’t be sad, Joan. These scars don’t matter to me. How did this happen?”

  She shrugged. “Like I told you, I was in a car accident a few years ago. My boyfriend was driving the car and he died in the crash.” She chewed her lower lip and avoided his eyes. “I was in the hospital for a long time. I almost died too.” She let out a tense laugh. “I guess I’m pretty disgusting to a perfect creature like you, huh?”

  Severus ran the palm of his hand along the imperfect flesh. “No, I think the scars make you even more ravishing. Perfection is so common in my world. Every day both humans and vampires throw themselves at me. I indulge them, love them, and just as quickly, cast them aside. I haven’t felt anything strong for anyone in a very long time. And then, I capture you. A misfit, an awkward and clueless vampire hunter, and I am…aroused and moved. Why do you think that is?”

  She lifted her shoulders in a big, exaggerated shrug. “I don’t know.”

  He cupped her chin. “Look me in the eye.” Joan lifted her gaze. “Kiss me.”

  “I’d rather not be toyed with. If you want me to sleep with you so you won’t hurt my friends, fine, I’ll do it. But if you’re going to kill me anyway, why not do it and get it over with?”

  Severus responded by pulling her into a tender, seductive kiss. At first, he let his lips tease and caress hers, roaming all around her mouth as he playfully nipped and delighted. Then, his tongue glided into her mouth and toyed with her own. Joan was hesitant at first, her body rigid and her mouth hard against his kisses. But then, his dark magic awakened her and she sighed. Her body yielded, softening as graceful arms came around his neck.

  Severus took a step back and broke the kiss. His desire was fierce and driving him to want much more. “Finish undressing.”

  Joan’s scent grew stronger as her desire mingled with the lingering fear. With long, elegant fingers, she unfastened her jeans and slipped them and her underwear down her thighs. She stepped out of her shoes, then slid her jeans and underwear to the floor and stepped out of them.

  Severus couldn’t take his eyes off her. She certainly wasn’t a skinny woman with her large thighs and rounded belly, but she was by far the most erotic woman he’d ever laid eyes on. His cock was so hard it was almost numb. It took all his self control not to ravish her on the spot. But he fought the urge. He wanted this to be fun for both of them and, if he acted on his impulse, he would enjoy himself, but she certainly would not.

  Joan stood before him, staring down at the ground. Severus thought it amusing she was so self-conscious when he found her so beautiful. He placed a small kiss on her forehead. “Has no one ever told you how striking you are?”

  “I just never thought of myself in that way. Smart, yes. Brave, sometimes. But beautiful, not so much.”

  Severus took her by the hand and led her to a mirror. Her eyes widened in surprise that he, too, was reflected in the shiny glass. She probably believed that old wives’ tale that vampires didn’t have a reflection. Well, he was going to dispel a lot of her misconceptions. Joan glanced at her reflection, and then looked away.

  “Look into the mirror,” he commanded. Joan stared at her reflection. Severus stood behind her almost a full six inches taller. “Do you ever explore your body when you’re alone?”

  “Sometimes.”

  He lifted her hands and placed them on her breasts. “Show me how you play.”

  Joan glided her hands over her breasts, pausing to pinch the erect nipples. She seemed reserved, guarded.

  “Close your eyes,” he said. “Imagine my hands are touching you.”

  Joan closed her eyes and her movements became more relaxed and fluid. She explored the landscape of her flesh as though she were a blind woman examining the cushions on a couch for the right place to sit. Severus thought it would be fun awakening her. He placed his hands over hers and guided her caresses.

  “Did you like watching our little show?” he asked. “Did you like watching that woman being fed upon?”

  “Yes.” It came out like a whisper, a dirty secret not fit to be heard in polite company.

  “You will address me as my lord for our game tonight.”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  “Did you wish it was you I was feeding from?”

  “Yes, my lord.”

  He chuckled. “You’re much too special. I want this night to be more than just an anonymous feeding. I want you to be pleasured and enjoy yourself.” Severus kicked her legs apart and Joan let out a surprised gasp. “I want to watch you touch your sweet pussy.” Joan obediently moved her fingers between her legs. They disappeared into the trim, curly patch and massaged her scented folds. He let her stroke her pussy for a few moments, and then he said, “Stop.”

  She looked at him, her eyes burning with hidden desire.

  “Sit on the couch and open your legs.”

  Joan did as he directed. Severus knelt down and licked his lips. His fangs were aching to sink into her soft, warm flesh. Biting into her would be like devouring warm bread fresh from the oven. “Open your pussy. I want to see everything.” Joan eased her fingers into her sex and pulled back the thick outer lips. Her scent was a decadent perfume that told him she was near the days of her peak fertility. Furious lust made his heart pound harder. He wanted to fuck the life out of her. Overcome with passion, Severus kissed her pink clit and began tickling it with his lips and tongue. Joan moaned and gasped, digging her fingernails into the fabric of the couch.

  “Oh, oh, that feels so good. Mmm…” Her hips bucked, trying to steal an orgasm from his teasing mouth.

  Severus grabbed her thighs. “Be still,” he said as he continued to lick and devour her.

  Joan did her best to be still, but her hunger was too great. She reached up and toyed with her erect nipples, pinching and twisting them. “I’m going to come,” she whispered. Her breasts bounced invitingly as she started thrusting against his tongue. “Oh, more…please…”

  Severus dragged her onto the rug and massaged the head of his cock through her flesh. He didn’t penetrate, just let her get used to the feel of him. It took a while for her to relax completely, but her rich moisture soon told him she was ready.

  “I’m going to fuck you like you’ve never been fucked before,” he growled.

  Joan bit her lower lip and nodded, her eyes fluttering closed.

  Severus reached down, grabbed the thick rod of his cock and guided it past the plump labia and into Joan’s drenched channel. His cock slid deep, gliding along her weeping pussy and
stretching her sex wide. Joan cried out, wrapping her legs around his waist as Severus fought to deliver slow, punishing strokes.

  He moved his lips up to her ear and whispered, “Fuck it, fuck that cock…that’s right, my dear. Let it all the way into that hungry pussy.”

  Joan squealed. “More, more, more, more…I love it, I love it…more, please!” Then, her slick muscles clamped down on his cock and the walls rippled along his shaft. As much as Severus wanted to come, he held back. To calm himself, he stopped thrusting while staying buried inside her.

  Joan’s breasts heaved with her passion. “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing. I just want this to last.”

  “You feel so good inside me.”

  Severus ran hot kisses along her face and throat. “I can fuck you all night if you can stand it.”

  “Mmmm…I would love that.” She squirmed beneath him and whimpered. “Keep going,” she whispered. “I’m going to come again.”

  Severus bucked his hips up, pushing his throbbing cock as far as it would go. Divine pleasure roared up his staff and made its way right into his balls. In seconds, he was beyond any kind of control. Beneath him, Joan was grunting and massaging his buttocks, her ankles locked around his.

  “Does my cock feel good fucking you?” he asked in a harsh whisper.

  “Yes, yes… Oh, Severus!” she cried just as her pussy tightened around his cock once again, only this time, there was no holding back. This time, he let the orgasm rush him as her blistering passion milked the seed from his rod.

  Chapter Six

  Joan woke up starving and tangled in the sheets. At first, she couldn’t place where she was, but soon, she remembered. She had become the master vampire’s plaything. Ugh. She felt a little shame at enjoying their lovemaking. She looked over at her lover, Severus. His long, dark hair was splashed across the white pillow. His face was timeless—hard, aristocratic lines with a hint of cruelty and a body as thick and hard as any ancient god. There was no denying it. He was just plain gorgeous.

  Joan slipped out of the bed to visit the bathroom. As she walked, she became aware of how deliciously sore she was. In fact, she ached all over. It felt like she’d been making love for hours, which she probably had. She relieved herself and paused to look at herself in the mirror. Her dark skin was marred by the occasional light scratch that showed the tell-tale signs of a rough night. But, man, did she feel great! She couldn’t remember a man ever making her feel that attractive or alive. She stretched her neck up and looked for any sign of a bite, but there was nothing but the dark bruise of a regular hickey. Funny, she thought vampires always bit their victims.

  A vision flashed through her mind of them making love and her cheeks grew hot. But then she worried about something else. What if the vampire was just messing with her heart? There was no love or affection in what they’d shared. He’d just wanted to get off, and he had. Of course, she had enjoyed it too, but still… She needed to be careful not to let her heart run away with her head. I need to stay cool and distant, and then I can find a way to have this monster let me go.

  But Joan wasn’t exactly sure she wanted Severus to let her go. What was she, crazy? Who wanted to be the pet of a vampire? How much more demeaning could a title be? No. She was going to find a way to convince him to let her go. And once Joan was free, she’d never hunt another vampire again because she sure didn’t want this happening a second time.

  She came out of the bathroom and stood for a moment, watching to see if he was awake, but he didn’t appear to be. His chest rose and fell in the easy rhythm of sleep. Perhaps she should climb back in bed and snuggle with her captor. Her stomach growled. No, she guessed he wouldn’t mind if she went upstairs and helped herself to something to eat. Joan sure hoped he had something in the fridge. She was kind of afraid it might be bare, him being a bloodsucker and all.

  * * * *

  Severus awoke when he could no longer smell Joan next to him. Alarmed, he sat up in bed and listened. He glanced at the clock and it read 3:30 am. He caught the sound of her upstairs, quietly taking a fork out of a drawer, and relaxed. Last night had been one of the most exciting and unusual experiences of his life, and that was really saying something. Never before had he been so consumed while having sex. Even now, as he lay in bed reflecting on their coupling, he could recall in vivid detail how passionate and receptive Joan had been. But the most intriguing thing of all was what she had done to him emotionally.

  The change in him was baffling. Never before had he wanted a woman as much as he’d wanted Joan. And the strangest part of all was, not only had he wanted to possess her body, but he had also hoped to make her pregnant. The thought sat like a boulder in his head, confounding him. What the hell is this all about? Never, out of all the millions of women he’d bedded throughout the centuries, had he ever given that any thought at all. But there was no denying he wanted her in every way there was to possess a woman. He wanted her body, he wanted her heart, and he wanted her mind completely and without reservation. But most of all, he wanted her womb swollen with his child. Weird. The mental image of her pregnant sent blood roaring to his cock so fast it physically hurt. He wanted to fuck her now and he was pissed she’d gotten out of the bed without his permission.

  Severus got up, grabbed a thick, leather belt from the closet, and marched down the stairs.

  * * * *

  Joan heard Severus coming down and, fearing he would take her sandwich away, stuffed part of it into her mouth. She chewed quickly as he entered the kitchen naked and holding a doubled up belt. His erection was huge and bugled with thick veins. Oh crap. She swallowed hard. “Hi,” she said.

  His eyes were a light, evil green. “I didn’t give you permission to leave the bed.” The tone was deep and commanding. Her knees grew weak and moisture gathered in her sex.

  “No,” she whispered, “you didn’t. Am I in trouble?”

  Severus bared his sharp teeth and marched forward, grabbing Joan by the arm. Without a word, he dragged her back down the stairs and threw her on the bed on her belly. Coming down over her, he smacked her several times on the buttocks with the belt. But she could tell this was all part of the game because he didn’t hit her very hard at all. In fact, she was surprised to find it was a little arousing.

  Joan knew she should be terrified and angry, but the truth was, she wasn’t. Not only was she not angry, but she was incredibly turned on by his aggression. He stopped and a tiny voice in her head groaned in protest.

  He leaned in close to her ear. “I find you the most exciting woman I’ve ever met. Drive me crazy and play with your pussy.”

  Joan slid her hand under her body, through the thickening folds, until she isolated the tiny nub of her clit. Then, she tickled it, rubbing the button as quickly as she could while Severus nestled his hips between he legs. He moved his lips back and forth over the shell of her ear. “Are you ready to be fucked?”

  “Yes, my lord.” Severus pushed just the tip inside, massaging it in and out until Joan could feel the hot juices drenching her sex. “Severus, please. I want you to fuck me. I need you inside me.”

  He responded by pumping his great, big cock into her so hard and fast Joan screamed from the shocking pleasure. Her delighted pussy became her whole world, rippling along the shaft of his cock, and delivering three orgasms one right after the other. Then, Severus snarled something she didn’t understand and came inside her, taking several frantic thrusts to empty himself completely. But even as he was satisfied, he didn’t withdraw. Instead, he kept his erection inside her and lowered his weight on her back for a brief rest.

  “Am I too heavy for you, my darling?”

  Joan grinned. Sometimes he sounded so old fashioned. “No, I like how you feel on top of me.” She closed her eyes and tried to feel his heart beating against her back, but couldn’t. Then, a new thought occurred to her. What if her emotions were being manipulated by this monster? She wouldn’t put it past him and the thought worried her. Was she his
plaything in more than body? Could he toy with her mind as well?

  Then, the truth came to her loud and clear.

  Of course he could.

  Chapter Seven

  Joan’s body was humming with energy. She must have fallen asleep under him because she woke up next to him wondering why he hadn’t just killed and drained her blood already. The sex was great, but she was starting to get tired of this game. Glancing over, she noticed he was awake and sitting up in bed. His back rested on a generous pile of pillows. Joan rolled over to face him. Outside it was still dark, but the clock said five in the morning. “Good morning, my lord.”

  Severus glanced at her and grinned. “You only need to call me that when we’re playing bedroom games. You don’t need to use it all the time.”