It seemed to Vail that his words had gone over well with Victoria. He was pleased that she was joyful about his thoughts toward her, since he’d spoken the truth. From the encounters they’d had thus far, he really did believe she was something special. She showed more courage and wit than most of the women he’d met, and even though he could tell she was feeling cornered, she hadn’t rolled over to her abusers yet. Just the fact that she’d snuck out to meet with him here tonight was proof enough of that. There was a fire in the Crest heiress that was different than most humans. It was part of the reason why he was so entranced by her.

When she brought her hand up to rest against his chest, he felt compelled to draw her closer. Her breath warmed the air around them as she asked what he thought she deserved, and he considered her question. The query she tacked on the end of it nearly made him wrinkle his nose. He considered their relationship more [i]quid pro quo[/i] than what Lord Spencer had been after. It was true that he was using her for her blood and had no intention of stopping, but he was also pledging his aid to her in return. He didn’t know of any masters who would be so generous with their servants.

“For a start,” he shrugged in admittance, deciding not to debate over it. In the next moment, a sly smile crossed his lip, and he trailed his hands sensuously up the sides of her torso and around to her shoulder blades. “Although I think you prefer being mine,” he whispered in her ear.

Close enough to her now that he could feel the heat from her body against his skin, Vail found himself tempted yet again to sink his fangs into her warm flesh. She [i]had[/i] gone out of her way to give him easy access, and neither one of them knew when they would be able to meet again… He could feel the saliva build up in his mouth. Now that she wasn’t so glum, he saw no reason to put it off any longer.

“In fact, I think I’d like to have you right now, [i]Lady Griffiths[/i],” he teased, recalling what the barmaid had said to him earlier. Reaching for the dainty hand she had placed on his chest, he lifted it to his lips to plant a fleeting kiss before giving her a gentle tug toward the bed.