As always, Vail could sense Victoria’s pheromones rise as he led her over to the bed by her hand. The same reaction happened in all his female prey when he lingered close to them long enough, but he took special pleasure in knowing that [i]she[/i] was so drawn to him. Maybe it was because he was attracted to her as well. He followed the sway of her voluptuous hips with his eyes as she climbed onto the covered mattress. Even though he was trying to guard himself from falling for her outright, he did enjoy being able to experience her physical beauty during their meetings—and have her all to himself.

He reclined nearby her on the bed, his wandering eyes now searching for somewhere to bite her. Honoring his agreement to let her heal from the punctures he inflicted, he couldn’t use her waist this time. He would have to find someplace new to sink his fangs. However, he didn’t have long to think about it before her mischievous voice caught his attention. He looked up to meet her gaze, finding his own heart beginning to race when he saw her lively expression. It was hard to tell if she meant to be seductive when she looked at him this way, but he found himself captivated every time.

Then came another challenge. He was a bit surprised by her words as she declared it was [i]unfair[/i] that he was still dressed. An amused expression painted his features. What did she think this was, some sultry dealing between a gentleman and a call girl? She had removed her clothes so he could have easier access to her fair skin. There was no reason for him to undress as well—at least, no [i]practical[/i] reason. He looked over her alluring figure once again, imagining getting close to her without even a thin layer of clothing between them.

He supposed he could humor her request.

Before he had a chance to verbally accept, Vail felt Victoria suddenly take hold of his coat. It seemed she had made up her mind for both of them. Finding her brazenness enticing, he shrugged the thick fabric from his shoulders so he was left in just a solid grey vest and a white, high collar shirt. “If I recall, this was your idea,” he pointed out with a gesture at her naked body. “I never said I would wear less with you.” Despite his words, he was already working the buttons loose on the rest of his top.

He slid off his vest and pulled his shirt over his head, exposing his pale but toned upper body. There wasn’t a single blemish on his skin aside from the pink, still-tender burn on his shoulder, and he was more athletic than one might expect a recluse of two hundred years to be.

“This was your plan all along, wasn’t it?” Vail teased the Lady as he piled his discarded clothing somewhat haphazardly on the floor. “Luring me in with your blood, offering to undress to make it easier for me to feed… I must say, it was quite clever.”