Pleasures in the Dark
"Do not be afraid, female," a male voice spoke from the darkness. It was deep and rough, surprising her. She expected something cold, like the hiss of snake. Instead, his voice was an attractive rumble, tinged with a strange accent she didn't recognize.
"I'm alright," Victoria whispered, her voice cracking slightly.
He moved closer, she could hear the soft rustle of his clothing. Even with the darkness, and her back turned, she could tell he was massive. Don't run, don't run.
"I can scent your fear," his rough voice grated.
Dear lord. Relax, don't panic. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her hammering heart.
"Your name is Victoria?"
"Uh, yes," she said, caught slightly off guard. Were they going to exchange pleasantries? If she wasn't so terrified she might have laughed. "Do you have a...name?"
There was a pause. Then he rumbled almost grudgingly, "Sebastian.
"Bastian?" Without thinking she moved to glance over her shoulder at him.
"Do not look at me," he snarled.
She jumped, snapping her eyes forward. Smooth move, Victoria. The one rule... "I'm sorry. I...I can't see."
He shifted behind her before exhaling slowly. "I don't want to frighten you."
"You don't think this is frightening?" she whispered.
"It's the only way." His voice sounded pained as he spoke. Was he truly that terrifying?
"Do you do this kind of thing often?" she dared to ask.
Sebastian hesitated, before answering hoarsely, "No. I have not had a female in a very long time."
Her heart ached over his words, confounding her. Why did he have to sound so torn?
She heard him move closer, shuddering when his hot breath fanned across her neck. She could feel the heat from his massive body, warming her chilled skin. Something stirred within her. This was not what she had expected at all.
"You're beautiful," he murmured. Her breath caught, no one had ever told her that before.
His head dipped down, brushing against her hair. He gave an appreciative groan as he inhaled her scent. Her stomach clenched at the sound, her fear slowly dissipating. She almost felt...excited. What's happening?
"You're innocent?" he asked suddenly.
Oh god, embarrassing. Flushing, she nodded. "Yes, but...I mean...I know what to expect." She couldn't believe she was saying this to a centuries old demon.
Sebastian gave a strangled sound. "You're shaking. Do you want to run?"
He could see that?
Wait, this creature could see her! In the dark! Powerful demon. Not human. Her arms flew to her breasts, covering them self-consciously.
The demon growled. "You hide from me?"
Stammering, she tried to explain, "I...I'm nervous..."
His breath hitched. "I wish it could be differently. I will try to make this good for you, little one."
Another spark of excitement. Did that mean he wanted to give her pleasure?
She heard him move closer and tensed. At the same time her stomach tightened with anticipation. What the hell?
"Can I touch you?" he asked, his deep voice sending shivers up her spine.
He was asking her permission! Could she say no? Did she even want too? She had expected him to ravish her in the dark like an animal, not ask for her consent. He was being so...careful with her.
He's a cursed demon, are you mad? Apparently she was, because she wanted him to touch her.
He was so big and warm, and that voice...
She hesitated for only a moment before giving a shaky, "Yes."
Sebastian groaned in relief. A large, rough hand stroked from her shoulder to her lower back. She could feel the soft drag of claws, sending chills up her skin.
"So soft," he all but growled.
Victoria bit her lip, she had the strong urge to turn around and face him, to touch him too. What the hell was happening to her? She should be terrified, not...not aroused. "Sebastian?"
He reached around her, making her jump with surprise. Tugging gently on her arms he maneuvered them to her sides, her hands resting over her thighs. "Keep your hands where they are and don't move," he commanded.
Her heart slammed in her chest. What was he going to do?
Sebastian leaned in closer, his muscular chest pressing against her back, all hard planes and hot skin. He felt like heaven.
"I want to taste you," he said huskily. But he didn't move, waiting for her to respond.
Again, he sought her permission. "Okay."
"Ah, you please me," he murmured. Nuzzling aside her hair, his hot tongue slid along her neck. He gave a broken groan. "So sweet, little female. I want to taste every inch of you." With a snarl his mouth pressed against her neck and sucked. She gasped at the pleasure of it. His big hands gripped her hips, holding her firm as he feasted on her skin.
Desire hit her hard. His mouth...
Why did that feel so good? Was it because she couldn't see? Her senses felt heightened, her body hypersensitive.
She whimpered and he paused, raising his head. "Do you like that?" he asked hoarsely.
"I...don't know," she answered honestly. Part of her wanted to deny the unexpected pleasure - she didn't even know what he looked like - but she couldn't.
Sebastian pressed even closer, rasping in her ear, "I can scent your desire, female. You like my mouth on you, don't you?"
He could scent her! A shiver raced up her spine, followed closely by another wave of desire. Squeezing her fists she nodded.
A deep rumble erupted from his chest. His warm hands ran up over her stomach, cupping her breasts. She gave a soft cry when his sharp claws stroked gently over her nipples. "What about this, little one? Do you like it?"
Self-consciously she shook her head. But her traitorous body arched back, pressing against his calloused palms.
"You're a bad liar, halfling." He continued to tease her with his claws, her nipples hardening painfully.
"I...Sebastian?" Was that her voice so rough and thick?
"I'm going to have my mouth right here," he grated, catching one swollen peak between his claws and pinching lightly. Sharp pleasure shot down her stomach, pooling between her thighs. She moaned, stunned by how good it felt.
"I think you liked that," his deep voice rumbled. He continued to roll both her nipples between his claws, lowering his head to suck on her neck. Gone was the timid demon from moments
before. This one was powerful, confident, and he knew exactly what he was doing.
Her eyelids grew heavy, her head falling back against his chest. Little moans escaped her throat. A deep empty ache was building between her thighs. With shock she realized she was rocking her hips against air, seeking friction. She couldn't seem to stop her reactions.
"The sounds you make. You madden me," he whispered. One large hand slipped down her belly, cupping her sex.
"Oh!" Her hips bucked as he stroked her flesh with his claw. The pleasure was staggering.
"You're wet for me?" he choked on a groan. "You're driving me to the edge, female. I need to taste you."
She gasped as he shoved a massive hand against her back, pushing her face down onto the bed. Gripping her thighs, Sebastian pulled her back to the edge of the bed, his mouth trailing open hot kisses down the curve of her backside.
She froze. He wasn't going too...down there...?
Fear kicked in and she struggled against his hold. "Wait!"
"Do not fight me," he growled.
Immediately she stilled, clutching at the bedspread, heart pounding like a drum. "I've never...no one's ever done that before."
Sebastian sucked in a breath, his claws clenching around her thighs. "I'll make it good for you, little one," he said huskily. "I'll bury my tongue so deep you'll scream my name."
The way he talked! The image of his hot tongue stroking that part of her flooded her mind. Shuddering, she felt herself grow even wetter.
Sebastian groaned, kissing the inside of her thigh. "I can see you growing wet for me. Do you want me to taste you?"
Oh, god. Swallowing a moan she nodded, pressing her face into the mattress. "Yes."
He made a rough sound. "I'm going to lick you until you come on my tongue."
Her heart thudded. This was wrong, she knew it. She shouldn't be lying there, waiting breathlessly for his touch. Her body trembled with anticipation. She wanted it, wanted him. What was this demon doing to her?
When she felt his hot breath on the inside of her thigh she just stopped herself from begging. Then his tongue gave one long lick and her body exploded with pleasure.
She jerked, crying out into the bedspread. Sebastian licked her again, a low groan of approval vibrating over her skin. "Fuck, you taste good. Like honey."
He pressed closer and she gasped as he inhaled deeply, letting out another groan. Then he spread her with his thumbs and licked at her wet flesh as if he were starving for her.
"Oh my god!" she cried, rocking against his mouth. His tongue was so hot, so good. He lapped at her folds, before skimming over her swollen clit. She cried out again at the sharp stab of pleasure. His grip on her thighs tightened, holding her against his mouth as he did it again and again.
"S-Sebastian," she all but sobbed, clutching desperately at the bedding.
"My little female likes this, yes?" he asked between hard licks.
"Yes!" She loved it. Why had she never known this before?
He snarled, his mouth wrapping around her throbbing clit. Then he started to suck.
Her mind went blank. Nothing could feel that good, nothing.
"Please...that's...Don't stop," she pleaded.
The pleasure was building and building. Desperate she thrashed, moaning uncontrollably. He held her firm, his tongue probing against her opening. She all but screamed.
"Tight on my tongue." He licked deep within her body, growling with each taste. "You like me fucking you like this?"
"Yes. Don't stop. Oh god, don't stop!" she sobbed, her hips thrusting back, trying to press him closer. "Please!" she begged.
******
Sebastian nearly lost it at that sweet little plea. She's begging me. So long he'd been without a female, now an innocent was driving him to the edge of sanity.
The scent of her desire and honey taste was maddening. His cock had never been so hard, throbbing painfully for release. His inner demon was roaring with need. Stay in control.
God, but she was exquisite. Her pale skin was flushed with desire, her wide hips and round ass bucking to his mouth.
Was this woman truly an innocent? The way she moved against his tongue...
Little wanton. And she was all his.
Sebastian groaned, rubbing a horn against the inside of her thigh. He wanted to mark his scent over every inch of her with his horns, his tongue, his seed.
He could never have imagined how responsive the little female would be to his touch. Instead of cowering and pleading with fear, Victoria was moaning and thrashing against his tongue, begging for more!
The demon within clawed for release, beside himself with lust. It took all he had to remain in control.
Damn, but her taste! Sweet honey on his tongue, he couldn't get enough of her. He lapped at her center, probing deeper and deeper, nearly at her virgin barrier. He needed to give her pleasure, to make this good for her.
Victoria gave a strangled cry, her thighs twitching in his hands. The demon roared within him, demanding he claim. He refused it. He wanted to take her to the edge, to taste her as she came. Don't give this up, don't lose control.
His hands began to shake with the effort. "Come for me," he ordered.
"I'm so close," she moaned.
Yes! His cock jerked at the sweet sound. Unable to take the building pressure any longer, he wrapped an arm around her waist, holding her firmly as he tore at his jeans. His claws shredded through the fabric, ripping his erection free.
Snarling, he stroked himself, his seed beading on the tip. Spreading it, he used it to slick up his hand, devouring Victoria's dripping flesh.
She tensed under his mouth. Sensing she was near he probed her again, nearly spilling his seed as he felt her tight opening clench around his tongue.
"
Give this to me, Victoria," he commanded.
"Yes!" She bucked harder, her little body writhing against the bed.
He quickened his pace, licking her deeper and deeper, then sucking hard on her swollen nub. A scream tore from her lips, his name. He all but bellowed in pleasure as she came on his tongue.
So. Fucking. Good.
With a shout he tore his head way, releasing his seed over her thighs and generous ass. He continued to stroke himself, wringing out more and more, shuddering with each hard jet that escaped his throbbing cock.
The demon within raged at the sight of his seed coating her pale skin. He felt himself slipping, losing control. He wanted to prepare her for him, but his inner demon was having none of it. It wanted her now.
Even as he grabbed her hips in a painful grip he fought for control, fought to keep it at bay.
"Victoria, I'm lost," he managed to choke out the warning.
With an anguished roar the demon within broke free. Victoria stiffened underneath him and he scented her fear. His claws tightened, digging into her soft flesh. Instinct and desire overwhelmed him. He needed to pin her to the bed and fuck that sweet little body to completion.
Now, right fucking now!
He pressed the head of his shaft against her opening, almost spilling again at the feel of her wet heat. With a snarl he thrust forward, burying himself inside her virgin flesh. So good, so tight.
He threw his head back and bellowed with pure pleasure, losing himself inside her.
Losing ControlVictoria screamed as he entered her, tears spilling down her cheeks. She cried out again as he withdrew, only to thrust back inside her.She'd known it would hurt the first time, but nothing had prepared her for this. He was too big, his massive body overwhelming.His hips snapped as he pounded into her, going deeper and deeper with each thrust. Low growls filled the room as he claimed her, his claws digging into her hips."Tight...so damn tight," he groaned.She buried her head into the bed, clutching at the bedspread as he took her. He'd shown her such pleasure before, unlike anything she'd ever known. Her response to the demon had been intense and shocking, Sebastian's sounds of approval only heightening her arousal.And she'd wanted more, had wanted all of him.Then something changed in him. She'd sensed it - felt it - in the way his body had tensed before he released that frightening roar.Was this the inner demon Nicholas warned her of?He began murmuring in a lang
The Next MorningSunlight filtered in through a tall set of windows, dragging Victoria out of a deep sleep. With a groan she buried her head under her pillow, snuggling down into the mattress. The bed was so comfortable, the sheets soft and rich, the pillows feather down."Mmm..." she sighed, stretching under the warm blankets. Ow! That hurt.Victoria almost whimpered as she rolled over, struggling to sit up. Her body throbbed and ached.Blinking sleep from her eyes she looked around in slight confusion. She was in an unfamiliar room. It was beautiful, rich with tones of blue and gold. There was a stone fireplace, flanked by two empty bookshelves, and fine pieces of furniture. The back wall had two ornate windows with thick velvet curtains, drawn open wide to let in the afternoon sun.Sleepily she rubbed a hand over her face, brushing the hair out of her eyes.Memories from the night before came at her in a rush. She threw off the covers with a gasp, looking down at her body, almost a
King of SeductionSebastian stood in front of his office window, his hands clasped tightly behind his back. He was shirtless, his feet bare, dressed only in a pair of worn jeans. He couldn't stand to wear clothes in this form. Hell, after his curse he'd run through the forest ass naked like a mad man for half a century.He shivered at the memory.Bowing his head he wondered for the hundredth time what Victoria was doing. Was she in pain? Had she healed from the previous night? Was she angry with him, hurt, scared?Damn it, he wished this day would end. The sooner the sun set the sooner he could see her again.His ears twitched. "You know I disapprove of your spying, Nicholas," he grumbled.There came a soft chuckle behind him. "I can never get past you though.""I could hear you breathing." Sebastian eyed the bottle of whiskey hanging limply from the mercenary's fingers. "And I could smell you."Nicholas smirked. "Ah yes, I do enjoy my spirits." He walked to a chair in front of Sebast
Conversing with a DemonVictoria awoke to a dark cool room. She yawned and stretched gingerly, grateful that her muscles weren't nearly as sore as they had been. Sitting up she rubbed at her eyes and glanced around sleepily.She nearly jumped out of her skin as a gigantic shadow moved by her bed. "Sebastian?""Yes," the familiar voice rumbled through the dark. Victoria felt her heart leap with excitement and chastised herself for it. She couldn't comprehend why that deep voice excited her but it did."You startled me," she admitted softly."I apologize. Frightening you is not my intent.""You don't frighten me," she whispered, shocked that it was true. Strangely enough after last night she was anything but afraid of him, which was probably stupid of her."I should," he snapped. "I should terrify you and you would be wise to remember that."Scowling Victoria peered into the darkness, trying to make out his form in more detail. All she could see was his massive shadow and broad shoulder
The Demon's TemperSebastian couldn't even remember the last time he'd laughed, the sound foreign in his ears. He was thoroughly enjoying this time with Victoria.Even with his body throbbing with desire he found the strength to remain in control. He'd nearly lost it when he saw her imagining his bite. His fangs had physically ached with the thought of marking her. As Victoria sat across from unknowing, he'd waged an internal war just to keep the demon caged within his mind. Hell, even the man in him was struggling not to take her.Can't ruin this moment. Victoria was being so trusting with him, conversing with him freely. He found that if he kept his gaze on her it seemed to focus him, quieting the demon within and its brutal instincts.After a moment his inner demon quieted.With his demon firmly locked down Sebastian could appreciate other aspects of Victoria aside from her beauty. She was intelligent, amusing, and beyond cute. He could become addicted to this woman.Shaking his h
Remorse and ÉclairsSebastian tore through the castle, his howls of rage echoing down the halls. His claws ached to sink into flesh, to rip and tear. He needed to fight, he needed to slaughter.He needed to fuck that damn halfling to completion.Leaping from the balustrade he landed in the main hall. He rose to full height with a deep growl, his chest heaving. Jasper stood in front of the heavy double doors, blocking his path. "Master.""Get the fuck out of my way!" he thundered.His servant didn't move. Instead his eyes narrowed, flashing with irritation. "Do you wish to frighten her? To drive her away? How can you possibly win her affections-?""I do not want her affections!" Sebastian slammed his fist against the wall, crushing the stone.Jasper raised a brow. "And why not?"That gave him pause. He struggled for clarity. His mind and body were on fire, his instincts running high. The demon in him was on the razor edge, the cage in his mind crumbling. He stared at his hands, at his b
Cuddling with a DemonVictoria curled up on an over-sized chair by the window. Outside fluffy snowflakes fell in the night, shining in the soft light cast by the moon. She sighed, listening to her headphones and wondering when she would see Sebastian.She couldn't get him out of her head all day. More than once she'd nearly gone exploring through the castle, wondering if she could find him. Jasper had shown her the common rooms earlier that day, and she had to admit when she wasn't terrified the castle was pretty freaking awesome. But Sebastian had been nowhere in sight.Exhaling loudly her eyes slid to the cell phone beside her. Her father filled her mind, followed closely by worry. She wanted to call him, badly. Is that why Sebastian had given her the phone?Damn it, where was that demon?Tearing her eyes away from the phone she stared out the window once more. Just what was it about Sebastian that had her so enthralled? Aside from his hard muscular body, hot skin, and sexy as sin v
The Halfling Makes a MoveJust do it.Victoria stared down at her new phone, her thumb hovering over the call button. Her father's number glared up at her.Man up, Victoria. Her stomach was twisting into knots. She badly wanted to call her father but she was so nervous. What would he say? Would he be upset? Sad? Angry?She huddled on her bed, the blankets wrapped around her shoulders. It had started to snow again and there was a chill in the air. Jasper had left just minutes ago after hours of hard-core zombie killing. At first he'd been reluctant to play but her persistence prevailed. Within minutes the demon had been addicted, insisting they play level after level. Who would have thought that Jasper had an inner gamer just waiting to come out? He would probably still be playing if the sun hadn't set.But the night belonged to Sebastian. She shuddered, desire already coiling in her stomach. When would he come to her? What did he have planned for tonight? She almost couldn't wait to f
What the hell just happened?Eve sat down in a chair, fighting tears. She was torn between fury and anguish. She'd never been so confused in her life.She couldn't seem to get a handle on Vincent. He was so caring and protective one minute, angry and insulting the next. Were all wolves like this?Or was this a Legion trait?That last thought struck her hard. This man could very well be evil. One didn't just join the Legion for a good time. She had no idea who this man was or what he'd done in the past. He could be no better than a savage Forsaken, or Hunter.Oh god.She swallowed hard, panic rising up her throat. It had been over eighty years since she'd last seen a Hunter. Memories of fire and screams filled her mind. Shaking her head she forced the images away, jumping to her feet and pacing around the kitchen.Vincent was nothing like that. He couldn't be. Sure, he was rough around the edges, but he was also so gentle. And last night...Her stomach clenched. Blushing she leaned aga
When he struggled awake the next morning Vincent was both pissed and immediately wanted to punch himself.Firstly, Evelyn was not in the bed with him, nor in the cottage.Secondly, what the fuck did he do last night?He turned onto his back and stared up at the ceiling, rubbing a hand over his face in agitation. He had to be losing his goddamn mind. Dry humping Evelyn in the middle of the fucking night! What the hell had he been thinking?He hadn't been. He'd let his dick and his wolf do the thinking for him. And he'd loved every damn minute.His wolf let out a growl. It wanted to find Evelyn. He wanted to find Evelyn.Where the fuck was Evelyn?Sitting up he let out a snarl at the empty cottage. That girl was a walking accident waiting to happen. He did not like having her out of sight.His chest constricted. What if she left? She was so innocent and soft. What if he'd frightened her off?Fuck, fuck, fuck!An uncomfortable feeling settled in his gut. He felt like he might be sick.Wh
Vincent gritted his teeth as Evelyn wrapped her arms around his neck and called his name. Her little body stiffened, her back arching, as her hips bucked erratically. He held her tight as her body shook with her orgasm, just stopping himself from spilling his seed between her soft thighs.Tears streamed down her cheeks, shock intermixed with pleasure in her big silver eyes. She's never come before. Fuck!His hands clenched around her waist. His wolf demanded he take her fully, to sink into her tight heat and make her come over and over. Even in its weakened state it took him several long moments to wrestle back into control.Never had he been so fucking turned on. And by a little virgin halfling! He was half-dead and his damn cock was throbbing for Christ sakes. It thrilled him to be the first to give Evelyn pleasure. The dominant wolf in him wanted to be the only man to ever give her pleasure.She stilled against him, dragging in a deep breath. "Vincent," she whimpered."I'm not done
Eve snapped awake to a dark cottage. A heavy arm was wrapped around her stomach, constricting her movements. Blushing she peered over at Vincent's blurry form. The big male had rolled over in his sleep, pinning her against his side with one muscular arm. She could feel the hot heat of his body against her backside.His very naked body.Her heart slamming in her chest she tried to shove away his arm and create some space. He grumbled in his sleep and pulled her tighter, pressing his face against the back of her neck."Vincent?" she whispered loudly, shaking his arm. "Vincent, let me go."He mumbled something incoherently before sliding his hand to her hip. Sighing in relief she made to move away, only to freeze in shock as his hand drifted up over her hip and cupped her breast."Vincent!" she squealed, slapping at his hand. He only gripped her harder, his fingers curling over the top of her camisole and pulling the fabric down over her breast. The cool night air tickled her sensitive s
Eve watched Vincent as he lay on the bad. Even with his eyes shut he looked pissed. The man completely threw her off. She had no experience to fall back on when it came to dealing with his moods or aggressive behavior. Biting her lip she gazed at him from under her lashes. He was so ruggedly handsome, his nose straight and narrow. His thick beard was wild and masculine under his high cheek bones. She found herself itching to touch it.The werewolf frightened her, but to her acute embarrassment he also aroused her. And he knew it! When he'd pinned her down on the bed....her heart had never beat so fast. Her lustful reaction was shocking. She still ached.Swallowing, Eve ran a hand over her mouth. This was crazy. She just need a good night's sleep. The last couple days had been rough to say the least. On top of that she'd spent the night sleeping awkwardly in a hard chair. Her exhausted body was already demanding she lay down in her bed and sleep.Her eyes widened with realization. S
Vincent wanted to throttle the girl. He moaned and rubbed a hand over his face, blinking his eyes repeatedly. For most of the day he'd been in and out of consciousness. At least he was no longer seeing random colors, for a time Evelyn's face had been lavender.Evelyn thankfully kept quiet, popping out of the cottage whenever he came too. At least the woman was intelligent enough to make herself scarce after accidentally drugging him. It seemed he just couldn't win as of late.The door opened with a bang, letting in a brisk cold breeze. Evelyn stumbled inside, her arms laden with firewood. She kicked the door shut with a grunt, nearly falling over backwards. Vincent shook his head as he watched her struggle. The girl was the definition of clumsy. It amazed him that she had managed to survive on her own at all.Dumping the wood by the stove she straightened, her thick glasses sitting crookedly on her nose and long strands of hair falling over her face. His inner wolf found it oddly end
Nicholas StormNorthern Romania, Castle of the Demon KingCrossing his arms Nicholas Storm leaned back against the door-frame with a smirk. Victoria and Jasper were on the couch, shouting to each other as they vigorously pressed buttons on their controllers. On the large flat screen alien hordes attacked in vicious waves.In the corner of the great room the vampire Charles Lockhart spoke in hushed tones to King Sebastian. Occasionally the two would glance over at their mates on the couch and chuckle with affection. A fire burned in the large hearth, spreading its warmth and soft glow about the room, as snow fell outside the windows.The scene was odd to him. He supposed that shouldn't surprise him. From boyhood his life had always been focused on his next kill. Whether it was to survive, fight for his King, or for pay, Nicholas had killed more than he could remember. He didn't deny that he relished the fight, the stronger the opponent the better. It was one of the reasons he became a
Eve watched the big male as he scowled and muttered to himself for several minutes. Gnawing on her lip she finally asked quietly, "Are you thirsty?"His intense glare snapped back to her and she almost regretted the question. He looked as if he would reprimand her before his features softened. "Aye, I could use some water."She almost shuddered at the sound of his voice. She'd never heard anything so attractive before. It was deep and gravely, with an accent she didn't recognize. Russian maybe."Where are you from?" she asked curiously."Lithuania," he replied absently.Eve wondered if that was where his pack had originated. And just where was his pack? She didn't know much about werewolves but they always traveled in packs, didn't they?Out of the corner of her eye she looked him over. The swelling and bruising on his face had healed dramatically and she could now see that he was in fact very handsome in a rugged, dangerous kind of way. She hadn't lied about the elixir she'd given hi
Vincent awoke to bright light glaring into his eyes. He cursed roughly and tried to roll over. Agonizing pain shot up his arm at the movement and he stiffened.He was in a small cottage, with stone walls and dark wood beams. Frowning he took in the unfamiliar surroundings. The cottage was warm, the smell of lavender and honeysuckle hanging lightly in the air. He supposed it would be considered charming, if it wasn't for all the clutter and junk piled over the floor and furniture.A soft sigh sounded next to him. Tensing he glanced down and glowered. There was a small woman sleeping in a chair beside him. She was hunched over, her arms crossed over the side of the bed with her head resting on top.Vincent sneered at the girl. She appeared weak and feeble, neither traits he found desirable. She was a tiny thing; he doubted she would reach past his chest standing upright. Her body was slim, with surprisingly wide hips and a narrow waist. A thick strand of hair covered her face. It was li