26-1: my responsibility

Emmanuelle merely raised an eyebrow. A small laugh left her lips, and she shook her head in denial.

"I assure you that I am feeding myself properly..." she began.

Harry immediately pressed his forehead against hers.

Till's grunts of displeasure were rising in the now silent kitchen.

"You are starving yourself," Harry cut in. He placed a hand on her cheek and let his thumb draw circles on her alabaster skin. "You've been starving yourself for centuries," he said.

Emmanuelle closed her eyes before her laughter became louder. She put her hands on Harry's cheeks, then kissed his lips tenderly.

"That is correct, my beloved. Centuries of discipline and fierce motivation not to give in to my vampiric side. I know what I am doing, and I know my limits. So you can rest easy. I know my limits perfectly," Emmanuelle said to reassure Harry.

Harry suddenly picked her up and carried her in his arms.

She had to put her hands on his shoulders as he carried her high. She could see the concern i