CH.150

The newly mated couple were both red-faced and silently panting when they eventually broke apart. Their glassy eyes were dark and full of undisguised desire.

Dimitri extended his arm and wrapped his fingers around the handle of the elaborate ceremonial dagger that was perched on a silver platter next to them.

The blade was an exquisite work of art, its handle inlaid with precious gems and intricate engravings that seemed to writhe and shift in the flickering light.

Then he drew the wickedly sharp blade across his upturned palm in one smooth, decisive stroke.

There was no hesitation, no flinch of pain etched into the hard planes of his face.

The instant he raised his hand in an almost reverent manner, a thin droplet of red began to spring up and rapidly gathered in the center of his hand.

Emilia watched with trepidation, her slender throat working convulsively as if she had to resist the urge to dash out right then and there.

"Relax," Dimitri murmured as he cradled her sma