His Adam’s apple bobbed; he was nervous. Because it meant that much! She’d known he was falling for her. Hadn’t he called her love earlier?

“And if I said we’re staying?”

He set her away, then traced to his feet. “We’ve only known each other for so little time.”

“We’re role-playing, right? You’re playing me, giving excuses why we should wait. I’ll play Rune. ‘But, baby,’ ” she crooned, “ ‘we only live once, and we have a battle tomorrow.’ ”

He cocked a brow. “Smartass.”

“Seriously, what’s up with the one-eighty?”

He shrugged. “Changed my mind.”

Awww. He was skittish about such a drastic change. After countless centuries of sameness . . .

It was up to her to drag him to the finish line. She replayed his reaction in her motel room, when she’d goaded him and flashed her fangs at him. For her “defiance,” he’d shoved her against the wall, kissing her like his life depended on it.

“Changed your mind?” She nodded with understanding. “Problems with little Rune, old man? Do you know the Viagra symbol?”

Eyes narrowing, he gestured at his bulging shaft. “Obviously that is not my problem.”

It’s working. “I bet Desh doesn’t need Viagra. Hey, on the way back, can you drop me at Lafitte’s?”

Rune’s muscles tensed, his fangs becoming more prominent. “You’re wearing my godsdamned blood on your skin, and you’re talking about fucking another demon?”

“You want me to be all dressed up and nowhere to go?” She pinched the hem of her dress, sliding it up her legs.

“Stop what you’re doing.” His sexy ears twitched at the sound of satin skimming her hose.

“Look at these.” She exposed her black garters, adjusting them. “I won’t wear them for just anyone. But you don’t appreciate them?”

His fists clenched. “I told you to stop this.” As if he had no control of his body, he dropped to his knees in front of her, just to pet a hose-clad leg. “You’re defying me once more?”

She collected her dress hem again, drawing it even higher. “I was so busy choosing my hose and garters, I forgot panties.”

“You wouldn’t defy me if I’d marked you. You’d come to heel.”

Intense male! She brought one knee up. “Don’t you want to see where you should be?”

He inhaled deeply, his pupils blown. “You’re playing with forces you don’t understand. The demon in me . . . needs . . . to make you surrender.”

She spread herself to him. “How’s this for defiance?” She’d never felt more exposed. But dark urges gripped her. She wanted to be vulnerable, to put herself in his control.

One second he was on his knees staring; the next he’d traced atop her, pinning her down on the blanket. . . .

Like flipping a switch.

Rune had barely withstood the mouthwatering scent of her sex. But to see it, to see the little shadow of her opening? His cock throbbed to claim it. His demon half was in a lather for it.

Her defiance maddened him. Provoked every primal need in him. She’ll respect the male who masters her.

He felt demonic. Savage. Out of control.

Claim. . . . Her dress was an obstacle. He wanted her naked but for those garters. He fisted her bodice, ripping it away. She gasped as he tore the dress from her body.

He couldn’t kiss her bared tits fast enough. He wrapped his lips around a nipple, suckling hard. His teeth clicked against her piercing. Perfection.

Never releasing his suck, he tore off his own clothes, his tongue flicking when his rigid cock met cool air.

He dimly remembered the need to prepare her. His hand shot between her thighs, cupping her possessively. Mine. He slipped a finger in, groaning against her breast.

Her pussy was hot, giving. He thrust his finger, fucking her with it.

“More!” She rocked her hips.

Another finger. He spread them wide inside her, opening her up for him.

“I’m ready, Rune!”

“Ready when I say you are.” He lightly bit her nipple.

She cried out, her claws raking his heated skin, spurs to a beast.

Her honey drenched his fingers, wetting his palm. Still he worked her pussy. He wedged a third finger inside.

She bucked to his hand. “About to come!”

He stilled his fingers. “No.”

“No? Then fuck me!”

Can’t wait any longer! He slid his fingers free. He sucked them with a snarl as she watched with those sultry eyes.

“Need you, Rune! Now.” She raised her arms and spread her thighs to welcome him.

He’d waited seven thousand years for this! On his knees, he leaned over her, aiming his cock. He tilted his hips, and her lush wetness kissed the tip. Claim!

He yelled and thrust. The crown slipped along the plump folds of her pussy. “AHH!” He nearly came. “Get so wet!” He didn’t recognize the sight of his own member. Never so engorged.

He sweated, his muscles straining. His aching balls tightened. It took everything in him not to fall upon her in a frenzy. He gnashed his teeth as he fought his instincts. Have to get control!

The head rubbed her swollen clit, and she cried, “Rune, do it!” Her little fangs sharpened.

For my flesh. The demon in him roared with satisfaction. She drinks me alone. After tonight, she fucks me alone.

His own fangs readied for her neck. About to know my mark.