My breath caught in my throat at the sight of him looking up at me through those dark lashes. But…
“Not if you want me to fuck you,” I said, face aflame. “At this point, I’ll literally explode straight into your mouth.”
A rich chuckle rumbled through Seb’s chest as he rose to his feet. He reached for the light switch. Darkness fell, save for a silvery shaft of moonlight streaming through the window.
He positioned himself deliberately in that ethereal glow, and my breath caught. The chiaroscuro effect of moonlight against shadow transformed him into something otherworldly—a painting come to life—all dramatic shadows and luminous skin, beauty tinged with danger.
His fingers moved to the buttons of his fitted waistcoat, undoing each one with careful precision. The garment slid from his shoulders, joining his discarded tie on the floor with a whisper of fabric.
Next came his crisp white shirt. He took his time with those buttons too, revealing inch after inch of golden skin. The shirt fell away, and I couldn’t help but stare at the lean muscles of his chest and abdomen, carved like marble beneath a light dusting of dark hair. It trailed enticingly down his stomach, disappearing beneath his waistband.
His hands moved to his belt, and the soft hiss of leather through belt loops made my pulse quicken.
When his fingers found the button of his tailored trousers, I gripped the edge of the dresser behind me. They joined the growing pile of clothes, leaving him in nothing but black briefs that clung to his thighs.
He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his underwear, pausing for just a moment—teasing—before sliding them down and stepping free.
My mouth went dry. Within a dark nest, his cock hung thick and heavy between his thighs, already half hard and impossibly splendid. He stood before me like some ancient statue of Adonis, all perfect proportionsand classical beauty, but with an underlying current of power that no marble could capture.
He shifted, and the moonlight turned his skin to alabaster, catching in the strands of his dark hair and making shadows dance across the planes of his face. His eyes, when they met mine, gleamed with hunger.
I fumbled for the burgundy rope. “I’ll tie you up.”
Maybe this whole thingwouldbe easier in the role of a vampire hunter.
Seb moved to the queen-sized bed with feline grace, stretching out. He lifted his arms above his head, crossing his wrists against the ornate metal headboard.
My hands shook slightly as I picked up the rope, then muscle memory took over as I quickly formed a Highwayman’s Hitch, looping the loop around his wrists and the wooden frame of the headboard. The motions were familiar—around, through, over, under—the same pattern I used to secure boats at the harbour.
“My grandfather taught me this one.” I tested the tension with a gentle tug. “Though I doubt this isquitewhat he had in mind for its application.”
“Is he the type to roll in his grave?”
“Oh, definitely spinning as we speak.” I couldn’t help but smile as I completed the final loop before shuffling awkwardly back from the bed. The contrast was comical—Seb completely naked and bound, while I stood fully clothed.
“Well then, hunter.” Seb’s low voice teased. “What are you waiting for? Don’t you want to claim your prize?”
God, he was going to kill me before we even started.
“Only if you’re comfortable with that,” he added. “I’ll do whatever you want me to do.” He pulled at his binds. “This is all to keep you safe, Flynn.”
“No… it’s— I just need a minute,” I managed. “To… get into character.”
I practically fled the room, closing the door behind me. In the hallway, I pressed my forehead against the cool wall, trying to steady my breathing.
What the fuck am I doing?
This was mad. All of it. The bondage, the roleplay, the fact that I was about to have sex with a centuries-old vampire who was currently tied naked to a bed.
A really hot, really quite nice vampire, my brain helpfully supplied.
I squeezed my eyes shut, feeling myself spiral into oblivion.
No. Stop.
I straightened up, squaring my shoulders. Seb wanted this. Wantedme. He’d made that abundantly clear.
You are a vampire hunter, I told myself.Confident. In control. Ready to make that vampire yours.
