“I said I wasn’t going to hurt you!” he growled, pinning me even further into the soft, wet earth. “But I never said that I wouldn’t hurt you!” I snapped. He brought his face toward mine. “I’d like to see you try,” he whispered.”

“Do you want me to stop?" he whispered. "If you seriously want me to stop-""No," I whispered. "Do you want me to go slow?"I shook my head. Negative."I don't want to hurt you." I pulled his face to mine and kissed him deeply and passionately.”

“Someday,” he whispered softly in my ear. “I don’t want to hurt you. Not until you’re ready for me… But someday I’m going to own all of you, Marie. You’re all mine, babe. Knew it the first time I saw you. Couldn’t give you up if I tried.”

“Looks like we’re about to get wet,” I said, stating the obvious. He laughed. “I don’t care.” He grabbed me by the waist and turned, slipping me up so I was lying on the hood of the car, pinned there with his body. He ran his hands through my hair, spreading it. “So beautiful,” he whispered. He crushed his mouth to mine, devouring it.”

“His breathing was heavy and he was somber. He shivered still, and when his hand found me it was unsteady."Ah," I said smiling still, and kissing his shoulder."I hurt you!" he said."No, no, not at all, sweet Master," I answered. "But I hurt you! I have you, now!""Amadeo, you play with the devil.""Dont you want me to, Master? Didn't you like it? You took my blood and it made you my slave!"He laughed. "So that's the twist you put on it, isn't it?""Hmmm. Love me. What does it matter?" I asked."Never tell the others," he said. There was no fear or weakness or shame in it.”

“I get to keep you,” he said, staring at me with anintensity that made me shiver.“Keep me?” I asked, reaching up to kiss his chin and trailkisses down his perfect neck.“Not here. I can’t take much more, Pagan. I’m only sostrong,” he said in a husky voice as he pulled me against hischest. “You’re mine now. While you walk the Earth youbelong to me. Nothing can hurt you.” I heard a touch ofhumor in his voice. “It’s pretty impossible to hurt what Deathprotects.”