"Or I could show you one of the vamp traits," Alaric bellowed with a smirk.
Alaric's gaze was smoldering, his eyes locking with hers in the dim light of the library.
Shelves towered around them, casting shadows over ancient books bound in leather—volumes on dark creatures, forbidden histories, and secrets not meant for idle eyes.
But his gaze was on her, the only mystery he seemed intent on unraveling.
"You could?" Salviana asked, her voice barely a whisper, breathless with the heat of his nearness.
"Yes, my fiery one," he murmured, his voice low and intimate as his hand trailed up her arm.
Alaric shifted closer, his body brushing hers as he guided her back, pressing her gently against the bookshelf.
He raised one hand to the side of her face, his fingers tracing her cheek as he leaned in. "You know," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear, "I could stay here all night, just looking at you… but there are so many better ways I'd like to know you."
