Once Forbidden(8)

Sarah’s head snapped up quickly and she shook her head instantly. “Of course I’m not afraid of you, Devlin. I know you won’t hurt me.”

Devin relaxed and continued to watch her. “Then tell me what it is you’re afraid of, Sarah. I can’t help if you don’t tell me.” He withdrew from her, but kept his hands on her shoulders.

“I’m afraid that I’d miss being human. I just can’t decide. Can’t you give me some time, Devlin? Must I decide right now?”

Devlin bit back his impatience. Although there was no reason to wait as far as he could see, there obviously was to Sarah. “No, you don’t have to decide right now, Sarah. But I still want you to spend the day with me. Will you go away with me today?”

“Where?” she asked again.

“Australia, just like I said.”

Her blue eyes widened. “Australia? You can get us to Australia?”

Devlin chuckled. “In the blink of an eye. We can go see the Opera House. Of course, it won’t be open, but we can walk along the water if you’d like.”

“I’d like,” she said with a bright smile. “Would I be able to do that? Just want to go and be there?”

Devlin nodded. “I’d teach you, Sarah. I’d teach you all that you’d need to know,” he promised very seriously.

Sarah looked at him, considering, and sighed. “I just can’t decide,” she repeated softly, sadly.

“Then don’t decide right now. For now, we’ll just enjoy our time together.” He moved back so she could get out of the small shower stall, and gave her a light swat on the bottom on her way out. “Get dressed and we’ll go.”

Sarah looked over her shoulder with widened eyes. “Did you really just smack me?”

His answering grin was wicked. He swatted her again with just a tad more purpose. “Yes.”

Sarah giggled. “Just checking.”

Hell, she’d liked it, Devlin mused. Devlin put that little tidbit of information away for later use. “Hurry, love. Get dressed.”

Sarah nodded and grabbed a towel from the rack. Devlin took it from her fingers and started to dry her off. His mouth literally watered as he watched the droplets of water slide down her shoulder. Unable to stop himself, he ran his finger up her shoulder blade and captured the droplet. Such impossibly soft skin, he mused. Her back wasn’t scarred. The skin here was soft and undamaged.

He felt her shudder and smiled to himself. In this, even without his ability to control her with his mind, he had a power over her. Sarah loved the feel of his hands on her. How easy it would be for him to simply take the choice from her—to simply compel her to let him change her—he could make her think it was even her idea. He moved his hand down, letting the towel slip so his fingers caressed her back, and he paused at the small dimple at the base of her spine. Hell, she had as much power over him. If he didn’t stop, they’d never make it out of the bathroom before dark!

He handed the towel back to her abruptly. “Go into the other room and get ready,” he said huskily. Touching her was too big a temptation. A big part of him wanted to drag her back into the shower and make love to her again. “Go now.”

Sarah saw the look of desire on his face. “But—“

He pushed her toward the door. “Go!” he ordered.

Sarah laughed and sauntered out of the bathroom, wiggling her bottom, careful to shut the door so she didn’t let any light into the small bathroom.

Devlin muttered about minxes as he picked up another towel and dried off, and he quickly dressed again. There was absolutely no doubt in his mind that she’d be happy with him if she’d let herself. It was more than obvious to him that she was a perfect match for him in every way.

Everything about Sarah made him want her.

Her lovemaking was innocent and wanton at the same time. Devlin had never met a woman—vampire or human—that had met his passion with such an intriguing mix of innocence and unhidden need.

Devlin respected her valor. Not many women would run not once—but twice—into a burning building. She would be a loyal mate, he knew.

Devlin was by nature dominant. While he had no doubt that Sarah would stand up for herself, he sensed that she was likely submissive by nature. That pleased him beyond measure. Contrary to popular belief—even among his own kind—submissive women weren’t weak women.

No, there was nothing weak about his Sarah.

His.

She was his. It was as simple and complicated as that.

Still, when it was all said and done, it was still forbidden to change a human. Devlin knew that Carina wouldn’t cause him any problems if he changed Sarah—but the other Elders could, though that wasn’t his biggest concern—the Hunters were.