“Let me explain to you what happened the morning I left. You were sleeping and I received a text message from a member of the Administrative Board. One of the Council members was acting carelessly and his behavior was threatening to expose our existence. That is what you would call a 'no-no' for us.” His voice was bitter and his lips were set in a thin line. “As an Enforcer, I had to convince Derek it was in his best interest to not continue his actions. We finally reached an agreement.”
“An Enforcer?” I questioned. What does an Enforcer's job entail? Does he pull their arms off if they don't agree with his way of thinking? I found myself getting aroused thinking of Stefan shirtless and ripping arms off of vampires, the muscles flexing in his arms with his effort.
“It does not usually get that severe. It requires persuasion and at times a nudge in the right direction. It helps to be able to see their true intentions.” Stefan smirked and tapped the side of his temple wryly. “This is my life, Josephine. Until the night I found you, it was extremely dark. You must understand that at any time I might have to leave again. When the Administrative Board places you in a position you do not get to choose. It is considered to be an honor by most.”
I nestled closer against him, pressing my lips against Stefan's neck in a gentle kiss. I ran my nose over his skin and inhaled the musky scent of him. “I take it you don't feel that way.”
“No. I do not.” He turned his head to gaze at me, a smile breaking over his face that didn't reach his eyes. “I briefly considered not coming back to you while I was away. I am selfish and could not stay away from you. You are my fated, Josephine. Your soul pulled me back to you like a moth to a flame.”
I felt my eyes go wide as I sat up to straddle his lap, anger building inside of me as I placed my hands on each side of his face. “Hold on for a second. You considered not coming back?”
Stefan sighed and his shoulders sagged. His eyes looked ancient and tired, the usual sparkle gone. ”I love you more than I can possibly explain to you. If I could spare you any pain, I would gladly do it to see you happy. I considered the possibility that you might be happier without me in your life. Yet here I am.”
“I'm happy with you. When you were gone, I felt like part of myself was missing.” My eyes searched his, smoothing my thumbs over his cheekbones and down the side of his face. “No more doing what you think is best for me, Stefan. My feelings should at least be considered. If we're going to do this, we have to communicate. And that means me too.”
Stefan nodded, his face clouded with uncertainty. My mind was suddenly flooded with a barrage of his thoughts. His mind was focused on the night when I angrily told him to leave, my voice bitter and spiteful. It was difficult to watch myself through his eyes, seeing my face contorted in anger. I shivered when I felt his pain and turmoil as he recalled the memories with crystal clarity. I grimaced at my own words that echoed in his mind, 'Save it for someone who cares. Just fucking leave.'
I started to move from his lap, stopped only by his iron-like grip on my waist. I was ashamed that he'd come back to explain and I'd pushed him away with my refusal to listen.
Anna was right when she told me I was a stubborn bitch.
“I know now that is not true, Josephine. Do not do this to yourself. Not when there are so many things I would rather do to you right now,” Stefan murmured, his voice brushing over me like velvet.
The smooth tenor of his voice, deep and sensual, sent a surge of need throughout my body. His blue eyes caressed my face, giving me a sexy smile that sent my pulse racing. His fingertip traced lightly along my cheekbone. “I missed this, vackra. Jag har saknat att vara med dig, din jävla.”
“Your Swedish is sexy, Stefan. Translation please,” I whispered, my panties flooding with wetness as he spoke to me in his native tongue. Between the Swedish and his sexy talk, I was amazed that I had managed to stay dressed.
He chuckled and his hand cupped the nape of my neck and brought our faces inches apart. His lips moved against mine as he spoke, his voice a lilting caress. “I simply said I missed being with you, fucking you. When I call you vackra, it means beautiful. And you are the most beautiful creature I have ever seen in my long life.”
I let an out a hoarse cry when his mouth covered mine fiercely, his tongue exploring the recesses of my mouth. We shared long frenzied kisses, our tongues teasing and our teeth nibbling. His grip was tight as his hands held me against him
“I thought I had lost you, Josephine. Seeing you that night...” His mind trailed off as he raised his mouth from mine, looking deeply into my eyes.