off for privacy and they know not to trespass on my eccentric wish to be left alone. I have a business office in the city. I go there sometimes—especially in the winter, when night falls earlier—for late meetings with the marketing staff. I also make appearances at charity dinners and such, keeping up the appearance of a wealthy businessman who works for fun and not necessarily every day. I have something of a playboy reputation which helps explain why I work from home and am seldom seen during the day. Once in a while, I’ll brave the daylight and hold a meeting here in the media room. It’s on the interior of the house and safe from the sun. I designed it so the interior core of the house is accessible without having to pass near rooms with windows. All exterior rooms open onto a hall that separates the interior sections and allows me to move about without difficulty during the day.”
“Then you don’t have to sleep all day?”
“Like anyone, I do need some sleep, and I’m lethargic during the day, but I can stay up if necessary. It’s not the easiest thing, but I am ancient, my dear. Over time, I’ve gained abilities my younger brethren cannot claim. I can be awake during the day and can even stand low levels of indirect sunlight for short periods, every once in a while. I don’t dare go out of the house during the day, but I can always invite people here. Though I admit, I do look tired. My rare mortal guests probably attribute the circles under my eyes and the occasional giant yawn to my carousing lifestyle.” He chuckled.
“You like having that bad boy reputation, don’t you?”
He pretended innocence, enjoying her teasing. “It’s a cross I must bear.”
She turned in his embrace to face him. “Well no more, Atticus. You’re a reformed rake now, and you’ll be spending every night with me. Newlyweds are allowed a lot of leeway. I’ll keep up the illusion around the house during the day—at least until I become…like you.” She drew back to look up into his eyes. “Speaking of which, I want you to do it on our wedding night. I want it to be my wedding gift to you.”
The very idea stole his breath. That she’d be so willing to give up the sun for him was humbling. Atticus kissed her, unable to put his thoughts into words and needing to express his undying love in the most elemental way.
He lowered her to the plush padding of the overstuffed chaise, coming over her in a way that made her feel delicate and cherished. He had such a commanding presence, he overwhelmed her in many ways, but it was a delicious sensation and one she was surprised to discover she really enjoyed.
Atticus pulled back, smiling down at her. “So you like being my woman, eh?”
Lissa blushed as she realized their thoughts were twining as closely as their limbs. At times like these, the mental barrier Atticus held in place between them broke down. She felt his delight with the thoughts running through her head about his possessive actions. She also read the naughty images he sent her way—images of submission and tantalizing pleasure she’d only dreamed of to this point.
She considered herself a widely read woman and had even delved into a few erotic works of fiction. Some of the things that had intrigued her in those books surfaced in her mind as she saw the vivid images in her mate’s mind. He’d done more than just read about those things, though he was cautious enough to withhold specific memories of other women from her. It was a wise decision on his part, considering their position.
Still, the thought of his vast experience rankled. Compared to him she was the next thing to a virgin.
“But I like virgins.” Atticus leered at her in a comical way and she had to join him in laughter, punching his arm in a playful way. “Shall we play school girl and lecherous uncle? Or harem girl and sultan? Name your pleasure, sweet, and it shall be yours.”
Unbidden, an image formed in her mind, even as her
“Then you don’t have to sleep all day?”
“Like anyone, I do need some sleep, and I’m lethargic during the day, but I can stay up if necessary. It’s not the easiest thing, but I am ancient, my dear. Over time, I’ve gained abilities my younger brethren cannot claim. I can be awake during the day and can even stand low levels of indirect sunlight for short periods, every once in a while. I don’t dare go out of the house during the day, but I can always invite people here. Though I admit, I do look tired. My rare mortal guests probably attribute the circles under my eyes and the occasional giant yawn to my carousing lifestyle.” He chuckled.
“You like having that bad boy reputation, don’t you?”
He pretended innocence, enjoying her teasing. “It’s a cross I must bear.”
She turned in his embrace to face him. “Well no more, Atticus. You’re a reformed rake now, and you’ll be spending every night with me. Newlyweds are allowed a lot of leeway. I’ll keep up the illusion around the house during the day—at least until I become…like you.” She drew back to look up into his eyes. “Speaking of which, I want you to do it on our wedding night. I want it to be my wedding gift to you.”
The very idea stole his breath. That she’d be so willing to give up the sun for him was humbling. Atticus kissed her, unable to put his thoughts into words and needing to express his undying love in the most elemental way.
He lowered her to the plush padding of the overstuffed chaise, coming over her in a way that made her feel delicate and cherished. He had such a commanding presence, he overwhelmed her in many ways, but it was a delicious sensation and one she was surprised to discover she really enjoyed.
Atticus pulled back, smiling down at her. “So you like being my woman, eh?”
Lissa blushed as she realized their thoughts were twining as closely as their limbs. At times like these, the mental barrier Atticus held in place between them broke down. She felt his delight with the thoughts running through her head about his possessive actions. She also read the naughty images he sent her way—images of submission and tantalizing pleasure she’d only dreamed of to this point.
She considered herself a widely read woman and had even delved into a few erotic works of fiction. Some of the things that had intrigued her in those books surfaced in her mind as she saw the vivid images in her mate’s mind. He’d done more than just read about those things, though he was cautious enough to withhold specific memories of other women from her. It was a wise decision on his part, considering their position.
Still, the thought of his vast experience rankled. Compared to him she was the next thing to a virgin.
“But I like virgins.” Atticus leered at her in a comical way and she had to join him in laughter, punching his arm in a playful way. “Shall we play school girl and lecherous uncle? Or harem girl and sultan? Name your pleasure, sweet, and it shall be yours.”
Unbidden, an image formed in her mind, even as her
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