Kiss of the Vampire (The Vanderlind Realm Book 2) by Gayla Twist Page B

said, keeping his arm around my waist, but releasing my legs. Dorian eased me to the floor, my body pressed against his. I had to fight to keep myself from shuddering from the pleasure it gave me.
    “Thank you,” I said when my feet were firmly on the ground. “I guess I lost my head a little.”
    “Anytime,” he said, his piercing gray eyes looking deeply into mine.
    We were just inches apart, our chests still pressed together. It would have been so easy to lean forward and place a kiss on his lips. Was I just feeling giddy from being waltzed around the room or was Dorian also thinking about kissing?
    “Are you ready to try again?” Dorian asked, pulling away from me. “I think we can do without the waltzing this time.”
    “Oh,” I said, feeling my cheeks go hot, even though I wasn’t sure if vampires could blush. “Sure. I just…” He had obviously not been thinking about kissing me. I had been mistaken.
    “What?” he asked, giving me a sharp look.
    “Nothing. I just needed a moment to catch my breath.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter 9
    Dorian
     
     
    Haley was an excellent student. Given her recalcitrant nature, I had assumed that teaching her to fly would have been a challenge. But much to my surprise she listened to what I had to say and responded well when I made suggestions. There was that one brief moment, her body pressing against mine, when I’d set her on the ground after untangling her from the chandelier. The way she’d looked at me, I thought for just a split second that she would be receptive to a kiss. But then I remembered her words. “I know that you dislike me just as much as I dislike you.” When you disliked someone you usually weren’t very eager to be kissed by them.
    I may have noticed that time was passing and we were getting dangerously close to dawn. If Haley was going to make it home safely, it would have been advisable for her to leave with plenty of time to get to her sleeping chamber before sunrise. I don’t think I exactly planned to have her practice flying until it was too late for her to reasonably expect to get home, but I did managed to ignore the time for as long as was justifiably possible.
    As dawn grew near, I began to wonder if Haley had yet to develop the knack for sensing the rise and set of the sun. I’d have to train her if she hadn’t. Meeting the sun was believed to be the most painful way for a vampire to die. Not that anyone ever survived to confirm that belief.
    “I think that’s enough flying for today,” I said after Haley had zipped around all four chandeliers and then zigzagged in between them like a downhill skier racing between flags. “You really are remarkably improved.”
    “I have a good teacher,” she said, settling beside me on the parquet floor. “So what’s next?”
    “It’s going to be morning very soon,” I told her. “There’s still probably time for you to fly home but…”
    “But what?” she asked.
    “But I’m not sure I’d advise it. There’s always the risk you might run into trouble and be delayed,” I told her. “And you don’t want to be tempted by your friend’s open invitation.”
    Haley nodded. “That would definitely be bad.”
    “You’re welcome to spend the day here, if you like,” I said, trying to keep my voice casual. It would be so wonderful to wake up at sunset knowing that I would see Haley shortly after climbing out of my coffin.
    “I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you,” was her reply. She looked a little uncomfortable.
    “It’s no inconvenience,” I quickly assured her. “In fact, it will give the staff something to do. I’m the only one here at the moment and I fear they’re rather bored.” When she still looked hesitant, I added, “We always keep a few guest rooms made up and a fully stocked refrigerator.”
    “Well, okay.” She finally agreed.
    “Good.” I couldn’t help but smile. And