chapter 23

Kevin grabbed Kathleen's hand and pulled her from the couch.

"Where are we going?" she asked, giggling.

"Upstairs."

"Why?"

Kevin turned to her, his green eyes shining. "To have sex," he said, smiling.

"Oh," she replied.

Kevin led her up the stairs and to her room. Once inside, he grasped her shoulders and kissed her. He savored the warmth of her body like one would savor a rich piece of chocolate. He breathed her. He wanted her. He laid her down gently on the bed, never removing his lips from hers. She let out a little moan as his hand went through her hair, grasping the back of her head. With his other hand, he reached under her and unsnapped her bra. He sat back, straddling her, and removed the bra, dropping it to the floor. He ran his hands up her soft stomach and cupped her breasts.

"You're beautiful," he whispered, bending his head to kiss her breasts. She put her hands on the back of his head, loving the soft feeling of his soft hair. He sat up and removed his shirt. Kathleen felt her heart skip a beat as she stared up at his perfect body. She suddenly felt very self conscious. Kevin was so perfect. How could he ever....

"Kathleen, I said you're beautiful," he said, smiling. "Don't ever feel self conscious around me."

"How did you know I was feeling self conscious?" she asked.

"It's a gift, I guess. I can hear your thoughts," he replied, grasping her wrists. He brought her hands up to his stomach, wanting her to touch him. When she rubbed her hands up his body, then back down, he closed his eyes and sighed. She unbuttoned his pants, watching the smile creep across his face. She rolled over on top of him and worked his pants down over his hips, then over his thighs. Next came the boxers, and she felt her heart begin to race again. His body was perfect. His erection was perfect. Everything was perfect. Kevin smiled up at her and put his hands behind his head. He knew he had a beautiful body, and he wasn't a bit shy to show it.

"Take off the rest of your clothes," he said, raising an eyebrow.

"What?"

"You heard me. Strip for me," he said, still smiling.

Kathleen laughed, and slid off the bed. She stood beside him, and turned her back to him. She slowly removed her shorts and her panties, still feeling very self conscious. Kevin sat up on the edge of the high bed and pulled her back between his legs. He kissed up her spine, then to her shoulder, moving her straight dark hair to one side. His lips found her neck, and he kissed her soft skin. She felt her breath catch and she tensed up, as she remembered what he was... this was so dangerous. Like playing with fire.

"Kathleen," he whispered directly into her ear, "I told you I would never hurt you, and I meant it. I promise you. I'll never do anything to hurt you."

She smiled to herself and let her head fall to the side, giving him better access to her neck. Kevin placed another kiss at the juncture of her neck and shoulder, sending shivers down her spine. He ran his hands up her stomach and over her sensitive nipples, stopping momentarily to tease them between his thumb and forefinger. Kathleen sighed and leaned back against Kevin's chest. He ran his hands back down her stomach, then between her legs. He kissed her neck tenderly as he probed her wetness. He inserted a finger into her, then pulled it back out, teasing her. She whimpered a little, wanting him to continue. He smiled and inserted it again. She arched her back, trying to force him deeper. He laughed and inserted another. She drew in a deep breath and supported herself by placing her hands on his thighs. They were hard and muscular, just like the rest of him. Kevin put his hands on her waist and moved her onto the bed, as if she weighed nothing at all. He moved between her legs and pushed himself into her slowly. She felt every inch of him as he entered her tightness. She closed her eyes and bit down hard on her bottom lip to keep from crying out. He felt so incredible. He began to move in and out of her, careful to prop himself up on his elbows. He was very gentle with her, fearing that he would hurt her in the throes of passion. This was the first time he had made love to a mortal woman, and he really didn't know what to expect. Very soon, though, he found that he was unable to control himself. He began to thrust harder, blissful in the hotness around him, loving her... He closed his eyes, feeling her blood pulsing through her body. He could feel his fangs threatening to unsheath and he had to fight to keep them under control. He slowed his thrusts and squeezed his eyes shut.

"Kevin?" Kathleen said, "are you ok?"

Kevin nodded, but was afraid to speak or open his eyes. He could still feel her blood... hear her heartbeat... an aching began in his stomach. Hunger. He knew the feeling well. No! He told himself. Not Kathleen. He would NOT do this to her.

"Kevin, open your eyes," Kathleen said softly, trailing her fingers down his cheek. Her touch was electric. Kevin drew in a sharp breath and pressed his hand against hers, then moved her hand to his mouth. He kissed it longingly, feeling the warmth. He opened his eyes and looked at her. She smiled... that sweet, innocent smile... He felt himself relax. His teeth receded. He kissed her softly and resumed his gentle lovemaking. Kathleen came, calling out his name and digging her nails into his shoulder. This sent Kevin over the edge, and he came, thrusting hard with each throb. She cried out. Kevin had to hold back, for fear that he would hurt her. It was so hard to do. He could feel the animal instincts in his body threatening to take over. He withdrew from her and laid his head on her shoulder. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pressed her face into his hair. He kissed her arm and listened to her rapid heartbeat. He felt the hunger beginning again. He had to feed. There was no way around it. He absolutely HAD to find prey tonight. He rested on her until they were both sufficiently calm. He kissed her, and looked into her sleep eyes.

"I have to go out for awhile," he said softly, smiling.

"Why?"

"I just do, baby. Please don't ask me questions and make me lie to you," he said, sadly.

"Oh. I understand," she replied, "you need to... um... get some blood or something?"

Kevin nodded, unable to look at her.

"Do you kill people, Kevin?" she asked quietly. She wasn't sure she really wanted to know the answer to this question.

"No. I don't," he responded, smiling a little. "I can take what I need, and they never know it. None of them ever remember, and I don't hurt them."

"Why don't you take what you need from me?" she asked, looking in his eyes. He smiled a little.

"I can't do that," he said, stroking her cheek.

"Why not?"

"Because... I don't know. I just... can't. I don't want to..." he stopped.

"You don't want to what? Hurt me? I thought you said you don't hurt people."

"I don't. I just..." he started. He wanted to taste her so badly. She was here... offering herself to him...

"Please, Kevin," she said, "I want you to."

"No," he said, smiling. "I can't. Really. I'll be back in just a little while, ok?"

She nodded. She couldn't figure out why he didn't want her. It sort of hurt her feelings a little. He got up and pulled on his clothes. He glanced in the mirror and ran his fingers through his hair. As he started out the door, he turned to her and smiled a little.

"Kathleen, I'll tell you why I can't take from you... I just can't FEED from you. I love you, baby. I just can't do that to you."

Kathleen smiled. "Ok. I understand. I'll be waiting for you."

Kevin walked back over and kissed her lips. "I love you," he whispered.

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