Fatal Reading

*The day of her book signing*

"Be good while I’m gone,” Charles said half smiling at Eva. Nodding her head, she closed her eyes and he kissed the side of her forehead. "You know I love you right?” She nodded once more.

It was his ritual. Go and spend two weeks out of the month with his other lover. Looking back, Eva wished she never told him that she knew where he was. The argument of his infidelity led to her being hospitalized and him telling her that now at least it was out in the open, *"I don’t have to pretend I’m going away for work. Now, I can just say I’m going to see Jasmine."* She cared too much back then. The scars of his infidelity weighed on her mind so much she started taking it out on her body. Now, she truly looked forward to the time he was gone and dreaded his return.

After watching Charles leave, Eva decided to take a shower. She’d taken off of work today, in preparation for her signing tonight. As much as she was nervous, Eva found herself also excited. It’d been years since she’d signed a book, and with a gentle push from Mark, she’d decided to even do a reading. The erotica section of her books was always her favorite and most popular parts to read. Eva chuckled,

"Smut for the modern housewife.” A jest from one of her favorite movies. Walking into the bathroom, she turned on the water and stepped inside. The steamy water felt good on her skin, as she took her time lathering the soap against her loofah to clean her body. Checking at her thighs, her thoughts inherently traveled to Alaric. Since their kiss he’d been making himself scarce, only checking on her once a day. During those times they would talk about various subjects though never about him. Still, she was grateful he was willing to even talk at all and that he’d healed her scars.

Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to think about their kiss. Full of unbridled passion, it was one of the few moments he’d seem to let his guard down at least partially.

*I can’t believe I almost let him bite me*

She groaned to herself. That book was getting in her mind. His kiss making her think about what it would be like had it been her instead of Drusilla? What if it was her body under his fingers, her that he caressed every inch of? Would it be as enjoyable as she found that kiss they shared?

*Yes*

She couldn’t admit it out loud but a part of her was dying to find out. It’d been so long since she was touched in a way that was pleasurable to her unless it was her that was doing it. Washing her hair in her favorite rose-scented shampoo, she let the water run over her, removing all the soap. Hands at the sides of her neck, she imagined Alaric lips once again on her neck. Her hands slowly moved down to her breast.

*“Eva…” he’d murmur traveling from her neck to her breast using his tongue to tease them before biting each one. Lips to stomach Alaric would make his way between her thighs relishing in the way she arched her back and moaned out his name in excitement.*

She knew she shouldn’t think about him, and yet she still found her hands between her thighs. One inside, the other stroking her clitoris, as Eva leaned against the shower.

*Sinking his teeth inside her thigh, she’d still slightly before the pleasure drove her body into a frenzy. He would run his finger against her, smirking at how wet she was before licking his lips and driving his tongue deep inside her causing her to orgasm immediately. *

"I want you so bad…” Her body shook feeling her climax swiftly approaching.

*He’d rise to look her in the eyes. “As you wish Eva,” he’d say before slowly entering her.*

Eva rested her head against the shower wall, satiated by her orgasm. Quickly washing once again, she exited the shower. Throwing on her robe, she walked into the room and immediately froze. Alaric smiled devilishly at her, "Well that was a nice surprise to walk in on.”

Her face flushed with embarrassment, "What the hell are you doing in my room?”

"Hey now, don’t get snippy with me. I was just checking on you when I walked headfirst into your sexual energy.” He closed his eyes and breathed in, "Definitely number three on the list.”

"OUT! OUT! OUT!” She screamed, hitting his arm. Raising his hands defensively, he smirked exiting the room. Eva sat on the bed and placed her head in her hands. "Asshole!” Standing, she dressed in sweatpants and a tank top before smoothing her hair with a comb.

Alaric sat at the table waiting for Eva to emerge. Her orgasm still reeling in his head causing a stir of emotions in him. He clenched his teeth.

*Who was she thinking about?*

His first thought traveled to the pushy human male and he immediately found himself irritated. Just as quickly he rolled his eyes. "What the fucks the matter with me?”

"Do you really want a list?” Eva entered the kitchen and Alaric raised his brow. She looked relaxed, in her sweatpants though they did nothing to hide her figure. Walking over to the fridge, she eyed him curiously.

"What are you looking at?”

"You. You look very relaxed today."

She shrugged her shoulders, "I was until you scared the hell out of me.” He gave her an apologetic look, making her chuckle, "It’s my two-week vacation from my *brute* of a husband while he’s with his mistress.” His angry-looking face hardened, and she quickly turned her attention back to the fridge. "Do you eat?” As soon as she said it, she realized her mistake.

"Extremely well.”

Her face reddened thinking about her moment from the shower. Gathering herself, she turned and rolled her eyes. "Do you eat food?”

"Of course, I eat food. I just don’t need it for nourishment like you do.”

"Well, then where do you get nourishment from?” His hazel eyes gleamed and she raised her hand, "Never mind.”

"Mainly sex and blood, though I have a few other sources.”

"I didn’t need to know that.”

"You asked, and I won’t lie to you,” The way he said it made her skin prickle, and she pursed her lips.

"I’m going to make breakfast.”

She watched the temporary shock on his face. Quickly regaining his composure, he placed his head on his hand and gave her a silent nod. Her back turned, he watched her as she moved around the kitchen. It’s been centuries since he’d sat long enough to watch a woman cook. Usually, his encounters lasted only within the bedroom before they were to take their leave. Still, there was something about seeing her dressed down, humming as she prepared the food for them. Though he didn’t need it, he still was appreciative of the effort she was putting in. Eva made two plates full of food and sat beside Alaric.

"Could you do me a favor? Maybe dress down a bit, this is supposed to be a relaxing day.” He cut his eyes at her before snapping his fingers. His clothes changed from his usual black ripped jeans, and combat boots to grey sweatpants and socks. Eva almost choked on her eggs, seeing the bulging imprint from the sweats. Before she could catch herself, she raised her brow and spoke,

"Well, that backfired. I was trying to put you in something less distracting, but your body doesn’t want to cooperate."

"Wha-” Alaric laughed loudly, his laughter continuing when her face turned tomato red.

"I didn’t mean to-”

He raised his hand still smirking, "Nope Little Human you already said it.” Sitting in comfortable silence, Alaric ate large portions of his food. "This is incredible Eva, thank you.” She smiled at the genuine compliment. "What time is your book thingy?”

She rolled her eyes, "Book signing and at seven. Something about setting the mood for the night owls. Apparently, it’s already has a high buzz.” He nodded, placing another forkful of food in his mouth before standing. Snapping his fingers, his clothes returned to their normal state. Turning to her, he said, "I’ll be back. Thanks for breakfast,” and vanished.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Eva paced back and forth, nervous about her reading.

"Hey, you’re going to do great,” Mark said rubbing her shoulders.

She tried her best to smile, "Thanks, I just haven’t read anything out loud in so long.”

He nodded his head in knowing, before rubbing her shoulders again. Walking over to the water cooler, Eva poured herself a drink. The refreshing water seemed to calm her nerves, as she looked around the bookshop. Not even 6:30 p.m and it was packed, with people glancing at her. The excitement in their eyes made her excited too.

"I can do this,” she muttered her breath. For a moment her thoughts traveled to someplace else. Scanning the crowd, she looked for Alaric, but he was nowhere to be found. Sighing, she composed herself and headed to her table. She started repositioning her books until something caught her attention. A single red rose, near her notepad with a note with only four words written.

*"Do well, Little Human"*

As the crowd began to take their seats, Eva took a deep breath. Stephanie, Mark's sister-in-law, shortly joined her by her side.

"Welcome everyone, tonight is a very special night. Eva Wright has not only agreed to do a book signing of any one of her books of your choosing, but to also read a passage from her book *Incubus*. It is my honor to have her with us. So, let’s show her some love.” Loud applause from all over the bookshop made Eva’s cheeks flush.

"Thank you so much for that warm welcome, hopefully, I can live up to your expectations.”

Shouts from around the room surrounded her, "YOU GOT THIS EVA!” She nodded, took a deep breath, and began to read.

*"...it's not safe. I won't be able to control myself."*

*"He said that you needed me...is that true?"*

*"I couldn't think straight. Every part of my body was screaming for him to touch it. I had always found him attractive, but this was different, my insides were burning for him. "You smell so good." I hear myself say, taking another step forward. He watches me but doesn't move. The room starts to spin, and I stumble slightly."*

*"Mate"*

*"A small sultry voice says in my head. I lock eyes with him once more, and the voice repeats itself..."*

*"...I want you". He sits up in the tub and raises his brow cautiously. "What's happening to you?" I want to speak but I can't hear him, my body literally humming. "I-I don't know...but I need you to fix it,"…*

*"...I grab his neck pulling him into me, our lip clashing hard. The slight taste of blood enters my mouth, and I realize he accidentally nicked me with his fang. "I-I'm so-" I don't let him finish. The taste of the blood excites me, feeding the fire inside of me even more..."*

Eva finished her passage and looked up to the room. Silence as their bodies leaned forward, intrigue all over their faces.

"THAT WAS HOT AS HELL!” Someone yelled, causing everyone to laugh. Applause broke out once more, and Eva held the book close to her chest proudly. Multiple signings later, Eva finally felt at peace. It’d been so long since she was happy, she’d forgotten what it felt like. A copy of Incubus slid across to her on the table. Not looking up, she opened it and put her pen to the page.

"Who can I make this out to?” Silence, and then a voice that sent chills up her spine.

"How about you make it out to Charles?”