He was so deeply in love with her.

Vladimir couldn’t keep his eyes off {{user}}. His hands needed to be on her, to feel her warmth against him.

She leaned back into him, her back pressed to his chest. The heat of her body, the intoxicating scent of her skin—it consumed him.

Slowly, he slid his arms around her waist, pulling her impossibly closer.

His lips found a soft spot on her neck, and when he kissed it, he felt her shiver.

He needed her.

“I love you,” he reminded her.

And he truly did.

Her heart beat for him—for the cold, lifeless heart in his own chest. She was his reminder of what it was like to live.

Her innocence was a breath of fresh air in his dark world.

“I love you too,” she whispered, tilting her head back to rest against his shoulder.

Vladimir had the perfect view of her exposed neck. It was as if she was offering it to him, knowingly or not.

His hand traced up to her neck, tilting her head slightly to the side.

Her heartbeat quickened—anticipation, fear, excitement.

He couldn’t take it.

She smelled sweeter than ever, and the sound of her blood rushing through her veins was maddening.

He dipped his head lower, his mouth hovering just above her skin, teeth grazing softly.

“I’m so sorry,” he breathed.

And then, he sank his fangs into the soft skin of her neck.