Page 56 of Darius

She crossed her fingers behind his back, hoping that he would agree. What would she do if he refused? “I’m so tired of being frightened. I’ve been thinking, Daddy. You should make me a vampire now. Then I could be fierce and powerful.”

“Let’s go inside and talk, Little girl.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her up the stairs and into the mansion. Darius walked directly to the study where they enjoyed spending time together outside of her nursery and sat down in the largest armchair with Mara on his lap.

“This decision is not one to make lightly. The conversion cannot be undone. Once you are a vampire, there’s no going back.”

“I know that. Do you not wish to change me?” Tears pricked at her eyelids. Had he gotten tired of her already?

Darius lifted her chin until their gazes meshed again. “I will never have enough days with you, Zoí mou. I also want you to choose to become a vampire because you’re running toward our long life together, not because you’re fleeing from threats.”

“My timing sucks. I wanted to talk to you about this last night, but you distracted me.”

A flash of their lovemaking last night floated through her mind, making her smile. His lips curved up as well.

“It was a delicious distraction,” he murmured softly. “You’re sure?”

“I want as much time as we can share. I’ll admit, I’m scared. Could you tell me what will happen?”

“Of course. I will drink from you deeply. I promise I will ensure that part is pleasurable.”

A thrill went down her spine, and she kissed him, interrupting his description. When she sat back, even more confident that she was making the right decision, Mara said, “Sounds like fun.”

Darius’s expression became serious, sending a chill through her. “Perhaps slightly frightening in the middle, Little girl. I will feed you my blood to bring you back from the edge of death. My life’s essence will bolster you and change you into a vampire.”

She shivered at the thought of risking everything. “That does sound scary. You’ll be with me, right?”

“Yes, Mara. I will always care for you completely. Once your vampire senses engage, sensations, colors, scents, and desire will flood your body—more than you’ve ever experienced. The change will overwhelm you as your body and mind adjust. But this phase only takes a short time, and I will do all I can to make this transition pleasurable and unforgettable.”

“How?”

“Let me show you, Zoí mou. If you are ready, stand before me, so I can remove your clothes.”

“I have to be naked to be a vampire?” she asked.

“No, but getting naked is a lot more fun,” he said, waggling his eyebrows provocatively at her.

Giggles erupted from her throat, obliterating her concerns. This was Darius. He was over-the-top protective. He would never hurt her.

“Strip me, Daddy.”

Lust erased the humor from his face. The door to the study slammed shut, making Mara jump. The lock clicked loudly as he engaged it. She swallowed hard as she met Darius’s gaze.

“I think I’d enjoy watching you remove your clothing for me instead.”

Feeling awkward, Mara shifted from one foot to the other. Darius leaned back against the upholstery and unfastened his belt. Her gaze followed his movements and widened at the sight of his cock tenting the material. Her embarrassment evaporated as a sensation of power replaced her shyness. She’d done that to him. He wanted her.

“You’re keeping me waiting, Little girl,” he growled.

Mara lifted her hands to the front of her blouse and unbuttoned the fasteners, allowing the silky material to gape open. She shrugged one shoulder free and then the other and shimmied, shaking the garment down her arms and to the floor. Not that Darius noticed that part. He’d focused completely on her jiggling breasts encased in the lacy bra.

Drawing a line from her throat to the front closure, Mara hooked her finger under and released the frilly fabric. Her bra popped open, allowing her assets to burst free. Darius’s groan inflamed the heat already building in her abdomen. A moment later, she tossed the scrap of lace away.

“Daddy, I missed you today,” she whispered as she fiddled with the button on her slacks.

“If you value those pants, get them off quickly,” he said in a low voice dripping with desire.

“You’re rushing me, Daddy. Don’t you want to hear about my day?”

A slight breeze wafted over her skin, and material flew through the air, leaving her clad only in her panties and her low-heeled pumps. She patted his chest as he stood close now. Her Daddy moved very quickly when motivated. Smiling, she murmured, “Oh, my. You are impatient.”