Ryder had hoped by now Diana would understand it was no longer a case of her world versus his, not

only because of her physical condition, but because of the emotions she kept bottled inside. Emotions too similar to the loss and loneliness he'd battled over the centuries. He could help her handle them if she left her human world behind and joined him in his world. He lifted his hands to her back and urged her forward. She didnt fight him, but slid her body upward along his. Resting her hands on his shoulders and bending toward him, she begged against his lips, Please, Ryder. He shifted his hand to rest in the gap between her breasts, feeling her heart race. A solid, speedy beat that testified to her passion, not the fragile flutter that told him she needed a treatment. You are all that matters to me, he said. Do you think I can stand by and do nothing to keep you with me? She sighed and the warmth of her breath bathed his lips. You make this too hard. But her words were followed by the brush of her lips against his. He savored the love in that kiss. He opened his mouth, accepting her urgent kiss, groaning at the press of her body along the length of his. Relishing every lean hollow and soft curve pillowed into him. She licked the edge of his lips with her tongue, then dipped it in to taste him. To run it along the edges of his teeth, where shed find no hint of the vampire. For now, he wanted to share his humanity. Reaching between their bodies, he cupped her breast and swiped his thumb across the beaded tip. Taking it between his thumb and forefinger, he kneaded it into an even harder peak while he slid his other hand beneath the edge of her camisole. With a quick surge, he yanked it over her head, freeing her breasts so he could touch them. He tweaked her nipples with his fingers, earning a strangled moan from her. Ryder, she breathed huskily against his lips. He pulled away from her kiss to whisper in her ear, Tell me what you want, darlin.

She shivered with desire and he knew he would give her whatever she asked. Sitting up slightly, she stared down at him, cupped her breasts and said, I want your mouth on me. A long shudder ripped across his body and his vamp senses picked up on the answering pulse between her legs. He covered her hands with his, rose, and took her nipple into his mouth, sucking and biting while he caressed her other breast with his fingers. She trembled and raked her fingers through his hair, holding him close, shifted her hips against his body, insistent in her need. He was so hard it was almost painful, but he didnt want to rush the moment. He sensed it wouldnt take much to push her over the edge. Tempering his caresses, he lay back down, toying with her breasts, and asked, What else do you want? She bit her full bottom lip. A becoming and blessedly healthy flush worked across her cheeks. I want you to kiss me. Down there.