Mr. Vampire Who Lives in My Neighbourhood

38

"I've said it, no regrets..." Not that she wouldn't regret it, but the words were out there, and she didn't want to take them back.

His usually mischievous smile faded into a thoughtful gaze, as if trying to peer into the depths of her soul, deciphering her thoughts. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked, feeling uneasy under his intense scrutiny.

"Why not?"

"What do you mean, why not?"

"Why the sudden agreement? Before, no matter the temptation, you wouldn't give an inch. At any hint of mischief from me, you'd ward me off like a grand sorcerer dealing with a demon, without a shred of mercy. Why the change of heart now?"

"Times change. Who would let someone bite their neck for no reason? Anyone would swat a mosquito biting them!"

He couldn't help but grimace. "I'm not a mosquito..."

"It's the same principle. You were after my blood, so of course I'd defend myself. But now, you're injured because you tried to save me. Giving a little blood in return is the least I can do to repay your kindness."

"Is that so?" His piercing gaze made her heart flutter, afraid he'd see through her facade. She didn't want him to know how much she cared; that would be too embarrassing, and he'd be too smug.

"Of course. Doubting me?" She tried to appear indifferent, but the blush creeping onto her cheeks betrayed her.

"Very suspicious." He moved closer, relentless in his pursuit of the truth, making her heart race with annoyance.

"Are you going to take it or not? If not, forget it!"

Instead of pushing him away, she found herself pulled even closer, enveloped in his arms.

"Of course I'll take it. How could I pass up such a delectable treat?" His low chuckle, the seductive timbre of his voice caressing her ear, brought back that enchanting atmosphere.

"I'm warning you, not too much. Only up to 250 milliliters," she said, her heart racing as she tried to maintain a cool tone to mask her discomfort.

"Don't worry, I'll be careful." His warm breath lingered on her neck, not biting immediately but teasing, almost as if savoring the scent, tickling her and causing goosebumps.

"It's so itchy... Can you hurry up?"

"Patience." His voice, husky and magnetic, whispered in her ear like a gentle caress. "Feeding is a sacred ritual; it shouldn't be rushed. I don't want to hurt you."

The sensation was peculiar, unlike anything she'd experienced before. The warmth of his embrace, the tantalizing breath on her neck—though she knew he was teasing, she didn't really mind, nor did she stop him.

"You smell so good... Strange, why do you suddenly smell so nice?"

"Don't use that as an excuse to stall."

"No, it's true. Your body temperature is rising, your pores are opening, and you smell even richer than usual."

"I'm not wearing perfume."

"It's your natural scent, it's become more intense..." He seemed intoxicated, continuing to inhale her scent, wanting to confirm it again, his nose brushing against her soft skin, stirring waves that made her body heat rise even more.

"Are you a dog? Stop sniffing me!" she protested softly, struggling to free herself from his hold.