He couldn't let himself be seduced by an impossible idea. He sprung to his feet and made for the door, still open from his earlier rushed entry. "I have to go."

"Why?" She followed after him, the alluring beat of her heart and intoxicating femininity revealing her place within the room.

He couldn't stop, couldn't reply, couldn't look at her. If he did, there'd be no going back.

He grasped the edge of the door.

Small hands fisted in the back of his shirt. "Wait. Why are you leaving? I mean, did I—"

He halted, heart slamming against his sternum, fangs stretched out and aching. "Release me," he rasped.

She heaved a shaky breath he felt against his arm. "I...can't."

"Release. Me," he said louder. Competing emotions warred within him until he thought he might split apart.

"Nikolai—"

It was his name rolling off her tongue that did it.

He whirled and buried his hands in her hair. He pulled her to him, causing them both to stumble, and he backed her into the ancient bars of the door. It clicked shut, sealing them in and cutting off the last of his restraint.

Tilting her head back, Nikolai devoured her mouth. His lips sucked, his tongue explored, his fangs rubbed against her moist flesh. Oh, God, she was so sweet and warm and wet. He stepped into her, forcing their bodies together from chest to thighs. And, dammit, she was soft everywhere he was hard.

Her hands curled around his neck and climbed into his hair, fingers tangling and tugging. She pulled him in tighter and surrendered to the kiss. She met him stroke for stroke, their tongues curling and twining together.

And Nikolai no longer knew who was surrendering to whom.