Read Ravenous, PART 1 first.

They walked in near silence through the now deserted city.

Seth steadied his mind in great restraint.

He led her to his stairs, then felt her hesitate. He turned toward her slightly. “Catherine?” He hoped he would charm her into coming up. He did not wish a sloppy scene of grabbing her and physically fighting her into his apartment building, although he did not doubt his ability to do so quickly.

She gazed up at him through her thick eyelashes, the essence of a smile playing the corners of her mouth. “You are not going to take advantage of me, are you Seth?’ She asked demurely.

Her gaze stirred Seth’s soul, that is, it would have had he possessed a soul. Nevertheless, the anticipation of having this woman was driving him mad. “Catherine,” he said, turning to face her outright. “I am but a gentleman. Anything that would happen tonight would be of your origin.” He smiled his most compassionate, charming smile, and Catherine’s full lips curved to mirror his. He held out his arm in invitation, she stepped into it, and they ascended the stairs together.

Seth’s condo was furnished tastefully in a Victorian manner; dark, ornately detailed wood, velvet furnishings, soft antique rugs.

Catherine felt immediately at ease.

Seth showed her around, then excused himself to his quarters to change. Catherine stepped around to the bar, a heavy freestanding piece with gargoyles looking down upon humans being devoured by daemons carved into the dark cherry wood. She poured herself a heavy glass of an ancient brandy then wandered around, trailing her fingers over Seth’s belongings. She settled onto a burgundy velvet chaise and waited for Seth.

Seth slipped out of his soiled clothing and deftly adorned himself with a finely tailored linen suit. He lit candles throughout the room. He ran his fingers through his hair, replacing a few wayward tendrils, and nodded at his striking reflection. He was almost shaking with anticipation. The woman in his living room was outrageously delectable. He imagined his lips upon her porcelain neck, her silken hair teasing his cheek. Then the look of sheer horror as he had his way with her. He could imagine how large her turquoise eyes would become when she realized the truth of the situation. His eyes glinted with lusting hunger as he left the bedroom.

Catherine finished her brandy as Seth reappeared. “You clean up very nice.” She commented, smoothly appraising his appearance. He moved with a graceful, refined air, giving the appearance of a man decidedly older than his appearance. Setting her empty glass on a small, smoked glass table, she stood to meet him.

“I must say, Catherine, you are quite the beauty. I find you wonderfully enchanting. And I wish to thank you.” Seth whispered. He was facing Catherine, so close they almost touched. He discovered it took much more will to keep his breath from getting stuck in his chest.

“Thank me?”

“For the latte downpour.”

Catherine’s eyes opened in childlike surprise. “I can honestly say that would be a first for me.” she laughed. “I have never been thanked for causing a dry cleaning bill!”

Seth interjected. “That accident allowed me to know you.” He said with upmost sincerity.

Catherine blushed. “In that case, I would spill hot beverages upon you any time.” She smiled breathtakingly. “And might I add, Seth, you are quite the appealing specimen yourself.”

“I am the lucky one to be in your presence.” Seth claimed, tucking a piece of Catherine’s hair behind her ear.

Catherine felt his breath upon her face. She could hear his heart beating. Fast and steady. His hand caressed her ear and slid to her nape. He coaxed her closer to his lowered head. His lips brushed hers. The electricity from that small touch caused heat to build in her belly. He kissed her deeper, drawing her body against his by the small of her back. Even with heels on, Catherine had to stand on her toes to reach him. She wrapped her arms around his back, they didn’t even get a chance to meet around his broad torso. Seth teased her lips open, asking her tongue to dance. Heat moved through her body as her want grew.

Seth realized he was exercising the greatest restraint of his life. This unfamiliar territory both was a curiosity and a challenge. He decided to draw this out; not take her right here on the 14th century Persian rug.

He moaned and broke the kiss, and watched as Catherine’s eyes parted open through thick lashes. A content smile toyed her lips. It was she who spoke first. “I believe a drink is in order.”

“You read my mind.”

He stepped behind the bar and poured two glasses of wine. What to do next? He clinked his glass with hers and sipped thoughtfully, appraising his conquest from head to toe. He noticed her following his gaze.

“So, what is it you do for a living, Seth?”

“I deal in antiques. And you, my Dear. Besides providing libations for the masses, what are your passions?”

“I travel extensively. The nature of my work provides the freedom to leave on a whim.” She offered mysteriously.

They talked of random things, most of which Seth couldn’t repeat if asked minutes later. He was becoming more and more hungry. He wanted her, needed her. His loins became like fire as he watched her throat when she swallowed sips of wine.

That graceful, unspoiled neck…

He was beautiful. His hair was long and dark, just brushing his shoulders. His high cheekbones appeared as if they had been meticulously sculpted and his jawbone was broad and strong. In fact, the whole of him was a fine piece of art. She could stare at him forever. But it was, in fact, his dark eyes that held her gaze the longest. Deep pools of wisdom and lust. She was mesmerized, falling almost hypnotically.

Catherine spotted his stereo and pressed the power button. Powerful piano filled the room. “Rachmaninov” she said.

“Prelude in C Sharp Minor” He added.

Seth went to her and took her glass, setting it on a table beside his. He drew her into his arms and stared down into her eyes.

“What am I going to do with you?” He asked.

“What is it you want to do with me, Sir?”

“Devour you.”

Seth lifted her easily and swiftly carried her to his massive bed. He laid her on top of his satin duvet then moved atop her and kissed her passionately, sliding her arms over her head and holding them with one hand. His other hand roamed her body.

She rewarded him with little moans and cries. He had to be careful to avoid the temptation of her neck. He had not felt the stirring for some time, and was determined to satiate that long hidden desire.

He ravished her body with his tongue, relishing the effects it had on both him and his conquest. He kissed her wine sweetened mouth. He trailed his fingers along her skin, watching as she quivered in tormented anticipation.

Carmina Burana began to play. Catherine closed her eyes and stiffened when Seth’s tongue teased her collarbone. He relished the sound of her heart beats coming faster and faster, eagerly awaiting the sound when they slowed more and more until there was only a hollow in her chest.

He kissed her forehead. Her cheeks. Then moved to her lips. She hungrily replied. She stiffened as his hands teased her electrified skin. She watched as he deftly removed himself of his shirt. He was chiseled. Forget 6 pack, he had a 10 pack. She wanted to trail her fingers over his muscles.

“Come here.” Her voice, throaty with desire.

He obeyed, staring deep into her eyes. He held himself easily over her and stroked her body. He kissed and caressed.

“Seth,” She cried in want, grabbing hold of his back and drawing him closer.

“Catherine,” he whispered in between nibbles to her earlobe.

"Take me," she breathed.

In moments she was nude beneath him. He ravaged her silky porcelain skin with his hands and mouth while removing his remaining clothing.

“I want you now Seth.”

He eyes twinkled brilliantly. “As you wish, mistress.”

He entered her. She gave a little cry but soon adjusted to his girth. He moved her arms back over her head and held them with one hand at the wrists.

He was ravenous. He wanted her blood and her orgasm simultaneously.

They made savage, passionate love, hard and fast. The need couldn't be dampened.

Her breathing wavered for a moment and he stared fiercely into her eyes. "Come for me Catherine."

Suddenly a fire blazed in her eyes. “Yes,” She hissed.

She ripped free of his hold and flipped him over. The look of surprise in his wide eyes was thrilling.

“What? But how-?” he asked.

She whispered in his ear, “No hard feelings beautiful Seth.”

Seth responded with unintelligible sounds.

She felt him quivering beneath her as she rode him forcefully. She held him down and sunk her teeth into his neck as she climaxed. He stiffened and struggled, but she was too strong.

Seth fought beneath her but quickly was emptied in euphoria while she drained him of blood.

His struggles grew weak. Catherine rode the waves of bliss that came from filling herself of his essence. Finally, his last shallow breath escaped with a sigh. She lay down beside him, stroking his still body mindlessly while her body calmed, a tiny smile playing the corners of her lips.