for guessing correctly!!!
Anyway, on with the story-
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Recap- “Don’t move.” He whispered, his eyes frozen at her feet.
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Chapter-24
If asked later, she would never be able to say which happened first- her looking down and seeing it; or her ears picking up the hiss of the snake which was coiled inches from her legs, ready to strike.
It is said that snakes have the ability to move faster than lightening. At an average strike speed of eight to ten feet per second, it is improbable to see the actual attack; but call it an adrenalin rush if you will- Amelia could swear she saw the snake lunge at her... fangs exposed. She blinked.
When she opened her eyes, Lucius had his hand around the snake’s ‘neck’. He stared at it for a second more, muttering, “Copperhead”; before tossing it in the distance.
She saw the shrubs rustle where the copperhead snake landed. And then, everything went still.
Although she was aware of Lucius straightening beside her, her eyes continued to scan the forest floor for the snake.
“It’s over, Cariño... you are safe.” He soothed.
She turned to face him.
How many times was he going to come and save her?
Every time, Came the fierce, yet unspoken; answer.
With that he pulled her into his arms, holding her almost too firmly for comfort...Almost.
Without thinking about her actions, she put her arms around his neck...Hugging him tight...Breathing in his scent- fresh, with a hint of citrus.
“For a moment there, I was afraid I was going to lose you, Cariño.” He confessed, entangling his fingers in her long brown strands.
“That was the second time you had to chase me through a forest. Thank you.”
“Let’s not try for third, shall we?”
She nodded, the silk strands of her hair faintly tickling him. He stood for a moment longer, running his hand through her hair, then without warning, he lifted her up- bridal style.
“Lucius!” She yelped in surprise, “I can walk, you know.”
“Humour me.”
She smiled, her arms going around and circling his neck as she rested her head against him- her head fitting perfectly in the hollow between his neck and shoulders. Her entire body tingled- making her excruciatingly aware that they were both clad only in their swim-wear. She felt his shoulder muscles bunch and relax under her hand and longed to trace them with her fingers.
She locked her hands together behind his neck, restraining herself.
Gradually, she began to settle down in the gentle swaying motion of his walk as he strolled slowly back to the cottage with her in his arms.
“Am I too heavy?” She queried.
He snorted, not deigning to honour her ‘silly’ question (as he put it) with an answer.
YOU ARE READING
The Vampire's Reluctant Bride
VampireAmelia is as normal as the next girl ...except that she is already engaged...to a Vampire.
