Tempting The Gorgon: A Gorgon / Vampire Romance

Epilogue

“Remind me to never piss you off,” Gioia said, examining the newest decoration in my office. I wanted to keep an eye on Thatcher for all eternity. There was no better place for him to watch the world pass him by than in my office. It was the easiest decision I’d ever made.

I even had the girls come over for a “Decorate the Dick” party where we essentially glitter bombed and penis-afied the statue until it looked like something that barely survived the worst bachelorette weekend ever.

“It was so fucking hot, though,” Lennox said again. She was joking, or at least I thought she was, but it made me giggle all the same.

“I’m still pissed the cameras weren’t working in that room,” Cliona offered.

“I’m surprised there were even cameras with how medieval that entire place was,” I said with a shrug. “Why aren’t you all downstairs enjoying the festivities?” It was opening night of Venom and the docket was jam-packed with talent that Arch had booked and planned so efficiently I hadn’t had to lift a finger.

Which was good since we’d spent most of the time since returning from Portland in his cabin fucking each other in every way conceivable.

I was still sore from how he twisted me up before I had to leave and open the club.

“The better question is, why aren’t you?” Lennox asked. “You should be downstairs enjoying your efforts instead of hiding up here.”

“I’m not hiding.”

Lennox laughed. “Of course you are. I already told you the logistics are fine. You need to be the face of Venom like you planned.”

My nerves shot up, and I wasn’t necessarily looking forward to the prospect of mingling with the townsfolk even if that was a big motivation for opening Venom in the first place.

“You’re right, per usual.” I sighed and stood up. I had on an outfit that made me feel like a complete boss bitch. I wore a leather top that zipped up enough for my cleavage to have a front row seat for the entire evening. The sleeves were tight and wrapped in a mix of fabrics going halfway down my arms. I had on a tight leather skirt that I picked out specifically with Arch in mind as I saw him eyeing it from my wardrobe when we came back from Portland. My legs were covered in fishnets I tore in strategic areas that highlighted the curves in my thick calves and thighs, which tucked into a pair of ankle boots with a clear wedge heel that had anatomically correct bleeding hearts in the resin. I topped the look off with dark, blood red lipstick and bold black and gray smoky eye that I knew would drive my mate wild.

“Fuck why are you with Arch again?” Lennox asked, arching an eyebrow at me in question.

“Because she’s a smart female that knows the epitome of sex appeal,” a masculine voice sounded from the door to my office. My breath was caught in my throat as the male himself prowled into my office with his gaze locked on mine. He was wearing a black suit, with a black shirt, and black tie, also with anatomically correct hearts decorating it in a deep red. I looked at Lennox who shrugged and winked at me. She must have snuck in the tie after seeing my shoes at some point. It worked.

It also had my clit throbbing at the clear way we matched. How we looked as if he were an extension of me and I him. I bit my lower lip as he approached and gripped the base of my snakes, something they had allowed him to do one day and he’d taken advantage of ever since. I stared into his amber eyes and saw the need and lust reflecting back at me.

“Mate,” he muttered before closing the distance and pressing his lips to mine. He didn’t linger like he normally did, instead offering me a quick peck and lightly licking at the seam of my lips before pulling away. “You look good enough to eat.”

“You’ll have to have a snack to tie you over since our Vinni needs to make the rounds and see how folks are digging her club,” Lennox interrupted and despite knowing she was right had me growling in her direction.

“Oh hush, you know I’m right,” she said before turning to leave the room.

“Are you ready?” Arch whispered in my ear before kissing it softly and pulling back to look into my eyes. I saw his pride and excitement there. Along with the hunger he was trying to keep under control since it was my night.

It was my night, wasn’t it?

“What is going through that beautiful mind of yours?”

I closed my eyes, inhaling deeply before exhaling out my nerves. I opened my eyes to meet my mate’s again, feeding off his strength and confidence in me.

“I guess it’s nerves. I am not used to feeling this way. Like I want to hide up here?” It was as vulnerable as I’d get with anyone. I hadn’t been allowed to feel things for so long I was working on saying them out loud. And I knew Arch wouldn’t weaponize any fears I had against me later on.

His face softened as he stroked my chin before grabbing both sides of my face so I couldn’t escape.

“You are going to go out there and show the entire town that you did this thing. You fucking opened this entire club because you know what a joy it can be for folks to find themselves in a safe way. You are going to say hi and thank them for coming. To the club and hopefully literally before they leave.” Arch winked and I shook my head at his dumb joke. “And then you’re going to sit with me in the front row while Rory emcee’s the night’s performances that I booked. And if you’re my naughty little whore, like I know you are.” He leaned in and whispered into my ear again. “You’re going to let me finger fuck you right there under the table in front of everyone. You’re going to not only let me, but you’re going to like it. And you’re somehow going to keep a straight face while being my desperate slut since you have to be professional.”

“Arch,” I moaned his name as he pulled away toward the door and extended his arm out to me.

“Are you ready, my mate?”

I took one last deep breath and walked forward, placing my arm in his and feeling complete at his touch on me.

“Obviously.”