Frank is waiting by the elevator when we get there.

"I thought I told you to go home?"

"Since when do I do what you tell me? You lost a lot of blood, Bill."

"I'll be fine."

"You need to—"

"I know what I need. I'll be fine."

"What do you need?" As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I actually feel the color drain from my face. Of course. "Oh."

Billy shoots a glare at Frank, then grips both my arms.

"Hey, you're safe with me. You know that, right?"

"That was a lot easier to answer an hour ago."

Billy sighs, but smirks. "Can't say I blame you."

The elevator dings open. Billy sends Frank home, then presses his thumb to a panel inside the elevator. We're carried to the penthouse floor, and it hits me that I've never been inside Billy's home. I didn't even know he lived in the Anvil building.

"Wow," I whisper. "Nice place."

Billy shrugs. "I spend more time in my office."

"I noticed."

He guides me to the plush sofa and sits down next to me. Then he leans his head back and sighs.

"Billy?"

"Yeah."

"Do you… need blood?"

"Don't worry about that. You want a drink?"

I shake my head. I want my wits about me.

"So. Vampire."

"Yep."

"That explains a lot, actually."

"Does it?" He smirks.

"How women just flock to you?"

He laughs. "That's a myth. We don't have this mysterious, seductive influence. That's just me." He winks, and I know I go red in the face. "Wait. Are you saying you've felt a 'pull' toward me?"

"I said nothing of the sort."

He smiles, and, oh, he knows I'm lying.

"Your heart is racing."

Of course he can tell. Vampire. Blood.

"What other things are myths?"

"Quite a few things. But the major stuff, like sunlight—"

"You can go out in the sun?"

"It's a little more complicated than that. It doesn't poof us into dust, but it does hurt, and it can be fatal if we're in it too long."

"Stake through the heart?"

"Truth. And it has to stay there, otherwise we come back to life."

"No way."

"Yep. It takes a while for it to work. Months, sometimes before the vampire is truly dead. Mostly due to starvation."

"This is insane," I whisper. "Garlic?"

"I love it." He smirks. I should have known that. I've ordered his food.

"So… the blood thing…"

"I just drink enough to get by, and always from a willing participant."

"Willing?"

"Those few people who know."

"Anyone I know?"

"Nope."

"Oh."

"Jealous?"

"What?" The bastard smirks. "No! Why would I be jealous?"

Billy shrugs.

"You're such an incorrigible flirt." I laugh. Honestly, I'm relieved to have some of these questions answered. "So, you won't try to drink my blood, then."

"Only if you want me to."

He grins like the Cheshire cat, and I look down at my fingers in my lap.

"Does it hurt?"

"Desiree, I'm not—"

"What if I want you to?"

Every hint of a smile disappears from his face.

"You don't have to."

"I know. But Frank said you need to, and you've been so busy helping me tonight that you haven't been able to…"

"It hurts a little, at first. Just when I pierce the flesh."

"And then?"

"Some people find it very sensual. It's an intimate act. We're both vulnerable."

I take a deep breath. "Ok."

"Ok, what?"

"Do it."

"Desiree… no."

"Why not?"

"I never wanted this part of me to touch you."

"Well, it has. Let me help you."

He shakes his head. "Bad idea."

"Worse than you being weak from a bullet in the gut?"

Billy chuckles. "Maybe not."

I put my hand on his. "Let me help."

"You're really sure?"

I nod, trying to force back the hesitation.

Billy brushes his fingers over my jaw and sweeps my hair back over my shoulder.

"You're nervous."

"Yes."

"Still sure?"

"Yes."

Billy repositions so that I'm lying back on the sofa. He lies to my side, his leg over one of mine, as he hovers over me.

"I'll be as gentle as I can," he says.

I can only nod. His warm breath against my neck is amazing. If anyone were to walk in, it would look like we're making out. And for a moment, I wonder if that's his intent. His lips brush over my pulse point, then he kisses the spot, warm and wet as his lips pull together. I shudder.

"Is this more than curiosity, Desiree?"

I can't speak.

"You know, I always know when your heart rate increases. Always when I wear my black suit with the black shirt underneath."

He kisses the spot again.

"And that time you walked in on me changing shirts."

Another kiss, lingering just a bit longer.

"I think you've always wanted my mouth on you."

The pressure is sudden, and the pain is sharp. I gasp and clutch his waist. Billy stills, and a hand caresses my face. His lips lock over the spot and the sensation changes. The pressure is still there, but the pain is gone. Billy's tongue presses against my skin as he gently sucks, and I moan. My hands slide up and down his back. I want so badly to shove my fingers into his hair, but I'm worried I'll jostle his head.

He stays attached to me for a few minutes, then pulls back. He licks the blood - my blood - from his lips and smiles.

"Thank you."

He presses his index finger to a fang and makes a small wound, then touches it to my neck. All pain is instantly gone.

"What did you do?"

"Don't want to leave you with a wound."

I run my hand over the spot. No blood. No pain.

"How do you feel?" he asks.

"I feel good."

"Even while I was feeding?"

Feeding. That's not what I'd call it.

"Even then. You were right. It's actually kinda…"

"Like sex?"

I wonder if my face gets red even though he's just taken blood from me.

"I wasn't gonna say that, but… yeah. Kinda."

"Good sex?"

"Billy!"

"What? I like to know that I've left a woman satisfied."

"What about you? How do you feel now?"

"All better."

"Really?"

"One hundred percent."

"That's amazing."

"Now we have to get you back in tip-top shape. Hungry?"

I nod, but Billy doesn't move.

"You know, I don't need much blood," he says. "I could get by on one or two feeds a week with steady access. Would you be willing?"

I stare up at him so long that he smiles and presses his lips to my neck again.

"What do you say?"

I nod.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

He sits up and pulls me with him, but keeps his arm around me.

"I can see why you have willing participants. I mean, the kissing alone is just—"

"I don't do that to the others."

It takes a moment for that to sink in.

"You don't?"

"Nope."

"Then, why…"

Billy smiles and tightens his arm around my waist.

"Since I'm being honest about a lot of stuff tonight," he leans his face into my neck and runs his tongue along my skin, "I've wanted you for a long time. Why do you think I flirt so much with you?"

"You flirt with everyone."

"Like I flirt with you? Think about it."

I do think about it, and I realize he's right. He smiles and winks at other women, but with me it's like he takes it up a notch. He tries his best to make me blush, and usually succeeds.

My heart starts racing at the realization, and Billy groans.

"I don't wanna be one of your flings, Billy. I like my job, and I like you. I know your rule. I can't do casual knowing it won't ever go anywhere."

"That rule is there for a reason."

"I know."

"No, you haven't put it together yet. I can't be with anyone for long, for anything serious, because of what I am. It's not like I can tell people and let them decide if they want to be with me. So, I keep it casual."

"Oh! You're right. I've just assumed for so long that you were afraid of commitment." I chuckle. "It didn't connect."

"Not afraid of commitment."

"So… you're attracted to me?"

"And you're attracted to me."

I blush. I feel the heat in my face.

"I've overwhelmed you. I'm sorry. Let's just keep it to you helping me out for now. As long as you don't mind me kissing your neck a little to ease your nerves."

I swallow hard. "I don't mind." I whisper.

Billy smirks. "Let's get you some food."