17. Fingers

Fingers

And The Surprising Things You Can Do With Them

K icking both Derek and Sebastian out was more of a challenge than I'd expected. Naturally, neither of them wanted to leave the other alone with me, so I ended up pushing them both out at the same time, ignoring their protests. Honestly, I thought as I finally closed the door behind them, they're like children.

With the room blessedly quiet, I flop onto my bed, hoping for sleep to come easily. But it doesn't. My mind is still buzzing with everything—Derek's confession, Sebastian's flirtations, the chaos of it all. Just when I think I'll be up all night again, the faint sound of a violin drifts into my ears.

I sit up, listening carefully. The melody is soft, gentle, and oddly soothing. It's the same one I've heard before, the same music that helped lull me to sleep. Curiosity prickles at me. Who's playing?

I tell myself to just let it go, but I can't. Grabbing a jacket, I slip out of my room. The dorm leader is supposed to stop students from sneaking around at night, but the current one? He's a werewolf who gets high on full moons and couldn't care less. So, I'm not too worried.

As I creep up the staircases, the music continues, growing slightly louder. I follow the sound, step by step, until I realize it's coming from above. The rooftop.

The door to the roof is locked, but that's nothing a little magic can't fix. Muttering the unlocking spell, "Barrier, be gone, let this door open wide, Unbolt the way and let me inside." With a soft click, the door unlocks, and I step out into the chilly night air. The wind bites at my skin, but I'm too focused on the music to care. I weave through the maze of air conditioning vents, trying to pinpoint where the sound is coming from.

And then, I see him.

Sebastian, standing at the edge of the roof, his back to me, playing the violin. His fingers glide effortlessly over the strings, and I'm completely mesmerized by the way his body moves with the rhythm, by the way the music seems to pulse through him. There's something about the way he plays—something that pulls at me, tugs me closer like an invisible force. It's hypnotic.

I stand there, entranced, watching him. My heart pounds as the song swells, the notes wrapping around me like a spell. I can't look away. Can't move. It feels like the music is reaching inside me, stirring something deep and unsettling.

The song reaches its final note, and he lowers the violin slowly. Now's my chance to sneak away, I think, but before I can take a step, his voice calls out to me.

"Zaria."

Busted.

He chuckles softly as I step out from behind one of the vents. "You can't exactly hide from me," he says, lowering the violin. "I always know when you're close."

I fold my arms, trying to sound unaffected. "I'm shocked. A vampire who can play the violin? What's next, ballroom dancing?"

Sebastian turns, giving me that same sultry smirk that's both irritating and far too attractive for my own good. "I'm very good with my fingers. If you're cold, I'm sure I could warm you up."

Suddenly, the chill from the wind is the last thing on my mind. My face heats up, and I bite back a retort, feeling flustered in spite of myself. "I'll pass, thanks," I mutter, but my heart is pounding in my chest. He just laughs, the sound low and knowing, like he's already gotten under my skin. And maybe he has.

Sebastian's smirk never leaves his face as he steps closer, closing the distance between us with a slow, predatory grace. I instinctively take a step back, but it's too late—his hand snakes around my waist, and before I can protest, he pulls me flush against his chest. The contact sends a jolt of heat through my body, and I'm suddenly hyper-aware of every place our bodies touch.

"Why do you keep pushing me away?" he murmurs, his breath hot against my ear.

I squirm a little, trying to maintain some semblance of control, but it's a losing battle. "Because… because this whole situation feels awkward, okay?" I stammer. "Seriously, I get the whole gentleman's agreement thing, but wouldn't you be annoyed if I was up here with Derek right now?"

Sebastian chuckles, the sound deep and dark, vibrating through his chest and into me. He shrugs casually, like I've just asked him if he prefers coffee or tea. "Honestly? No. If you're my mate, the feeling is different. It's like… knowing I'm not the only one who feels deeply for you, who would give anything to make sure you're okay. There's an odd comfort in that."

I blink, trying to process what he's saying. Comfort? "So, jealousy just isn't a thing?"

He shakes his head slightly. "Not when it comes to mates. Sure, we might still dislike each other," he adds with a pointed glance that makes me roll my eyes, "but when it comes to you? It's not about jealousy. We can't hate you for sampling both of us. If anything, we'd be happier if you chose both." His lips quirk up into a mischievous smile. "But if that's not your style, we'll adjust." Great, I think, because nothing says ‘normal' like considering a two-for-one deal on boyfriends. I exhale slowly, letting the tension in my shoulders melt away. Maybe it's time I stop trying to fight the situation and just go with the flow—for now, at least. The moment I relax, Sebastian tightens his grip on my waist, pulling me even closer, his lips brushing against the side of my neck. "You know," he whispers, his voice low and molten, "I can play nice, but that's not really my style."

Before I can throw out some sarcastic retort, his mouth is on my neck, pressing slow, heated kisses just below my ear. A shiver runs down my spine, and any attempt to hold onto my usual wit dissolves into a haze of warmth and sensation.

"Don't think for one moment you're just a snack, Zaria," he murmurs between kisses, his voice like a dark promise, "I'm making you my meal." I feel my pulse quicken as his hands trail down my sides, his lips lingering on my neck, and I'm torn between pushing him away and pulling him closer. Damn it, I think, this should not feel this good.

Sebastian's voice drops lower, filled with a possessive edge that makes my pulse quicken. "This is just the warm-up, Zaria. I'm just getting started."

I try to gather my usual sarcasm, anything to shield myself from the heat building inside me. "Oh, really?" I manage to say, my voice shaky, betraying how much I'm affected. "And here I thought vampires were into subtlety—maybe a movie first?"

He chuckles softly, his breath hot against my neck, his hands tightening at my waist. "Subtlety's not really my style. I prefer to savor every moment, every touch. Trust me, witch, you haven't felt anything yet."

The way his words slide through the air, low and teasing, makes me shudder. He's too close, his presence too overwhelming, and worse, I'm enjoying it far too much. His fingers trace the curve of my waist, and I can feel my resolve slipping, melting like snow under the sun.

"I'm going to make sure you feel every bit of it," he whispers, lips brushing against my ear, sending a wave of heat straight through me.

My breath catches as his hand moves to cup the back of my neck, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. The warmth of his touch sends another jolt down my spine, and despite everything, I don't pull away. My mind spins, drowning in the sensation of his lips ghosting over my neck, his words thick with desire. I hate how much I like it, how much I want more.

Just when I feel his hand start to slip lower, my mind snaps back. I push him away, my breath coming in quick, shallow gasps. "Enough," I whisper, trying to sound firm, but my voice betrays me.

Sebastian pulls back, though his smirk never falters. "You sure about that, witch?" he murmurs, eyes gleaming with a dangerous playfulness.

I glare at him, using sarcasm as my last flimsy defense against the desire still coursing through me. "You really don't take a hint, do you?"

He laughs softly, stepping closer again. "I take hints, Zaria. But you don't seem so sure of what you want." His gaze flickers over me, lingering in a way that makes my skin burn. "Just remember, your blood's already mine. You'll feel it soon enough."

Before I can even form a response, his lips crash into mine, and the world tilts. It's not like the kiss with Derek. This is something entirely different—wild, heated, like a hungry animal that's been starved for far too long. His hands grip my waist, pulling me closer, and I find myself melting into the kiss, unable to fight the surge of heat coursing through me.

His kiss is fierce, raw, and demanding, and for a moment, I lose myself in it, swept away by the intensity. But as quickly as it begins, I pull back, breathless and rattled, my heart hammering in my chest.

Sebastian pulls away slowly, his smirk softer this time, like he knows exactly what effect he's had on me. "Told you," he whispers, his voice thick with satisfaction.

Damn him.

My brain, usually sharp with comebacks and sarcasm, goes blank as I stand there, breathless and rattled. Screw it. Before I can talk myself out of it, I grab hold of Sebastian, yanking him back into a kiss.

The second our lips collide again, it's like every nerve in my body catches fire. The kiss is hot, fierce, and laced with more intensity than I can handle—but I don't care. I let go. Completely. My hands tangle in his hair, pulling him closer, and his grip tightens on me, like he's been waiting for this just as much as I have.

He grabs my thighs, lifting me effortlessly off the ground, and I wrap my legs around his waist. He lowers us slowly to the cold concrete, but honestly, I couldn't care less. My body is buzzing, completely focused on the heat between us. I'm letting myself go, deciding that for once, I'll stop thinking about the consequences and just feel.

His lips leave mine, trailing hot kisses down my neck, each one sending another wave of pleasure through me. I can feel him, hard through his pants, pressing against me as he pulls my waist into his. Shit.

A small part of my brain, the part that hasn't completely surrendered, reminds me not to panic. Surely— SURELY —the gentlemen's agreement will hold, right? They've agreed to this. They'll both respect boundaries… right?

But then Sebastian's hands slip under my skirt, his fingers traveling around my thighs. The sensation is new, thrilling, and utterly foreign. My body arches into him, craving more even though I have no idea what I'm doing, and it doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is how his touch makes me feel—alive, electrified, and like I've lost every sense of control, but in the best possible way.

I've never experienced anything like this before. Not even close. And the wildest part? I want more.

Sebastian's touch is gentle at first, leaving soft, lingering kisses along the curve of my thighs. Each one sends a ripple of warmth through me, and I feel my breath hitch in anticipation. His fingers trace a slow, deliberate line over the fabric of my skirt, and my pulse quickens. The intimacy of the moment is overwhelming, and I find myself caught between wanting to pull away and wanting to fall deeper into the sensation.

This is new. Completely new. I've never been in a moment like this, where every touch feels electric, and it's not just the physical contact—it's the unspoken desire, the rawness of it all. A shiver runs through me, not from the cold, but from the heat building between us.

Sebastian's eyes meet mine, and for the first time, it's so clear how much he wants this—wants me to be his. His movements are slow, measured, as though he's savoring every second, and I feel a flutter of something I'm not used to—fear. Not fear of him, but of how much I want this too, of how intense this is becoming. I'm not used to feeling out of control, and yet here I am, leaning into it.

His lips trail further up, closer to my waist, and I can't help but arch into him slightly, a soft gasp escaping my lips. I'm losing myself in the moment, in the way his hands explore so carefully, so intentionally. There's a hunger in his gaze, in the way he touches me, that I've never felt before.

Sebastian's grip on my thighs tightens as he continues to explore every inch of me, his movements deliberate, as if he's savoring each reaction. His touch is slow, almost teasing, and it sends waves of sensation coursing through me that are completely new. It's overwhelming, like nothing I've experienced before, and I can feel my body responding in ways I'm not entirely sure how to handle.

He's taking his time, watching me, gauging every breath, every slight gasp, and I'm caught in the heat of the moment, unsure of where my control went. His fingers trail along my skin, and the way he looks at me—it's like I'm the only thing that matters. There's something in his eyes, something that says he's wanted this for so long, and that he's not about to rush it now. My breaths come faster, and the tension between us builds, my body arching into his touch without thought. It's instinctive, something I can't stop, and when he presses his lips to my skin again, I'm lost in it. His every movement feels like a question, asking for more, and I'm not sure how to answer it, but my body is doing all the talking.

He trails kisses across my skin, his hands firm but gentle, grounding me while simultaneously driving me wild. I can feel the heat rising between us, and with each passing second, the world outside of this moment feels more distant. It's just him and me, the intensity, the desire—and the fear, the fear of how much I want this, how much I'm letting go. The more I lean into the feeling, the more it becomes clear how much he wants me— not just physically, but as his mate. The realization hits me, and it both excites and scares me. This is more than just attraction; it's a claim, a connection that feels ancient, deep. And in that moment, I know there's no turning back.

His touch becomes more insistent, and I gasp as I feel the tension inside me coil tighter. His breath is warm against my skin, and the way he moves, it's like he knows exactly what he's doing to me. My heart races, each beat syncing with the rhythm of his touch, and I can feel myself trembling under him.

This is new—this vulnerability, this raw intensity. I'm not used to it. I've never let anyone this close, never allowed myself to feel this much. But with Sebastian, it's different. There's a part of me that trusts him, that wants this, even if it scares me.

I feel a finger wrap about the base of my underwear as he pulls it sideways, followed by an electrifying jolt going through my body as his tongue licks me. Sebastian's touch sends shivers down my spine, and I gasp, my body reacting in ways I never thought it could. He's relentless, yet somehow careful, making sure every movement of his hands and lips has me melting further into him. It's as if he's intent on pulling every ounce of pleasure from me, and I'm helpless to resist the way he's making me feel.

My legs instinctively tighten around him, drawing him closer, and I can feel his breath, hot against my skin, sending a wave of heat through me. Each touch, each lick, makes my heart race faster, and I can feel myself giving in to the intensity of the moment. It's overwhelming—this connection between us, this desire—and it scares me how much I want him, how much I'm willing to let go.

He seems to know exactly what I need, his fingers finding a way inside me, and his mouth working in perfect sync, driving me to the edge. I can barely think, barely breathe, as my body reacts to him, my skin flushed with heat. His touch is confident and sure, and every part of me is alive with sensation. I try to hold back, try to keep some control, but the way he's moving his fingers, the way he's making me feel—it's impossible. I can feel the tension building inside me, coiling tighter and tighter with every passing second. My breath comes in ragged gasps, and I can't help but whisper his name, begging him not to stop, even though I can barely form the words.

And then, just when I think I can't take it anymore, everything inside me shatters. The pleasure washes over me like a tidal wave, leaving me breathless, trembling, as my body melts into his. It's intense, more than I ever expected, and the way he holds me through it makes me feel something deep, something real.

As the sensation slowly fades, he leans up, that cocky ass grin plastered on his face as he licks his lips, my heart still racing, my body still buzzing from the aftermath. It's clear now—how much he wants me, not just as a fleeting moment but something more. And for the first time, I'm scared—not of him, but of how much I want this too.

As the sensation slowly fades, Sebastian leans up, his signature cocky grin plastered across his face. He licks his lips, clearly pleased with himself. "I gotta say, Zaria, that tasted a hell of a lot better than blood," he teases, his voice dripping with satisfaction.

I roll my eyes, trying to suppress the smile threatening to break through. "Yeah, right," I shoot back, still breathless, but determined not to let him see how much he's rattled me. "You act like you're doing me a favor, but let's be honest—this was all for your benefit, wasn't it? Can't say I've ever seen a vampire look so satisfied."

He chuckles, leaning in closer, his breath warm against my ear. "Oh, believe me, witch, it was for both of us. But if you're offering round two, I'm not one to say no."

I shove him back gently, a smirk playing on my lips. "In your dreams, bloodsucker. You can save your smug satisfaction for the next poor soul who falls for your charm. I've got better things to do."

"Better things, huh?" His eyes gleam with amusement. "Name one."

"Literally anything other than feeding your overinflated ego," I quip, sitting up and adjusting my clothes, trying to regain a semblance of control over the situation. My mind is still racing, my body still buzzing from the aftermath, but I refuse to let him know just how much he's gotten under my skin.

Sebastian watches me with that infuriating smirk still lingering on his lips. "Keep telling yourself that, Zaria. But we both know how this story ends."

I arch a brow. "Yeah? How's that?"

"With you coming back for more."

I scoff, rolling my eyes again. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Sebastian. You're the one that suggested I might only be interested in one of you. You might just lose. And besides," I lean in slightly, my voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "I don't date vampires."

He raises a brow, his grin widening. "Who said anything about dating, mate ?"

I push him away again, laughing despite myself. "I hate you."

"No, you don't," he says, his voice low, his gaze steady. There's something almost serious in his eyes, a flicker of something deeper beneath the teasing exterior. "You hate how much you want me." For a split second, I can't think of a retort. He's right, and that scares the hell out of me. But I can't let him win this round, not when I'm barely holding on to the remnants of my usual sarcasm.

I stand up, brushing off my skirt, throwing him a glance over my shoulder. "Don't get too comfortable, Sebastian. This game's far from over."

He laughs, watching me walk away. "I look forward to it."

And as I make my way back down the rooftop stairs, I can still feel his gaze on me, burning hotter than I'd like to admit.