Hunger Read Free Page A

was always the most awkward time, reestablishing the ardor that had developed on the dance floor. Bill was no different than the others; he seemed nervous, unsure of how to proceed.
    â€œYou know,” he said, hesitating and staring at the floor, “I’ve never really gone in for this type of thing before. I mean, I know it’s a line, but I’ve been a faithful husband for over five years . . .” His voice trailed away.
    No, I will not lose him now, I raged inside and I cupped his face in my hands. “Bill, look at me,” I ordered, and he snapped his head up, surprised at the tone of my voice. “We will not do anything here tonight that will affect your future life. I don’t want your tomorrows, I just want you tonight.” Our eyes made contact, and when I saw that his guilt and confusion were beginning to fade, I made my move.
    â€œRelax,” I smiled seductively, “just relax a little. I can give you an evening you’ll never forget. You won’t regret it, I promise.” Passion began to flare again, in his eyes and in his body.
    â€œKiss me,” I whispered, not wanting to lose the moment. He turned to me abruptly, almost violently, as if he needed the momentum to carry him past his doubts. His mouth was hot on mine, evidence of a desire almost as deep as my own. He kissed my eyelids, my ears and my neck, all the while sliding my blouse over my shoulders. I helped him out of his shirt and tie and soon we lay, naked from the waist up on the couch. He made a move to take off his trousers, but I stopped him.
    â€œLet’s take it slow,” I suggested.
    Lazily I caressed his shoulders and back, feeling the tensing of his muscles; his skin burned beneath my cool hands. His hands busied themselves with the unfastening of my leather jeans. I permitted this and welcomed first his hand and then his kisses in the soft curve of my stomach. He began to move back up my body, concentrating on one breast and then the other, until he again returned to my mouth.
    After the kiss, I buried my face in his neck. Now, I thought as I heard the blood pulse in his veins, Oh, please, now.
    I nipped him at first, savoring the moment, my low moans echoed by his. Then when my teeth grew longer and sharper, I could hold back no longer. I bit him brutally, tapping the artery and was rewarded by the flow of his blood: hot, salty and bitter. He shuddered violently and fought to push me away, but his resistance was futile. Finally his struggles ceased and his body grew limp as I continued to draw on him, gently now, almost tenderly. I drank a long time, slowly, relishing the feel of my own body being replenished, then I withdrew.
    Arising from the couch, I caught sight of myself in the mirror. No longer pale and haggard, my skin glowed with life and my eyes shone, victorious and demonic. A few drops of blood were trickling down my chin; I wiped them away with the back of my hand and turned from my reflection in disgust.

Chapter 2
    I knew that I had taken more blood from Bill Andrews than usual. He lay unconscious and pale. Dear God, I thought in horror, I’ve taken too much. He’ll die. I frantically felt for his pulse, and was relieved when I found it, faint but steady. He would be weak for a few days and bear a small bruise, but he would live.
    I lifted him from the couch and put his shirt back on. He was not a small man, but I am much stronger than an ordinary person, especially after feeding. I dressed myself, walked to the bar for a glass of wine and lit a cigarette.
    I watched him as I smoked, waiting for a sign of his awakening. Eventually his eyelids fluttered and he looked at me, puzzled and still slightly dazed. I discovered some time ago, that people in his state were highly suggestible and, whenever possible, I used this to my advantage. I again cupped his face in my hands and made eye contact. “You don’t know me,” I said softly and insistently. “You