Pleasure Abound

Warning: Mature Content Ahead.

River wasn't expecting tears to well up in her eyes again but it seemed she had no control over that while thinking about the casualties of the battle they had just won.

Thinking about the betrayal of Annemarie and her family alone was enough reason, "But at what cost, Gonzalo? Lord Draven's life?" The memory of his final peaceful smile was a constant ache in her heart.

He seemed so ready to go. He seemed very content to go. Even in his death, that vampire remained a mystery. One she would never be able to uncover… it seemed.

Gonzalo silenced her with a gentle kiss. "Don't blame yourself, River," he murmured against her lips. "He knew what he was doing. He sacrificed himself for Rain because he loved her. And any of us would have done the same."

Gonzalo was correct but that didn't mean she would not live in regret every time she was reminded of Lord Draven… his touch, his dark side – everything.

A fresh wave of tears streamed down River's face.