Armand, who still smokes regularly for the habit, makes a pleased noise of agreement. "By all means, do steal my cigarettes," is a heady endorsement, biting his lip as he arches his hips into Daniel's touch, breathing harder for his mouth along bare skin.

"No one will harm you," Armand vows. "No human, no vampire, nothing in between. I will not let anything take you from me, not the way my maker was ripped from me."

His lashes flutter against his cheeks, parting his thighs slightly wider, hoping desperately for Daniel's teeth to sink in and make their mark.