The vampire lay entwined with Samandriel, his arm wrapped around the slave's waist. When he had taken his pleasure with the slave for the final time, he had been slow and almost gentle, wanting to savour every last sensation of Samandriel's body beneath him.
He stirred as Samandriel kissed his chest, and reached down to cup the boy's chin. He stroked the soft skin of Samandriel's face. "It is," he agreed.
Carrick drew the slave up into his arms once more and covered his open mouth with a final slow, lingering kiss.
He slipped from he bed and began to dress, then picked up his phone from the bedside table. He sent a message to the security guards from the bank, who would now be on their way to the suite.
A few minutes later, there was a tap at the door. Carrick took delivery of the Grace, which was still in its locked case, and returned to the bed, where he set the case gently down. He opened it, and lifted out the shining bottle that contained Samandriel's very essence.
"It's yours," he said simply. He met the angel's gaze. "But think about what you'[re doing. Think bout all the human experiences you'd be giving up. You've had only weeks in this body. Why not take the Grace, lock it away, and take advantage of your body a while longer?"
He sat down on the edge of the bed, his pale gaze steady.
"Last night could be only a taste of the pleasures you could experience."