Nikolai reluctantly released Lilith when she pulled away from him.  But her whimper of fear stabbed his heart like a dagger.  “Shh,” he tried to comfort, running his fingers down her spine.  “Orgasms do not leave any trace.  Your master cannot tell if you have experienced one.”<br/><br/>Tenderly, Nikolai kissed the finger that Lilith pressed against his lips.  He understood her fear.  It was the sane, rational fear that any normal person would have when faced with such danger.  Unfortunately, Nikolai’s own emotions had pushed him to the point of madness.  He would have Lilith, or he would die trying.  Not even the threat of being burned alive was enough to deter him.<br/><br/>“I do not yet know how we will manage it,” Nikolai confessed, gently wiping away Lilith’s tears.  It ripped him apart inside to see her cry.  “But we have some time to plan.  Your master trusts me.  I will just keep telling him that you are not fully healed until we are ready to make our escape.”<br/><br/>A soft purr of contentment escaped Nikolai as Lilith’s arms encircled his neck.  How could she doubt that she was worth every risk in the world?  Drawing a deep breath, Nikolai prepared to tell her something he’d never shared with anyone else.<br/><br/>“After I was turned, I fled into the wilderness -- into the vast forests of my homeland.  For weeks, I stumbled through snow up to my waist, not understanding the fierce hunger growing inside me.  Not understanding why I couldn’t just lie down and die.  Everything was so silent.  And I was so very cold.”<br/><br/>Even the memory of that time made Nikolai shiver.  Wrapping his arms around Lilith’s waist, he pulled their bodies closer together.   “Even when I finally returned to civilization, that silence and coldness stayed with me.  Until I met you, Lili.  You are my music and my warmth.  You are my only joy.”