I try and show in the trilogy that Natalia and Vincent care about each other but aren’t overly sappy. This is one scene in which there is tenderness.
From Protector of the Grey House:
“You never did tell me what you asked.” He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. He wished the act would wipe away the pain in her eyes.
Natalia gave him an impish smile, uncrossed her arms, and placed her hands on the counter. Her movement caused her robe to slip open. “I asked about the club, at first. Then I asked about you. My main concern was what kind of woman you were attracted to.”
“What did he tell you?” Vincent let business go for a moment, and closed the slight distance between them.
“That your women were usually strong in some way. Most could stand up for themselves with either words or weapons. It didn’t sound like any of them were as stubborn as I am.”
Vincent placed his hands on her waist, lifted her slightly and sat her on the counter. It was marble and well built. They had used it before. He nuzzled her neck, and wondered if he could take her blood, or if she had lost too much to Wayne. “None of the women I’ve loved have ever been as stubborn as you. Or as incredibly frustrating.”
Cat Stark 