“Oh?”
I inched forward another step and softened my voice. “Vampires seem to like it when you stroke their arteries.”
I could have sworn he released a shallow breath when his lips parted.
Christian’s jaw slid to the side. “Is that what you learned in a book? I think we have a copy ofWhat Vampires Likeup in the study. You say you’re half Vampire, Raven. You should know what turns us on based on your own experience.”
I tucked my fingers in my jean pockets. “I only get in touch with my inner Vampire when I’m draining my victims to get them to relax.”
He closed the distance between us, his voice rough and sexy. “I suppose you want to suck on my neck?”
“You’re not my type.”
He circled around me, whispering in my ear. “I’m O positive. I’m everyone’s type.”
“I don’t drink from Vampires. Do you want to know how I take them down or not?”
He appeared on my right side, amusement in his voice. “Please… Continue.”
“Once we’re alone, I usually have impalement wood hidden on me. Something that’s easy to conceal—about six inches.”
Christian gave me a roguish grin. “Lass, I can personally promise you ten.”
Okay. I asked for that one.
“Give me my weapons and I’ll show you.”
“Afraid I can’t do that. Not until Viktor gives the word. We need to make sure we can trust you before we wake up with a knife at our throats.”
I pressed my body close to his, and he sucked in a sharp breath. “Does Viktor make all the rules around here?” I asked in a husky voice, stroking my finger along the artery of his neck.
He stiffened, and I felt his pulse race at a wicked beat. Christian relaxed just like a baby kitten being licked by its mama. If I latched my mouth around that artery and began sucking, using my tongue to stroke his flesh, it would send him over the edge as it did all the others.
Instead of pulling out a real piece of wood, I mimicked the movement, which I would have never done so soon, and swung my arm at his chest.
He seized my wrist and spun me around, locking my arms in front. “And what happens if they catch on to your little scheme?” he asked between clenched teeth.
“No one has yet. I wouldn’t have struck so soon. I make sure their defenses are down before making a move.”
“Then why did you act so soon with me?”
I reclined my head, feeling his bristly whiskers against my temple. “Unless I can stake you for real, I’m not making out with you.”
His breath heated my jaw. “Aye, and now you’re trapped. Show me how you’re going to escape.”
“Let go of me.”
“This is the real world, precious. How would you fight against a Vampire who’s caught you—one who could crush every bone in your body? Are you scared? You should be. I’ve killed more men than I can count, and until you can say the same, there’s nothing about you that intimidates me. You’re just a wee child in my world, bragging about kills you can only count on your fingers and toes. You can’t even escape from my hold. Do you really think you belong here?”
I bent my knees and dropped to the ground, sliding out of his grasp. As I crawled around him, he fell over my back, and I whimpered in pain.
Christian pushed off me and hovered. “What’s wrong? I didn’t land on you that hard.”
Before I could answer, he held me down and lifted the back of my shirt.
“Get off me!”
“How did you get that bruise?” When he released his hold, I crawled free. “If that’s from one of your jobs, you’re not as smooth as you think you are.”
