I scooted back and stood up to face him. “No more bullshit. Why did you give me a Burmese ruby necklace? And not justanyruby, but one worth a lot of money? Tell me the truth, or I’m giving it back.”
Christian caught sight of me pulling it out from beneath my shirt. “Don’t give it back,” he quickly said.
“Someone could steal it.”
He chuckled softly. “The chain is infused with magic. Let them try.”
I blinked in surprise, his words tangling in my head.
Christian approached me and lifted the jewel between his fingers. “No one’s going to steal your heart. They create stones in labs now, and most dolts can’t tell the difference between dime-store jewels and the real thing. I’ve had it for a long time. Seemed a shame for it to spend eternity in a box. I’m sure they would agree,” he said, jerking his head toward the graveyard.
“So then why not give it to Gem? She loves stones. Why me?”
A cryptic look flickered in his expression, and he gazed at me so intently that I found myself drawn to him. Christian had captivating eyes—like two obsidian stones encased in porcelain. Without warning, he cradled my neck and kissed me, his tongue delving deep and flooding my senses. It was the only warmth my body felt, and I surrendered myself completely. Christian’s kiss was like a passionate tide rocking and swelling against my shore, but it was the undercurrent of emotion that threatened to pull me under.
Christian softened the kiss and spoke against my lips. “That’s why.”
He tasted decadent, and I didn’t mind his scruffy beard or even the fact that there was a lingering flavor of mint on his breath. I melted beneath his touch, my heart quickening.
Christian drew back, his gaze so reverent that it gave me butterflies. “I’d walk through fire for you.”
I struggled for words. “You have.”
“And I’d do it again.”
“Why would you give me something so valuable?”
His thumb swept across my cheek. “It’s romantic, is it not?”
“But you’re not a romantic.”
“Aye. But maybe a heart made of fire is the best I can do.”
He pulled me tight against him and kissed me hard, deep, so our tongues married and thoughts disintegrated. I touched his chest but didn’t push him away. Energy flowed to my fingertips, and what would have knocked a grown man off his feet had no effect on this Vampire. Christian took his time savoring me, and my knees weakened at how tender he was. The kiss didn’t just end—it burned out slowly like dying embers.
“When did all this begin?” I asked in disbelief.
“The night we met, when you put a blade to my groin. That’s when I knew you were the one.”
“Don’t be funny. I’m serious.”
He swept a lock of hair away from my eyes. “There’s no one moment I can give you. Sometimes when we’re at the table, I tune everything out and listen to the sound of your heart beating inside your chest. I can’t help myself. You’re an addiction I’ve never known before.”
“I’m also a crossbreed.”
“I’ve come to terms with that. Have you? Because I think it’s time you realize how remarkable your Vampire nature is. The part of you that you’re afraid of is the part that draws me nearer to you.”
My breath caught. “Why are you saying all this? Getting a compliment out of you is like pulling teeth.”
Instant regret flashed in his eyes.
“Wait a minute. I know what’s going on here. You’re going to scrub my memory, aren’t you?” I pushed him away, putting distance between us. “You can’t just write all over me like a chalkboard and erase whatever you say. I don’t want you in my head.”
“You can’t remember any of this, Raven.”
“You gave me your word you’d never fuck with my head again. This isn’t like the last time; I’m not going to walk away from my job because of this attraction between us.”
“It’s already changed things, but I had to get it off my chest. I can make this conversation disappear so it won’t vex you. Do you really think we can work together after this?”
