Itpersonallyenrages me.
Mentally, I’m scrambling for something to talk about that isn’t about blood, sex, or kink. The unholy trifecta. I want to get to knowher—holy fuck, yeah, I’m obsessed, all right.
Lucius will laugh his ass off. The last thing on my mind now is meeting a sunrise.
“Tell me about that TV show,” I say. “Torchwood, was it?”
Her violet eyes light up. “Oh, my god! It’s fantastic…” But first, she has to give me an overview ofDoctor Who, so I understand the context.
I’ll admit I’ve heard of that show, but I’ve never seen it, either. Both shows feature long-lived, time-traveling adventurers who frequently have companions, as I understand it.
I can relate. I might find myself watching this show.
Hervoice, though. I could easily listen to her all night. I’ve found something she’s passionate about. Something she loves.
Something I can research and, hopefully, learn more about, so I can have athingin common with her.
It’s a desperate need within me, to have that.
To gently hold on to her, wind her around me, so she never wants to leave me.
If that means I’ve got to start watching fucking TV, then I guess I’m watching TV.
About an hour later, we reach a natural, comfortable lull in the conversation, and I receive another of those adorable head cocks from her.
“You know, I suppose if you wanted to have a dinner date, we could eat up in the conference room in the office tomorrow night. I wouldn’t mind that. We could be alone up there. I wouldn’t even make you bring one of Lucius’ men with you.”
If my heart still beat, it’d be pounding right now. “I wouldn’t mind Lucius’ men accompanying you to dinner. I’ll take you anywhere you wish to go.”
“No. Your choice of food, but we eat here.” A cloud flits across her features. “I don’t go out at night. If I’m not here at work, I’m home. That’s amerule.”
“I swear I would make sure you’re protected.”
Her gaze drops for a moment. I suspect this is connected to what Lucius hinted at. “I don’t go out,” she repeats, her voice sounding a little duller, flatter. “At night, I’m almost always either at work or home. I’mnottraveling after dark. That’s all you need to know.”
I hate that she feels unsafe. “Is someone bothering you? Please, I would be happy to pay for extra security and—”
She stays me with a hand and a wry smile. “You don’t evenknowme. You don’t know my situation. I’m giving you a concession. Take the offer or not, but it’s not negotiable.”
Fuck. I mentally smack myself and immediately retreat. “I will be happy to order food from whatever restaurant you’d like and have it delivered here tomorrow night.”
“Send one of his guys out for it,” she suggests. “We don’t need anyone else here who didn’t intend to be.” She waggles her fingers at the walls. “Fricking vampires allll over the place.”
I chuckle. “As you wish. Do you have a preference what food I order?”
“Surprise me.”
I suspect this will be a test, and I’m desperate not to fuck it up. “What time?”
“Weeelll,” she drawls, “I’m usually here before six, but I’m guessing you won’t be here before dark. So, let’s make it nine. That’ll give you time to wake up and brush your fangs and get our food. Or would you prefer ten?”
I do quick mental calculations. “Ten might be safer.”
“Ten it is.” Her gaze lays heavy on me. My cock hasn’t gone soft yet, and I know I must return to my hotel and jerk off before dawn.
Not negotiable.
Her nostrils flare a little, just slightly, and I’m almost expecting her to comment on my state, but she doesn’t. “What’s your end game?” she quietly asks.
