“Yes, you do. Teach me to defend myself against these things. I’m tougher than I look. I don’t kill easy.”
“I know you’re tough, but—”
“Rowan…” He hesitated, his gaze shifting away from hers. “If you knew the way I was raised, you wouldn’t underestimate me.”
“Can’t you see this is different?”
He held up one finger, and her stomach tightened under the tension that formed between them. “I am telling you, unequivocally, that I have survived a lot worse than you give me credit for. And if Michael or these vampires expect an easy target, they are in for a rude awakening.”
“I didn’t mean to offend you.” She moved in close and clasped his hands in hers as if her touch might soothe away the hurt and jealous anger she could see brewing behind his gray eyes. “I know you can take care of yourself, but—”
“But nothin’.” He pulled her hard against his chest and held her there.
The intensity in his stare didn’t soften, but her nearness ignited another element in it. Now she saw desire flickering like lightning in the cloudy gray storm. His gaze trailed to her lips.
There was no hiding her body’s response. Her breath came out in a shaky exhale. She melted against him, her skin turning hot as her dragon stirred within her.
“That’s more like it.” He circled her waist with his hands.
Whatever this was between them, it was strong, unique, and undeniably dangerous. She understood Nick could be her undoing, but she couldn’t resist him.
“Considering that in the past several hours, I’ve learned there are vampires, shifters, and one exceedingly attractive dragon living in Manhattan, I think I’ve handled things fairly well, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Yes,” she said breathlessly.
“Good. Because we have more important things to discuss.” He guided her hand to the front of his slacks. “Do you feel what you do to me?”
She did. The considerable size of him pushed hard and thick against her palm. “Yes.” A warm ache uncurled deep within her belly.
He kissed her softly, gently teasing her bottom lip with his teeth. Everything in her reacted. Her fingers tangled in his hair, and her body pressed fully against that hard length at her belly.
Much too soon, he broke away, glancing at the sliver of watery light coming in between the curtains. “Is that the sunrise?” He checked his watch. “Aww, crap. It’s almost five o’clock!”
“Are you sure you’re human?” Rowan mumbled, still affected by the kiss.
He snorted. “Positive. I have to go.”
“Hmm?” She couldn’t have heard him right. She was falling into his arms, practically throwing herself at him. He couldn’t possibly be thinking about leaving.
“Believe me, I’d love to stay. But I have a dog at home who has all four legs crossed by now and is probably taking out his frustrations on my shoes.”
“You have a dog?”
“A German shepherd named Rosco. He’d love to meet you. Tomorrow night? My place?”
She shook her head. “You can’t go, Nick. It’s not safe.”
He smiled at her but continued for the door. “Get some rest. I’ll call you tomorrow. And you owe me another date. I’m not sure what this was tonight, but it doesn’t count.”
“A date? You’re asking me on a date? Now? No, Nick, I need to—”
But he was already out the door. She ran after him, but he’d caught the elevator. What could she do anyway? If she followed him and tried to force him to accept her protection after what he’d said to her, she’d be crossing a line and violating his right to self-determination. He was a man, a warrior like her brothers. He’d never agree to be treated like a child.
But he didn’t understand the danger. Which meant her agreement with Verinetti was the only chance she had of keeping him alive.
Chapter Seventeen
As soon as Nick was safely inside an Uber, he called Soren. His partner answered in the groggy voice of someone who’d been awakened from a deep sleep.
