But first, she had to get safely back into Theo’s place.
Hopefully, he hadn’t made it home yet.
She slid the vent in front of the kitchen open, dropped to the counter, and then back-flipped to the floor. Then she turned around and let out a small shriek.
Theo sat in a kitchen chair, bruises across his face, fury burning hot and bright in his dark eyes.
She clasped her hand to her chest and felt her thundering heart. “You scared the hell out of me.”
He cocked his head slowly, the movement predatory. His dark shirt emphasized solid muscles, as did his faded jeans. Although his feet were bare, even they looked capable of great danger.
She swallowed, taking in his bruises. “I’m glad you’re all right. I was worried.”
He arched one dark eyebrow.
Okay. So he was a little angry. “I didn’t know that Saul was setting you up,” she said, trying to keep her voice calm.
Theo didn’t move, but somehow more tension poured off him. “How do you know we were set up?”
She winced. “I may have seen him earlier tonight.”
Both eyebrows arched.
“I, ah, saw him and ended up running all over the city trying to get back here,” she said in a rush. Why couldn’t she breathe? It wasn’t like she was afraid of Theo. Not really. Sure, he looked like he could kill somebody right that moment, but why would he want to kill her?
“Are you all right?” Theo rumbled.
She nodded. “Yes. He engaged the anklet, but I got away. It was hours ago.” Though she was starving all of a sudden. “What happened with you?”
“It was a trap that blew up. We’re all fine,” he said shortly, not losing any of his hard look.
She fought the very real urge to run out of the kitchen. By the look of him, she wouldn’t make it. “I didn’t promise to stay here.”
Oops. He moved from the chair, walking for her fast, with a determined clip.
She backed up and hit the countertop. “What’s—”
Then his hand was suddenly tangling in her hair and twisting. He moved her head to the side and pulled back until she faced him. Her brain just plain and simple stopped working. Vulnerability and an intriguing breathlessness caught her and held as tightly as he did.
He lowered his head until his eyes were right above hers. All of those interesting shades of black. As she watched, the sparkle turned to a deep metallic green. Stunning. His vampire colors. “I told you to stay here,” he gritted out.
“I know.” Wow. Those eyes were amazing. The myriad shades of both green and black was fascinating. “I, ah, am not really a sit around and wait type of lass.” Her brogue emerged with her breathiness.
If anything, more anger poured from him. “In direct opposition to your sweet and helpless act.”
She frowned. “Well, yes. I thought you knew that.” Her brain was still fuzzy. He was too close. Lord, she still couldn’t breathe.
His phone rang a bizarre tune that sounded somehow frantic. An emergency tune, without question. Without releasing her, he reached for it on the counter and pressed a button. “What?” he barked.
“Tell me Ginny didn’t rob a Realm bank tonight,” Chalton said urgently. “Please.”
She blanched.
“Damn it,” Theo muttered. “Give me the status.”
“Dage called and has me tracking down who robbed the bank.” Chalton’s voice was both panicked and weary.
She barely kept back a smile. “He won’t find me.”
