Leaning forward, I stopped just before our noses could touch. “You want to kiss me.” The words fell from my mouth as a honey-dipped suggestion.
Thaddeus’s eyes glazed over with desire, darting down to my lips. Before I could stop him, he closed the distance and met my lips with his.
Surprise swirled through me as my heart thumped against my chest. His lips were soft, warm, and fucking perfect. He tasted of coffee and blood, and tingles exploded between my legs.
Thaddeus had a darkness inside him he battled when he thought no one was looking, but I was drawn to him. I caught glimpses of desperation in his eyes or woven in his scrunched brows as he’d stare at me. He saved me for some fucking reason that night but wouldn’t let himself explore why.
His lips moving against mine made his barrier crumble, just for a blissful moment. Until he snapped to his senses and pulled back like I’d shocked him.
He drew in a ragged breath as his eyebrows scrunched together. “So youcancontrol minds.Novampire has ever had the power to control other vampires before.”
“You’re not mad?”
He huffed out a breath with the roll of his eyes. “I’m letting it slide, but don’t make me kiss you again.”
“I didnotmake you. You said there has to be a little bit of desire to do something already there.” I crossed my arms over my chest.
He paused, taking in a deep breath. “I don’t know, love. That was a strong suggestion, and there was no way I’d be able to resist that.”
“Probably because deep down, youreallywanted to kiss me.”
The air between us sparked in an electric surge before freezing, sending a chill through my veins. Whatever we had between us gave me whiplash.
He clammed up, jumping to his feet. “You wield three bloody unique powers. You shouldn’t be able to control my mind as you could a mere human.”
I got to my feet beside him, grabbing his wrist. “Oh no, you don’t. You can’t run off after that.”
“After what?” He edged closer, jaw tightening. “After you tore down my defenses and made me kiss you.”
I gasped, letting go of his wrist. “No fucking way. I didnotmake you. There’s no way I did that. You wanted to.”
“I may have wanted to, but there’s no way I would’ve actually done it.” A low growl rumbled from his chest. “That was your compulsion.”
I stepped closer, going toe to toe with him. “No, it wasn’t.”
“Try again then. Let me prove it to you, but don’t tell me to kiss you again.”
A pang went through my chest as I grabbed his shoulder and gazed into his eyes. “Tell me why you won’t let me close to you.”
His eyes glazed over like before, and the answer tumbled from his lips. “I don’t deserve happiness.”
My brows knitted together as I let go of his shoulder. “Everyone deserves happiness.”
He blinked a few times and stepped back again. “Not me. Don’t ask me personal questions with that power again. If I wanted to open up, I would.”
“I’m sorry. I wouldn’t have done it if I thought you were right.” I swallowed hard. “I won’t kiss you again.”
Regret flashed in his eyes before he turned sharply around. “See that you don’t.”
As he stalked away, I mumbled, “Unless you initiate it.”
He hesitated, pausing for a split second before using his vampire speed to get out of the living room.
I sank back onto the couch as it groaned under my weight.
The longer I was here, the more I missed my family and friends and my asshole cat. The guys were helpful and I enjoyed being around them, but I wanted my obnoxious brothers and sweet mom back.
I bet they were distraught with worry. I could imagine their reactions when they got the news that my car was royally fucked and my blood soaked the road.
