“I know, I know.” I can see him glaring at me at the corner of my vision. “Let’s keep our eyes peeled, okay? If you see something suspicious, let me know.”
There’s no fighting with Damien. Although I don’t understand what his problem is, I know he’s become good at reading people and picking up red flags. He used to be terrible at that, especially when he started dating older men to get stuff from them. I guess we can only learn from our own mistakes.
His soft hand rests on top of mine and squeezes it. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep a sigh from escaping my lips. I know it’s an innocent gesture, one that isn’t new at all, actually. He’s been doing that for years, when he thinks I’m stressed or that I need to feel his support.
However, the things I’m doing with Caleb keep feeding my fantasies, and every soft touch from the real Damien makes mybody go wild. It’s becoming harder and harder to resist the urge to do things I shouldn’t.
“I’m just worried about you, Killi. You mean the world to me, and I don’t want anything bad to happen to you.” He rests his back against the seat and turns to face the car window, but keeps his hand on mine.
I swallow hard, feeling my heart react to his words as it beats faster and faster. When he says things like that, I just want to press my lips against his. What would that feel like? Probably a million times better than kissing Caleb. My mouth waters just at the thought of it.
Unfortunately, Damien stays quiet for the rest of the ride. By the time we park in front of Jacob’s apartment, I’m a mess. He won’t let go of my hand, and my mind is racing a hundred miles an hour. The urge to slide my fingers between his is so strong that my hand shakes a little bit.
“Killi?” Damien’s eyes are on me now, all innocent and soft. I want to eat him whole, like he’s some sort of precious candy.
I force a smile. “Yeah?”
“Promise me he won’t get between us.” His words are so serious that they catch me completely off guard.
My smile widens, all genuine this time around. “Damien—” I kill the engine of the car and assess his serious expression. Part of me wants to believe that he’s truly jealous, that he feels exactly like I do. But I can’t give in to that idea.
“Say it, Killien.” The severe tone he uses sends a shiver down my spine, and unlocks a new fantasy in my head. I like it when he demands things from me like that.
I’m really, seriously, fucked-up.
“No one can get between us.” I laugh. “It’s us against the world, remember?”
Fuck, I’m high on this possessive attitude of his. And saying those particular words has my heart fluttering in my chest.I’m so close to caving in and jumping on him. His lips look particularly tempting today. I wanna kiss and bite them hard, until they’re all swollen and red. I want to draw blood from them.
“I’ll remember those words . . .” His expression doesn’t change, but his mouth twitches slightly. What I said probably did something to him too. Ithas to.
He watches me almost break down in hysterical laughter from how hard I’m trying to keep my shit together, taking me in, struggling to read me. Without another word, Damien lets go of my hand and steps out of the car. I’m left to catch my breath as I feel my sanity slipping away.
Maybe I should take off and go to Caleb instead. But Damien is staring at me from the bottom of the metal stairs that lead to Jacob’s apartment with a raised eyebrow. He looks angry, with his arms crossed over his chest, and those deep blue eyes locked on my face.
Why does it turn me on so much when he’s pissed? Fuck!
I pinch the bridge of my nose and take a few deep breaths before getting off the car. I can’t break again tonight. I won’t let it happen. I swallow my feelings and focus. If things get bad and I don’t connect with Owen, I’ll go to Caleb. It’s simple. I don ’t have to freak out and spiral out of control.
I’ll be fine.
Twenty
Killien
Owen wraps an arm around my shoulders, leaning on my side as he laughs at whatever Cody and Abby are joking about. Jacob’s apartment is as warm and inviting as ever. You’d think that with the overall dark aesthetic it would feel cold, but it’s the opposite. The contrast between the dark green on the walls, soft tan tone of the leather, and the reflective quality of the floors and glass surfaces, makes it feel . . . special. Like a home. Unlike whatever mishmash of old furniture was thrown into Ledger’s house.
The constant hum of voices becomes louder as Ezra breaks into laughter, closely followed by Cody. I can’t bring myself topay attention to the conversation. Not when Damien’s eyes are constantly on me. Right now, he’s glaring at Owen’s hand as it squeezes my shoulder. He stares like he could set it on fire with some kind of vampire superpower. And I can’t help but think that he’s jealous.
It’s like I’m drifting away into the fantasies I create when I’m with Caleb. I’m playing a dangerous game, reeling myself deeper and deeper into this sinful obsession.
Yes, I’m obsessed at this point. Obsessed with Damien’s lips, with the penetrating intensity of his blue eyes, with the way he carries himself. I’m obsessed with the idea that he wants me too. It’s wrong, and untrue. I know, but I can’t help it.
I wet my lips as my gaze travels up my brother’s body. He sits next to Jacob, nestled into his side, looking like he absolutely belongs there. The tan leather of the sectional contrasts against his all-black outfit and pale skin. Jacob’s imposing body pressed right next to Damien’s gives the impression that he’s tiny. Like a beautiful but dangerous doll.
The open sides of his tank top show his waist and the outline of his ribs. His legs are tightly crossed, his hanging foot dangling and ticking, as if he’s nervous or angry. Orjealous. Blood rushes towards my groin and I straighten my back to adjust my position.
I’m losing control. Focus, Killien. Focus!
