In a movement too fast for a human eye to catch, the detective leapt and attacked Rennie, which meant he attacked me as well. I fell over backwards, crushed by the combined weights of Rennie and Norton pressing against me.
Pain burned in my back when I hit the floor. Rennie grunted and shoved Norton. Or rather, Sandro. His facial muscles trembled, as if he were having a seizure. His features changed again to those of Edward. Dash it, it was the lamia.
Precious air rushed into my lungs when the weight lifted from my chest. As I picked myself up on unsteady legs, Rennie and the lamia were engaged in a quick fight in the confined space of the narrow passageway. A crack opened on the wall when Rennie slammed the lamia against it. I had no idea Rennie could generate so much violence... and look so incredibly erotic in the process. His muscles snapped and contracted. His face was scrunched up in concentration. His movements were sharp and precise. He was a sight to behold. It wasn’t my fault if wetness pooled between my thighs. Rennie himself had told me I was very responsive. I hadn’t been sure what he’d meant by that, but I knew it now. I was easily aroused by him, and I wasn’t going to apologise for it.
But the lamia seemed to be a good match, especially since it kept changing form. One moment it was Norton, the next a tall, bald man with sharp teeth, then a huge furry creature. Rennie ducked blows and parried punches until there was a popping noise, like that of a champagne bottle being uncorked, and the lamia vanished, leaving only a glittering silver trail behind.
Panting, Rennie stood in the middle of the corridor, fists up. Blood oozed from a cut on his chin. “Hellfire.”
I staggered towards him. “Are you all right?”
He wiped his chin. “Just surprised. I didn’t expect the lamia to be so strong or quick.” He brushed my cheek, roaming his gaze over me. “How are you? Are you hurt?”
“My back is sore, but aside from that, I’m all right.” I leant into his touch.
He sucked in a breath that strained his waistcoat. Sweaty and ruffled by the fight, he was even more handsome than usual. Had he always been so attractive? His features were the same, his nose was still crooked, and his body was still powerful. But I would be lying if I said I didn’t wish to feel his hands on me again. Or his mouth. He didn’t frighten me anymore.
He cleared his throat and withdrew his hand. “We’d better return to Norton’s office before he thinks I want to escape justice.”
Or before I begged him for a tumble.
