Page 11 of Viktor

“Of course it’s about Miami. I’m sorry to disappoint you but I really am not into that scene. I’m just an art nerd who loves to surf and eat burritos. Watch sunsets. Whatever Teagan was into, that’s not me.”

“No, I don’t imagine it is.”

“Did you know Teagan?”

“No, I’m afraid I don’t know her. I rarely frequent that establishment. I was looking more for what you’d call fast food. An in and out sort of thing.”

“But you live in Miami, right?”

“Sometimes. There are at least another half dozen or so locations around the world that I also call home. The world is a big, beautiful place. Why just stay in one home?”

“You don’t need to stay in San Diego.”

“Let’s just say I’m concerned about your safety given what happened in Miami. Just because you’ve decided you’re done playing in the occult playground, doesn’t mean that paranormals are done playing with you. That was a very dangerous place to be. That vampire. He seemed quite attached to you for someone who has only been there once.”

“I didn’t even know him. I swear it. It was just a mistake.”

“But your friend is still missing?”

“Yes, she is,” Waverly told him, her body close against his.

“And do you plan to stop looking for her?” Viktor pressed.

“Well, I don’t know. It’s not like I can take off from my job all the time, but I can’t help but keep looking.”

“Then perhaps you do need protection.”

“I’m going to be fine. There’s nothing else you can do for me.” Waverly struggled not to stare at his mouth, recalling his fangs. She gasped as he gave her a knowing smile.

“They’re not there now, pet. They tend to scare people. Wouldn’t want that, now, would we?” He laughed.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” Embarrassed, Waverly exhaled a deep breath, reconsidering her words. “It’s just I’m not used to seeing—”

“Fangs?” Viktor smiled broadly, amused with the human.

“Yes. Well, I suppose it’s just a word.” She refused to say anything more about his ‘fangs’ lest he show them to her.

“I’m not uncivilized.” Viktor spun her around as the tempo of the song increased. “I will help you find your friend. And keep you safe. You’re in my charge after all.”

“But this has nothing to do with you. You aren’t responsible.” A nervous laugh escaped her. “This is crazy. You can’t stay here.”

“I’ll admit it’s been years since I’ve been to San Diego. Do you fancy sailing tomorrow? I’ll charter a boat.”

“Sailing?” Waverly loved a day on the Pacific Ocean nearly as much as she enjoyed surfing. What is happening? Don’t say yes. Don’t say yes. “You’ve found my weakness.”

“I aim to please, Dr. LaFleur.”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Christianson. I appreciate everything you did for me but I’m not like Teagan. I don’t date vampires. I’m not food.”

“On the contrary, I believe you’re quite delicious.” He winked. “And I haven’t even tasted you yet.”

Arousal and fear threaded through her at the thought of his lips on her neck. “I don’t want to be bitten.”

“Maybe you haven’t been bitten by the right vampire,” he mused.

“Indeed, but I don’t ever plan on letting anyone bite me,” she countered.

Time suspended as she gazed into his eyes. His magnetism enveloped her, and she struggled to break free.