Page 20 of Viktor

She locked her eyes on his, her fingertips brushed his chest. “You can’t have mine, vampire.”

“Someday.” Viktor’s cock rushed with blood as his eyes fell to her full lips.

“You can’t have my blood,” she repeated, her voice soft. A hint of a teasing smile bloomed on her face. “But you can eat my eggs.”

Viktor restrained his urge to kiss her as she sheepishly averted her gaze. Waverly slowly backed away and slid into a chair. He glanced to the food, his own heart pounding. What was it about this mortal woman that enticed him like no other? He should just walk away from the table, leave her to eat.

“Please. Sit. It’s good for you,” she promised.

Her pleading smile warmed him, and he soon found himself complying to a human’s demands. He watched with fascination as she released a grateful breath and set her fork into her eggs. As she slid it into her mouth, she glanced to his plate and then to him.

Viktor had made a choice the day he woke as vampire to lay aside all human ways. His brutal sire insisted on it. Whatever he loved his sire would kill. And humans were so very weak. Like butterflies, the beautiful creatures flew for but a season before succumbing to the inevitable death that would take them from this realm.

Now this lovely human had cooked. For him. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something kind without expecting anything in return.

Viktor reached for the fork. His gaze set on hers as he scooped up the eggs and slid them between his lips. The sweet, buttery bite coated his tongue, his senses coming alive. Memories from long ago flooded his senses.

“You like it?” she asked.

“Yes,” he admitted, his voice soft. Waverly’s persuasive, quick-witted nature drew him to her. Lying was useless. “It’s delicious.”

A broad smile broke across her face. “I have a secret.”

“You do, do you?

“I don’t like to eat alone,” she admitted. “I do it but don’t love it.”

“You have a boyfriend?” he asked.

She gave a coy smile. “No boyfriend.”

“You eat alone often?”

“I work a lot. So yeah, I eat alone.”

“Perhaps we’ll have to change that in the future,” Viktor suggested.

Waverly smiled and quickly changed the topic of discussion. “I’ve got to get back to California. I have to give a statement. My watch died before I had a chance to respond to the detective. Do you happen to have an extra USB cord you could lend me?”

“But of course. I’ve already spoken to your boss. I called him after you fell asleep.”

“You did? Is he okay?” she asked.

“He’s quite unharmed, I assure you. As are all the guests. But I agree with you. I think it would be prudent for us to return. I’d like to learn more about the investigation.”

“Of course.”

“Dr. LaFleur.”

“Waverly. Some of my friends call me Lee.”

Viktor smiled. “Am I a friend?”

“You ate my eggs. So yes, I suppose we are on our way as long as you promise not to eat me.”

“As I said. When I bite you, you will beg me to do it. Never before.” Viktor knew full well it would test him to wait. With the taste of her blood still fresh on his lips, the craving for both her soul and flesh intensified with each minute in her presence.

“I, uh…” she stuttered, not quite finding her words.