Page 13 of Quintus

“I needed to try to save you. I know what my blood does. It’s why I sell it. It makes people feel good.”

“But this Ramiel. He knows too.”

“He also knows…about the coven.”

Quintus brushed a lock of hair from her face, his pinky trailing over her soft skin. He sensed her fear. “What has he done to you?”

“He…he’s a thug, you know. But this?” She glanced to her arm, trailing her fingers over the raised scars. “I did this to myself. It’s ironic that I can heal others sometimes but I can’t heal myself. I’m supernatural yet these marks aren’t going away.”

“He’s hurt you. I can feel it. Don’t lie to me.”

“I can’t tell you…” She sighed.

“He’s threatening you now?”

“No, this is my fault. I should have never told him…”

“Anyone who takes advantage of an injured witch is a predator. He hurt you. Look at your arms.” Anger roared through his gut.

“I don’t want to talk about him.” Ramiel had beaten her once. She’d missed a delivery. The shocking blow to her jaw had been unexpected. Shaking and bleeding, she’d been unable to see clearly and her magick faltered. As his foot connected with her head, the world had gone dark. When she’d woken, he’d texted her, warning that she’d receive worse the next time, that he’d expose her secret.

“I can promise you this. If this guy comes anywhere near you, he’s a dead man. From now on you are under my protection.”

“But he’ll call on the coven,” she replied. “They’ll know I’m in New Orleans.”

“Let them come for you. I’ll destroy them.”

“You don’t understand. They’re not to be trifled with.” She pushed up onto his chest.

“Nor am I.” Quintus heard her pulse race faster.

As her finger brushed against his chest, he resisted looking at her delicate neckline. Her breast spilled out of the robe but she didn’t move to cover herself.

“I’m not scared of you,” she breathed, gazing into his eyes. “You’re…you’re…”

At the hint of her arousal, Quintus rolled her onto her back. She gave a breathy cry but didn’t struggle as he pinned her wrists to the bed. His lips moved to her ear.

“You should be,” he growled.

“I…are you trying to scare me?” she whispered.

He dropped his fangs in response, his lips brushing over her soft skin. “Perhaps you should be scared?”

“Maybe I should be, but I’m not now,” she confessed.

“Something about you…” Quintus pressed his lips to her collarbone. The taste of her stirred an instinctual response. There had only been one other time he’d sensed a connection with a woman, and she’d been ripped away from him. He swore to never to let himself be torn open again, yet as Gabriella’s fingertips brushed over the scruff on his cheek, he nearly lost control.

“Quintus…” she said, her voice husky.

“Shhh,” he murmured.

“But I’m not…”

“You don’t listen well, do you?” Quintus fought his burning desire, holding on by a thread.

“I do, but…” Gabriella’s mouth parted as she lost her words.

Fuck it. Unable to resist, his lips crushed onto hers, commanding her attention. She moaned as his tongue swept against hers. Arousal coursed through him, and his cock turned to concrete as she kissed him back. Tearing his mouth from hers, his lips trailed kisses down her neck. Quintus released her wrists and tugged her robe open, exposing her. His tongue lapped at her rosy peak, eliciting an erotic moan. His teeth itched to slice into her enticing flesh, her blood tempting him.