Page 18 of Quintus

“I…I had to get my stuff,” she stammered. Gabriella had suspected he’d come for her, but hadn’t anticipated the sheer anger that poured off him like the rain. Soaked, his black t-shirt clung to his body, revealing every contour of his muscular chest.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he growled, scanning the shabby interior of her room.

“I told you…it’s just…you and that girl.” Jesus Gabby, get it together. She vacillated between fear and arousal as he reached for her wrist.

“How the hell am I supposed to protect you if you just take off on me? You’re going to get yourself killed before I have a chance to help you.”

“You were busy. Eating.” Her tone dripped with sarcasm and she hated herself for the jealousy that bubbled in her chest.

“You.” Quintus tugged her toward him. Closing the gap, he stepped forward. He towered above her but kept his eyes locked on hers.

Gabriella gasped, not out of fear but desire, her breasts brushing his chest. “I…I…” Words failed her as he leaned his head toward hers.

“Don’t leave again. Do you understand?”

“You can’t tell me what to do. I’m not a child.” Gabriella’s voice wavered, her mind demanding she speak. As his arm went around her waist, drawing him toward her, her heart pounded. The cold rain pelted her face, droplets clinging to her eyelashes.

“Do. Not. Leave,” he repeated, his tone firm. With his gaze upon hers, Quintus brought his lips within inches of hers.

“Why are you doing this? I’m nothing to you.” The warmth of his body on hers flared her arousal.

“Si, bella. You’re under my protection. You’re mine.”

As his lips crushed onto hers, excitement rushed through her body. She molded into his embrace, returning his searing kiss, and moaned as he pulled away, his lips still touching hers as he spoke.

“We’ll finish this later, pet.” Quintus straightened, his head snapping toward the street. “The magick grows thick.”

“We’ve got to go somewhere safe. They must know I’m in New Orleans by now. Ramiel…”

“We’re going back to my house and then New York,” he told her.

“New York? Quintus, I can’t go to…”

Gabriella sucked a breath as they dematerialized. Her knees buckled as he settled her into his kitchen. The faint scent of smoke drifted in the air and she coughed.

“Is something burning? I smell it. What have they done?” The coven. They’d burn her to ash like they’d done to her parents.

Quintus sniffed the air, his fangs dropping. “Nothing’s burning in here. It’s just a thunderstorm, bella. It’s possible it hit a tree.” He wrapped his arms around her, tugging her close.

“They’re here,” she whispered. Dark magick swept over her like a thousand centipedes crawling on her skin. She shivered, and coughed into her sleeve.

“Where the fuck is Viktor?”

“I’m here, dear brother.” Viktor brushed a fleck of dust off his black tailored shirt.

“Where have you been?” Quintus asked.

“I keep telling you we’re having some problems in New York. The others, they look for your guidance. I need you to get back now. Shit is going down at the club.”

“Very well. New York it is. The vampires will get what they need.” Quintus turned to Gabriella. “I’m sorry but we’ve got to go now. You’re coming with me.”

“New York? I just told you I can’t go to New York. I think what I need is in New Orleans. I picked up some spells.” Gabriella wrenched out of his grip and shoved her hand inside her bag, fumbling for the small book. Psychics and rogue witches had given her various spells over the years; some she’d tried to no avail. A strong arm wrapped around her shoulder and panic tore through her body. “No…Quintus. I can’t go to New York… you don’t understand…”

No. No. No. What is he doing? Gabriella screamed as she landed on the black velvet sofa. Tiny lights flickered through her blurred vision. A hand reached for her and she screamed, “Get away from me!”

“Gabriella, you’re okay.”

“What is wrong with your witch?” Viktor asked, annoyance in his tone.