Page 41 of Viktor

“Are you stalking me?” she asked, her voice calm and even.

Like the predator he was, Viktor strode around the edge of the pool with the air of confidence he always wore. Through the billowing steam, Waverly came into view, her eyes closed, the bubbles teasing over her breasts.

“Tell me, how does a human see me, feel me?” he asked.

“I’m not sure what you think I do.” She flashed open her eyes, pinning him with a stare.

“I’ve never met a human like you,” he confessed.

“Humans have instincts too. Like the humans you saw tonight?” She quickly concealed the jealousy that shone in her eyes.

“I wasn’t with humans tonight. It’s not what you think.”

“But you fed?” She averted her gaze. “Did you go to one of those clubs? Like Miami?”

“No.” Viktor shook his head with a smile, amused by her jealousy. If she only knew that she was the only person on his mind. She was quickly turning into a delicious obsession.

“You had blood? You bit someone?”

“Indeed, I had blood. But my donor, who happened to be male, procured the blood for me.” Viktor removed his suit jacket, folded it and set it on the chaise longue. “I’ve brought you food. You must be starving.”

“I’m okay. I, uh, poked around in your kitchen. I found a few things in your freezer.”

“Ah, yes. I’d forgotten about the dreadful meals Rafe insisted on.”

“It’s macaroni and cheese. It wasn’t bad.” She shrugged.

“I have proper food for you upstairs. I can go get it. I just wanted to—” See you. Touch you. Taste you. “Make sure you were okay. I know today was rough.”

“I’m better.” She sighed. “I’m sorry for asking about the blood. It’s none of my business. You must eat too. It’s not like I’m giving you my blood, so…" For the first time, she hinted at a smile. “You have a beautiful home. I saw the pool and I couldn’t resist. Borrowed your robe. Hope you don’t mind?”

“Of course not.” Viktor sat on a cushioned ottoman. “The house works for me. I love the water. New Orleans. I’m close to town but not in the city.”

“I got the impression that you liked Miami.”

“It’s a different city.”

“What do you mean?”

“Houses are like pairs of shoes,” Viktor removed his leather shoes and set them aside. “Different ones for different situations. New Orleans is a beautiful city, but I prefer the lake most nights.”

“But of course you do,” she laughed. “Well, Mr. Christianson, it’s a beautiful home. I especially like this hot tub.”

“It’s beautiful because you’re in it. Dr. LaFleur, do you mind if I join you?” Viktor’s mind spun as the words left his mouth. What the actual fuck? I’m a vampire. I don’t ask in my own home. Yet I just did. This human had turned his world upside down.

“Sure. Why not?” She sighed with a small laugh. “It’s been a hell of a week. My friend is missing. I almost got killed. Someone put a dead animal in my apartment. A demon attacked us in my office. And I split into a million atoms, was put back together and now I’m sitting in a hot tub. And a handsome vampire is joining me. Could be worse.”

Viktor made quick work of removing his clothes. As he turned, he caught her stealing a glimpse of his half-hard cock, which hung heavy between his legs.

“Ah but we’re just friends,” he said as he eased into the hot water.

She locked her eyes onto his.

“What happened earlier…we shouldn’t have.” Her cheeks flushed. She dipped further into the water almost as if she wanted to shrink from the conversation.

“But we did.” Viktor’s leg brushed against hers.

Waverly froze, her heated gaze settling on the vampire. “I shouldn’t get involved with you.”