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“I’m not.” I lied. “How long have you been standing there?” He charged me, making me jump. I could feel him deliberately dampening his powers. He was being very careful with me, trying to control his rage. Heat was radiating from his body, so much so, that I was actually starting to perspire. His fists clenched and unclenched while his nostrils flared, and his fangs were fully elongated.
He caged me in with arms of steel and leaned into me, pressing his body against mine. He bent down to whisper into my ear. “Long enough to know that Vance isn’t the only person you’ve entrusted with your secrets.” His lips traveled down my neck, then back up to nip my earlobe.
My whole body shivered. He had me simultaneously terrified and turned on. I didn’t know if I was supposed to jump his bones or run away screaming. “What are you doing, Leo?” I panted.
He pressed his huge erection against my stomach as he lightly pressed his fangs into my neck. They didn’t penetrate, they were merely threatening to. My knees went weak. He grabbed my hips with his strong hands and held me up against the wall. “You know Karli, I should have taken you that night you asked me to. Then you wouldn’t be wasting your energy on someone so unworthy.” He pushed into me harder. “One night with me between your legs would make you forget the detective even existed.”
Oh God, I so do not have the strength to do this right now! My adrenaline was pumping hard but I knew I was about to come crashing down at any second. “Leo, please don’t do this.” I begged. “Not now. I can’t---” My head started spinning as I slid down the wall.
He caught me. “You do not look well.” He said as he pulled back. “You should not be here.”
“I’m fine.” I argued. “I’m just a little tired but I’ll get over it.” The tears escaping my lids belied my words.
His angry, lustful expression instantly softened into one of concern. His fangs retracted as he took my hand, kissing the inside of my wrist. Ah, I loved it when he did that and he knew it. His lips lingered for a moment before he withdrew, giving me goose pimples. Okay, that helped ease my anxiety a little bit.
“I insist.” He said. “You should go upstairs and rest a while. If you feel better later, you can come back down.”
“Leo, I appreciate the offer, but---”
“Karli, please do not force my hand.” He said. “I could just use my influence on you but I’m trying to respect your wishes.”
“If anything, I’ll just go back home.” It was my feeble attempt at negotiating.
“No, you won’t. You almost passed out less than a minute ago. I’m not going to let you behind the wheel of a car. If you try, I will stop you. Do not doubt that for a second.”
“Do I have a say in the matter?” I asked.
“Of course you do.” He replied. “You can choose to go up to the room alone, or you can choose to allow me to accompany you. Which one do you prefer?”
I sighed in acquiescence. “Come on, let’s go.”
Chapter 22
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He guided me upstairs and I collapsed on the couch as soon as we walked in the door.
“Do you want anything to eat?” He asked as he threw a small blanket over me.
I lifted my head slightly. “Yes, but I’m too tired to look at the menu and I don’t think I have the strength to feed myself anyway.”
“What do you feel like?”
“Anything.” I replied.
He called room service and ordered some grilled chicken penne, an artisan cheese plate, and some red wine. After the server left, he carried the pasta over to me and sat on the floor in front of the couch. With the plate in his lap, he held up the fork so I could take a bite. He continued feeding me like that until everything was gone. Apparently, scary Leo has decided to retire for the evening. I managed to sit up on the couch after getting a little food so he came over to join me. I leaned against his shoulder as he offered me a sip of wine.
“Thank you for helping me Leo. Again.”
He put his arm around my shoulders and held me. “Do you feel like taking a bath?” He asked.
“That sounds great but I really don’t have the strength for it.”
“I will take care of everything for you.” He offered. Being naked in a tub around Leo probably wasn’t the smartest idea. Being around him at all wasn’t the smartest idea. Sensing my hesitation he added, “I promise I’ll be on my best behavior. I can add bubbles and step out while you get in the tub.” Remembering how wonderful his tub felt, I reluctantly agreed.
He got the bath ready for me, complete with bubbles and candles and led me into the bathroom.
“Will you be okay getting undressed?” He asked.
