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“Why don’t we sit, and I’ll explain. I promise I won’t hurt you. I would never hurt you.” I return to my chair and sit, hoping to be less threatening.
She walks in an arc away from me and sits in the chair opposite me to keep distance between us. “Are you insane, Oliver?” Her voice and eyes are full of emotion.
It’s a fair question from someone I met yesterday who has never seen a monster before. “No. Though perhaps that would be preferable.”
Cocking her pretty head, she stares at me. “So I’m supposed to believe you’re a vampire? You drink human blood?”
Forcing a soft smile, I ask, “Are you hungry, Birgitta?”
“I’m sorry I told you my full name.” She leans back and crosses her arms.
The warm scent of her arousal fills me with need. “You don’t like the name?”
“It’s the way you say it.” Her pupils are dilated, and she crosses her legs.
With vampire speed, I close the distance between us and lean over her so that my chest brushes hers.
She gasps.
“I’m turned-on by you too. If you want, I’d satisfy all your needs.” I run my nose along her throat and breathe her in.
Breathing hard, every lift of her chest presses her against me, adding to my desire, and hers. “I don’t know what you expect me to say, Oliver. I only met you yesterday. Whatever kind of woman you think I am, you’re wrong.”
Fear has merged with her desire, and I hate that I put it there. Easing back, I have to close my eyes to regain my composure. “Forgive me.” I take a plate and put a sandwich and some grapes on it before handing it to her. “I did warn you that I’m a monster.”
“Markham was a monster.” She takes the plate and eats a grape. “I’m not sure that title applies to you.” Her cheeks turn pink.
“Are you flirting with me?” My canines extend. It’s strange that the smell of her arousal didn’t make me lose control, but a simple flirt has me longing to sink my teeth and my cock inside this woman.
“Maybe.” She stares at her feet. “That doesn’t mean I believe you’re a vampire, or change the fact that we only met yesterday.”
I reel in my desire. “What proof would you like of my nature?”
She puts the plate on the coffee table and stands. “I hope you won’t take this wrong, Oliver, but I’m uncomfortable. I don’t believe much of your story and won’t print anything I don’t believe. Whatever this is between us—is too much.” She steps toward the door.
I keep still and resist the urge to stop her again. “Will you come back?”
She stops with one hand on the open door. “I’m surprised you want me to.”
“And yet, I do. Let me take you to dinner tomorrow evening.” I’m desperate to keep her, but this isn’t some Middle Ages romance where I can lock her in the tower. I’m a modern man. So, why does that sound like a good idea?
“I’m going to keep asking around about you and your brothers.” She says it like a warning.
“I know.”
The front door opens, and Declan calls out, “Honey, I’m home.”
“This should be interesting.” I close the distance between Britta and me. It’s not that she needs protection from Declan. My brother would never harm anyone who wasn’t a threat. Still, my instinct to claim and protect her is inescapable.
With my hand barely touching the small of her back, I lead her out of the library and into the foyer.
Declan is a hulking figure. He drops his duffel bag on the floor. His eyes widen before he grins and steps closer. Brushing his brown hair away from his eyes, he says, “Miss Daniels, I presume.”
“I am.” She takes his offered hand.
He holds her hand for several seconds too long. “Declan Montgomery.”
Jealousy rushes through me so fast that I have to clench my muscles to keep from attacking.
