The Way You Bite(48)

Damn it, he was supposed to be the one in charge here. Not her.

She’d stolen his mind. Again.

He dug deep for restraint. This couldn’t happen right now. Not with Julio and his cohort inside. Not with TC watching.

But kissing her was so right. He wished he could forget the world and its problems. Then he could take this where they both needed it to go.

He softened the kiss and released her mouth.

“You’re pretty persuasive.” She bit back a smile.

Damn it. The seductress knew what she’d done to him. Who knew he liked it.

Screw the meeting. Screw the world. “Never argue with me.” He leaned forward to pick up where he’d left off.

She craned her head backward to avoid his mouth. “You can kiss me all you want, but no matter how good it may be, I will find a way to communicate with my aunt.”

He almost fell to his knees, so genuine was his pleasure at her continued challenge. His animal side, who enjoyed a good fight with a strong opponent, loved this game. “I’ll win, if you don’t obey.”

“You’ll try to win, but it’ll be you begging me by the time we’re done.”

“Maybe.” But it’ll be a fun fight. “We can probably find some way to contact her, but only once we’re out of this country.”

A throat cleared nearby.

Lexan side glanced, but didn’t release her.

“They’re waiting inside and they’re pissed. You’re an hour and a half late,” TC stated.

“As if I give a fuck,” he broadcasted telepathically.

“You better give a fuck. You called this meeting yesterday. Whatever’s going on here needs to be done.”

He’d like to tell Julio to take a hike. Dealing with a political sleaze and his tough guys was the lowest item on Lexan’s priority list. Highest was getting Vee naked once more before he died and discovering a bit more about how much he liked her showing him who was really in control.

TC’s gaze darted to Vee. “She shouldn’t be here, not with them inside. I can take her somewhere.”

Lexan release a frustrated exhalation and stepped away from Vee. With her a supposed member of the head household of his nemesis, TC was right, but he didn’t want her separated from him.

Lexan mumbled, “She should leave.”

Hurt passed through her gaze.

Definite misinterpretation of his intent. He wasn’t used to adding an explanation to his statements. “Vee, I—”

“I’ll take off, then. Since I’m not wanted here.”

“You are not taking off.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Still trying to order me around?”

His blood pumped hard with desire to continue their fight…and finish it until she screamed her climax. “Here is safest for you with me and us.”

“You just said I needed to leave.” She cocked her head.

“I meant to say it’d be safest if you weren’t here, but you are here, and you’re not leaving.” He released a long breath. “I would like you to stay here where I feel it would be safer for you.”

“This won’t work.” She referred to the big picture.

“It will. This meeting is about war financing and medical facilities. Julio can be unstable, especially when it comes to Scarpa vamps. I don’t want you hurt or my boys fighting his.”

“You’re right. I shouldn’t be here.” She pivoted.

“Damn it.” He caught her arm before she reached the top step. The sudden movement shot pain down his leg. He bit back a wince. He could force her to stay, but he didn’t want to. The animal in him wanted to seduce its mate. Besides, this mate didn’t respond well to her choice being removed. “Stay. Please.” He didn’t want to beg and reveal to his guys how twisted he was over this female. If she pushed, though, he just might find himself on his knees.

She glared and tugged at her arm. “Let go.”

“Please.” He let go of her and stumbled when his mind went wobbly, catching himself on the porch railing.

Vee’s touched his arm. “Are you okay?”

He didn’t want her pity. How ironic a week ago he would’ve embraced silver toxicity as the end. Now, gazing down at the spitfire ready to attack him for imposing his will, he didn’t want to spend what might be his last hour of life making political nice.

“Yeah, I’m fine.”

“No you’re not.” Her gaze, startled and frightened, burned into his.

“I just said I was.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, willing the hammering in his brain and the pain to retreat in the background again.

She thought to him, “You’re pale. I’m worried you’re…”

“I’m fine.” Aloud, “Stay behind the guys when we go in. Don’t reveal anything about your true heritage. These guys do not need to know. Don’t draw attention to yourself. Julio is—”

“Yeah, I know who he is. North American pack leader. Dominic’s top enemy in this country. Is Roman here, since this is about medical facilities?”

“Yes. Just stay behind us.”

Lexan strolled inside and into the room he’d labeled the meeting room with couches and a fireplace. “Sorry to have delayed our meeting, Julio.”