A Vampire for Christmas(43)

Working eighty-hour weeks as an investment broker?” he tried, but didn’t add, lately, stalking humans for their blood at night.

The man ignored him and went back to adoring the singer on stage. The crowd had joined in on the chorus of the popular Christmas carol, and cigarette lighters flickered a constellation around the rink. The skaters now performed a routine to the song.

Daniel whistled softly and shook his head. This was an interesting development. How often did famous singers walk around with their own groceries and defend vampires against werewolves?

Not that she’d defended him by any means.

But seriously? The last thing he needed was to get involved with someone famous. He didn’t need the media carnival that must surround her. But they weren’t involved. They weren’t even together, though he’d thought when she’d asked him to meet her here, they’d hook up and head back to her place for a roll between the sheets. No strings, no expectations beyond sex and a bite.

But this? This was lights, camera, attention! All focus on her—and probably anyone she chose to associate with. That was the kicker. Much as Olivia’s kiss still lingered on his mouth, Daniel didn’t need the headache, or the media following his every footstep as he stalked mortals for blood.

Good thing she had invited him here. He would have really hated to start liking the woman only to later discover what he’d gotten into.

You already like her for her fearlessness around you, and that sexy smile.

Yeah, but fortunately, it wasn’t too late to jump that sinking ship.

Shoving his hands in his coat pockets, Daniel turned and wandered out of the park as Olivia’s song ended and the crowd roared ecstatically. Christmas carols, of all things. Scrooge was more his speed this time of year. He’d never been into the holiday, and had always worked through it. Hell, days off had been myth in Daniel Harrison’s life story. A man never got anywhere sitting on his ass, waiting for others to make things happen. He’d established his career, had bought a few expensive toys and had a fine Manhattan apartment to show for his hard work.

Those had been good times.

Hell, the abrupt switch from corporate raider to vampire hadn’t really sparkled up his attitude or outlook. Happiness was for mortals and anyone but him. All this Christmas cheer? They could shove it. He’d find a sexy looker to wrap his arms around and sink his teeth into somewhere else, and in a much quieter setting.

Fifteen minutes later, he stepped onto the street and didn’t slow his stride as a taxicab cruised up alongside him. The back window rolled down and a tuft of black fur slid along the door.

Hey!”

Daniel kept walking, but his libido reacted to the familiar voice by tensing his muscles and speeding up his heart. She’d followed him? Didn’t famous people hook up with other famous people? She must be desperate. Or else mentally unsound. That was it. She hadn’t freaked over his fangs, and now, as he’d suspected, she had developed an obsession. She wanted to get bitten.

Well, he wasn’t going to fulfill that twisted fantasy.

Why didn’t you come backstage and talk to me?” she called out.

You were busy entertaining the masses. A singer?”

He swung a look to her. Bad idea. Wide green eyes framed by silky black lashes had never looked so lush. Captivating. A soft cloud of black fur surrounded her face. He could almost feel his fingers running through the fur and landing on her hot skin that glistened with some kind of sparkly stuff. To kiss her pale, parted mouth, and—

Daniel paused, shaking his head at how quickly the horny thought had risen. So he had his fantasies. He turned to the cab. “I get it now. You wanted me to see that you’re some big freakin’ star. Is that what the trust thing was all about?”

That, and I wanted you to see that I’m as much a monster as you claim to be.”

He chuckled. The woman was far from monstrous. And far too naive to be fooling around with his sort.

I don’t need your kind of trouble,” he said.

I see. So you’re frightened of me?”

She teased him with the same question he’d asked her. Sly chick. Nothing scared him. Not even werewolves—though he should get smart and learn to avoid the dogs like the plague.

Olivia slicked her tongue along her upper lip, and—mercy—her dress was cut so low amidst the black fur the tempting rise of her breasts drew his eyes like a target.

He could imagine touching that soft, sexy skin, warming his chilled flesh against her angelic paleness. There had been a time when he’d but to wink at a woman and she’d follow him home and into his bed. But he’d never follow with a second date. Too much commitment. And those women had only been attracted to his money and power.