Page 27 of Fire in My Blood

A small sigh of irritation and hopelessness escapes my lips. Of course, he doesn’t want to touch me. I’m nothing out of the ordinary, and he can have any woman he wants. Most women would do practically anything to be with a man like him, so why would he settle for me when he can pick someone beautiful and fun?

“That’s what I’m afraid of,” I whisper too low for him to hear.

Several minutes go by without either of us saying a word. I keep staring fixedly out of the window to avoid any eye contact with Lucas.

“Erica, did someone hurt you again in the last couple of days?” His voice is soft and hesitant, like he doesn’t want to know my answer. “The questions your brother asked me, and his rage, indicate something happened recently. Were you attacked again?”

His eyes are on the road when I snap my head around to stare at him. “Why would he question you about that? You couldn’t possibly be responsible. You’ve been stuck in that room for days.”

“Hang on.”

It’s all the warning I get before he wrenches the car onto an off ramp at the last second. I almost knock my head against his shoulder before I manage to grab ahold of the door to stop the sideways momentum of my body.

“What are you doing?” I yell.

“Sorry, I’ll find a place to stop.” His voice is clipped as he makes a right turn at the first intersection.

After about a minute, he turns right down a narrow road leading into a forested area and stops the car.

“Erica, please look at me.”

I turn to him, my spine stiffening when I see the anger on his face.

He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. Opening his eyes again, he reaches over and covers my hand with his. “What happened, Erica? Please, tell me. I’ll help you however I can.”

“You mean yesterday.” It’s not really a question because I know what he’s asking.

“Yes, were you attacked? Were you raped again?” His lips press together in a hard line like he’s steeling himself for my answer.

“I wasn’t raped.” I hold his gaze. “The guy who attacked me four years ago broke into my apartment last night. He said he was going to rape me again, but he fled when my neighbor knocked on my door. He had been looking for me, and I’m quite sure he’ll be back later, since he knows where I live now.”

Lucas’s eyes have gone black with rage, and his hand tightens around mine. The tension in his body makes him look even more formidable than he normally does. “Did he do anything unusual, anything that a normal human wouldn’t be able to do?”

I nod. “Yes, he moved incredibly fast. I’ve never seen anyone move like that before.”

Lucas nods and breathes out a sigh. “Your attacker is most likely a vampire. It explains his speed and why he bit you. Most vampires are nice, fun-loving people who love to party. They drink human blood, but their good looks and charm provide plenty of willing donors, so they don’t go around killing people. But there is always the odd one who goes rogue and becomes a serial killer.”

For some reason the information doesn’t surprise me. “So, I have a rogue vampire serial killer looking for me?” I can’t help the sudden bark of laughter, but it’s brought on by the insanityof the situation rather than the humor. “Leave it to me to attract the bad ones.”

Lucas’s hands cupping my face startles me. “I don’t think it’s only the bad ones who are attracted to you.” There is a strange look in his beautiful blue eyes that I can’t interpret.

His gaze dips to my mouth, and I’m suddenly, intensely aware of how close he is. Without thinking, I part my lips and lean toward him. And thankfully, he accepts my silent invitation.

His lips brush gently over mine before his mouth covers them, and he pushes his tongue between my lips.

Sinking my hands into his hair, I rub my tongue against his, loving the taste of him. The first kiss we shared was amazing, but somehow this is even better.

His warm hand wraps around my nape, and I moan into his mouth. Fisting his hair in my hands, I hold him closer.

Lucas slowly ends the kiss and pulls back, and I reluctantly let go of him. His eyes are warm, but I’m scared of letting myself hope for something more with him.

“We should go,” he says. “You need food and rest, and I want to make sure you’re safe.” He touches his lips to mine for a moment, before he lets go of me and straightens in his seat.

Chapter 17

Lucas

I drive east for about half an hour before I head north. Erica is snoring softly in the seat next to me.