Page 28 of Fire in My Blood

After I was sure she was asleep, I carefully rummaged through her purse and found her phone. I feel better knowing it’s turned off, and no one can track us.

My chest feels tight. She has no idea how much she affects me. I should stay away from her, but it’s getting more difficult by the second.

Me and my brothers all agreed never to get attached to a human, and I’ve had no trouble honoring that agreement.

Humans live a short time and are prone to changing their minds at a whim. They promise one thing one day, and then go back on that promise the next. In addition, they’re physically inferior, selfish, and craven. Of course, there are humans that don’t fit that description, but based on my experience, they are few.

Erica is one of the few. She helped me, knowing full well she was breaking the rules and putting herself at risk. She even pushed through her own fear to give me water. The least I can do is make sure she’s safe.

My grip tightens on the steering wheel, until it creaks in protest. Ensuring her safety is only part of the reason I’m taking her with me, though. I want her close, need her close. The thought of leaving her, even with people I trust to keep her safe, is enough to make me want to roar and hit someone.

And it doesn’t help that my body is conspiring against me. My cock has been rock-hard ever since the kiss we shared.

Based on what she has been through, I expected her to hold back, perhaps even fear me. I’m a big man, and there are plenty, both humans and supernaturals, who find me intimidating. But Erica kissed me with such passion, her tongue sparring with mine like she isn’t half my size. She was every bit as into the kiss as I was, and I didn’t hold back.

Blazing need rushes through me as my mind wanders to everything I want to do to help her forget about her assault. All the ways I want to make sweet love to her to carefully eradicate that awful experience from her mind forever. I would be happy to spend months removing those bad memories and replacing them with mind-blowing experiences of my own making.

“Fuck.” The word is barely audible but full of the hopelessness that tightens my chest.

I focus on the large properties we’re passing. We’re almost there, and I have to force my mind onto another topic than the beautiful blonde sleeping next to me. I might look like a caveman right now, but that doesn’t mean I should behave like one by carrying an unconscious woman into the house with my stiff dick tenting my pants.

The expansive mansion is located in the middle of a large property and hidden behind a tall fence and a lot of trees. My friend Trevor, who owns the property, is still in Scotland as far as I know, so the only people present are the security personnel. And they have all been there for years and know me well.

After stopping right outside the gate, I get out of the car. “Hi, Tom, how are you?”

The security guard on duty smiles when he sees me. “Fine thanks, and you?” His grin widens when he spots Erica sleepingin the passenger seat. “Are you in need of a love nest for a few days?”

I chuckle, but it sounds a bit hollow to my own ears.I wish.Tom is a good guy, even if his comments about women can be crass sometimes.

“Actually, we need to hide for a few days. She’s got a rogue vampire on her tail.” I let him see the concern on my face. “Would you mind sweeping her vehicle for any tracking devices before you put it in the garage? And please tell me if you find any, okay? I’ll carry her to the house from here.”

“Will do. I’ll be sure to notify the others to be on the lookout for anyone lurking in the area.”

“Thanks, Tom.”

“Anytime.”

I walk around the car and open the passenger-side door. After putting her purse in her lap, I ease one arm under her knees and one behind her back. Carefully, not to wake her, I lift her out of the seat and bring her close to my body. Her head rolls before it comes to rest against my chest. I pause and hold my breath, but she doesn’t wake.

After walking through the trees to the house, I enter through a side door in the west wing, where I usually stay when I’m here.

I pick a guest room on the ground floor right next to the one I will be using. The room is big and cozy, and Erica will be comfortable here.

I’d like to think she would be even more comfortable staying in my room, but if I’m going to have any hope of following the rules, we can’t share a bed.

After lowering her carefully to the large bed, I unbutton her coat. But as I spread it open, I wince at the sight of her bloodstained clothes underneath.

She needs fresh clothes and a shower, but come to think of it, so do I. We’re both covered in blood, but I can’t do anything about her situation without waking her. And I’m loath to do that when she’s obviously exhausted.

After checking that my jeans are dry, I sit down next to her on the edge of the bed and let my eyes travel down her body. Her clothes are shapeless and hide her form, but I still get an impression of her breasts beneath the fabric. They look to be a good handful, and my hands itch to explore them.

My gaze is pulled farther down her feminine shape to her rounded hips. There are several other parts of her body besides her breasts I long to explore, and not just with my hands. My cock is throbbing uncomfortably against the zipper of my jeans, hard and aching for the amazing woman sleeping so peacefully on the bed.

I don’t think I’ve ever reacted this intensely to a woman. She has got me practically drooling for her, and all after a couple of kisses.

***

Erica