Page 58 of Always Eros
“You kill people?”
“I do.”
I’m stunned speechless, my mind too full of chaos to form a question.
“Typically they are very bad people,” Eros continues. “We don’t go around hurting innocent people. Mostly criminals or pedophiles, abusers. People like that.”
“Is that how it’s handled? That’s the punishment for a crime in this world?”
“Not always, no. We have a system meant to handle crime, but it fails sometimes. Justice…” He stands, approaching me slowly, but stops before he reaches me. “You must understand that I have a deep and abiding interest in you. I very much want you in my life and in my bed.”
My throat tightens. These are nice words, but I don’t think I like where they’re heading.
“Before I can allow myself such an indulgence, it’s only right that you know…”
“Know what, Eros?”
His brow creases. “Please, do not run. I won’t hurt you. Not ever. Nor any of my brothers.”
“Oh no,” I whisper. “No.” I shake my head, backing away but stopped by the window. “You know a lot about vampires.”
Eros nods. “I do.”
I squeeze my eyes to stop the stinging tears from falling. “Because?”
“Because…” Eros steps forward but stops himself when I flinch. “Because I am one.”
Chapter Twenty-One
EROS
Justice’s eyes go wide and I make it to him just as he collapses. I carry him back to my bedroom, hoping with everything in me that this isn’t the last time he’ll be in my space.
I could restrain him and force him to stay. The dangerous thought taunts me, but I push it back. No. I won’t be so cruel. If Justice is to stay, he has to do so willingly.
I stroke his hair, blowing cool breath on his face until his eyelids flutter. When he focuses on me, he gasps, attempting to scoot away from me. My heart breaks.
“I won’t hurt you, Justice. Please believe me.”
Pressed against my headboard, he stares at me with terror in his eyes. “I want to go home.”
“I understand.” I close my eyes to push my beast back. The territorial, possessive part of me wants out, but that would only frighten him. “I can take you back.”
“No. I’ll find my own way.”
“Justice, please. After everything tonight, surely you can see you’re safe with me.”
His breathing is fast and labored, bordering on hyperventilating. “But… vampires are…”
He squeezes his eyes shut, and as tears dot his cheeks, my fangs throb to descend. Not to feed. No. The need to hold him, rub my nose in his scent, is overtaking me.
“I can have one of my brothers take you home.”
“One of your vampire brothers? No thanks.” He gives in to his tears. “You said I could trust you.”
“And you can. I promised I wouldn’t hurt you. That’s true.”
“But how could you keep this from me?”