“It’s not going to fail.”
“Really? Your brilliant plan is to stay under the radar and to retrace the previous investigating team’s steps thus far. Am I right?”
He folded his arms. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. Titan finally gave a nod.
“Well, I hate to break this to you but your plan sucks. You—”
His eyes widened. “I’m going to change!” he boomed. “Then you can help me find some suitable attire.”
Okay, so now he was onboard? His change in attitude was jarring. She might need to be checked for whiplash. She shook her head, preparing to argue.
“Please.” His expression softened for a moment then he ground his teeth. “I would appreciate it.” He looked like it took everything in him to make that request.
“Sure,” she blurted. “I’m helping you for me though and not for you.”
“Trust me, I can live with that.” He clearly didn’t give a shit either way. It was like he was trying to shut her up by humoring her. Asshole!
Five minutes later he was back and dressed in full leathers. Since when was leather attractive on a man? Why did she still find him attractive? Assholes, even if they were attached to beautiful butts – beautiful everything - were still assholes. She shouldn’t find him attractive because he sucked.
Okay, that wasn’t entirely true. The guy did seem sweet somehow, although, sweet was probably the wrong word. He didn’t seem like a bad guy. Titan was sexist, which pissed her the hell off, but he wasn’t a slimy asshole like Richard Evans. There was also that sadness which showed itself now and then that floored her. True assholes didn’t get sad, they were thick-skinned and didn’t care about anyone else but themselves. She didn’t know Titan well at all but he didn’t strike her as uncaring and selfish. She couldn’t read him, which unnerved her a bit as well.
“Should we go?” He gestured to the door and she realized she’d been staring.
“Yup … yeah … of course.” She sounded like a bumbling idiot. She grabbed her bag and her iPad.
He opened the door and stood to the side so that she could go first. Not an asshole move. Not a sexist move. She wasn’t sure what to make of him. They walked out together, Natasha pushed her iPad into her bag.
“Bye, you two,” Milly waved. Natasha noticed how the older woman’s eyes were glued to Titan’s butt. Natasha gave a small shake of the head; she had to smile.
The SUV was big with tinted windows. “Your car screams law enforcement or …”
“I’m not law enforcement though.” Titan unlocked the car.
“It screams undercover or ‘don’t look at me’.” She opened the door on her side while Titan walked around.
“It’s our standard issue.” He shrugged.
“Do all vampires drive this type of vehicle?” she asked as they both climbed in. It was a really nice ride. Wow!
He gave a nod. “Yeah, our whole fleet is the same make and model. It’s bulletproof.”
Natasha touched the dash. “I’m impressed.” She hated to say it. “Unfortunately, we’re going to need to secure another ride. Unless you don’t mind driving around in a recognizable car. Anyone who knows vampires will instantly know you’re one. If we keep the ride, you won’t need new clothes.”
Titan seemed to think on it for a moment. “Yeah, you’re right. I don’t want to stand out. Let’s get me some new clothes, then we can park this and take a cab to the rental place in town.”
“Sounds like a plan.” She buckled up, noticing that he did the same. “I thought you were invincible.” She looked at his belt.
Titan’s lip twitched. It was as close to a smile as she’d gotten so far. “Not invincible, just hard to kill. Getting hurt is still a bitch. I might be big and non-human, I might heal much quicker than humans, but I feel pain.” He started the engine, checked his blind-spot for oncoming traffic and pulled out. “Where are we going?”
“Drive slowly and I’ll let you know.” Natasha pulled out her phone and quickly Googled for men’s clothing stores. She opted to use the phone’s navigation system to get them there. Within minutes, they pulled up to a small store called ‘Suit Up’. There were two mannequins in the shop window immaculately dressed in men’s suits.
“Not a fuck!” Titan growled.
“What’s wrong with wearing a suit?” Natasha turned to the frowning vampire.
“I’m not wearing one of those.”
“It’s what FBI agents wear. The whole Men in Black movie went a bit far but you need to look presentable.”
“Men in what?” He didn’t wait for a reply. “I’ll look like Brant. We laugh at him because he looks like that.” Titan pointed at the mannequins. “A penguin.”
“Who is Brant? Oh … he’s one of the vampire kings isn’t he?”
“Yeah and he wears idiot suits.”
“I think you’ll look really good. You don’t have to go overboard. Just a suit and a collared shirt will do the trick … oh … and some decent shoes.”
“What about my knives?”
She pulled a face. “The one on your back will have to go. You can keep the ankle knife.”
He looked pained. “I like my blades.”
“I wouldn’t be happy if I had to leave my Glock at home. You can put your scimitar in the trunk,” she said as she climbed out of the SUV.
He made a growling noise to show his dissatisfaction but gave a nod.
Within minutes they were back in the vehicle. Although they had no clothes, they weren’t completely empty-handed. The shop owner had given them a number of a tailor who worked out of a store on the next street. The guy hadn’t even tried to fit Titan, he just shook his head with a look of amusement in his eye. Suit Up stocked off-the-shelf garments. None of which would fit a guy like Titan. He needed tailored suits.
They went straight to the new shop. Two turns and they were parking. Turned out that the store stocked women’s clothing. It was called ‘Sass and Charm’. The mannequins wore dresses.
“This can’t be the right place.” Titan looked shocked. “I’m not going in there.” He shook his head, a look of horror on his face.
“Yes, you are. You heard that guy, he’s the only tailor in town who will be able to get the job done.”
“Fuck!” Titan grumbled. He rolled his eyes and heaved a sigh. “Fine!”
A bell tinkled as they entered the store. Wow! Just wow! There were whole racks of gorgeous dresses. Long, short, black. From sundresses to cocktail frocks. There was a jeans section and what looked like a vintage rack to the rear.
Natasha gave one of the sundresses a loving stroke. She might love guns and punching people ‒ when warranted ‒ but she was still a girl at heart. She liked high-heels and a sexy dress as much as the next lady.
Someone gasped both loudly and flamboyantly at the rear of the store. Both of their heads jerked in the direction of the sound. It was a tall man. His eyes were wide and both of his hands were covering his mouth. He walked over, only dropping his hands as he reached them. “Oh my!” he squealed, sounding more like a school girl than a grown man. “What have we here?” His eyes moved up and down as he took in Titan.
Natasha didn’t know whether to put a stop to it or laugh. “Please tell me that you’re here for a fitting. John from Suit Up just called and well …” he sighed dramatically. “I hope you’re him.”
“I’m not.” Titan turned with the clear intention of leaving.
“Not so fast.” Natasha grabbed his arm. “We need to do this,” she said under her breath. Titan’s skin was warm, his bicep was as hard as it looked. He stiffened beneath her touch but stopped walking so she released him. His jaw was tense.
“Don’t worry, big guy. I don’t bite … much,” a purr from the tailor.
Titan growled.
“He’s only pulling your leg,” Natasha tried, pleading with her eyes.
“Ohhhh! Although I’d love to pull on so much more than just your leg, honey,” the guy groaned.
Titan narrowed his eyes and gave a tiny shake of the head. She narrowed her own back, giving a small nod. She mouthed ‘yes’ and ‘no choice.’ Titan squeezed his eyes shut and gave a nod.
She turned back towards the salesman. He had great hair. It was thick and cut in a trendy style. His eyes were a buttery brown and he had a cheeky grin on his face. He wore a great pair of designer jeans and a button-up shirt that fit him just so.
“I’m Steve.” The grin widened. He held out his hand and she shook it, his grip was surprisingly strong. His fingers were long and slender. “I own this store. Most everything you see I made myself. Don’t be fooled, although it’s a women’s clothing store, I specialize in tailor-making men’s clothing as well. It’s my sideline thing.” He winked at Titan, who scowled.
“So we were told. I’m Natasha and this is Titan.” The vampire growled.
“Oh.” Steve’s eyes hooded as they moved back to Titan. “Growling does it for me.” Steve winked at him.
“Please, can we keep this professional?” Natasha tried her pleading look on Steve. Any more of this and Titan was going to leave. Since Steve was the only decent tailor in Sweetwater, they would be screwed if that happened.
“How boring!” Steve pouted. “I love playing with sexy vampires. Brant’s way more fun.”
“Not a fuck!” Titan barked. “You know Brant?” He frowned so hard that she thought his forehead might just crack if he wasn’t careful. “You can’t know him.” He shook his head.
Steve pulled a face. “Do I know Brant? Do … I …” He tapped his chest with his index finger. Natasha noticed that his nails were beautifully manicured. “Know Brant? Well, of course I do. I’ve been tailoring the man’s suits for an age.” His eyes pulled upward for a moment. “At least ten years. He used to come in all the time. Now I go to your castle once in a blue moon. It’s all hush, hush.” He put his finger over his mouth. “How is Tanya by the way? Lucky girl has two of those gorgeous specimens.” His eyes moved back to Titan.
Titan was frowning deeply, then some of the tension left him. “The queen is well. I suppose if you know Brant then it will be fine to proceed. You need to know that I do not rut males.” Completely deadpan. Natasha admired his straight talking, but sheesh! Titan didn’t mince his words. He took a step towards them, his eyes on Steve. “You do not interest me in that way.”
“More’s the pity, angel. Never mind that. Let me go and put up the Closed sign and we’ll go and do your fitting.”
Steve disappeared for a second or two. They both stood in silence.
“Okay, we’re all good,” Steve said as he walked back. He rubbed his hands together like he couldn’t wait to get them onto Titan. Natasha almost felt sorry for the big vamp. “Right. I need my measuring tape and my notebook. Ahhh … here they are.” He grabbed the items from behind the counter. “Stand over here if you will.” He gestured to the spot next to him and Titan walked over, facing forward.
“You will need to remove your weapons,” Steve chuckled. “I don’t want to hurt myself on anything long and sharp.” He bobbed his eyebrows.
Natasha bit back a laugh. She could see that Steve meant well. Titan didn’t seem to mind the jibe. He had calmed down since hearing that Steve had done plenty of work for King Brant and ever since he’d cleared the air about not being gay.
Titan unbuckled the sheath for the sword on his back. He placed the weapon on the countertop with a clang. Next, he unbuckled the blade at his thigh and lastly, the one strapped to his ankle. He placed them all on the counter top next to him.
“As good as it looks on you, this vest has to go.” Steve pointed at the leather waistcoat.
Titan gripped the bottom and hefted the garment over his shoulders. Her mouth went completely dry as she caught sight of the ripped flesh underneath. Holy freaking hotness. She bit down on her lower lip, trying not to drool or to groan, moan, or mumble incoherently. Or maybe, do all of the above and all at once.
She had the sudden urge to squeeze her thighs together to stop the ache gathering between them. The guy was masculine beauty at its finest. Natasha licked her lips, swallowed hard and tried to look away as Steve measured Titan. Fitting the tape cross his broad shoulders, around his waist, around the base of his neck. For all his bravado, and flirtatious behavior, she noticed how Steve didn’t so much as lay a finger on him.
“Thank you, big boy!” Steve winked at Titan.
“I’m not a boy,” Titan rasped.
“No, you’re not but you are big.” Steve smiled. “What am I measuring you for?”
“Suits and collared shirts,” Natasha blurted. Her voice was a little shrill but at least it didn’t waver or break. At least she could get the words out, which was a miracle considering her brain was only firing on half of its cylinders. “We’ll also need shoes and socks,” she added, pleased with herself for remembering.
Steve scrutinized Titan’s feet. “I can help with footwear. I keep bigger sizes in stock for the king but the rest will have to be made up specifically for you, sugarlips.”
“How long will it take? We don’t need anything fancy,” Natasha asked.
“A minimum of five days per suit and that’s on a rush order so it will cost extra. I’m going to assume you have one of those pretty platinum credit cards … so money isn’t an issue?” Steve directed the comment at Titan.
“Oh shit!” Natasha frowned. “Five days is a long time. We don’t have five days and as for payment …” She pulled a face. “It’s not something I thought about. I have a limited expense account and my private funds aren’t too much better.” Relocating was expensive. She earned very little during her training. It depleted most of her savings. What little she had left she needed to keep as a safety for if she ended up losing her job, which was a distinct possibility at this point.
“I have funds,” Titan said, glancing her way. Thank god! “I think I might have a solution to the immediate clothing problem as well. It’s not ideal but it just might work out.” He looked back at Steve. “Finish measuring me. Five days per suit will have to do.”
Steve smiled. “You will need three at the very least. Let’s get your shoes and socks first. Get rid of your boots.” The pair he selected fit perfectly. Steve packed the shoes and a couple of pairs of socks into a bag, which he left on the counter. “Right!” Steve clapped his hands. “Strip down to your jocks and we’ll finish measuring you up.” He winked at her.
Damnit! She should leave or at least turn around or something. Instead, Natasha watched in fascination as Titan pulled off his socks. Then, he unclasped his pants and pulled down the zipper. The noise reverberated around the room.
She was going to hell but she would die happy. So what if she saw him in his jocks? It wasn’t like he was getting …
Titan pulled down the leather pants and his giant, salami-shaped weapon sprang free. It was attached to balls that hung heavy between his thick, muscular thighs. Jesus! Titan stepped out of his pants. One leg at a time and his cock swayed from side to side as he did.
Fucking hell! Holy mother of all that was well-hung. Excessively well-hung. Ridiculously well-freaking-hung. Titan wasn’t in the least bit perturbed, or shy, or anything, which was sexy in itself. It was like stripping down to his birthday suit was an everyday occurrence. Having said that, if she had a body like that ‒ a giant cock like that ‒ she might strip down all the time too. She would go blind as well from playing with the thing.
“You are a big boy,” Steve purred, going down on one knee. Understatement of the century. “Open your legs just a smidge, I need to measure your inner thigh.”
No damned way! This was wrong on all levels. She was perving over Titan, reducing him to a piece of man-meat, and it was wrong. She hated it when guys did it to her. Natasha turned around and faced the wall. She couldn’t just leave though. She was his partner. What if some sick fascist tried to kill him with his dick out? She could keep an eye on the periphery and not on him. Her cheeks felt hot. Who was sh
e kidding? She felt hot all over. And wet. Don’t forget wet. She might have to throw away these panties.
“Stop calling me a boy and you can stop ogling my dick while you’re at it. I told you I don’t fuck males, I don’t fuck period.”
Say what?
Her ears pretty much started flapping at that point. She found herself leaning back to hear what was said next.
“You don’t fuck?” Steve sounded completely appalled. “As in, not at all?”
“Not at all.” Titan’s voice was deep and raw. She was sure she could hear emotion in every word. All she wanted was to turn around so that she could see his face, look in his eyes. She was probably just hearing things that weren’t there but Natasha didn’t think so. “So, you’re wasting your time.”
Steve made a noise of disgust. “What a waste! A damn shame. What? Did some little honey break your heart?”
No response.
“It doesn’t matter what happened. The best thing you can do after a fall is to get back on the horse. Go ride … or rut … or whatever you want to call it. Have rebound sex! You’ll feel better.”
“Doubtful.” Oh shit! He definitely sounded sad. All Natasha wanted to do was to turn around. To agree with Steve and urge Titan to take the tailor’s advice. Hell, she wanted to apply for the position of rebound fuck, but that was crazy talk. They worked together and he didn’t like her. He was also a sexist, so he might not care about her experience. Those guys were the worst. The ones that climbed on, grunted a couple of times and rolled off. She’d tried the whole relationship thing but it never worked out with the hours she kept at work so she had the very odd one night stand to make sure that things didn’t close over down there. One nighters were hit and miss. Natasha had become quite good at judging whether a guy would be any good. The full of it arrogant types normally didn’t give a shit, or they just assumed they were good. It was the okay-looking guys with confidence issues who were the best because they tried really hard to please.
A Mate for Titan (The Program Book 7) Page 6
