“Shh, just let it all out,” he murmured and stroked her errant curls with a gentle hand. “I’m taking care of you tonight, so let it all pour out.”
She relaxed into his hard form, her tears soaking his silk shirt. He didn’t seem to care as he held her there, rocking gently.
“Tell me all about it,” he asked.
Strangely, the feeling of comfort and protectiveness washed over her, and she felt okay to talk to him. “I miss David so much it’s unbelievable.”
“I know. There’re people in my life who aren’t here anymore who I miss terribly as well. It will get easier with time.”
Her throat and head ached from all the crying. “It won’t. I feel so awful.”
Drake kissed the top of her head. “It’ll be okay, I swear.” He lifted her face up to meet his intense gaze. “Let me take care of you tonight.”
“I don’t want sex.”
Even in the dark, she could see the traces of a kind smile crossing his lips. “I wouldn’t dream of it, though I think it’s best you stay here tonight.”
She shook her head. Even thought she trusted him slightly, staying the night wouldn’t be the best thing for her. The fragile vulnerability might lead her into doing something she’d regret. “I don’t think so.”
“I won’t take no for an answer.”
C’mon, McCall, think of another reason to leave. “But I don’t have a thing to wear to bed.”
Drake rubbed her bared shoulders and said with a smile, “Don’t worry about that. I’ve got plenty for you to wear.”
Christine watched Drake go to a neat walnut door to the right of the bed. Curious to where it led, she followed. The huge cherry wood closet was the size of her entire apartment and then some. Racks and racks of shirts and pants hung everywhere, all organized by color and style. Men’s shoes, boots, and other footwear rested in their neatly carpeted incline shelves.
“This is nothing compared to where I grew up in Norway. My entire family lived in a great hall much smaller than this.”
His statement shook her. “Great hall?”
Quick surprise trawled across his features, only to be replaced by a relaxed smile. “Sorry about that. It was a small house, but we called it the Great Hall.”
Christine thought about his misplaced statement but brushed it aside. Simple slip of the tongue, nothing more. Sometimes her suspicious nature got the best of her. “Oh, okay.” She touched some of the shirts. “I’ve never known any guy to have this much clothing.”
“Trust me, I wear everything here,” he offered mildly and continued to rummage around the racks. “Ah, here’s a shirt you can wear.”
The shirt he’d picked out was a blue silk number that probably cost a thousand dollars. She shook her head and pushed it back. “An old T-shirt would be okay, you know.”
“Sorry, nothing but the best for you.” He handed her the shirt. “Time to get dressed for bed. I’ll leave you alone to dress privately.”
One question remained on her mind, one she need to ask and had to have answer to. “Where are you going to sleep?”
The familiar sexy smile reemerged and energized the blaze in his eyes. “Next to you, of course.”
She held every raw emotion intact. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I barely know you.”
“If you’re worried about your sanctity, don’t. I never take advantage of anyone—unless you want me to of course.”
Her pussy clenched as the memory of his lips wrapped around her clit rose like a thief in the night. “Um, I don’t think so.”
Drake leaned forward, his eyes full of seriousness, and said in a raw sexual tone, “Make no mistake, my girl. I’ll have you eventually, but it’ll be when you’re ready. I’ll not push you.” He swatted her playfully on the ass. “Bedtime in five minutes. Be dressed or I’ll come in and dress you myself.”
With that, Drake left her alone in his huge closet to change into the pretty silk shirt he’d given her.
She sighed and walked over to the vanity mirror in the corner. Ugh. She looked a hot mess with mascara pooling around her eyes like a couple of dead spiders. Damn, she needed a shower.
Christine popped open the closet door and emitted a soft gasp. Drake startled her by stretching out on the bed naked from the waist up, his hands behind his head. She held her breath as she visually caressed each muscled plane graced with bits of silver moonlight streaming through the window, the skin flickering now and then with slight movement. She could see herself kissing and touching every inch of him…
Drake slewed his head over to face her. “Something wrong?”
Christine managed to regain her composure and cleared her throat. “Yeah, I’m sort of a hot mess right now, and I was wondering if it was okay if I took a shower before I went to bed?”
“Sure. There’s plenty of towels, shampoo, soap. Whatever you need is there. I’ll be right here.”
“Thanks. Where’s your bathroom?”
“Go straight through my closet and there’s a door in the back. That’s the bathroom.”
“Okay. I’ll be back in a minute.”
* * * *
A soft click echoed in the air as the door closed. Drake smiled. He didn’t even have to glamour her to stay, which he thought he would have. It seemed that all he needed to do was convince her that she hadn’t seen David, and she had believed him. He liked a woman who trusted him to a certain degree
He crossed his ankles. The sound of the taps being turned on echoed through the bedroom. His cock hardened and lengthened, pressing against the metal zipper of his jeans, tight and painful. She tempted him to strip his clothes off and join her. Thankfully, his better senses prevailed. He needed to take it easy with her. Her trust in him was at a fragile point, and he didn’t want to shatter that.
Drake stared at the ceiling. Why did he care so much about this woman? Somehow, this little minx brought out the caring, protective beast in him. When that had happened, he wasn’t sure. Strangely, he couldn’t be sure if he wanted to put the animal to sleep again. It felt good to feel needed and wanted by someone other than the rest of his coven.
Christine’s distant singing intrigued him, the sounds very pleasant. She had a good voice. Did she ever think to have training to use it? Hmm, something else to investigate about her. He smiled. She definitely intrigued him like a box full of secrets he wanted to learn, one at a time. She never failed to amaze him.
The sound of the water died away, and he desperately fought the urge to go and see if she needed help getting dressed. His midsection strained at the mere thought of her luscious naked body pressed up against his, ripe and ready for the taking. Never in his life had a woman blossomed under his fingertips like Christine. Not even Dagmar exploded in that fashion.
He yawned. Dawn was coming soon, and unfortunately, he couldn’t spend the entire night with Christine. He’d have to be in his coffin by sunrise, not because of the sun but because it had become habit more than anything and because he’d grown to prefer sleeping during the day when possible. Thankfully, he kept his coffin and some for the others in the bowels of the house.
The closet door opened again. Christine emerged in the blue silk shirt he’d picked out for her. She had buttoned the garment up all the way, but since it had been made for him, the buttons ended right below her breasts. With each movement, he caught the generous curve of breast. He grimaced as his pain increased. Drake sighed. Time to drum up some images to make his closest friend and ally relax—for now.
Pushing off the bed, Drake stretched and announced, “Time for bed.”
Christine eyed him cautiously all the while trying to keep the edges of the shirt together with nervous fingers. “You swear you won’t take advantage of me?”
He crossed his still heart. “I promise.”
“Okay.” Christine peeled back the covers and slid in. “Are you sure there isn’t somewhere else I can sleep?”
“Nope. This is the safest place where I can keep an eye on y
ou.”
She rolled over so her back faced him. “Good night.”
Drake laughed slightly. She was about to get a really big surprise in a minute. Slumping onto the bed, he took off his boots and set them aside. Standing up, he unbuttoned his jeans and let them drop to the floor. A smile crossed his lips. He supposed he should have told her that he didn’t care for underwear at all.
He lifted the covers and got into bed beside her. Christine remained still, her back to him. He stared at her for a moment, watching the movement of her body as she breathed. He couldn’t resist. It had been too long.
* * * *
Christine stiffened as Drake curled up behind her, spooning her. He wore nothing at all, his chilly skin pressing against her. She shouldn’t be here at all, not with him naked in bed or at any time. She needed to keep her head in the investigation.
His thick arm slid around her waist. “Feeling better?”
“I suppose so,” was all she could say. Fright and temptation tumbled inside of her, making for a confusing mix of emotion. Her head pounded as doubts about everything surged through.
Drake touched her hair for a brief moment and then slid his hands through her damp tendrils. Tenderly, he massaged her scalp, something she’d always enjoyed.
“Does that feel good?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll do it until you fall asleep.”
The sudden urge to face him overcame her, and she turned. “Thank you for everything you’re doing for me. I know you don’t know me, but you’ve been very generous and kind.”
“I’m tempting you.”
“Tempting me with what?”
“To see what being in my bed is like.”
Christine reached out and brushed a lock of golden hair away from his forehead. “Please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m not a one-night stand or even a stopgap. You’ll get bored with me inside of five minutes, and your eye will be somewhere else.”
His brow lifted in a curious quirk. “What makes you say that?”
“Experience. I know that men don’t want me for very long and pity me so that’s why they go out with me.”
He lifted her chin. “Who told you that?”
“Does it matter?”
“Yes it does.”
Tears threatened again, but she refused to shed them. She didn’t want another meltdown in front of him. “I really don’t want to talk about this.”
“You have to.”
“No, I don’t.” She feigned a yawn to throw him off the track of her thoughts. “Please don’t ask any more of me.” Part of her wanted to share every emotion and feeling inside, but the hideous monster inside kept a stranglehold on everything.
“All right, you have this one reprieve tonight, but from now on, we’ll talk about everything. It’s time for sleep, little girl.”
“But—”
Drake touched her on the nose. “No buts. Time for sleep, and I’m going to make sure you get some—sleep, that is.”
His fingers returned to her scalp and resumed the blissful massage. Within moment, she sank into blessed nothingness.
* * * *
The crowd at Berserker swayed to the music on the dance floor, the beat heady and rhythmic. Light pulsated with every tone almost like a heartbeat. Christine wove her way through the throng of sweaty bodies on the dance floor. She was positive that, from her spot at the bar, she saw David from across the room.
A flash of white crossed her line of vision as well as the distinct bounce of David’s hair as he hurried away from her. “Stop, David! I can’t keep up with you.”
The techno sound blaring from the hidden speakers drowned her voice in a din of noise. How in the hell was she supposed to reach him when he moved so fast?
“David!” she shouted again, hoping he’d hear her this time.
Apparently, he did. He stopped his flight and stood with his back to her. She reached him quickly and touched him on the shoulder. He felt cold against her fingertips, the smell of earth and death surrounding him like shroud.
David squared his shoulders. “I’ve been waiting for you, Christine.”
“How can this be? You’re dead.”
“Precisely.”
“Then how can you be here?”
“I’m more alive than you think.”
David spun around slowly to face her. She opened her mouth to scream, but nothing came out. Not even a breath.
His skin darkened, and his face elongated almost to that of a snake or bat. Razor-sharp teeth, wet and shiny, extended from his mouth. “Be with me forever, Christine.”
David grabbed her in an icy hold and pulled her closer. Her heart hammered in her chest and threatened to explode right through. She shook her head.
He lowered his head to the area of her neck. Dear God, he was going to kill her!
“Wake up, Christine.”
What the hell? Who was telling her to wake up? Someone shook her gently and dragged her from the hellish nightmare.
“Wake up.”
Christine opened her eyes and blinked hard in an effort to discern her surroundings. She breathed a sigh of relief when she realized she was still in Drake’s bedroom. He was the one who woke her. “What happened?”
His strong arm circled her shoulders and drew her close to his comforting form. “You were having a doozy of a dream. Wanna tell me about it?”
She swallowed back the sobs threatening to erupt and curved herself against his well formed but slightly chilly body. “I dreamed about David—that he was some sort of hideous monster about to kill me.”
Drake touched her hair softly and moved her head so that she lay on his chest. She didn’t know why, but she felt so comfortable to do this, as though nothing could hurt her while she was with him. Sometimes, she could do with letting someone else take control for a while.
“It was just a dream, my dear. Nothing more. You’ll be fine right here. Nothing will hurt you while I’m around.”
She yawned. She kept meaning to ask him why his skin was so icy, but now just didn’t seem the right time. She reminded herself to ask later. “Thank you for everything again. You’ve been the best.”
“You deserve the best,” he said and stroked her hair. “Now go back to sleep.”
“What if the dream comes back?”
“It won’t with me here.”
“All right.”
Like a child, she believed him and closed her eyes. She definitely needed the sleep.
* * * *
The sharp ring of her cell phone dragged her from the blissful sleep she’d found in Drake’s arms. She scrambled from the bed and ran around the room searching for her purse. She found the bag leaning in a chair. Opening the flap up, she found her phone. “Hello?”
“How are you doing?” Lou Carpenter inquired distantly.
She ran a hand through her tangled locks, grimacing at the painful snarls caught in her fingers. Thank God no one could see her now. She was a complete and utter mess. “Okay, I guess. What’s up?”
“I know you’re on leave, but something’s come across my desk I think you should see. Keep in mind this is officially off the record, but I think you’ll find this interesting.”
Her brow lifted. “What is it?”
“I’d rather you come and see for yourself.”
“All right. I’ll be there as soon as I can.”
“Make it later this afternoon. I have a meeting with the chief this morning, so I won’t be available until then.”
She sighed. “Then I’ll see you this afternoon. Bye.”
“Bye.”
The click of Lou hanging up on his end hummed in her ear. She ended her call and stuck the phone back in her purse. Lou sounded anxious about his finding, making her heart skip a beat. What did he have for her?
She paced a bit. Part of her wanted to go now, but if Lou was in a meeting, his office would be locked up tighter than a drum, and she couldn’t rummage through. Besides, she wouldn’t know what
she was looking for.
Christine threw a look to the rumpled bed. Drake was gone. “Drake?” she called out. She ventured into the closet and the bathroom, thinking he’d gotten up before her to clean up a bit. He wasn’t there.
“Drake?” she called out again, hoping he’d answer. Nothing.
She glanced back at the bed. A typewritten, ink-jet-printed letter fluttered on his pillow. Curious, she walked over to his side and picked it up.
Christine,
I’m sorry I wasn’t here this morning when you woke up, but business took me away. I didn’t want to wake you because you looked so beautiful and peaceful sleeping. I’m sure you’re probably hungry. The kitchen is full, so help yourself to anything there. When you leave, just turn the lock on the front door. The alarm will automatically set. I’ll be back later, so if you need me, you know how to find me.
Drake.
Christine sank onto the bed, staring at the tender note fluttering in her fingers. Drake was really something. Somehow, he was always there when she needed him.
She laid the letter on the nightstand next to his side of the bed and pushed the hair out of her eyes. She needed to get going and soon. Lou wouldn’t wait forever.
Her belly rumbled. Maybe she’d have to raid Drake’s refrigerator before she left. After taking off the silk shirt and laying it carefully on the bed, she put her dress from last night back on and located her heels from beneath the bed.
After a small breakfast of a delicious bagel with cream cheese and yogurt, Christine left Drake’s house, following his previous instructions to a tee. The minute she twisted the lock and closed the door, she heard the countdown on the alarm. Good. Now she didn’t’ have to worry something wasn’t right.
She jumped into her blood red Mustang and fired the engine. Before she left, she took one last look at Drake’s house. It was a huge mansion with brick and quarried stone elements with a huge turret at one corner. Elegantly manicured lawns, fresh and green, complemented the style. Gardeners buzzed around the grounds, trimming, cutting and pruning, keeping the outside looking just as beautiful as the inside. Drake certainly knew how to live.
Ranson, Tracy L. - Prince of Darkness [Bloodborn 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) Page 8
