Page 39 of Taken By The Vampire King

I waited, not even a breath away, without knowing what I was waiting for. Or what I was hoping for.

I shouldn’t have been hoping for anything.

He pulled back a little, and I didn’t know whether to sigh in relief or disappointment. Then his fingers touched my neck as he brushed my hair over my shoulder and looked at my skin. A shiver ran through me.

“Do you remember anything from last night?” His voice was low and soothing.

I tilted my head. “It’s all a bit fuzzy.” That was an understatement. I could barely remember a thing. A sensation here and there, Nicolas’s face, but nothing else.

He grinned, but it was endearingly lopsided as he swept hair from my forehead, his eyes not quite meeting mine. “You had a drink or two too many and danced the night away. I spent most of the night watching your body sway to a beat only you could hear.”

His grin lifted a little, but heat burned my cheeks.

He chuckled softly, his gaze suddenly searching as he looked at me, then he leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to the corner of my mouth. Immediately, I wanted more, but he was gone, already changing his position to clutch me against him as he stood.

Practically against my own will, I snuggled against his chest, not finding the words to say anything before he lowered me carefully to the bed. I helped him draw the banket over me, ignoring the way my body still hummed with awareness for him, and I pressed my thighs together, but that just made me want him more.

“I need to shower and get ready for work.” He kept his voice low. His tone was almost regretful, and I couldn’t look at him because if I did, I might invite him to stay. Or to use my shower. With me inside it.

He walked to the door, and I made an artform of not directly watching him. But I was aware of every movement he made. His fingers curled around the door handle, and he half-turned, not quite looking at me as he spoke. “We have a party to go to tonight. It’s formal. I’ll send people to do your hair and makeup.”

Just when I thought he was about to leave, he spoke again, like he’d remembered something. “Oh, and Jason will be your guard until further notice.”

“What?” I lifted my head off the pillow. “Why?”

He waved a hand dismissively. “Oh, no real reason. Just had some trouble with a couple of clients who don’t like some of my rules. Extra precautions, and I’ll have it all ironed out soon.”

I nodded. Spending time with Jason didn’t bother me, and I planned to get some more sleep anyway. I was suddenly really tired again. I allowed my eyes to drift closed and couldn’t quite keep the smile from my lips as Nicolas closed the door behind him. His scent lingered all around me from where he’d held me against him, and it comforted me.

When I finally woke again, showered, and changed, I left my room and Jason pushed himself off the wall next to my door and fell into step behind me.

“Good morning, sleeping beauty,” he muttered, and a loud stomach rumble punctuated his sentence.

I covered my mouth. “I am so sorry. I had no idea you were standing out here. Haven’t you even had breakfast?”

“Nicolas told me to guard, and I can’t guard you from either of the dining rooms.” He didn’t sound disgruntled—just amused.

I huffed a sigh as I descended the stairs, my hand trailing on the smooth, wooden bannister. “Seriously? We’re in Nicolas’s house. I think you could have had your breakfast, though, especially as I believe Chef is making beignets this morning.”

“Sounds good to me. Any food sounds good to me.” Jason lowered his voice. “It’s been a while since I’ve eaten.”

I glanced back at him, and his eyes caught the light in a way that made them glow a little red.

Mr. Baldwin stepped forward from his position by the dining room. “Miss Boucher.” He nodded at me. “Jason.”

I stopped. “Have you all just been waiting around for me to get out of bed?”

Mr. Baldwin smiled faintly then gestured into the dining room. “I’ll let Chef know you’re here.”

Breakfast was a lazy affair, although watching Jason eat was funny. It was like he didn’t do it often and he’d forgotten how. Baldwin approached him with a drink, and I raised an eyebrow.

“Wine for breakfast?”

Jason huffed a laugh. “Hardly. After being on guard duty most of the morning, I need an energy recharge with a super berry cordial.”

I wrinkled my nose. “Think I’ll stick with coffee.”

And immediately Mr. Baldwin was at my side, offering me a refill of coffee like I’d never tasted. It was smooth and dark and had an almost caramel taste. I was going to be well and truly spoiled after a month of drinking this coffee and staying in this house.

---