Page 5 of Taken By The Vampire King

I stood in my closet, surrounded by the clothing that defined my entire image. All the shades of black. I selected a shirt—wrinkle free, of course—and a jacket to match my pants as I ignored yesterday’s shirt, carefully arranged on a hanger and hooked over one of the small door handles that opened individual cupboards for me to peruse ties or shoes.

Every now and then, I tortured myself by wandering closer to that shirt, by inhaling until I filled my chest with the most tantalizing scent I’d ever fucking inhaled.

My cock jerked in my pants as I drew the breaths, as I engaged in the sweet torture of closing my eyes and allowing my nose to linger close to the fabric, stirring the memories of the woman I’d wrapped in my arms…at least until she pushed me away, forcing me to return to my senses and reclaim my control.

I’d been moments away from thrusting into her on the sidewalk and claiming her as mine.

I palmed my cock as it twitched again at the memory of the woman I’d allowed to run. I’d been on my way to a meeting when I detected her scent, like a siren call meant only for me, and I’d made Jenkins pull over.

But I hadn’t meant to get out of the car. Or approach her.

Or fucking kiss her.

Because now I couldn’t stop thinking about her.

And that wouldn’t do. I knew how to control myself at all times.

Only I hadn’t controlled myself outside that grocery store. I’d run on instinct. Centuries old instinct I’d never even known existed. Or I hadn’t believed in it anyway.

Something else lurked below that kiss. Something other than merely virgin.

My cock swelled further under my touch, and I swallowed a groan. I’d already taken myself in hand to thoughts of the woman when I got home last night… Then in the shower this morning… And now I hungered for her again.

But I glanced at my watch. My body would have to wait for relief and release. I had a meeting at work I couldn’t be late for. And today I would channel all of my frustration into making people pay.

I grabbed my jacket and shoved my arms into the sleeves then strode through the door—but not before I breathed in deeply by that damn shirt again. I’d never been so fucking tempted.

And I resented the temptation, because it brought a whole new set of problems to my door. I didn’t spend my time with humans. And I certainly didn’t run around kissing them like my soul would catch fire if I didn’t.

I glanced around the meeting room at La Petite Mort and inhaled the mix of greed, lust and loss of control that seeped in from the casino beyond the closed door. The casino floor remained within my view through the giant one-way mirror that looked out over the main game room.

Even though it was still early in the day, tables were occupied, my dealers were busy, customers were drinking, and most were losing their money.

Yes, the day already smelled like success.

Success and one fucking human virgin who seemed to have invaded my actual blood.

“Benedict.” I looked at my best friend and the man I trusted with all aspects of my life. “Have you prepared the list?”

Something about calling debts in today appealed to my sense of control. The house always won, after all. And it was a good outlet for my frustration. Something else to focus on so I didn’t have to consider the family battle my discovery of such a tantalizing virgin might ignite.

Benedict grimaced and slid five buff-colored files of paperwork across the table between us. “Each of these individuals owes more than one-hundred thousand dollars. One of them owes very much more than that.”

Jason, my bodyguard, whistled then held his hands up when I glanced at him. “Seems like a lot to let get away, that’s all.”

I grinned, sure it wasn’t a pleasant expression. “That’s why I’m not.”

A ripple of laughter ran around the table as members of my staff sought to ingratiate themselves with me.

“I think you’ll definitely find the top one most fascinating of all. It’s the one with the most debt, but also the most interesting things to call in.” Benedict tapped it with the end of his pen. “And he’s been calling to try to extend his line of credit.”

“Really?” I raised an eyebrow and flipped the folder open.

It all looked fairly standard, and I murmured aloud as I perused the usual conditions.

“He put his bar up as collateral—among other things. Check the most recent sub-clause.” There was amusement in Benedict’s voice.

I stiffened. “His bar?” Suddenly I spoke through fangs that threatened to descend to their full length as the details behind the file came into sharp focus and the first flickers of anger claimed me.

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