Page 87 of Angel Of Darkness

Uh, right. “So you didn’t even know what pain was until you fell?” Unlike him, she knew all about pain. About how it ripped you apart and tormented your mind.

She’d never forget the lick of flames.

“Didn’t know about pain or pleasure.” His gaze caressed her face. “Until you.”

That was sweet. No, no, it wasn’t. She’d taught him about pain? Pain wasn’t some nice Hallmark card. Pain was a nightmare. “Keenan…”

His fingers skimmed down her face. A sensual touch so at odds with the aches churning within her. He crept closer and caged her against the wall with the strength of his body. “Do you need blood, sweet?”

“Yes.” It was all she could do not to sink her teeth into his throat. He was just in a fire. Hold back. Hold back!

His lips brushed her jaw. “You shouldn’t have come into that building after me.”

Her laugh was weak. “Did you really think I’d let you face the fire alone?” She shook her head, and he leaned in close. His lips slid down and pressed right over her pulse. She shivered. “We’re a team.” Us against the angels.

Hopefully, they wouldn’t be the losing team.

“If Sam hadn’t frozen me,” she said, “I’d have been there sooner.” Damn Sam.

His head whipped up. “What?”

She licked her lips. When he touched her, she didn’t hurt as much and his fingers were currently sliding down her side and curving over her hip. “He got me as soon as you left. One touch, and I couldn’t move.” Helpless.

“Bastard.” His fingers were under the edge of her shirt. Pushing up and caressing her skin. In an alley. For someone still new to the whole earthly temptation bit, he learned fast.

“I don’t, ah, think we can count on him,” she managed as her heart thudded hard in her chest. Her growing lust merged with the blood hunger and she wanted to bite. But she kept her teeth up and away from him as she added, “N-no matter what he said, we can’t trust him. He wanted you to break.”

Keenan’s gaze searched hers. His lips parted, but before he could speak, the roar of motorcycles shook the night. Her head turned just as bright headlights flashed out of the darkness and filled her sight.

A booming voice called out, “Well, well, look what we have here!”

A familiar voice.

That biker jerk from the bar.

Keenan didn’t move. He kept his hands on her, but his gaze was on the men closing in.

The biker. Shit. Nicole recognized the big, burly, bald biker from the club. About thirty years old, muscled, with both arms tattooed. And he was heading right for them.

“Knew our fire would smoke you out.” He smiled. “Vamps can never handle fire worth a shit.”

Did everyone but her know the paranormal score in this world?

He pointed one leather-clad hand at Keenan. “I don’t got a fight with you. Take my advice, buddy. Go find another screw tonight.”

Her eyes narrowed with fury. She needed blood badly right then, and that ass was begging for a bite.

“Watch what you say,” Keenan ordered, voice flat.

“Fuck you.”

She guessed the biker wasn’t into watching his mouth.

Now the jerk pointed at her. “I know what you are, bitch, and I know who you are.”

The more she stared at him, the more familiar he appeared to her. Something about the line of his jaw. The bulge of his nose.

“Knew as soon as you walked into that club.” The biker’s hands dropped, only to rise up half a second later gripping a stake. Definitely prepared. “I been carrying this in my pack since I buried Jeff.”

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