Page 46 of Blood Bound

“Because I care about you,” he says softly. “And because you’re in danger. There are things happening that you don’t understand—”

I shake my head, fighting against the part of me that wants to believe him. “I don’t need your protection. I need you to leave me alone.”

“You know why I can’t do that, Rowan. Besides,” he steps closer. “Do you want me to?”

“I…” I falter, hating the uncertainty in my voice. “I don’t know what I want anymore.”

Not this…I can’t want this…

“Tell me to leave.” He watches my face carefully. When I shake my head, I realize with a jolt that I’ve inadvertently invited him into my world.

Darick’s eyes soften. “Let me tell you what I know, Rowan. Please.”

I nod reluctantly, crossing my arms. If nothing else, he might give us more leads to follow.

“Lucien is more dangerous than you realize,” he says. “He’s vying for power in the vampire realm, and somehow, exploiting your kind seems to be part of his plans. I’m pretty sure that your sister has been among those he’s got his hands on.”

My breath catches. “Mia. Do you think he would…?”

“If I know Lucien Marlowe, she’s alive,” Darick says quickly, and relief floods through me. “He wouldn’t have taken her just to kill her. He has a purpose for her. And he’s smart enough to know how to safeguard his assets.”

“She’s not an ‘asset’,” I snap. “She’s a living, breathing woman with feelings and a family who loves her.”

“I know that.” His voice grows soothing. “I’m just trying to give you an understanding of how he thinks. I want you to know what you’re dealing with. What we’re dealing with.”

“Oh, so it’s ‘we’ now, is it? You and me against the bad guys?” I raise an eyebrow, not convinced.

“I want to help. If Lucien has your sister, I can help you get her back.” His eyes lock on my face.

I’m still not convinced. “And I’m supposed to believe that you’re doing this out of the goodness of your heart? Like some sort of vampire vigilante?

Darick observes me for a moment. “Rowan, I have never professed to be any kind of hero. I’ve lived long enough to have made my share of mistakes. I don’t intend for this to be one of them. Besides, Lucien’s plans have a direct impact on me. He’s targeted me too. Getting him out of the picture suits me.”

I rock back on my heels as I consider this. There’s so much at play in this new world I seem to have been thrown into. Danger, intrigue, conspiracies…it’s not something I’m accustomed to. I don’t know if I like it.

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” I demand.

“Did you ever give me a chance?” he says softly. It suddenly occurs to me that he’s been closing the distance between us and that we’re now only inches apart. “I’m worried about you, Rowan,” he murmurs.

I tilt my head back to stare up at him, transfixed by the depth of his eyes. It barely occurs to me that he’s raised his hands until I feel them frame my face, strong and cool against my skin. We stand like that for a moment, lost in each other.

“Fuck,” he groans a moment before his head dips low. I freeze as Darick’s lips meet mine, a jolt of pure need shooting through my body. His kiss is gentle at first, almost hesitant, but it quickly deepens into something more urgent. My mind screams at me to push him away, but my traitorous body has other ideas.

I melt into him, my hands sliding up his chest to tangle in his hair. His arms wrap around me, pulling me flush against him, and I can’t help the small gasp that escapes me. The kiss is intoxicating, a heady mix of danger and desire that leaves me dizzy.

Memories of our night together flood my senses – the feeling of his skin against mine, the way he made me feel alive in ways I never thought possible. I cling to him tighter, torn between wanting more and knowing I should stop this madness.

His tongue traces my lower lip, seeking entrance, and I grant it without thinking. The kiss becomes more heated, more desperate. I can feel the barely contained power thrumming through him, matched by the magic coursing through my veins. It’s exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

Part of me wants to lose myself in this moment, to forget about all the complications and dangers swirling around us. But another part, the part that remembers Mia’s disappearance and the photo on Darick’s phone, screams caution.

I pull back slightly, breathless, my lips tingling from the intensity of the kiss. Darick’s eyes are dark with desire, and I can see the struggle in them – wanting more but cautious of pushing too hard.

“Rowan,” he whispers, his voice husky. “I—”

I shake my head, trying to get my wits about me. “Don’t do this again, Darick. Don’t try to confuse me.”

“I’m not trying to confuse you, Rowan. I can’t fucking resist you, dammit.” His brows pull together. “You can’t tell me you don’t feel it, too.”

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