Page 55 of Blood Bound

“Your own reasons?” He scoffs. “Do you have any idea how dangerous this place is for you? Why won’t you ever learn?”

His words ignite my temper. “Save your phony concern, Darick. You’re just worried I might interrupt your feeding time.”

Darick’s eyes narrow. “Is that what you think I’m here for?”

“Isn’t it?” I snap back, my voice rising. “Or are you going to pretend you weren’t about to sink your fangs into some willing witch?”

Our argument is drawing attention now. I can feel the curious stares of nearby patrons, but I’m too angry to care.

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” Darick growls. “And you’re going to get yourself killed if you keep acting so recklessly.”

“I can take care of myself,” I insist, even as a part of me wonders if I really can. “For the last time! I don’t need your protection or your lectures.”

I barely have time to protest before Darick’s hand closes around my wrist, pulling me away from the bar. He leads me through the crowd, his grip firm but not painful. We end up in a dimly lit alcove, hidden from the main room by heavy velvet curtains.

“Let go of me,” I hiss, yanking my arm free.

Darick releases me but doesn’t back away. His eyes, stormy with emotion, lock onto mine. “Rowan, you need to leave. Now.”

“I told you, I’m here for a reason,” I snap back, crossing my arms. “And before you ask, it’s none of your business.”

He rakes a hand through his thick hair, frustration evident in every line of his body. “For fuck’s sake, Rowan! You’re walking into a nest of vampires, alone and unprepared. Again!”

“I’m not unprepared,” I retort, even as a flicker of doubt creeps in. “I can handle myself. I’ve been…practicing.”

“Practicing?” he snorts. “You mean with that little boy witch of yours?”

My eyes widen. How the hell would he know? But then again, of course he knows. He lives in my head. “What does that have to do with anything?”

Darick huffs out a breath. “For fuck’s sake!” He steps closer, his voice dropping to a low, intense whisper. “You have no idea what you’re up against. Lucien—”

“Lucien?” I interrupt, my curiosity piqued despite my anger. “What about him?”

Darick’s jaw works. “Because he’s going to come after you, for fuck’s sake! And you’re giving him every opportunity.”

His words chill me, but I refuse to show weakness. “I’m not afraid of him.”

“You should be,” Darick growls.

We’re standing so close now that his body is almost brushing against mine. My heart races, and I’m not sure if it’s from fear or…something else.

“Why do you care?” I half-whisper.

Darick’s eyes soften for a moment, and I see a flicker of vulnerability there. “Stop asking me that,” he says quietly.

The tension between us shifts, electric and dangerous. For a moment, I forget why I’m angry with him, lost in the intensity of his gaze.

Before I can respond, Darick’s lips crash against mine. The kiss is hard, almost punishing, his frustration and desire pouring into me. For a moment, I’m too shocked to react. Then something inside me snaps, and I’m kissing him back with equal fervor.

My hands fist in his shirt, pulling him closer as his arms wrap around me. The world fades away – the pulsing music, the crowd just beyond the curtain, even my own doubts and fears. All that exists is Darick, his mouth on mine, his body pressed against me.

I gasp as he pushes me back against the wall, the surface cool against my skin. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, tasting, claiming. I meet it with my own, our kiss turning into a sensual battle for dominance.

One of his hands slides up my back, grasping my ponytail to tilt my head, deepening the kiss even further. The other grips my hip, his fingers digging in almost painfully. I should push him away, should remember all the reasons why this is a terrible idea. But God help me, I don’t want to stop.

I arch against him, a soft moan escaping me as I feel the hard planes of his body. His answering growl sends shivers down my spine. He breaks the kiss, trailing his lips along my jaw to my neck. When he reaches the sensitive spot just below my ear, I can’t stifle my whimper.

“Darick,” I breathe, not sure if I’m begging him to stop or continue.

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