Page 51 of My Boyfriend Bites

“Not exactly. I do have an idea, but I’ll need your help. Remember how I used myself as bait earlier in the dining room?”

Her mouth rounded. “Are you saying it’s my turn?”

He swept a hand at her door. “Something about you drew them to the point they got violent in an attempt to get close. Nowhere else did I see this kind of mindless rage. Of course, if you think it’s too dangerous?—”

She cut him off. “Actually, it’s a good idea. Why tucker ourselves out searching when we could bring the killer to us? Although I doubt they’ll show their face if you stick around.”

“Which is why I’ll be out of sight.”

“Not good enough. You need to leave the area.”

His mouth flattened. “I am not leaving you alone.”

“I can protect myself.”

“I’m aware you can, but I don’t like it.”

The sweetest thing he could have said. She cupped his cheek. “Suck it up, Venus fly trap.”

“What?”

“The usual expression, which uses buttercup, doesn’t seem to fit. But a Venus fly trap…” Her lips curved.

He shook his head. “And this is why I can’t help but like you.”

Words to warm her heart. “Let’s get me on that rooftop deck so you can wander off. In full view, I might add. We want the other vamp to think I’m alone.”

“Will you be able to shift in time to defend yourself?”

“It’s fast,” she admitted. “Soon as my heart starts to race, I only have moments to calm down or fur out.”

“I’m surprised you’ve not been exposed,” he stated with a shake of his head.

“It’s been close a few times. Luckily, I usually manage to duck out of sight, and while a dog inside is unusual, people assume I got away from my owner.” She didn’t mention thatduring college she kept a stash of clothes buried on campus in a secluded spot for emergencies. “When it happened in high school, my siblings would usually cover for me and claim I was the family dog and must have followed them.”

“Once this is over, you and I will work on your control.”

“More biting?” she teased.

“Oh yes, but I also have some tricks I learned when my hormones were raging and all I wanted to do was suck on someone.”

Her nose wrinkled. “A teenage vampire. Wild.”

They went to the outside once more and up another set of steps. The rooftop deck didn’t have much in the way of amenities. A glass rail all around. A few loungers bolted to the floor. No cushions on them, most likely because it would be difficult for staff. The sturdy weave did somewhat cushion when she flopped on one, though.

Dante draped the blanket over her and handed her a book. “I found this on the floor. Other than a crumpled cover, it seems to be fine.”

“Thanks.”

He knelt by the chaise. “Are you sure you want me to leave?”

“No, but we can’t have a killer running loose. Dawn is in six hours. We can’t waste time.”

“Agreed.” He sighed, still not completely on board.

“I promise to howl the moment I shift.”

“You’d better,” he muttered before leaning in for a kiss. A hard, yet sensual embrace that had her blood boiling in seconds.

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