Page 26 of Love Fire

“No? Okay, let’s start with an easier question.” I say. “Why did you run last night?”

“I…I…thought I saw something out there.” She replies, her face turned away. She’s biting her lip, but I can still see it quiver.

“Erin,” I reply in a softer tone. "Whatever it is that’s going on, you can trust me.”

My words seem to snap her out of it and as she turns back her face is devoid of emotion once more. She folds her arms across her chest. “Yes, as a Draconis Fire agent you’re the most trustworthy person on the planet.” She replies, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Well until you’re willing to answer at least one of my questions honestly, you’re going to stay right here.” I declare pointing to the chair.

“And how are you going to keep me here? Are you going to handcuff me again?” she asks with a pleading quiver to her voice, holding her hands up, wrists pressed together.

As I scowl down at her I suddenly realize that she’s wearing my shirt. The buttons are mismatched, and she has left the collar unbuttoned. Towering over her like I am, gives me ample view of her round breasts.

She spreads her legs to the side, now straddling the chair, inviting me closer. I take a step forward, the air filled with the heavy scent of her desire. My blood rushes and my body aches to wrap itself around her, to fill her with the delicious pleasure she craves.

I growl and shake my head. Damnit Brent, snap out of it. This woman is your enemy!

Dragons are being kidnapped and crushed into a fine powder so that this woman and others like her can sell a drug so potent that it kills humans and shifters alike.

It doesn’t matter how fuckable she is. Nor does it matter how sincere her hatred of the drug seems to be. Until I get some answers, I need to push aside all feelings. Including my stupid desire to protect her.

I close my eyes, take a step back and count to ten. Opening my eyes again, I fix her with a stern gaze, resolving to get some answers out of her.

But, as I open my mouth to speak, I hear the faint chiming melody of the doorbell.

My gaze snaps to the window, where I see that it is barely dawn. Who on earth would be at my door so early in the morning?

“Up you go,” I say, grabbing Erin by the elbow and lifting her to her feet before pointing her towards the stairs. For once, she doesn’t argue and quickly makes her way up the stairs. Instead of relief, this sets off alarm bells.

Did someone follow her from the clinic?

Or is someone looking for me? I bet my boss was pissed when I didn’t show back up to work yesterday.

“Go to Alessandro’s old room,” I call out to Erin. “It’s the green door on the right.” I watch her pause briefly before heeding my request.

I don’t need her clouding my judgment, I think to myself as I head in the opposite direction to meet my mystery visitor.

24

ERIN

“Fuck that,” I say to myself. Hide in the bedroom? Is he kidding? My life is in just as much danger as his at this point. If there is someone dangerous at the door, I should know too!

I walk up the stairs to the second floor and spot the room Brent directed me to. This really is bullshit. He won’t even let me hide in his room. He’ll fuck me in there, but I can’t hide there.

I stop before I get to Alessandro’s room when I hear the front door creak open. I might as well eavesdrop. If I hear anyone head towards the stairs I can hurry to my hiding place. I tip-toe to the top of the stairs and linger behind a corner.

“What are you doing here?” Brent sounds surprised but not angry.

“I know, I know,” responds the voice. I know it. I’ve heard it before, but from where? “I should’ve called first, I just wasn’t sure how to say it?”

“Well, you’re here now. Are you okay? Is everything alright?” Now his voice sounds genuinely concerned.

This is a side of Brent I really haven’t gotten to see much of yet. He must really care about whoever is at the door. It’s interesting. It’s such a mirror to the angry dominating Draconis Fire agent he presents himself as to me. I don’t hate it.

“Now that I’m out of rehab, I was hoping you’d let me stay here again.” Oh shit, it’s Alessandro, the guy from the meeting that Brent was there to support!

“You want to come back here?” Brent sounds uneasy. I get it. I’ve been in Alessandro’s shoes. With addiction you often burn the bridges that mean the most.

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