Page 21 of The Incubus and the Bodyguard

“Yes?” he said carefully.

Delphine met his eyes again. “Your place or mine? I’m staying at a hotel close by.”

The sudden shift threw him. He stared.

“What happened to not going home with strangers?”

“What can I say?” She rose, her movements graceful. “I’m feeling rebellious.”

Vlad put his glass down and stood up.

Delphine came up to his height thanks to her boots. It was oddly thrilling.

“My place is probably closer,” he said.

She bobbed her head. “Let’s go.”

He helped her into her leather jacket and used the excuse to brush his fingers against her neck. Her skin was warm, her pulse steady beneath his touch.

Usually, his incubus powers would tell him exactly what effect he was having on a potential lover. But even without that advantage, he could sense Delphine’s sexual interest. It was there in the way she leaned ever so slightly into his touch and the gleam in her eyes when she looked at him.

They settled their tab and headed for the door. The night air was crisp, hinting at the spring to come.

“This way.” Vlad indicated the direction of his apartment.

Delphine fell into step beside him, her stride matching his easily. Tarang padded silently after them, the tiger still watching the blonde with unusual intensity.

It didn’t take them long to reach his apartment building.

“Let me guess.” She glanced at him as they approached the converted industrial warehouse with its restored redbrick facade. “Penthouse?”

Vlad raised an eyebrow. “What makes you think that?”

“You wear expensive suits, drink rare whiskey, and smell of old money.” Delphine shrugged. “Plus, this is Chelsea. Real estate doesn’t come cheap around here.”

I better not tell her I own the entire building.

“Maybe I’m just really good at what I do,” Vlad said lightly.

“Oh, I’m certain you are.” Her sultry tone made his blood heat. “Though I am curious what, exactly, it is you do.”

Vlad clocked theBlack Devils’SUVs guarding the premises as they came in sight of the entrance. He caught Delphine’s hand and pulled her closer, hoping to distract her.

“Tonight, I’m planning to make you forget all about that assignment you came to New York for.”

“Confident, aren’t you?”

Vlad arched an eyebrow. “I’m full of surprises.”

Fire sparked in Delphine’s eyes.

The doorman nodded respectfully when they entered the marble lobby.

“Definitely the penthouse,” she murmured.

Vlad shot her an amused look as they stepped into a private elevator, Tarang keeping close to him. “You sound pretty sure about that.”

“I notice things.” She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall, watching him through half-lidded eyes. “Like how that doorman definitely had a gun under his jacket. And how there are more security cameras than this place should need. Oh, and let’s not forget the guard dogs parked outside.”

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