Page 30 of Twilight Destiny

Rosa stared at him. “So, he’s after youandSaintcrow?” She shook her head, thinking the man must be awfully brave, or a darn fool, to go after two such powerful vampires.

Sitting up, Kincaid put his glass aside, took hers from her hand and placed it beside his before drawing her into his arms. “Forget about Luca.”

Rosa’s breath caught in her throat as his lips lightly brushed hers. When she didn’t resist, he deepened the kiss. Falling back on the blanket, he tucked her body intimately against his. His bare skin, though cool against hers, ignited a flame deep inside her. They might as well as have been naked, she thought, for his trunks and her jacket were scant coverings at best. His desire pressed against her belly, a blatant indication of his arousal. It excited and frightened her at the same time. She had brothers. She’d accidentally seen them naked when they’d been boys. But Jake wasn’t a boy.

In the distant part of her mind that was still rational, she gasped, “Someone might come.”

“Not to worry. I’ve shielded our presence from the rest of the world.”

Oh, lordy, did he mean to ravish her here, in broad daylight?

His lips moved against the side of her neck as he read her thoughts. “Would you mind?”

“Yes. No.” She pressed herself against him, desperate to be closer, to be a part of him, and yet afraid at the same time. She knew he would never deliberately hurt her, yet she couldn’t deny that he had the power to compel her to do anything he desired. Not knowing how she really felt or what she really wanted, she decided on the truth. “I don’t know.”

It took every ounce of his self-control to release her. To sit up. To put a little space between them. “I don’t want to take you by force,” he said, his voice thick. “Or when you’re not sure.” Rising, he reached for her hands.

“You’re angry with me.”

“No.” He pulled her to her feet, and released her. “Only with myself.” It had taken centuries to learn to control his thirst and his desire. Before that happened, he’d done a lot of things he regretted, some he was ashamed of. He had gorged himself on blood with no thought for his prey, ravished many a lovely maid. Until Rosa, he had been confident of his control, but, damn, he wanted her more than any other woman he’d ever known. And he wanted all of her.

The tension between them was palpable as they dressed. A muscle twitched in his jaw as he wrapped his arms around her.

Rossa closed her eyes as his unique masculine scent washed over her, followed by a rush of preternatural power.

A moment later, they were on the porch at Saintcrow’s house.

“Jake? Will I see you again?”

His beautiful chocolate brown eyes caressed her face. “Do you think that’s wise?”

“I don’t know,” she replied. “But I’d like to.”

“I’ll call you.” He turned to leave, then turned back and pulled her into his arms for a long, lingering kiss that left her weak and yearning for so much more. “Sometime tomorrow,” he murmured.

Rosa blinked, and he was gone. She pressed her fingertips to lips still bruised and tingling from his kisses. “Tomorrow,” she murmured.

She was playing with wildfire, Rosa thought as she opened the door and went inside. She only hoped she was strong enough to survive the flames.

Chapter Thirteen

Kincaid willed himself to the next town. He knew he was about to tempt Saintcrow’s wrath, but he just didn’t give a damn. All he knew was that he needed a distraction, and there was no better distraction than the thrill of the hunt, or the high that came from draining his prey.

He stalked the deserted streets the way a lion stalked the jungle, every sense alert as he searched for that one unwary creature. He didn’t want female prey tonight. He wanted a man—a strong man who would fight tooth and nail for his life.

He knew a rush of adrenaline when he saw the Marine. The man was as big as a tank, solid muscle. His scarred face and hands spoke of many battles fought and won.

Kincaid set his shoulders and strode toward him, purposely bumping the guy as he passed by.

The Marine was a little drunk. “Hey, buddy, why don’t ya watch where you’re goin’?” he growled.

“I was watching.”

The Marine’s eyes narrowed. “If you’re spoilin’ for a fight, friend, you found it.”

Kincaid grinned at him. “Bring it on.”

It was late, the streets deserted. Not wanting the battle to end too soon, Kincaid held back. He welcomed the man’s blows, relished the pain. The Marine had the strength and stamina of a Brahma bull. He seemed immune to the punishment Kincaid dished out, until Kincaid’s lust for blood kicked in and he fought in earnest.

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