Page 13 of Bound By Blood

“How did you know I’d show up?”

“I didn’t, but a girl can hope, can’t she?”

“So, what shall we do tonight?” He knew what he wanted to do, horny lecherous creature that he was, but he didn’t suggest the ideas that quickly came to mind, certain that her answer would be no. His lovely Kaitlyn didn’t seem the type to tumble into bed with a man unless there was a wedding ring on her finger.

“I don’t care. Anything you want to do is fine with me.”

He lifted one brow. “Anything?”

Kaitlyn felt a blush warm her cheeks. She didn’t have to be able to read Zack’s mind to know what he was thinking. Because she was thinking about it, too, and far too often for her own good. But there was no way she was jumping into bed with Zack, no matter how tempting he might be. She hardly knew the man.

“I enjoyed dancing the other night,” she said.

“Dancing it is, then. Shall we walk?”

“Why not?” She stepped out of her high-heeled sandals. Holding them by the ankle straps, she swung them back and forth as she walked. “It’s a lovely night.”

It was indeed, Zack mused as they strolled down the narrow path that ended at the casino parking lot. The air was warm, fragrant with the scent of Kaitlyn’s perfume, with the heady scent of the woman herself.

And overall, the siren call of her life’s blood running through her veins like a warm red river. The rhythm of her heartbeat hummed in his ears like a symphony only he could hear.

“Watch your step,” he warned when they reached the curb. He held her arm, steadying her, as she scrubbed her feet clean on the grass, then stepped into her shoes. He liked it that she wasn’t overly fussy, that she didn’t mind getting her feet a little dirty.

It was early Tuesday night but the casino was already crowded. With his preternatural power, Zack heard the hum of the air-conditioning, the whisper of cards being shuffled, the whirring of the Wheel of Fortune, the click-click of dice at the craps table, the high-pitched shout of a gambler who had just hit the jackpot on one of the slot machines.

“Have you had dinner?” Zack asked, raising his voice a little so Kaitlyn could hear him.

“I’m not hungry,” she replied. “I had a late lunch, but I’ll keep you company if you haven’t eaten.”

“No need. I had a bite before I came to your place.” Taking her hand, he headed for the elevator that led to the Skylight Room.

Since most people were more interested in dining than dancing at this hour, Zack and Kaitlyn had the dance floor to themselves.

Kaitlyn felt a sensual thrill when Zack took her in his arms. She marveled that they fit together so well, that his steps were so easy to follow, that the mere touch of his hand made her heart beat faster.It isn’t love,she told herself sternly.It’s just an old-fashioned case of lust.And who could blame her? She doubted any woman whose heart was still beating would be able to resist Zack, with his long black hair, enigmatic gray eyes, and delightfully wicked grin. His brows were slightly arched, his nose straight, his lips full, sensual. He was tall and broad-shouldered, and sexier than any man she had ever met. He looked especially handsome tonight in a pair of black slacks and a long-sleeved midnight-blue shirt.

He lifted one brow, amused by her steady regard. “Like what you see?”

Embarrassment heated Kaitlyn’s cheeks. She wanted to say she had seen better, thank you very much. Instead, she shrugged and turned the question back to him. “Do you? Like what you see?”

“You know I do.” He twirled her around the floor, spinning her effortlessly until she was dizzy. “And I’d like to see more of you. Much more.”

She searched her mind for some witty comeback, but words failed her.

Zack chuckled as he pulled her closer. “I’m sorry if the truth makes you uncomfortable.”

“I guess it does,” she replied with unexpected candor. “A little anyway.”

“I don’t know why. A girl who’s as pretty as you must get compliments from guys all the time.”

“Yes, but …”

“But?”

She tilted her head back so she could look into his eyes. “They’re usually after something.”

“Can’t blame them for that,” he replied, his gaze drifting to the pulse throbbing in the hollow of her throat.

“What are you after, Zack?” she asked. “What doyouwant?”

---