Page 17 of Daring Her Vampires
“Of course I fucking like it,” he snarls. “Every other male there will too.”
I grin. “But they aren’t my mates.” I press my palm to his chest. “You look handsome.” He’s wearing a suit very similar to the one he wore earlier; except it’s a deep chocolate brown. He covers my hand, and my skin tingles.
“You won’t be upset if someone dies?” Luca asks.
“No, not if they touch me. But yes, if they just look.” He nods slightly, and I slide my hand away. “Atlas.” I look around Luca to see that Atlas hasn’t moved, but his stare is intense.
“Do you bend over in that dress?” he asks.
“Yes,” I say slowly.
“Let me rephrase.” He takes a deep breath. “Do not bend over in that dress. Or lean over,” he demands.
“Boyfriend, I usually don’t follow orders well.” I touch my tongue to the corner of my mouth. “But I will follow that one.”
“Thank you.” Atlas is wearing black jeans that cup him fabulously, a black dress shirt, and a leather vest. The same cuffs are around his wrists, and I want to ask him about them. “Let's go. If I come over there, we won’t leave.” Luca grabs my hand and pulls.
“Tempted?” I ask, allowing Luca to guide me.
“You haven’t won the bet yet,” he replies as he opens the door and steps out.
“Yet,” I quip, locking the door. I shut it firmly once Luca moves past, but Atlas is pressed against my back before I can turn around. He runs his nose up my neck, his scruff catching on my hair.
“Confident, mate?” he rumbles.
“Always,” I breathe.
“We’ll see.” He steps back, lacing his fingers with mine.
“Let the games begin,” I whisper, and follow meekly, for now. Luca leads us out of the building toward their car. I may not want a man to dictate my life or in the bedroom, but I’m not opposed to letting the right man instruct sometimes. It’s nice not to have to do all the work. Reasonable requests are alright, and I already decided not to bend over tonight. Luca holds the passenger side door open for me. “I may have to bend down.” I smile innocently, and they both shake their heads. Atlas cups my elbow with his other hand.
“Little Bunny, we’ll let it slide this time.” He assists me into the seat, and I enjoy their gazes on my legs as I swing them in. I buckle my belt and enter the address in their navigation as they get in.
“Do you think Allie would like to come?” I ask.
“She does,” Luca answers.
“I messaged her,” Atlas says while he backs out. “She will be there.”
“How was her meeting with Quinn?” I cross my legs and turn toward Atlas.
“He agreed to help.” He slides his free hand onto my knee as he turns out of the parking lot. I stare at his hand. It’s a simple touch but intentional. I don’t like a man who plays at being commanding, but when possessiveness comes naturally, it’s hot.
“Allie is grateful,” Luca says, and I look over my shoulder.
“This vampire is determined to have her.” I don’t like anyone who forces a woman.
“Yes,” he replies.
“We didn’t want to ask for help,” Atlas says.
“But protecting her is more important than our pride,” Luca grumbles.
“He’s playing with us,” Atlas continues. “We miss him over and over. It pisses me off since our job is to find missing people. He’s a powerful vampire who enjoys the kill. No one should underestimate him or the lengths he will go to in order to get what he wants.”
“Did he turn you too?” I ask, and a shiver goes up my spine. The atmosphere turns dark, and I know they don’t want to answer. “It’s alright. You don’t have to talk about it.” Atlas’s jaw is grinding. I glance at Luca, and he avoids my eyes. I understand the need to keep some things private. I’m not excited to talk about my past. We don’t trust each other yet.
“He didn’t turn us,” Luca answers softly, looking out the window.
