Page 36 of Spies without a Face
She pulled her mouth away a fraction yet lingered there. I wrapped an arm around her lower waist and brought us closer together. Then I pressed my lips against hers, and she released a soft, delicious sigh.
As I kissed her on her doorstep, the yearning rose. I wanted her. More than just this kiss. I wanted her in my life and in my bed.
A strange buzzing rose inside followed by a fluttering I’d never experienced before. My life had been full of questions and uncertainties, but what became apparent was without doubt—she was the one for me.
The only one. Just like my bear had been telling me all along, Pandora was our mate.
PANDORA
At the Network the next day, Lucas hummed “Matchmaker” fromFiddler on the Roof.
Zoe hushed him. “You’re doing it again.”
I summoned everyone before they had a chance to question me with smug, speculative glances. “Everyone, conference room, now.”
Nova entered with a sheepish expression. Someone was feeling guilty.
Cassandra followed with an enthusiastic gleam in her eyes. “I see Austin got you home safely.”
And ensured I made it safely inside my house. When I remembered how I’d initiated our kiss last night, and how damn delicious it had been, I almost forgot what I was annoyed about.
“How did it go?” she asked.
Cassandra’s question reminded me. “How’s Paige?” I pinned her with a knowing gaze, the knowing being that the story about Paige not feeling well was as fabricated as truth in a reality show.
“Much better, thanks for asking.” Cassandra’s lips spread into a shit-eating grin.
She knew she was full of crap; I knew she was full of crap; and her smile confirmed it.
Lucas entered the conference room and announced, “Present and accounted for.” Then he motioned with a semi-formal bow. “And here comes my queen.”
Zoe shook her head as she entered. “Oh, Lucas.”
I stood before them while they sat at the conference table. “Interesting development last night,” I began as I paced, my gaze traveling to each of them. “My neighbor Austin conveniently showed up at the Danger Zone, although it’s not even close to Salem.”
“Word gets around.” Nova shrugged while averting eye contact. “It’s a great club.”
“You asked me to show him around.” Lucas widened his eyes with an innocent look that didn’t fool me one bit. “Just doing our part to welcome a newcomer to Salem.” He crossed his arms and nodded as if proud of his helpfulness.
I slanted my gaze at him. “By supernatural speed dating?”
“Yeah, well, you know.” He gestured at me with his palm up. “With him being half-shifter, as you told me, he probably wants to meet others like him. Isn’t that why you introduced us?”
Lucas’s eyes widened like twin moons, as if shedding any responsibility and putting the idea on me.
“And so, you chose a night that you knew I’d be there,” I replied.
He blinked. “Of course. How many supernatural speed dating nights are there around here?” He cocked his head and looked off to the side as if contemplating. “Not many.”
“And Austin didn’t know anything about a speed dating event.” I snorted. “Lucas, I hope you were more convincing as an exotic dancer as you are here in this room. Because you’re about as slick as sandpaper in the desert right now.”
The ladies chuckled under their breaths.
“Ooh, low blow, boss.” His eyes gleamed with amusement.
It was uncalled for and inappropriate, but I knew Lucas well enough by now. That would make him appreciate it more.
“So, you lured both of us to a dating event on the same night.” I crossed my arms. “Sure, there were no underlying intentions there,” I drew out the sarcasm as my gaze traveled over each of them.
