Page 12 of Emerald Flame
“I needed the privacy. I also have extra security in this space as well.”
He wondered if she brought her lovers here. But the idea she’d had other men in her apartment brought a growl rumbling in his throat. A fine layer of shifter fur rose on his cheekbones and the backs of his hands.
“Are you growling?” She turned toward him, her large brown eyes startled and wide. She took in the state of his fur.
“Yes.” He didn’t want to admit why.
She glanced around, frowning. “Do you sense danger?”
He caught her arm. “No. It’s not that.” Even though it was no business of his, he had to know the truth. “Do you bring men here?”
At that, she burst out laughing. “No, Warren. No men. I know, it’s lame, but I just haven’t been interested.”
Was she interested in him? Would she date him if he asked? “Why don’t you see men?” he asked quietly.
“Again, not much interested. I’ve been busy with my rescue work.”
Her lips were parted as she stared back at him. He wasn’t sure what she was thinking until he caught her rich freesia scent once more. It was laced with desire and a depth of need that had him hardening.
She glanced at his hold on her arm and she drew in a long, deep breath.
He realized where he had hold of her was alive with electric sparks that came off his palm. From that connection desire flowed like nothing he’d experienced before. What was happening between them seemed to ignite his storm and his doubts about her returned. Kiara was a witch. Nothing could change that and a witch had hurt him badly once. He didn’t trust thealtersof Elegance Territory.
As though comprehending the direction of his thoughts, she said, “I have additional security protecting my apartment because I have a spellroom just off the living area and across from my bedroom. I know you have every right to be suspicious of my kind. If I were in your shoes, I would be the same way. But I promise you that whatever witch-like things I undertake, while you’re here, I’ll discuss with you first. How does that sound?”
Extremely considerate and he began to relax once more. “Sounds good. I appreciate it.”
She seemed nervous suddenly and lowered her voice. “Warren,” she began. She even swallowed hard. “Well, I suppose I should give you a choice here. I can set you up in your own room, if you want. But I was hoping you’d stay with me, through the day I mean.”
Once more, he took hold of her arm and again the electric impulses popped from his palm to her skin. She even gasped.
God, he wanted this with her. Would his storm come alive during sex?
It didn’t help that his alpha needs were cycling strong right now. “I want to be here, with you. But that means we share your bed.”
“All day?”
“Yes.”
A shudder ran through her and her flowery scent grew stronger still. “All day. Good.”
When he released her arm, she turned back down the short, private hall then suddenly vanished right in front of him. Had she cloaked herself again? If so, why? If not, where the hell had she gone?
She reappeared abruptly. “Sorry about that. It’s my security spell.” She took his hand and there it was, her apartment. Her door was wide-open as well.
When he moved inside, she closed the door then he heard a dead-bolt slide home.
He took a long look around, but couldn’t exactly make his feet move. He was too stunned. “What am I looking at?” This woman was full of surprises.
“What can I say? I like to lounge, and I wanted colorful lights over the ceiling. Too much?”
He wasn’t sure. Not that it mattered. Kiara had a right to create whatever environment she wanted to live in. Yet, somehow, he liked it.
The large open room had a fireplace to his right made like the rest of the burrow with a lot of dark gray stone and what looked like reclaimed lumber above the mantel. Scattered over the same earthen floor as the foyer, were thick rugs, a sofa, and two oversized lounging chairs with attached ottomans.
The fabrics were green and looked soft to the touch. Multi-colored throws were draped over the backs. Each piece sat at different angles to the fireplace, with lamps and small tables nearby.
But it was the ceiling that drew his eye. It was a long, curved arch set with a rock mosaic in swirls of every color imaginable. It traveled the length of the room to a dining area and a kitchen at the far wall.
