Page 33 of Shifting Desire
“Come here,” I tell her.She hesitates only a second before stepping into my arms.I hold her tighter than I should.But not as tight as I need.“You’re okay,” I whisper into her hair.
“I’m angry,” she says.“I hate being a target.I hate being bait.”
“You’re more than bait,” I growl.“You’re mine.”
That earns me a sharp glance.
“Who the hell is he?”she mutters.
“An old enemy.”I smile grimly.“Someone I should have killed when I had the chance.”
“You’re going to lose control,” she says softly, not accusing, just knowing.
“I already am.”Because I want to shift.Right here.Right now.
I want to scorch the pavement outside.Burn the shadows he walked through.Melt every ounce of filth that dared to step within twenty feet of her.But she’s watching me.
So, I don’t.Not yet.But the leash is fraying.And Ravik has no idea what kind of hell he just invited.
****
Hours later, the GinRoom is locked down.Security increased.Wards refreshed.Ari insisted on finishing her shift, so I stayed.In the shadows.Out of the way but keeping watch.I am always watching.
She’s stronger than she knows.But strength doesn’t mean she has to do this alone.He, Ravik, is targeting her because of me and I will do everything I can to keep her safe.
After she closes up, we walk back to her apartment in silence.The city is quiet again but this time, it feels like a lie.When she unlocks her door, I follow her inside without asking.
I’m not letting her out of my sight.Not tonight.Perhaps not ever again.
“I know you want to keep me safe,” she says, tossing her keys onto the counter.“But you need to know something.”
I arch a brow.
“I’m not the kind of girl who hides behind a dragon,” she says.“I may not be full-blooded.But I’m not weak.”
“I know that.”I say with a nod.
“Then don’t treat me like a porcelain doll.”
“I won’t.”
“But you’ll still guard the door all night?”
“Yes.”
She sighs.“You’re impossible.”She rolls her eyes, and I can’t fight my smile.
“You’re luminous when you’re mad.”
That earns a ghost of a smile.
“Can you at least stay on the couch instead of lurking outside like a gargoyle?”
I nod once.“If that’s what you want.”
“It’s what I need.”
She pauses, then steps closer, close enough that I can smell the hint of whiskey and magic on her skin.
