“Pumpkin.” Even though her hands were shaking and her heart was racing, she still found herself smiling.
The big vampire’s lip twitched. “We had to come up with something that you wouldn’t say in general conversation or in the throes of…” He looked to somewhere behind her before returning his gaze to hers. “Make sure you remember it and use it without hesitation.”
She nodded. “Pumpkin, I won’t forget.”
Some of the tension seemed to ease out of him. “I know that you have been informed that all of the rooms are monitored by closed-circuit televisions. Two of our females will watch the camera feeds during your session. I need to verbally inform you now that this was discussed in your training and that you have consented to this in your contractual agreement.” His dark eyes stayed locked with hers.
She nodded.
“I require your verbal response, please,” Gideon said.
“I understand and yes…”
Door B flew open with a crash. It was the blond woman who liked to chew gum. Tears were streaming down her cheeks. She looked completely distraught. Like she’d just witnessed a murder or something. “Oh my God.” She sobbed. “I can’t believe that just happened… Can’t believe it,” she wailed. She was wearing a summer dress.
That’s when Cassidy noticed the two bleeding puncture wounds on her neck. The woman locked eyes with Gideon and sobbed even louder as she made her way towards them. “I need to leave.” Tears were streaming down her face.
Gideon’s nostrils flared and she actually heard him sucking in a lungful of air.
Cassidy opened her purse and reached inside, pulling out a wad of tissues. She handed one to the woman who nodded her head in thanks.
After blowing her nose and pulling herself together somewhat, she continued. “I can’t do this.”
Gideon folded his hands across his chest. “Allowing a male to ease you is no reason for embarrassment.”
“How dare you?” She sniffed loudly. “I don’t want any of your filthy bloodsucker hands on me. I hate all of you but I couldn’t help myself.” She broke down crying again. “Oh god…”
Gideon bristled, Cassidy could actually see the muscles beneath the leather shirt he was wearing bunch. He tensed his jaw for a few beats. “You lied. You stated on your questionnaire that you were not opposed to vampires. Not opposed to vampires and humans mating.”
“So freaking sue me. I needed the money.” Her eyes were wild and blazing. No longer upset, Cassidy could see that the woman was pissed. “I don’t want any of your filthy hands on me…ever again. It’s not worth the money. I’m leaving right now.”
“Sue you…?” Gideon snorted. “Actually,” His eyes darkened. “We may do just that. A female such as you deserves to be sued.” He motioned to the guard closest to them who grabbed the woman by the arm. “You are free to leave but you will hear from our lawyers.” His jaw was set. His eyes blazing. “You lied…committed fraud.” He shook his head looking disgusted.
“Escort this female from the property,” Gideon growled. Low and deep. It sent shocks of fear racing through her body.
“Get your hands off of me!” Blondie shouted as they began to walk away.
Cassidy swallowed thickly. What the hell? Going through the door to room A didn’t seem like such an easy task anymore. Not that she’d ever considered it easy in the first place.
Gideon smiled at her, flashing long ivory fangs that almost had her shrinking away. “Apologies. You may go inside now.” He gestured in the general direction of the building behind her. The one that housed room A and the vampire that would take blood from her.
This was it.
If she wasn’t in such a bind, she’d turn around and walk away right now.
Cassidy was wearing another one of her work outfits, thick stockings, a blouse that was buttoned up right to her neck. Only this time she’d selected a thin knit sweater instead of the jacket. It was just too darned hot.
Cassidy glanced down at her watch. It was already five minutes past ten. This whole incident had made her late.
Swallowing hard, she walked over to the door and put her hand on the knob. Taking in a deep breath, she turned the knob and entered.
There was a man…vampire standing on the far side of the room. He turned to face her and she struggled to draw breath.
Holy hell!
It really wasn’t fair. Why did the first vampire on her damned list have to be so good-looking?
From across the room, she could see that his eyes were the color of a clear winter’s day. Crisp, bright blue. He was big, bigger than any of the guys she’d seen so far. His muscles had muscles. His hair was a dirty blond, cropped close to his scalp.