Smiley(6)

“Vanni?” Smiley’s voice softened. “What can I do? I want to help you.”

She closed her eyes and tried to slow her breathing. Instead it made her aware of her breasts. They started to ache and she was pretty sure her nipples grew taut. Something was definitely wrong. Another hot flash struck and she fought the urge to tear off her clothes since it felt as if her skin was on fire. It passed and relief swept through her for a few seconds until the chills began. She’d gone from hot to cold in a flash.

“Vanni?” Smiley leaned in, his voice almost against her ear. “Do you need a doctor? I could see if one is staying at the hotel.”

She opened her eyes and turned her head. Her teeth started to chatter and she trembled all over. “I’m so cold,” she admitted.

He frowned and called to his team, “We need help over here.” He raised his voice. “Ned!”

It seemed as though the two men were instantly next to them. “What is it, Smiley?”

“You have medic training, right?” Smiley addressed the dark-haired one. “Take a look at her.”

The man moved to her other side and leaned between the barstools, forcing her to turn toward him when he gripped her shoulders. She stared into light-blue eyes. He studied her then released her shoulder to grip her wrist. Seconds ticked by. He frowned and glanced at someone behind her.

“I think she’s on drugs.”

“I don’t do drugs.” She was horrified at the implication.

Ned frowned and held her gaze. “What did you take?”

“I didn’t. I swear. I would never—” A blast of pain shot through her belly and jolted lower to her clit. The chills left and she started to sweat again.

“Shit.” Smiley’s voice sounded strangely deep and almost inhuman. “Clear the bar. Now. Alert Security that we have an emergency situation.”

“We need to call an ambulance,” Ned argued. “She’s as high as a kite.”

“Do as I say,” Smiley snarled. “Clear the bar and alert our people. Let her go.”

Ned cursed and released her, stepping away to yank out his cell phone. He jerked his head at the second man. “Clear the bar. I’ll make the call.”

Vanni turned her head to look at Smiley as he slid off his barstool and yanked his jacket off the back of it. He draped it over her shoulders and then grabbed the sides of her seat, twisting it to face him. He leaned in and his nostrils flared as he sniffed at her. She watched his tan face pale before his gaze lifted to meet hers.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing.”

His lips flattened into a tight line and a muscle in his jaw jerked. He made a low rumbling sound, blinked a few times and his Adam’s apple showed that he swallowed hard before he spoke. “I can smell you. We were warned about the drug, Vanni. Where did you get it? Why would you take it?”

She tried not to panic but failed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What’s happening to me?”

The harsh set of his features and the way his eyes narrowed were scary. “Did they at least warn you about how dangerous it is?”

She was distracted when people started to complain loudly. She turned her head and watched the blond security guy force patrons to leave as he cleared the bar. Men in black uniforms rushed inside to help him.

“Vanni?”

She looked at Smiley. “What’s going on?”

“That’s what I’d like to know,” a deep voice stated.

She turned and stared at the New Species who wore a black, well-tailored suit. It was designer quality. She knew that face. Some of her fear eased as she stared at Justice North. He was on television all the time and she’d seen plenty of interviews with him. He barely spared her a glance before focusing on Smiley.

“Inhale,” Smiley whispered.

Justice took a deep breath and his full attention snapped to her. His catlike eyes narrowed. “Shit.”

“My sense of smell isn’t as good as yours but I’m right, aren’t I?” Smiley queried.

“Yes.”

Vanni shivered, suddenly cold again, despite the jacket draped around her and she grabbed at the edges, holding it tightly against her middle. She wanted to draw her knees up and curl into a ball just to try to get warm.

“Who are you working for?” Justice North glared at her.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“It’s worse,” Smiley whispered. “I think she dosed my drink too.”

A terrifying snarl came from Justice North and he flashed some scary, sharp fangs, never taking his eyes off her while he spoke to Smiley. “You think or you know you were dosed?”