Surrendering(56)

Kate made up some story about coming out to a party last night with coworker, who’d ditched her, leaving her stranded. If Erin’s raised eyebrow was any indication, she didn’t believe a word she said, but didn’t press her on it either. Kate at a party? Laughable. Erin had to twist her arm to get her to have a drink, for God’s sake.

Knowing she was still in danger and couldn’t stay at home, Erin readily agreed to let Kate stay at her place for a few days, buying the lie there was a student who’d been a little too attentive and had been by the house several times. Driving by first to make sure no one was lurking outside, they rounded the block and parked in her driveway.

“Thanks, Erin. You’re a good friend.”

“No problem, Katie pie. Any time.”

Erin waited in the car as she ran inside to grab a few extra clothes.

When Kate opened the door to her house, she immediately knew something wasn’t right. The whooshing noise was back and it was so loud, it was almost debilitating. Holy balls. Somebody was in her house. Several somebody’s, in fact. Kate turned frantically to leave, but strong arms grabbed her arms from behind, stopping her forward movement.

“About time you got home, bitch.”

She screamed and the body behind her froze, his fingers digging into her tender flesh. Suddenly she heard the snapping of bones close to her ear and her attacker’s kung-fu grip was gone. Kate didn’t look back, instead running toward the door, escape the only thing on her mind. She stopped short when Dev unexpectedly appeared, blocking her getaway.

“What the—?”

She didn’t have time to finish her sentence or thought before he grabbed her and everything went black. Her body tingled and she felt like she was floating. As sudden as the dizzying feeling came, it was gone and they were back at Dev’s house.

Dev frantically scoured her face and body. “Are you okay?”

“I think so, yes.”

“Did he touch you? Did he hurt you?”

“No, no he just scared me. Dev, what the hell is happening here? How were you at my house and how are we back here? I don’t understand what’s going on at all!” She knew she sounded hysterical. Each word was shriller than the last. Tears pricked in her eyes. Emotional meltdown, begin.

Dev sighed, his voice softening. “I told you, Kate. I am vampire. I have many talents and flashing is one of them.”

“This is not real. This can’t really be happening. I—I need to sit down.” Her legs started buckling and Dev reached out to steady her, but she waved him off.

“Let’s go up to my bedroom, where you’ll be more comfortable, Kate. Please.”

He reached for her, but she stopped him. “Erin. What happened to Erin?”

“Ren’s taking care of her. Don’t worry. She’s safe and she won’t remember a thing. She’ll think she had a strange dream is all.”

Thank you God. If anything happened to Erin because of her stupid, careless actions, she’d never forgive herself.

“Good. Good…thanks.”

He reached for her, but she held out her hand.

“I want to walk. No flashing.” He regarded her for a minute and nodded, reaching for her hand. She took it. She couldn’t deny that she wanted his touch. Needed it. Was already craving it like a drug addict. She was ready to come fucking unglued and he felt like the only thing that could ground her at this moment. And wasn’t that ironic, since from the moment she met him, her life started going to shit.

On unsteady legs, she made her way to his bedroom. She’d woken in there earlier, but hadn’t had a chance to look around and take it all in. It was much larger than hers with the massive mahogany sleigh bed in the middle of the room, complete with an off-white comforter and black, white and beige throw pillows. It was different than she expected, but somehow suited his personality perfectly. Massive matching furniture adorned the rest of the room, which was painted soft beige. It was homey. At every turn, he never ceased to amaze her.

He scooped her up and strode over to the plush bed, setting her down gently. He held her hand as he sat right beside her.

“Are you sure you’re unharmed?”

She nodded. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Why did you leave, Kate? I specifically asked you to stay put.”

“You really want to scold me for leaving? That’s what you want to do right now? I don’t think so. I will ask the questions, Dev. And you will answer every single one truthfully or so help me god, you will feel my wrath.”

He dropped her hand and stared at her like she’d grown a pair. A pair of cojones, to be clear. Kate wasn’t a pushover by any means, but this was an aggressive side of her personality he hadn’t seen yet. Well, buckle up buddy, because she was just getting started.