“Stay here while I get our perp.” He turned to leave as she called out to him.
“You’d better not fuck me over, or you’ll regret it.”
His face hardened as he turned and glided toward her, leaning down so they were nose to nose. “When I fuck you, Giselle, I guarantee I will regret it.” He turned and fled the room before she could respond. He’d been dead serious.
Ten minutes later Mike returned with Professor Bailey.
“Have a seat, Professor,” said Mike, gesturing toward an empty chair.
“I don’t know anything more than what I’ve already told you. I don’t understand why I’m in here again.” The professor had sweat dotting his pale balding head, slightly dripping down his temples, as his beady eyes flitted back and forth between Mike and Giselle. They lingered longer on Giselle, of course.
Giselle leaned forward, grinned seductively, and put her elbows on the table effectively shoving together her…assets. Assets that were simply fan-fucking-tastic.
“I’m afraid I have a few more questions for you, Professor Bailey. It shouldn’t take too long and we’d really appreciate your help.”
Mike guessed the professor forgot where her eyes were located as he replied to Giselle’s chest…uh, request, that is. And for some godawful unknown reason, that supremely pissed him off.
“Y-Yes. Yes, of course. That’s fine. I want my daughter found and returned safely, so whatever you need from me, just ask.”
She whispered, “That’s what I was hoping you’d say.”
Chapter 48
Dev
“So, to what do I owe the pleasure of being summoned to the great Lord Fallinsworth’s residence?” Esmeralda purred as she sauntered toward Dev’s desk.
Esmeralda was a stunningly beautiful woman and she knew it. At a tall five foot nine inches, she had voluptuous curves in all the right places. Her olive skin always glowed with a unique golden aura. He thought it was specifically designed to draw in her prey. Her dark chocolate eyes gave you a false sense of warmth and security. Her waist-length midnight, ramrod straight hair rounded out the entire sexy package. As sensual as she was, she’d never once made him hard. Not for lack of trying on her part, either.
Ren growled. Actually growled. There was definitely no love lost between those two. Dev wasn’t particularly fond of Esmeralda either, but she was a necessary evil at this point. He didn’t have time to track down another witch.
Throwing Ren a glare, Es turned back to Dev. “You really should learn to keep your pets on a leash, darling.”
Ren started toward her and Dev held his hand up, never taking his eyes from Esmeralda. He didn’t trust her enough to look away for a second. Ren retreated to stand by the door, beefy arms crossed, death glare pasted on his face.
“Enough. Es, I’m in need of your assistance.” Damn, it physically hurt to say that.
She regarded him for a moment, her dark eyes drawing him in. A smile curved her full, red lips.
“It will cost you, darling.”
Another reason he didn’t like to ask Esmeralda for help. She’d wanted to bed him ever since they met more than one hundred years ago. She’d tried just about everything. And since her sorcery didn’t work on him none of her advances had been successful. He was actually afraid that the witch might try to harm Kate when she found out about her, which was just about to happen.
“Of course it will. What’s your price?”
Esmeralda ambled slowly around the desk, stopping directly in front of Dev. In his personal space, as always. As she reached out to touch him, he grabbed her wrist, stopping her midstream. A flash of surprise crossed her face, but she quickly hid it. To keep a semblance of peace, in the past he’d always indulged her in these games. No more. He had a mate—even if she may be a traitor—and being touched by another female, especially Esmeralda, repulsed him.
Her mask firmly back in place, she seductively purred, “It’s not money that I want, Dev.”
He smiled, although he knew it looked cruel. “I’m afraid that’s all you’re going to get from me, Esmeralda. I’m bonded now.”
She immediately jumped out of his hold as if she’d been burned, shock forcing her mouth to hang open. “What? How can that be possible?” she shrieked.
“Oh come on, Es. You understand how vampire bonding works. I found my Moira, quite by accident, but found her nonetheless and the rest, as they say, is history. I don’t think I need to explain the bonding ritual to you in detail, do I?” He was pushing the envelope, but this was just a bit too enjoyable.
She blanched just a little. Her aura dimmed significantly. Wow, she was way more besotted with him than he’d originally thought. Fuck. This could end very badly.