All I Want for Christmas is a Vampire(84)

 

Toni leaned over to study the map. "This is very good." Carlos would make an excellent employee for MacKay Security and Investigation.

 

"Menina, I know I've been teasing you about Ian, but I'm wondering if it's wise to get involved with him. Don't get me wrong, he's a nice guy, but he is a vampire."

 

"He wouldn't bite me." Toni blushed as memories of last night's glorious kiss filled her mind. "At least, not for food."

 

Carlos frowned. "After we rescue Sabrina, you should quit your job here and forget these vampires exist."

 

"That would be rather rude, don't you think? To just use Ian for his super abilities, then tell him adiós. And how can you tell me to quit when you're planning to work here?"

 

"You have special plans with Sabrina. I don't. And the truth of the matter is Ian is not your kind."

 

She planted her hands on her hips. "I'm surprised at you, Carlos. I would expect you, of all people, to be more understanding and tolerant."

 

"I am tolerant of anything two humans want to do with each other, but he's not exactly human."

 

"He's more human than anyone I know. And I love him."

 

"You've known him exactly a week."

 

"And a hell of a lot has happened in that time." Toni pressed a hand to her chest. "I'm becoming a different person now. I feel like I'm finally growing into a whole person—one who's capable, strong, and worthy. I'm not a wounded child anymore. And I like what's happening to me. I'm not going to give it up."

 

"All right, then." Carlos touched her shoulder. "I'm very happy for you."

 

She gave him a hug, then wandered to the window to peek out the blinds. "The sun has set. I'll go get Ian."

 

"Okay. And change clothes. Dress all in black." Carlos moved to his laptop. "Give me your cell phone."

 

"Why?" She removed it from the pocket of her khaki pants.

 

"Because you need a new ringtone." He took her phone. "Love is no longer a battlefield for you."

 

"Put on something nice," she warned him, then left to find Ian.

 

He was in the silver room, still in his pajamas, finishing his breakfast.

 

She grinned at him. "I got your note. Thank you for helping us." She rummaged through her suitcase and found some black cargo pants. "Carlos wants us to dress in black."

 

Ian's eyebrows rose. "Are we doing it tonight?"

 

"Yes. Is that all right?"

 

"Aye." Ian set his empty bottle in the sink. "I should stay here most of the night in case Jedrek tries something, but it shouldna take long to teleport yer friend out."

 

She located a black T-shirt, but unfortunately it had bright white letters on the front. Am I Crazy or What? She showed it to Ian. "The perfect shirt for breaking into a mental institution."

 

He chuckled. "Ye do want to be properly dressed for every occasion." His face grew more serious. "I'm sorry for the way I reacted last night."

 

"There's no need to apologize. I was wrong to ever consider telling your secret."

 

His eyes gleamed. "Ye've gone to amazing lengths to help yer friend. Ye've survived a brutal attack, ye've taken a job with the Undead, and ye're about to do some serious breaking and entering. That kind of loyalty is verra rare."

 

Her eyes grew misty as her heart swelled with love. "You tell me the loveliest things." He made her realize how worthy she truly was.

 

He glanced at the surveillance camera, then motioned with his head to the bathroom. "Ye need to change clothes?"

 

"Right." Toni gathered up her black clothes and dashed into the bathroom. She gasped when Ian followed her in and shut the door. "What—?"

 

He pulled her into his arms and planted his mouth on hers. Her clothes tumbled to the floor as she melted into his kiss.

 

He suckled her bottom lip, then nibbled kisses down her neck. "Did ye need help getting out of yer clothes?"

 

"You rascal." She slid her fingers into his soft hair.

 

He tugged her navy polo shirt up and slipped his hands underneath. "I want you." He surveyed the tiny bathroom with his red, glowing eyes. "This is…a challenge."

 

"Ian." She placed her hands on his cheeks. "We don't have time right now. And I don't really want a quickie in the bathroom."

 

His mouth curled up. "No' verra romantic, huh?"

 

She grinned. "I think you're very romantic, but Carlos is waiting upstairs, and we have a job to do."

 

"I understand." He kissed her quickly on the mouth, then exited the room.