She rose to her feet. "That's brilliant!"
He stood.
"Oh, sorry." She laughed, then resumed her seat. "How many people in the British government know about you?"
He sat beside her. "Three. The queen, the head of MI6, and the prime minister. When they leave their office, I erase their memory of me."
"How interesting." Emma rose slightly.
Angus was halfway up when he realized it was a false alarm. She was simply repositioning herself by tucking a foot beneath her. He sat back down.
Her mouth twitched. "What sort of favors did you do for the queen?"
"One of her dogs got lost in Hyde Park, and I found it for her."
"That's it?"
He gave her an irritated look. "Ye doona realize how important her dogs are to her."
Emma smiled as she reached for her glass of ice water on the coffee table. She took a sip, then winced. "Oh, sorry." She swiped at the wet ring on the table.
She stood, looking around the room. "Don't you have any coasters?"
He stood also. "Doona worry about it."
She noticed he was standing and snickered. "Such a gentleman."
"'Tis no' funny. I've never seen such a jumpy lass. I swear ye're part rabbit."
Grinning, she set her glass down. Her amber eyes twinkled with mirth. "You make a good rabbit yourself." She sat halfway down, then popped back up. Angus jerked back to a standing position while she giggled. The devil take it, she was playing with him.
She sat. "Consider this your aerobic exercise for the day."
He sat. "Are ye done?"
"No." She jumped to her feet.
"Enough!" He grabbed her about the waist and pulled her down. She landed, laughing, on his lap.
He chuckled. His hands glided up her back.
Her laughter faded with a long sigh. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have teased you." She looked at him with that wary expression and tried to move off his lap.
He held her in place. "Ye're doing it again."
Her face went blank. "Doing what?"
"Looking at me like I'm some kind of frightening monster."
"No, I'm not. It's… nothing." A blush washed over her cheeks, a beautiful blood-pink blush.
Bugger. Nothing turned him on faster than a woman's blush, especially when the blush was caused by him. He could smell the blood filling her cheeks like a maddening perfume. His groin instantly responded. "Are ye afraid I'll kiss ye again? That I'll lose control?"
Her blush deepened. "No." Her eyes glinted with fear once again.
The truth hit him hard. She was afraid she would lose control. Her gaze met his for an electric second, then she turned away. "We shouldn't."
"Nay, we shouldna." He pulled her closer. It was wrong. It would lead to nothing but heartache and despair. But still, he wanted her. He had to have her. "Emma," he whispered, just before lowering his mouth to hers.
CHAPTER 13
Emma was immediately pulled into the kiss. Not only did he ignite her physically, but he overwhelmed her emotionally. He was the honorable sexy hero of her dreams, and she responded with such a strong yearning, her heart ached.
If only he could be alive. He tugged her bottom lip into his mouth and suckled. She moaned as the tug shimmered down to her belly, then lower. His erection pressed against her hip. Good heavens, wasn't this alive enough for her?
But why couldn't he be human like her? He trailed kisses across her cheek. His husky groan tickled her ear before he nibbled more kisses down her neck. His hand covered her breast and gently squeezed. She gasped in response. Wasn't this human enough? Maybe he was technically dead during the day, but oh, imagine the nights she could have with this man.
But you know it can't last. Dammit, was she going to argue with herself all night? Why couldn't she just enjoy this? She no longer feared he was going to bite her, so what was the problem? You're afraid you're falling in love.
No, she could never allow herself to love him. But she couldn't stop her body from responding. The minute he circled her nipple with his thumb, it hardened.
"Oh, the hell with it," she muttered.
"Hmm?" He pulled back to look at her.
His eyes were glowing hotly. Instead of frightening her, they excited her.
She skimmed her hands around the back of his neck and threaded her fingers into his long, soft hair. "Kiss me."
This time, there was no inner argument. She held him close and kissed him with a hunger that matched his own. Their mouths opened. His tongue invaded. She welcomed it, suckling his tongue and stroking it with her own.