"Vanda," he whispered, "I'm only telling you how I truly feel. And now that we're alone, I need to tell you something else."
Oh God, no. Her fears were true, and he'd killed Max. That's why no one had found the dancer. Phil could have turned him into a pile of dust and scattered the remains. Was her life always to be tainted with murder? And now she'd dragged Phil into her legacy of death. "There's no need to talk about it. I understand the kind of rage that leads a person to—to take a life."
Phil tilted his head, studying her. "What are you referring to?"
"Max," she whispered. "You…" She noted the confused look on Phil's face. The clear blue eyes of an innocent man. "You didn't kill him?"
"No. Believe me, I was sorely tempted, but—"
"Phil." She touched his face. Her heart swelled with relief. "Thank you."
"You're welcome." He took her hand in his. "What I wanted to say was, this morning, for a few minutes, I thought I was too late to save you. I–I was frantic. That's why I busted the door down. I could have picked the lock, but I didn't even think about it. I panicked."
"It's okay. I'll pay for the new lock."
"No, you won't. And I'm trying to make a point here." He squeezed her hand. "I was terrified I was going to lose you. I completely lost it. I was slinging snake parts all over the place."
She grimaced. "Please—"
"And I nicked you a few times because my hands were shaking. It was suddenly clear to me that I feel a lot more for you than mere physical attraction."
Her tears returned, blurring her vision. "Phil, I—" She didn't know what to say. Forget me? It's hopeless?
"I want to be here for you. Always."
She shook her head, and a tear escaped. "It wouldn't be always. You're…mortal."
"Let me worry about my own mortality." He brushed her tear away. "You're the one I want."
"I'm a vampire."
"I know." He kissed her brow.
"I could lose control and bite you."
"I'm not afraid of your teeth." He kissed the tip of her nose.
"I have a terrible temper."
"You're beautiful." He touched her lips lightly with his own. Then again. He molded his mouth against hers.
It was such a sweet and gentle kiss that it made her heart ache. If he'd pounced on her with lust and hunger, she could have met him head on and dismissed the whole encounter as a mere physical release from the emotional trauma she'd just endured.
But this was so sweet. She had no defense against this. A tiny fracture cracked in her armor. With a whimper, she wrapped her arms around his neck and threaded her fingers through his soft, thick hair.
Growling, he deepened the kiss. She could no longer think of reasons why she needed to reject him. She couldn't think at all. She could only melt.
Her mouth opened, and he invaded her with his tongue. Phil. Her handsome, strong, brave hero. Not afraid of her fangs. Not repelled by the taste of blood that lingered in her mouth. And boy, could he kiss. Could a man be any more perfect?
"Oops," Cora Lee whispered.
Pamela cleared her throat.
Vanda broke the kiss with a groan. She'd never hear the end of this. Everything was tinted red, which could only mean that her eyes were glowing, a sure sign of desire. She looked away, hoping Phil hadn't noticed. She spotted her friends parking their rolling suitcases by the front door.
"Pardon the intrusion." Cora Lee headed toward Vanda's bedroom. "We'll just pack your bag now."
"Yes, don't mind us. Carry on." Pamela nudged Cora Lee and muttered, "No need to pack her vibrator."
Cora Lee burst into giggles as they scurried into the bedroom and shut the door.
"I don't have a vibrator!" Vanda yelled after them, then glanced at Phil. "It's a back massager."
He grinned. "You won't need it."
She groaned. What was she getting into? How could she live under the same roof with this man? He was too great a temptation. And this was a no-win situation. If she rejected Phil and never saw him again, it would hurt. Like hell. If she got involved with him and he died, like all mortals do, it would hurt. Like hell.
She sighed. "Phil, it's over."
"Sweetheart, it's been a long time coming."
"I disagree."
"Not a problem." The corner of his mouth curled up. "I enjoy the chase."
CHAPTER 6