The Warrior Vampire(9)

Amnesia? Sure, like she’d believe that pathetic excuse. “This isn’t a soap opera, buddy. The my-memory-is-gone excuse is a little tired, don’t you think?”

His mouth turned up in a half smile and Naya’s stomach did a little flip. Damn, he was sexy. The way she’d bound him showcased his muscled arms and chest in just the right way. His shirtless state was a bonus as far as she was concerned. His loss was her gain. She gave her head a shake and tore her gaze from his body. Gods, Naya. Focus!

“I never said my memory was completely gone. I just don’t remember anything that’s happened since I got to town.” He let out a chuff of breath. “Hell, I don’t even know why I’m in this town. Maybe you could help fill in those blanks, starting with why I’m chained to your bed?” The question carried a decidedly sexual edge. Apparently he wasn’t too nervous to nix the cocky attitude.

“You’re chained to my bed because I was feeling charitable last night and decided not to kill you on sight. I tracked you to an abandoned parking lot just past downtown. Unchecked magic was leaching from you. Before I could get the drop on you, you tackled me to the ground, said my name, and that you needed to protect me.” She added, low, “And passed out. How’s that for filling in the blanks?”

The mischievous glimmer in his emerald eyes dulled and was replaced with a calculating light reminding Naya that, good looks or not, this male was an unknown variable she couldn’t risk letting loose in the town. His arms pulled against the bindings, more of a knee-jerk reaction than anything, rattling the chains behind him. “Protect you from what?”

His tone vibrated through her, the rough edge coaxing a shiver to her skin. “I have no idea,” she replied. “And since your memory has so conveniently failed you, I guess neither one of us will know anytime soon.”

He studied her with that same inscrutable gaze, as though he were peering right into her soul. His expression softened and the tension in his shoulders relaxed a fraction or two. “Sounds like we didn’t have a proper introduction. Aren’t you even curious to know my name? Or are you more of a cut-to-the-chase sort of female?”

His patronizing tone did little for her mounting temper. Naya didn’t care what his name was. If he was a threat, she’d have to put him down. Knowing his name wouldn’t make that any easier. “I don’t need or want your name. All I want to know is how you knew who I was, why you think I need protecting, and how you came by the magic, so I can decide what to do with you.”

“Aside from my good looks, I’m not sure what magic you’re referring to.” Gods, this male was insufferable! Arrogant, even at a disadvantage. Naya choked up on the hilt of her dagger and centered her energy, lest her own magic echo her emotions and become uncontrollable.

“How do you know about vampires, female? And what are you that you could so readily identify me?” That half smirk returned to his mouth, drawing her eyes away from his. His voice dropped to a smooth, mellow purr that made the tiny hairs on the back of Naya’s neck stand on end. She felt that tug in her stomach again, a rush of excitement that had nothing to do with danger. Well, maybe it had a little bit to do with the danger. Sexy bastard.

He thought he could control the situation. Manipulate her with his cocksure attitude and charming smile. Wasn’t going to happen. Naya strolled to the window and let her fingers slide down the length of the blinds, enjoying the way his eyes narrowed and his brow pinched at the zip of sound. “You have fangs. I could sense the otherness in you, beneath the magic you’ve stolen. Silver doesn’t seem to agree with you, though it glints in your eyes often enough. Of course, we could always put my theory to the test. Let a little afternoon sun in and see what happens.”

His smile faded and he opened his mouth to speak. Before he could get the words out, her cell rang, interrupting him. Damn it. Whoever it was had stellar timing. She made her way back to the bed and leveled the dagger at his chest. “Make a peep and I’ll gut you,” she warned, careful this time not to let the blade make contact with his body. She checked the caller ID and rolled her eyes before answering, “What’s up, Luz?”

“Paul told me to call and tell you to get your ass over to his place. I could be wrong, but I think he wants to see you.” Her cousin’s tone was much too light and playful to make Naya anything but livid. As her apprentice Luz was sort of a personal assistant as well, but she had a wild streak that drove Naya crazy. Probably why Luz always went out of her way to be a sarcastic pain in the butt.