“They’re like fucking weeds, you kill one, another pops up.” He cursed as he traced to the upper level of the garage and waited for his targets to appear. He peered around a cement barrier and noticed a young woman with strawberry-blonde hair standing by her car, digging in her purse for a set of keys.
“Shoot, where are those damn things? Wish I had been able to sell you like I’d planned.”
Is she talking to her car? Why not carry them on you instead of leaving them buried in your purse?
He shoved a clip in the chamber of his gun and cocked it and crouched in the corner to wait.
Damn it, will you find your fucking keys already?
He watched her dump the contents of her purse on the hood of her car. Dane held back a snarl, frustrated at the way she made herself such an easy target. It was one more example of pathetic.
A large male appeared in the shadows. The disheveled vampire stalked her from behind several cars.
Strange, he hasn’t smelled my presence. He’s probably too busy to notice.
The Rogue lunged for the girl. She screamed and Dane shot forward, slamming his fist into the vampire’s jaw, knocking him back. He pushed the girl in the opposite direction, harder than he’d intended. She flew back, smacking her head against the pavement with a loud whack.
That’s gotta hurt.
The vampire staggered back. Surprise flitted across his features, then rage. “She’s mine,” he roared. “Go find your own meal.”
“She is not food, asshole!” Dane shot him between the eyes with a UV bullet and then pumped two more rounds into his chest. The vampire dropped to his knees, burst into flames and disintegrated into a pile of ash.
That was easy.
He smiled. It faded when he noticed the unconscious female lying on the ground a few feet away. Dane went over and knelt down beside her. He turned her face toward him.
Pretty.
She had a cute uptilted nose, high cheekbones and full lips. He checked her pulse and froze as her tantalizing scent enveloped him. Blood rushed to his groin, causing his cock to swell. He scrambled back as possessiveness took him over, strangling his ability to resist.
“What the hell is this?” He stared in disbelief as something primal inside him recognized her as his.
Fuck, this cannot be.
He leaned forward to lift her name tag off her lapel.
Jenny Harlon, Marketing Department, Level One.
She works for me? Shit, now what?
He couldn’t leave her here, could he? No, it wasn’t safe in his garage anymore.
He swallowed hard at the thought of picking her up. Desire clogged his brain as he lifted the unconscious woman in his arms and traced to his penthouse apartment in Tribeca.
He laid her on his bed and took a step back. She would be frightened, waking up in a strange place, but leaving her wasn’t a good option, was it? Now he had to come up with some story to tell her.
I saved you from a vampire intent on making you his next meal? I’m sure she’ll believe that one.
Dane realized it had been a mistake to bring her here. He had to put some distance between them, afraid to get too close to her again. She tempted his resolve in a way he’d never experienced until now. He wanted her so badly his gums ached, and so did his dick.
Lovely…
After all this time, why now? Damn it.
He didn’t like not being in control of his emotions as he tried to divert his attention from the alluring beauty in his bed.
This is unbelievable.
He stormed out of the room to think.
“Oh shit!” Jenny gasped. She sat up, taking in the expansive bedroom, completely mystified by her surroundings. A wall of glass with an exquisite view of Manhattan stretched across one side of the room.
What the…?
On the other side of the room, expensive artwork hung on the walls, with a sitting area off to the left.
I’m in a penthouse suite but how did I get here? And more important, who owns this place?
She scratched her head and winced. Her head hurt and she gingerly ran her finger along the back of her scalp to inspect the lump that had formed. Confusion gripped her.
She looked down and noticed she was dressed.
I’m still in my work clothes. Okay, think.
Memories from the night before came flooding back to her.
That scary guy who attacked me last night, is this his place? Oh god!
She scrambled off the bed. She wanted to get the hell out of here before he came back.
“You’re finally awake,” a sexy baritone voice said.
“Stay back, asshole, I mean it!” she screamed and reached for the lamp on the nightstand, ready to take a swing if the motherfucker came at her. He might win in the end but she’d make sure to knock a few teeth out first. Her heart practically leaped out of her chest.
I’m such an idiot. I should have taken work home instead of staying past midnight.
She searched for an exit.
“Whoa, there’s no need to fear me, Miss Harlon, you’re safe here. I’m not the one who attacked you last night.”
Fuck, he knows my name.
“If you’re not him, then who are you?” She hated that her voice shook.
“I’m the guy who chased off your attacker, but unfortunately you were unconscious for that part.”
“Oh—so you decided to bring me here instead of calling the police?”
What kind of moron does he mistake me for? Blonde, yes—dumb, no. And I wasn’t born yesterday either.
“It was very late, you were out cold and to be quite honest, I didn’t want to deal with reporters or the PR fiasco this incident may have caused my company. You can still call the police if you’d like to file a report.”
“Where’s your phone?” She wasn’t falling for the nice-guy routine. She’d watched too many crime shows to be fooled. These sadistic freaks were good at reading their victims, gaining their trust and then
wham
, attack.
Yeah, better safe than sorry.
“Here.” He knelt and slid a cell phone across the floor. The space was dimly lit so she could barely make out any distinguishing features on the guy.
“Is there another light you can switch on?” The only light source was the lamp she was using as a weapon and since the plug had been yanked out of the wall, it wasn’t much use.
“Is this better?” He pressed a wall switch and cam lights came on. Her mouth went dry.
He was quite simply mesmerizing, with his straight nose, square jawline, perfect teeth and that cleft.
Oh my, he’s a handsome devil.
A pair of green eyes framed in dark lashes watched her with interest. He wore his long black hair in a ponytail that accentuated his ruggedly male features. His lips were firm and sensual. And his body…
hot damn! He’s got to be over six feet tall.
The man who stood before her was deeply muscled with an impressive chest, powerful arms and a tapered waist. He wore a light-gray suit, perfectly tailored, and a pale-blue tie.
“What did you say your name was again?”
“I didn’t. Dane Voss.” He held out a hand as if he expected her to take it.
Holy shit, he’s—oh, this can’t be right.
“Y-You mean you’re the guy who owns Voss International?”
“Yes.” He regarded her with those captivating eyes that drew her in and caused her belly to clench.
“Y-you’re my-my boss, so to speak.” She blinked in disbelief.
“I guess I am—so to speak.” His gaze traveled over her slowly, sensuously. The erotic way he did it made her extremely aware of his virile appeal.
The guy definitely fit the image of the man who might own a company like this one. Most of the employees who worked at Voss had never met the elusive CEO, who she had learned from coworkers was a very private person. No one was allowed access to the top floors of his building unless they were invited.
Wow, this is unexpected.
“Do you have any proof?” She was still not convinced.
“Excuse me?” His lip twitched in amusement as if he were surprised she didn’t take him at his word.
Sorry, buddy, you may be hotter than hell but this catfish ain’t biting.
“You know, proof—an ID or something that proves your identity.”
“Check behind you.” He pointed. “Top left drawer. There’s a brochure with my picture on it.”
“Don’t move,” she warned, keeping the lamp poised and ready to strike if he tried anything funny. He lifted his palms in the air as if to show he would comply. It would be so much easier if he weren’t so painfully pleasing on the eyes. “Shit, seems I’m such a sucker for a good-looking mug,” she whispered.
“Did you say something?”
Oops, did I say that out loud?
“No.” She reached behind herself, opened the desk drawer and glanced over her shoulder. There, on top of some other papers, was a brochure with his picture on it. She steadied the lamp on her hip and reached for the pamphlet to study it more closely. Sure enough, it was him.
Holy fuck, I threatened the owner of the company I work for. Guess I’ll be searching for another job.
She placed the lamp on the table.
This can’t be happening.
“I don’t know what to say. ‘Sorry’ sounds kind of disingenuous at this point if you know what I mean. Anyway, for what it’s worth, thank you for bringing me here and saving me from that attacker.” She inwardly winced, not sure what else to say.
“Apology accepted. Would you still like to call the police? The phone is right there.” He glanced at the floor next to her feet.
Yeah, no thanks, the idea of being on the six o’clock news doesn’t sound very appealing.
“No, I’m good.”
“It’s up to you but if you change your mind, I’ll be happy to give a statement.”
“I’d rather not if you don’t mind.” She bit her lip. His presence had a strong effect on her.
A soft rumble came from deep within his throat. “Next time, you might want to ask security to escort you to your car, Miss Harlon. It’s not safe at night, even in Manhattan.”
Did he just growl at me? God, that was sexy.
“You’re right. It wasn’t very smart of me, was it?” She swallowed hard. A shiver traveled down her spine.
“No, it wasn’t.” He came closer until they were only inches apart. He lowered his face inches from her jawline and inhaled. Hot breath tickled her skin.
She froze. “W-what are you doing?” Her lips parted in surprise. Did she stink? He didn’t. In fact, the guy smelled delicious, clean and masculine. Her body responded, arousal flushing her core with moisture.
“Why were you working at that hour?” His voice deepened. Her heart sped up in reaction to the carnal expression on his handsome face.
Her mind scrambled as she tried to regain her composure. “I-I was preparing a PowerPoint presentation for my boss.”
“Midnight’s kind of late.” His eyebrow lifted as he studied her. The man oozed sex appeal.
But he was kidding, right? Not for her it wasn’t. “Speaking of work, what time is it?” She searched for a clock.
“It’s about five o’clock.” He continued to stare at her with those penetrating eyes.
This is so not a good idea.
“Shoot, I have to go.”
Dane smiled to himself. She was adorable. He loved her Southern drawl and the concern she showed for being punctual when it came to work. Her hair hung loose in a mess of curls that framed her lovely face and she had beautiful eyes.
“Did you misplace something, Miss Harlon?” He chuckled.
“My shoes.” She searched around the room. “Did you take them off me?”
“You don’t need to rush out of here in a panic. I took the liberty of having my personal assistant pick out some clothes for you to wear and my driver will drop you off at work.” He walked over to the closet and retrieved them for her.
“So you’re British.” She hadn’t been with the company very long to learn much about him.
Isn’t it obvious? Small talk is such a waste of time.
“I was born and raised there.”
“I’ve never been.” She blushed, taking the shoes from him. “Thanks, Mr. Voss.”
“I don’t like using such formalities. Call me Dane.”
“Nice to meet you.” She licked her lips nervously.
He could tell she wanted him. If he acted on impulse, they’d both be in trouble. His fingers itched to touch every inch of her sensuous flesh. Her clothes would be easy to remove. His dick instantly hardened at the thought. It had been awhile since he’d seduced a female but it wasn’t something he’d forgotten how to do.
Panic flashed in her eyes as if she sensed his intent.
Damn…
“I told you there’s nothing to fear.”
“I’m not afraid of you.” Her tone became indignant.
She’s too appealing…leave.
His dick ached in the trapped confines of his trousers. It was a strange sensation after not having experienced it in centuries. He had purposely stayed away from females, even those who were like him. He had trusted no females after his last encounter with the one who had made him an atrocity. He hadn’t enjoyed a woman’s touch in over three centuries.
Has it really been that long? I guess it has.
“I won’t bite. Take advantage of the shower and the amenities.” No attachments meant he had nothing to lose and part of him preferred it that way.
“Thank you, Mr. Voss.”
“You’re welcome.” He noticed her tongue dart out to swipe those full lips. His gaze swept over her one last time, drinking her in. He wanted her too much for his own good. God help him. He clenched his teeth to muffle a growl. It was time to go before he did something stupid. “No need to use formalities with me.”
“Sorry, I meant to say Dane.” Her voice trembled. Was it fear or something else?
Oh, bloody hell.
“It’s my pleasure, Miss Harlon. I will leave you so that you can get ready for work.” He
spun on his heels and left.
Jenny fell back against the pillow. She couldn’t believe it. Dane Voss! Of all the people to be rescued by.
God, he is gorgeous. What are the odds?
She crawled back off the bed and went into the bathroom. This man definitely knew how to live. His bathroom was bigger than her damn apartment.
She took off her clothes and stepped into the marble shower. Expensive soaps filled a dispenser. Shampoo and a lady’s razor had been set out for her use.
Pinch me.
She grinned as she rubbed the glorious soap all over her flesh. It smelled heavenly.
I could get used to this.
She sighed.
Stop it. There’s no point. He probably already has a girlfriend. Besides, he’s out of your league.
She quickly rinsed off and stepped out of the shower. She wrapped a warm, fluffy towel around herself.
Yeah, he’s not going to be interested in some poor country girl from the backwoods of Kentucky, that’s for sure.
She grimaced, staring at her reflection in the mirror.
I hate not being good enough.
She picked up the pair of black linen pants and a cream-colored blouse that had been laid out for her to wear.
Hmm…whoever he had pick these things out not only has great taste but guessed my size correctly.
She swept her hair back in a ponytail, brushed her teeth with the new toothbrush and left.
She followed a long hallway, passing by several beautifully decorated spaces until she happened upon the kitchen. She entered and noticed a place setting at the table with a covered plate and a note. She wasn’t accustomed to this kind of wealth. There was rich and then there was really rich. Dane Voss fell into that second category.
She picked up the folded parchment.
Dear Miss Harlon,
Please enjoy the breakfast prepared for you by my personal chef.
Best Regards,
Dane Voss
How thoughtful of him. She placed it on the table, curious about what the chef had prepared for her.
She lifted the lid. There were scrambled eggs, bacon, a slice of toast and half a grapefruit. There was also a glass of orange juice and a hot cup of coffee sitting next to her plate. Jenny smiled as she took a seat. This morning had been full of unexpected surprises. She smiled to herself as she bit into her toast.
Maybe being mugged wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
* * * * *
Dane watched Jenny from one of the security cameras inside his home office, completely captivated by her response to his gesture. He tried to dismiss it but deep down he wanted more and that was going to be a problem.
He began to pace.
You swore not to do this. It seems that is easier said than done now that you’ve found your mate.
He growled low in his throat in frustration as he watched her finish her breakfast.