Xander spent the afternoon with Toni and then made the journey he didn’t want to. There were two reasons to go, both of which were Oracles. He appeared in the middle of the White God’s compound and began walking. His senses registered the shocked Guardians that stopped what they were doing to stare at him.
“You couldn’t call first?” Darian materialized seconds later and fell into step a few feet from him. “Doubt even you’d walk away from the hundreds of Guardians around here. Damian has a warning order out about you. You know, for threatening his wife.”
“She’s expecting me.” Xander had no second thought about the Oracle predicting he’d show up today. He chose to appear far enough away from her that Damian didn’t sic his Guardians on him. The act was out of politeness, because he needed something.
“Figures.” Darian’s presence kept the other Guardians at bay. He led them towards the massive red barn at the center of the buildings.
Xander sensed those within before he set foot into the ultra-modern gym. Darian nodded to the Guardians present, most of which left quickly at Xander’s appearance. They paused beside the ring in the center, where the two at its middle had stopped to stare at him.
“It’ll take more than a helmet to protect yourself from me,” he said, amused at the sight of the tiny Oracle, Sofi, in padded headgear and gloves. Her long, blonde hair was in a ponytail down her back.
“Back off, Xander,” Dusty, the man in the ring with her, ordered. With chiseled features and cold eyes, he looked every bit the man who had headed up Damian’s assassination corps before the promotion to the leader of all operations in the Western Hemisphere. “You’re supposed to request permission to visit.”
“Or your Oracle could tell you.”
“Oh, now you want something from me, after threatening to take off my head?” Sofi said with faux innocence.
“If he’s coming to you, and you’re still alive, then he’s not a threat,” Eden said from her vantage point nearby. “This time, at least.”
“I know why he’s here,” Sofi replied coolly. “He ran into something he can’t handle.”
“I can handle it,” Xander responded. “Just not in a way that lets everyone involved live.”
“Dusty, I need to talk to him,” Sofi said, gazing up at the blond man beside her.
“Fuck no.”
“He won’t go away until I do.”
“I don’t give a shit.”
“He can stay,” Xander said. “Not like he can kill me.”
His words made the silence that followed even tenser. He smiled, enjoying it, then climbed through the ropes of the ring. Dusty was bristling. Sofi stepped up beside him, unwilling to back down from the vamp that came to see her.
“Play nice, X,” Darian warned.
Xander said nothing, listening to the thoughts of those around him to ensure his own safety. He held out his hand, palm up, to the Oracle in the typical greeting – and permission for her to check his future.
“Didn’t I tell you that you’d be back?” she asked in satisfaction.
“Not the time for an I-told-you-so, kiri,” Dusty muttered.
“With Xander, I’ll take what victories I can.” She placed her hand on his. “One condition, Xander.”
“Whatever.”
Get me out of this ring. I can’t stand physical fighting, she ordered.
Xander nodded and waited, feeling the familiar tingle spread through him. By giving her access to him, he was also gaining access to her. She knew it; one of the few limitations an Oracle had was the inability to see her own future. Last time they met, they traded futures. Xander’s ability was far weaker than hers, but he was able to see certain parts of another’s path when in their minds.
He learned his lesson about sharing information with Sofi. She’d altered her own future, based on what he showed her. He lost a round with her in the immortal world, when she manipulated him into saving her life and those of her sisters-in-law. She threatened to reveal the secret of his gem to his enemies, a secret recently spilled.
She didn’t do it, though; he was able to tell from her thoughts.
The silver around her eyes swirled hypnotically for a moment. With a frustrated sigh, she lifted her hand and gazed at him pensively.
I can barely See with you, she said into his mind. Ask your question.
Xander responded. You told me months ago I was in for a surprise that would answer a question I didn’t know needed asking. You said it was a matter of life and death.
Sofi smiled, considered, then asked, “Do you know the question?”
Not exactly. But I think I know the answer.
“Yeah, you do.” Her blue eyes flared, and she stepped closer to him, until they were toe-to-toe. “By the way, I win this round, too.”
“Not yet.”
“Oh, yeah, I did.” She was proud of herself.
“You wanna go?” He held out his arms. “You’re dressed for a beating.”
“Unlike you, I don’t need to resort to violence to win.”
“There are days, bitch …” he growled.
“The feeling is mutual.”
“One of you step back before I lose it.” Dusty’s sharp order made the Oracle jump. She glared at him but obeyed.
Xander wasn’t pleased at all with the interaction. Sofi indirectly confirmed something he didn’t want to acknowledge: Jessi was in his life for more than one reason. He still didn’t understand the question Sofi wanted him to know, but the fact the woman capable of operating on stealth-mode was the answer did not set well with him.
He retreated from the ring to those waiting around it. Darian shook his head at him without speaking while Eden smiled. Xander didn’t leave, though, not yet. He crossed his arms and watched those in the ring.
Dusty grudgingly faced off against Sofi once more. The Oracle wasn’t intimidated by Xander; she wasn’t about to let him disrupt her day, a thought he heard when they were touching. The two began sparring slowly. Xander watched, reading their movements before they occurred.
“How’s life?” Eden asked, joining Xander.
“Too interesting.”
“You know, I’m enjoying it here.”
“Why?” Xander glanced at the Original Human, who seemed genuinely pleased. For some reason, the idea Eden was content after so short a time irritated him.
Right uppercut, he said to Sofi.
“Nice shot, Sofi!” Darian called a moment later. “Almost got him.”
“These Guardians are remarkable. I recall those I met before the Schism. I don’t remember them being as dedicated or genuine or approachable,” Eden said. “There was always a divide before the Schism.”
“Or maybe those Guardians knew you wanted to wipe out their world,” Xander pointed out. “Your second attempt was almost as successful as your first.”
“Possibly. I suppose that didn’t help things at all.” Eden grinned, appearing even younger than Xander remembered.
Fake left, right to the kidney, Xander instructed the Oracle in the ring.
A second later, Sofi gave a cry of victory. She yanked off the gloves and headgear.
“One hit, I’m out,” she said to Dusty. “Those are the rules.”
“Sofi,” he objected. “You need to learn.”
“I told you, I don’t need to. I’m an Oracle. I can make it so the fight never happens,” she returned. Not giving him a chance to argue, she ducked through the ropes and leapt to the floor. “We’re done, Xander.” She breezed past him towards the entrance.
Realization crossed Dusty’s face. “Fucking Oracles,” he said.
His part of their deal fulfilled, Xander turned to Eden.
“I’ll be staying,” Eden said. The sparkle in her gaze made Xander wary.
“Why?”
“I like it here, and I’ve got nowhere else to go. Besides” Eden winked “Sofi and I have a bet about you.”
Two fucking Oracles. Both of them had an interest in Xander’s life, one out of spite and the other out of a sense of shared history.
“You know where to find me,” Xander said and stepped away. Before any of them were able to remind him to call next time before he dropped in, he was gone.
Back to his condo, where the cat waited for him at the top of the stairs overlooking the front door. Not that he used the front door, but it’s where Cat was always perched when he returned.
It was past sundown, and he was already hungry again. He opened the fridge for a snack and dragged out a selection of meat the size of his arm.
Troubled, Xander didn’t bother taking his snack to the table but wolfed it down over the sink, too troubled to care about the mess he made.
***
Jessi arrived fifteen minutes early the next day, in case Xander or Ingrid called in a substitute after she quit. She ascended the stairwell, unwilling to beg for her job back and hoping Xander didn’t make her. Assuming he would, she had rehearsed a plea in the car on the way over. The thought of saying it out loud to him made her want to throw things.
Not that she should do the begging. The damn vampire bit her. If anything, he should apologize in order for her to work for him again.
To her surprise, he sat on the porch overlooking the beach. The door to his bedroom was open, and there was a note on the iPad that sat within plain view on the kitchen counter nearest the stairs. Jessi waited for him to tell her to leave or worse. She tiptoed to the iPad and peered at the note.
Told you so. Waiting for my coffee. – X
Relief and anger left her silent and speechless. Finally, she released a long, slow breath. At least she wasn’t fired. She’d play his little games – as long as he didn’t bite her – if it meant she had a second chance to get her hands on that necklace.
Jessi glared at the back of his head. He had to hear the coffee maker but didn’t bother to check to see it was her. He already knew, which pissed her off.
She crossed to his room, startled to see a woman in his bed that wasn’t Toni. Had he gone through Toni and this one?
She muttered curses. She went to the bed and woke the sleeping brunette.
The woman stared at her, eyes glazed. Jessi shook her as the woman faded into sleep again. There were two small scars on her neck. Jessi started to reach for her own before she winced at the pain. Her forearm was still swollen, Jonny’s fingers clearly outlined in black-purple bruises on her skin.
“Come on. Time to go home,” Jessi said. She didn’t know why these women were so pliant when Xander was done with them. The girl yesterday offered no resistance. They were dazed when they left, smiling, happy, glowing. As if they’d had the best night of their lives.
Jessi was miserable. She took enough pain meds to numb a horse, but her arm still hurt, and her head was woolly from the drugs.
The woman rolled out of bed, unconcerned with being naked in front of a stranger. Jessi turned away and waited for her to dress. When the rustling behind her stopped, she led the woman out of the apartment and locked the door behind her. Jessi peered through the peephole. As with the girl yesterday, this one stood in the middle of the hallway, lost. Finally, she started in one direction.
What did Xander do to these women? Why was she immune to the effect he clearly had on every other woman he ran across?
Jessi shook her head and went upstairs. The coffee was finished. She poured it into the polished silver pot that reminded her of the fancy pots she’d seen once at an upscale hotel. The tray was too much for her hurt arm, which could support no weight. Frustrated, she took him a mug of steaming coffee. Without waiting for him to acknowledge her, she leaned over him and plopped it down, unconcerned with spilling it, before returning to the kitchen for the pot.
After three trips, he had everything he needed. He wore only judo pants again this morning, his relaxed body reminding her too much of what it felt like to lie beneath him the day before. The washboard abs were flat, even when he was seated. His thick shoulders were wider than the back of the chair he sat in. She realized she was openly ogling him despite being pissed. She turned to leave.
“You couldn’t use the tray and make one trip?” he asked.
Jessi didn’t want to guess why he sounded pissed by the fact she made three trips instead of one.
“Good morning, Xander,” she replied and stalked into the apartment. “I cleaned out your bedroom.”
“Ingrid didn’t tell you your job is to line up women for me?”
“No.”
“I almost had to settle for a rerun.”
“Rough life, sleeping with the same girl twice,” she said as calmly as she could. “I won’t line up women for you, Xander.”
“Tuesday’s still open.” He was entertained. Her temper was shorter, the result of not sleeping and the pain of her arm.
“How …” Temper, Jessi. She wasn’t going to let him get to her today, not when she needed to find that necklace. “…thoughtful. I’ll make your bed and straighten up.”
He said nothing. More importantly, he didn’t move. Jessi went to his bedroom and made the bed with speed bred from routine then began feeling around the strange darkness for drawers. He wasn’t wearing the necklace, which meant it was somewhere in his room. She went through the nightstands, drawers and closets then ducked out to make sure he was still drinking coffee on the porch.
The jogging blonde had his attention. Jessi rolled her eyes.
“Whatever you’re after, it’s not in my room,” he said.
She almost asked how he knew if he didn’t know what she sought but stopped herself. He was messing with her again. He couldn’t possibly know what she sought. Could he?
“You need more coffee?” she asked instead.
“Yep.”
Jessi went to the porch and automatically reached over him with her dominant hand. She caught sight of the marks and swelling and pulled her hand back quickly, but not fast enough. Xander caught her wrist.
She hissed at the pain. He released her.
“Another new one,” he said.
Jessi said nothing and reached across with her left arm to take the coffee. She grunted as she hefted it.
“It’s full.”
“You’re avoiding me.”
“After yesterday, do you have to wonder why?” she asked in disbelief.
“I let you slap me, didn’t I?” he retorted. “Go get a mug.”
“Xander …” She sighed. “Fine.”
He was going to play games with her until she confronted him. Jessi went to the kitchen and got herself a mug then returned to the porch and sat down in the chair with its back to the blonde on the beach. She poured herself coffee and doctored it up then sat back.
“Happy?” she challenged, meeting his gaze. Her arm was hurting so bad, she was relieved to sit. She was almost nauseous again. “We’re going to play a new game. This one is called boundaries. As in, when I say the word boundary, you stop whatever it is you’re doing or about to do and leave me alone.”
He smiled. Xander’s muscular body drew her gaze. He’d tamed his dark hair this morning and tied it back, his unwavering, red-hued eyes on her. She sipped her coffee without looking away. His teeth behind the full lips were normal today, which made her think she’d been wrong about the fangs she saw yesterday. If not for the scars on her neck and those of the woman she escorted out this morning …
“What happened to your arm?” he asked.
“Not your concern.”
“If you can’t carry my coffee, it is.”
“It was obviously no obstacle, considering you’ve got your coffee and your bed is empty.”
“Gerry’s the kind who gets his ass kicked by girls, and I know I didn’t do that,” he said, considering her. “Jealous boyfriend?”
“Jealous of what?” She raised an eyebrow. “Of you biting me?”
“Something tells me your sex life is pretty vanilla.”
She flushed. “Boundary.”
“Alright.”
Surprised he backed down, Jessi would’ve relaxed, if her body wasn’t on edge.
“It wasn’t a boyfriend, jealous or otherwise,” she answered. “We should start another game called, let’s tell my babysitter what I erased from the calendar.”
“Request denied. You already got to make up one new rule.” Xander snorted. He gave her the half-smile that she took as warning he was just getting started. Not about to get caught up in his games, Jessi rose with her coffee and started into the apartment. Xander held out an arm to block her path.
“What?” she grated.
“Tell me what happened to your arm.”
“It’s none of your damn business!”
“You saying that makes me want to know more.”
“No.”
He reached for her arm. She twisted away, in enough pain as it was. The spark of interest lit in his eyes again. She almost groaned and tried to move away. Xander rose, snatching the flailing coffee mug with one hand while gripping her around the waist with his other. He hauled her against his body, her back pressed to his chest. Desire sharpened her senses, which did her no good with the pain radiating down her arm. His chin rested on her head as he placed the mug on the table.
“Xander, you really need to learn limits! One day someone is going to sue you for sure!” she objected, pushing at the arm locked around her body with her good hand.
“It won’t be you.”
“You totally don’t know that.”
“You came back. You want something. You won’t risk losing it to sue me,” he said and reached for her injured arm.
“Don’t!” she barked, tensing.
He ignored her and wrapped his hand around hers. The sight of his thick, roped arm next to hers reminded her of their difference in sizes. Even swollen, her arm was small and feminine compared to his. His pressure was firm enough to keep her still. Trapped against his strong form, she wasn’t certain if she felt gratified that someone so sexy was holding her or terrified to be stuck in the arms of a vampire. She was vulnerable to him and to Jonny. She didn’t like it at all, yet her body was already starting to burn for Xander.
“Please don’t,” she said, the touch enough to cause tears of pain. “I feel sick.”
“The more you fight, the longer I hold you.”
She stopped straining and rested her head against his chest. Strange tingling ran down her arm. She braced herself, expecting pain when it reached her injury. Instead, the opposite happened. As she watched, the bruises and swelling faded. Pain retreated with it, until her arm felt normal again.
“How…” she started, staring at her arm. “Boundary!”
“A little late.” Xander released her and stepped away so suddenly, she wobbled. He sat down in his chair and propped his legs up with nonchalance, as if he hadn’t performed the impossible and healed her.
Jessi moved her fingers and hands, testing her arm. It was completely fixed. She peered at the areas where there was bruising. Not a trace of the damage Jonny did remained. More vexing than the inexplicable medical miracle was the creature that did it. Nothing about Xander was remotely … nice. He toyed with her since she arrived and unapologetically played the part of the egotistical, chauvinistic pig he was.
She met his gaze, and they stared at each other quietly for a long moment.
It wasn’t possible there was a decent side to him. She sensed some deep sadness when he mentioned his mother. Someone accustomed to taking what he wanted didn’t just help someone like her. He should view the temp onboard for a week as disposable, like the women he slept with.
He lifted his chin towards the beach. Curious, she turned. As if sensing her doubt about how much of a jerk he was, he slapped her hard on the ass once more.
“I cannot believe I fell for that!” she exclaimed, facing him. “Slapping a stranger’s ass is not a compliment, especially when that stranger is a woman. Now, are you going to tell your babysitter what’s on the schedule for today or not?”
“Not.”
The phone in her pocket vibrated. She pulled it free to see Gerry had texted. Xander snatched the phone.
“Good morning, cutie! Had a great time yesterday. Good luck with the asshole. See you tonight.” He read aloud.
She grabbed the phone back.
“Bet he couldn’t heal your arm,” Xander said with irritation.
Jessi studied him briefly, sensing his mood darken, as it had yesterday when she mentioned dating Gerry.
“Now who’s the jealous boyfriend?” She laughed, entertained at her own joke. “That’s it, isn’t it? You want me, because you can’t have me.”
“I can’t have you?” he echoed.
“We’re going out tonight,” she added. “Me and Gerry. Hope that doesn’t conflict with your schedule.” She pretended to consider. “Oh. Right. There is no schedule. So I’m free to meet Gerry for lunch, too, if I want.”
“Do it, and I fire you.”
She couldn’t help her smile. He really was pissed at her. For the first time since they met, she almost had the upper hand. Jessi debated answering then stalked into the apartment, ignoring him. The tiny victory felt good, almost as good as the knowledge that the sexy beast every woman on the planet drooled over wanted her.
It was a game to him, she knew. If she slept with him, he’d be done with her like he was every other woman. After the past few days, she’d take her tiny victory. Her eyes returned to her cured arm. Xander was beyond mysterious. She was afraid to know more about what exactly he was.
She had the opportunity to search his room again, only it was impossible to find anything with the dark. The moment she stepped foot in his room again, he spoke again.
“It’s not in there.”
She wanted to scream. How could he know for certain what she sought? Was this another of his games? Did he have some sort of camera installed?
She searched the hallway with her eyes and saw nothing. Of course, she wasn’t able to tell what he had in the bedroom.
“Laurencio sent me a mock up of the cover pic last night,” Xander called. “I saved it as the background on the iPad. You should check it out.”
She rolled her eyes, uninterested in having such a blatant reminder of Toni’s perfect body. No doubt Xander appreciated the half-nude woman on his iPad, but Jessi didn’t. Determined to swap it out for a picture of a horse or something bland, Jessi poured herself another cup of coffee and snatched the iPad, settling on the couch within view of the porch. She turned on the device and waited, uttering a cry of dismay when she saw the background.
It wasn’t Toni on the cover. It was her. Jessi stared at the picture, a chill working through her. The cover was partially complete, with a few areas marked along one side and the bottom as being reserved for additional stories. The picture itself rendered her speechless.
It was hot. Or would be, if it was someone else pinned beneath the beefy vampire.
“They can’t print this!” she protested finally.
“It’s sexy.”
“It’s horrible!”
“Laurencio says it’s getting good feedback online.”
“It’s online?” she exclaimed. “I didn’t… how the hell …” She almost threw the iPad. “Don’t they need my permission to do that?”
“You signed a release form.”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Pretty sure you did, April.” He glanced over his shoulder at her.
Jessi closed her mouth.
“It goes to print next week,” he added, clearly pleased.
“Can you fix this?” she demanded. She rose and strode to the entrance of the porch.
“Fix it?” he echoed.
“Tell him not to print it.”
“Yes, but I won’t.”
“You bit me, Xander! I don’t want that moment immortalized, the only thing the world ever knows about me, that some sadistic man-whore with rabies bit me on the beach.”
“I don’t have rabies.” He laughed. Sensing she was only encouraging him not to do what she wanted, she sought some other reason.
“It’s a horrible pic of me,” she added. “I look … like some teenager after she’s been kissed for the first time.”
“You’re the envy of every woman who watches my show.” He reached back to grab the iPad and clicked the picture open. “I posted it on my site after he sent it last night and checked the forums this morning.”
“You posted it on your site? I shouldn’t have come back today.” She rubbed her face.
“No one knows your name. They’re calling you Girl X.”
“Xander, it’s a humiliating picture!”
“Why?”
“Look at it. It’s way too…” Her gaze lingered on it, and her face felt even hotter.
“Vulnerable. Intimate. Personal.”
Exactly. She said nothing out loud.
“You’re either lying or not looking closely enough.” He reached back to grip her arm.
She tried to shake him free unsuccessfully. Xander dropped his feet from the other chair and hauled her in front of him, then yanked her belt to bring her into his lap. Jessi didn’t fight him, suspecting he wanted her to. She sat awkwardly, furious yet turned on at his touch. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him, until her head was resting on one shoulder. He propped up his feet again, comfortable. She shifted to balance herself better, slinging one leg over his and the other foot on the ground, in case she had the chance to propel herself up.
“You are such an ass,” she muttered. It was hard not to be affected by the strength and heat of his body or the fact she was way too close to him. The arm around her shoulders dropped to drape loosely around her waist. No part of her wanted to move.
“Look.” He held up the iPad in front of them.
Laurencio had perfectly captured the moment when the prey realized it was being stalked. Their profiles were inches apart, her hands pinned at her head. She hadn’t realized how big his were; they took up the entire space between her wrists and elbows. The expression on her face was raw enough to make her uncomfortable: a mixture of dazed desire and amazement, her lips parted seductively, her eyes wide with realization and fear. There was single drop of blood on her cheek, a flash of red that clearly had been enhanced and shaded the same hue as the necklace dangling in the space between them. They also Photoshopped away the dark circles that had been under her eyes since meeting Jonny in the hospital.
Xander’s cunning amusement was apparent on his heavy features and in the half-smile punctuated by bloodied fangs. His red gaze was piercing. They were night and day, her pale beauty and raw emotion contrasting with his heavy, masculine features and dark satisfaction.
“It’s a good pic,” she admitted grudgingly. “You’re serious about it being online and on the cover?”
“Oh, yeah.”
Unable to take her gaze from it, she tried not to notice how her body was relaxing against the vampire that sucked her blood the day before. She was comfortable, cradled in his arms. He didn’t scare her the way Jonny did, and she wasn’t certain why, beyond the obvious that he healed her.
“I still hate it,” she said.
“That’s the moment you realized you were mine,” he said in satisfaction.
“I’m not – nor will I ever be – yours,” she corrected him firmly.
“That’s not what the pic says.”
“What a nightmare,” she mumbled. “At least the kids will love it.”
“Forgot about those.”
She laughed. “Not so interested in me now, are you, Romeo? They watch your show. They’ll definitely like this pic, though I intend to keep it – and you – away from them.”
There was a long pause. She waited for him to catapult her out of his lap and fire her after the reminder, happy to have baited him for the second time.
“Makes sense,” he said.
“What makes sense?”
“Leverage. I knew someone had something on you, or you wouldn’t have showed up this morning,” he reasoned. “I assume whoever it is was the one who broke your arm. Probably when you tried to quit.”
She tensed. “It wasn’t broken.”
“Yeah, it was.”
Just that fast, he’d turned the tables on her once more. Her victory was gone. Xander placed the iPad on the table. Jessi tried to sit up, but he held her in place by wrapping his other arm around her shoulders.
“Relax. You aren’t going anywhere,” he said. “Should I guess what you’re after?”
“No,” she said then rushed on. “I’m not after anything. Got two kids, need a job. It’s that easy.”
“Someone who can break your arm with one hand isn’t someone you’ll likely disappoint,” he continued.
“Xander, I don’t want to play games with you. Can we stop here, get back on schedule and just forget about the photo shoot?” she asked in what she hoped was a level tone. “It’s like going to the doctor’s office. It’ll be over soon, so let’s just get through this.”
“Perfectly reasonable,” he said.
“Okay, good. Now, let me up.”
“Except that you’re here to take something of mine. I don’t know what, but I’m pretty sure I don’t want you walking off with my shit at the end of the week.”
“You’re assuming the worst of me.”
“I know human nature.”
What did she say? He was right.
“Book signing in an hour,” he said.
“You wrote a book?”
“Ingrid did and put my name on it,” Xander said.
“You are what’s wrong with society today,” she grumbled. “You contribute nothing, yet the whole world revolves around you.”
“This coming from a would-be thief.”
“At least I’m doing it for a good cause, instead of being motivated to fill my bed with a new lover every night,” she retorted.
“Life is about choice,” he replied. “You always have one. When you think you don’t, you’re overlooking something.”
She twisted her head to study his strong profile, not expecting the philosophical response.
“You could always offer to sleep with me in exchange for whatever it is,” he suggested. “I’ll trade almost anything for sex.”
She sighed as he returned to himself.
“Unbelievable. I can’t believe you’d trade anything for a night of sex,” she heard the considering note in her voice and was embarrassed.
“Oh, and I get to suck your blood.”
Jessi rose and left the porch. “Rule three. Wherever this book signing is, we should leave soon.”
She thought there was more to him earlier when he healed her and for a moment, she’d made the same mistake while sitting in his lap. Fortunately, he was good at reminding her what kind of …creature he actually was.
She waited for him to go to his room to change before reclaiming the iPad with the goal of deleting that damn picture. It was too revealing. She tried to unlock it twice before realizing he changed the password.
“You are the most infuriating, chauvinistic, ego-maniacal … I bet you can’t even cook!” she muttered.
“Your car or mine?”
He probably heard her mini-rant, but she didn’t care. Jessi faced him and stopped. He was dressed from head to toe in black leather with a spiked collar, heavy boots, and his dark hair down around his shoulders. He wore nothing beneath the black vest. His fangs were out. He dripped sex appeal. She almost asked him if she could have her picture taken with him.
He’d probably refuse, unless she let him bite her. Jessi shook her head.
“What … uh, what kind of car do you have?” she asked.
“Bentley Continental GT.”
Her mouth dropped. “We’re taking your car, and I’m driving.”
“You want to test-drive my car but not me,” he said, eyeing her.
“Absolutely,” she said. “Keys, please.”
She was surprised when Xander tossed them to her. A thrill went through her. She loved a nice car, even if the company wasn’t so great. He led her down into the basement of the gated apartment building, where the wealthy residents of the apartment kept their expensive cars.
“Oh. My. God,” she breathed as he stopped behind a new, black sports coupe.
“Hop in.”
She was already opening the car door. The interior was sleek and dark, clashing with the cherry red exterior. Black leather and detailing everywhere. Xander slid into the passenger seat, and Jessi fumbled with the seat controls until she was satisfied. She was so excited, her hands trembled as she placed them on the steering wheel before starting it. She sighed at the low grumble.
“What’s the fascination with cars?” Xander asked.
“Power, control, agility. My god this is beautiful.”
“Same reason I like women.”
“Don’t ruin this, Xander.”
He chuckled. “Drive.”
She did. She didn’t ask where they were going but took the subtle beast onto the highway and let it loose, weaving in and out of traffic to test its handling. Jessi had never felt more a part of a car as she did this one. The car moved like it was made for her.
“You’ve got a wild streak.”
She glanced at him, wondering if he was upset with her driving. He appeared unconcerned, gaze on the cars she wove between.
“This is incredible. I never want to stop,” she murmured.
“Next exit,” he said. “We can go for a longer drive after the signing.”
“Really? My driving doesn’t scare you?”
He looked at her. “Yeah. I get scared.”
Her adrenaline soared at the thought of taking the vehicle out on Highway 1, the road that hugged the coast. It was filled with curves she’d take at high speed. The car gripped the road so well, she couldn’t imagine how fast that was!
He pointed out a Barnes and Noble, and she was shocked to see the crowd outside the store. A line went around the building to the mall and along one side. She started to ask if they were there for him when she realized they were all women. Some were dressed like vampires.
“Wow. You really are famous,” she said, surprised. “You want me to drop you off at the front?”
“If I didn’t think you were going to steal my car, I might.”
“I’m not after your car!” she replied.
“You’ll understand if I don’t trust you out of my sight.” He settled his gaze on her. “Park in back. We’ll go in the employees’ entrance.”
She rolled her eyes and guided the beautiful car around back. They got out, and she lingered, sighing in happiness at the pleasure she was likely never to experience again after this week. She joined him and held out the keys.
“Thank you,” she said with a smile. “It almost made putting up with you worthwhile.”
He handed her the iPad and accepted the keys. “Repayment for the snack on the beach yesterday.”
She refused to let him get to her this time, not after driving the incredible car. The iPad was open, the offending picture front and center.
“Don’t delete it,” he told her.
“I really don’t like it.”
“It’s my fucking iPad and my picture.”
The photo really was gorgeous. The look on her face, though, made her feel too vulnerable. Jessi trailed him into the back of the bookstore. The store manager, a middle-aged woman with glasses, looked up at him in awe. Jessi watched the awkward exchange from a small distance away. Xander handled the star-struck woman with amusement she expected and patience she didn’t.
“This is Wednesday,” Xander said, motioning to Jessi.
She stopped her scowl and forced a smile at the manager.
When they entered the main bookstore, she stopped. The scope of Xander-mania was beyond anything she anticipated. Xander was everywhere, from posters on the wall, stacks of books he’d allegedly written, even a red carpet entrance flanked by adoring female fans and photographers. She knew he was popular enough for her cousins to watch the show, but this was pure madness!
No one paid her any heed. She was quickly cut off from Xander by the adoring masses and forced to push her way through the crowd to follow him. They went to what had been a Nook sales stand in the center of the store and was blocked off for him. The counter was stacked with books, and there was a single chair behind the stand for him to sit and sign.
It took twenty minutes for him to weave his way through the crowd to the autograph table. He sat, and the store employees made an attempt to organize a line for the customers. Jessi wasn’t certain if she should be laughing or horrified by the fawning women. Everyone within a few meters of Xander melted. There were several beautiful women; he’d likely not need her help finding women the rest of the week.
Which irked her for reasons she didn’t want to speculate about. Women looked at her in resentment as she pushed her way through. A store employee planted a hand in her chest when she tried to move into the secured area where Xander was.
“I’m his assistant,” she snapped.
“You and every other desperate woman here,” he replied.
“No, really –“
“Back of the line!” a woman barked at her. “I’ve been waiting –“
She rose on her tiptoes to wave at Xander even as another woman shoved her back. For a moment, she thought he was going to let her hang at the mercy of the hungry women waiting to get a piece of him.
He met the gaze of the store employee and lifted his chin. The employee turned to her and waved her through.
“’Bout time,” Jessi mumbled as she took up standing behind Xander.
“You’re welcome.”
One woman broke down in hysterics.
“How can you deal with this?” she asked, staring at the horde of women. The store was packed, the line outside extending for a few hundred meters along the mall.
“Easy.”
She followed his gaze. The first woman up was most certainly a model.
Never mind, she said to herself, watching the woman melt in front of Xander.
As uneasy as he made her, he was good with his fans. Posing provocatively for pictures, signing books, small talk. She didn’t think he was celebrity material before seeing him in action. She began to feel certain there was something beyond the façade of a vampire with a constant hard-on.
Her phone buzzed. Seeing Ashley’s number, she answered.
“Hey, kid, what’s up?” she asked.
“I broke up with my boyfriend.”
“Oh, geez. What happened?”
“He said Maria was prettier and asked her out and she said yes. And I was like, but we are going out!”
“That’s so lame,” Jessi said. “I’m sorry, sweetie. Anything I can do?”
“I love him, Jessi.”
“No, you didn’t love him. He was a jerk anyway.”
“You don’t understand!” Ashley wailed.
Jessi grimaced, uncertain who was more high-maintenance: her seventeen-year-old cousin or the vampire making women swoon.
The one in front of him passed out. A store clerk rushed to help her. Xander glanced back at Jessi. He motioned her forward. She shook her head and turned her back to concentrate on listening to Ashley.
“Listen, sweetie,” she interrupted. “I know you’re upset, and I completely understand. I’m, uh, in the middle of work right now.”
“Nobody cares how I feel!”
“I care. I’m right here.” Jessi sighed. “I’ve been telling you for months he was a jackass. I think this is for the best. You can find a guy who treats you right. I mean, he thought you were overweight, and you’re clearly gorgeous, Ashley. You deserve someone who appreciates you for who you are. Right?”
“Yeah.” Ashley was quiet, sniffling, before she continued. “I guess he always was a little -“
The phone was snatched out of Jessi’s hand. She whirled to see Xander place it to his ear and listen curiously.
“Give it back!” she mouthed the words and stretched for it. He twisted to keep her from reaching it. “Xander, I barely talked her out of crisis mode!”
“So you dumped him,” Xander asked then listened. “Xander. Jessi is my personal assistant.” Another pause. “Yes, from the exploding soufflé show.” Pause. “He dumped you?”
Jessi covered her mouth, willing him not to say anything stupid to her delicate cousin.
“I disagree,” he said. “Your cousin is considering dating a man she’d have to defend in a dark alley. You don’t want that. You want someone who knows what he wants in a woman, knows how to please her and who appreciates your body. Love isn’t a factor at your age or really at all, if you stop to think about how it’s nothing more than a form of socially acceptable codependence.”
“Xander, stop!” Jessi pushed at him to get to the phone. He wrapped his free arm around her, pulling her to his side and effectively pinning her there. She slumped against his strong frame, trapped.
“We’re at a book signing. I’ll text you the address.” Pause. “Whenever. We’ll be here all day.” Pause. “Alright.” He hung up and texted her quickly, typing with his thumb. “She’ll be down later. Funny how you didn’t tell them you worked for me, knowing they’re fans.”
She grabbed the phone and pulled away, furious at him.
“Xander, don’t do that!” Jessi said. “My cousin is sensitive. Someone like you would destroy what little self-esteem she does have. You are the epitome of what she shouldn’t be exposed to. Besides, I don’t want you dragging her into this!”
“Into what?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Too late, she realized what she said. Flustered, she didn’t know how to respond.
He winked and returned to his counter. The woman who fainted had been moved out of the way.
Jessi texted Ashley not to come, suspecting it was too late. Every woman who ever saw Xander wanted him. An unstable teen girl? There was no way Ashley wasn’t coming down here after school. Unless they were gone by then.
A look at the line made her think she was going to be there all night.
At least Jonny can’t break my arm again. Frustrated, Jessi sat and stared into space, trying to come up with a plan.
When she ducked out for lunch at noon, the line showed no signs of decreasing in size. She ate a chicken salad in relative peace at the mall’s food court. A text made her phone ding as she finished eating.
Large espresso. Black.
She tossed her salad and stood in line to get him his coffee then walked across the parking lot to the Barnes and Noble. The clerk guarding the entrance recognized her and let her in, earning her the resentful looks of quite a few women. Jessi retreated behind the counter, placed the coffee in front of him and sat behind him.
She found herself admiring his body and forced her attention on reading one of the books she’d picked up during a trip to stretch her legs earlier. She read until she started to doze. Her phone buzzed, and she glanced down.
They won’t let me in, Ashley’s text was accompanied by half a dozen frowny faces. Jessi roused herself and checked the time. It was almost five; they’d been at the store for seven hours!
She rose and saw there was no end to the line.
“Grabbing dinner,” she said to Xander. “More coffee?”
“Yep.”
“How late do you plan on staying?” she asked.
“I can go all night, darlin’.”
“Boundary.”
He didn’t look up from the book he was signing but smiled.
She grunted and left the booth, pausing to text Gerry to let him know she was still working. She wasn’t going to make their five thirty dinner date.
No worries! His reply was fast. I get how these celebrities are.
Disappointed he wasn’t concerned, Jessi left the bookstore. Slender, dark-haired Ashley was standing outside, waiting. She brightened as Jessi appeared.
“Let’s grab some food,” Jessi said.
“I don’t get to meet him?” Ashley asked, disappointed.
“Trust me, he’s an ass,” Jessi said.
“But he’s so hot.”
“Looks without personality equates to-“
“I know!” Ashley rolled her eyes. “Please, Jessi, can we meet him first? I’ve had the worst day ever!”
“I don’t want you meeting him at all,” Jessi said. “Come on.” She ignored Ashley’s protests and led her cousin away from the bookstore.
“Why didn’t you tell me you worked for him?” Ashley whined. “You know how much we love that show!”
“It’s a temporary gig,” Jessi said. “He’s a nightmare to work for.”
“But –“
“We’ll have dinner and you’re going home.”
“Jessi!”
The teen continued to argue as to why she should meet Xander while Jessi neatly countered every argument. She wasn’t about to give Xander any leverage into her life, especially since she was planning on robbing him. The last thing she needed was for him to show up at her doorstep right behind Jonny.
The thought made her chest clench so tight, she almost stopped walking.
“Do you think he’s a real vampire?” Ashley asked as they reached the food court.
“There’s no such thing,” Jessi lied. “He’s insane, by the way.”
Ashley sighed.
They ate dinner at the busy food court. Jessi stopped to grab Xander’s coffee then walked with Ashley out of the mall an hour after they arrived. It was late fall, and the sun was already going down. They kept to one side of the busy parking lot.
“You seriously won’t let me meet him?” Ashley tried again.
“Nope.”
“But he said –“
“Jessi.” The low voice made Jessi turn.
The two thugs a few feet behind them were dressed in dark clothes and muscular. They weren’t normal criminals; this much she was able to tell by their appearances. They were too well-dressed, and their eyes glowed with something unnatural, like Jonny’s and those of the thugs he stationed outside her apartment.
“You have the wrong person,” she said and pushed Ashley towards the road. “Sorry.” She turned and almost ran into the third member.
“No. You’re the right one.”
“Um, okay. I’ll be happy to stay and chat,” Jessi said with a deep breath. “Will you let my friend here leave?” Her instincts were clamoring. She glanced at Ashley, whose eyes were wide.
The three were silent, though the one she faced appeared to be considering. He nodded at last.
“Go to the car, Ashley,” Jessi told her cousin.
Ashley looked ready to refuse, but Jessi pushed her with a stern glare. Ashley relented, fearful gaze on the three guys as she moved away. Jessi watched her cousin walk away then break into a run as she crossed the street and headed towards the bookstore.
“What’s this about?” she asked, turning her attention to the three. Nervous energy fluttered through her. “Did Jonny send you?”
“He said to remind you that you were supposed to call him about a schedule today.”
“Oh. Damn. Yeah, I forgot,” she said. “I can tell him now.” Shit! She hadn’t figured out anything about Xander’s schedule.
The three drew closer. She shifted, ready to run if she had the chance.
Their leader eyed a family of five walking across the aisle towards their car. He motioned for her to follow them. Dread sinking into her stomach, Jessi obeyed, the other thugs trailing her. He walked them down the mall a short distance. Her step slowed as she saw their destination: a poorly lit loading area around the corner from the Macy’s. One of them pushed her to keep her from dragging her feet too much.
Jessi crossed her arms, sensing they wanted more than a date and time from her. No matter what happened to her, at least Ashley was safe. She hoped her cousin had the sense to go straight home.
The leader stopped and faced her, his buddies closing in behind her. Suddenly, Jessi wondered if she was going to make it home.