After Sundown: Redemption Read Online Free PDF Page B

couldn’t sit still any longer. Christian watched her with his potent gaze, leaving her hot and bothered. She was tired of his questions. And she was starting to feel like the bad guy instead of the victim.
    Releasing her pent-up breath in a long exasperated sigh, she asked, “Didn’t Vlad tell you all of this?” The irritation in her voice was unmistakable.
    “Yes. But I need you to tell me.” Christian’s expression was too intense.
    She felt like a bug under a magnifying glass. He was studying every word she said, every movement she made, every facial expression, every breath she took. She couldn’t stand much more.
    “Fine. But this is the last time,” she said. “I had just reached into my purse when he grabbed me from behind. Luckily, he lost his grip when I stepped back and stood on his toe with my stiletto heel. I was able to twist around and hit him with my bag. Before he could recover, I kneed him. Then I kicked off my shoes and ran as fast as I could back to the door leading into the lobby. End of story.”
    Alyssa slumped back into the chair. She was emotionally exhausted. It was like she had actually gone through the experience again as she retold it. After her harrowing experience with Bazhena, Christian’s revelation about being a vampire and his probing questions, she was just plain worn out.
    “Thank you, Alyssa. I’m sure that wasn’t easy for you. But I had to hear everything from you. It helps me understand the situation better. I just have one last question, then we’re done,” he said softly. Rising from his chair, he walked around his desk.
    Alyssa watched Christian’s progress, wondering what he was doing. He stopped behind her seat. He scooped up her hair and placed it over one shoulder. Then he laid his hands gently on either side of her neck. Alyssa stiffened, but didn’t pull away. He began massaging her tense muscles. It felt so good. She didn’t have the will to stop him. Closing her eyes, she leaned her head forward. His fingers rubbed the back of her neck. Up to the base of her scalp. Down to her shoulders. As each muscle he touched reveled in his ministration, her tension eased.
    After a few minutes, Christian slid his fingers up, along her jaw to just under her chin. He tilted her head back, supporting it with one hand while tracing the contours of her face with the other. Alyssa’s eyes fluttered open. She watched his eyes caress each feature of her face, until they finally rested on her own gaze. She found herself entranced by the desire in his stare. His fingers tightened in her hair, holding her in place. His head lowered towards hers. A yearning like she had never experienced before consumed her, but she tried to fight it.
    “Y-you have one more question for me?” she asked in barely more than a whisper.
    “Yes.” He drew closer. His hair fell forward and its silky texture slid over her cheek. It was as soft as she had imagined. Alyssa couldn’t hold back the moan of pleasure that contact gave her.
    Christian’s eyes flared, then darkened with hunger. “Are your lips as soft as they look?”
    Then his mouth closed over hers.

Chapter Three
     
    Alyssa’s supple lips tasted better than Christian had imagined. He groaned aloud when she opened her mouth, inviting him in. He deepened the kiss, suddenly so ravenous that he could barely restrain himself. She had been too much of a temptation to resist. Although he had tried, the vulnerable look on her face and the need in her eyes pulled at him. His questions had pushed her to the limit. But he had no other choice. If he was going to protect her, he needed to know everything.
    The thought of a stranger going through her belongings, touching her intimate items angered him. One thought roared through his head. She is mine ! He tightened his hold, unconsciously squeezing her hair. She gasped against his mouth. Realizing what he had done, he wrenched his lips from hers and stepped away.
    He would not lose control. Long