were in an underground garage, parked in the spot right next to the elevator. A small security detail waited for us. I could tell they were with us and not against us because they waved to Kristos and he waved back.
“I can walk.” That was probably a lie, but it sounded good. I’d come this far, that had to mean I was tough, right?
He gave a curt nod and got out of the car, nodding to the guards that came forward to meet him. I opened my door and hoisted myself out of the seat as two guards moved to escort me, hands on their guns, eyes scanning the parking garage for threats. Up until the last hour of my life, dating a guy with his own security would’ve been weird. Now I was grateful. The more guns on my side the better.
I wobbled to my feet. My body was too heavy and too light at the same time. My head floated for the moon, spinning like a Frisbee as it went, while my legs had morphed into leaden anchors. Leaning against the car, I slid my way toward the bumper, shutting the door behind me with a clumsy shove of my good hand.
When it came time for me to take my first step unsupported by the car, I crumpled. The pavement rushed up to meet me as my arms flailed, trying to help me balance. Before I could hit the ground, Kristos was there, strong arms cushioning my fall and bringing me up in a tight hold against his naked chest.
He carried me to the elevator and propped me up against the wall as he inserted a key into the control panel. The doors opened and we stepped inside. Security formed a line in front of the elevator, but didn’t join us. Kristos pushed a button, visibly relaxing when the elevator began its ascent.
“Are you okay, Myra?” He took the shirt from my shoulder and dabbed my forehead.
“I’ll live,” I said, after a brief debate over the correct response to that question. I was a virgin trying to act the part of experienced call girl. I’d flashed an entire restaurant, been bitten by a vampire and involved in a shooting. Despite it all, I was pretty sure I would not die.
Amazing.
“Next time, wait for me to open the car door for you.”
“Okay,” I said, agreeably.
“You’re starting to fall.” Kristos reached over to pull me upright and close to him. I leaned against him as the elevator hummed around us. He had the strength of an immovable rock which I found reassuring just then.
I ran a hand over his chest, amazed at how smooth and firm he was. The guy worked out and I was almost grateful for my wounds because they had made him take off his shirt. The view was amazing. “Hey, Kristos?”
His arms tightened around me and he looked down at me, concern shining in his crystalline eyes.“Yes, Myra?”
“Is there going to be a next time with,” I waved my hand in the air, “you know, bullets ?”
“Not if I can help it.”
I went back to touching his chest because repeating the same looping whorl on his skin kept me from losing my mind. I needed my world to be small, like when I’d had my head between my knees. Touching Kristos kept me from thinking about bullets and blood. “Your security sucks, by the way.”
His jaw clenched. “I noticed.”
“And you’re hot,” I added, deciding it needed to be said. His chest was especially magnificent. I wanted to say as much, but any further opportunity for discussion was lost as a deep blackness claimed me.
Chapter Three
I woke with a start as someone dropped a frosty ice cube on my chest. For a moment, I couldn’t remember what had happened, but then I saw Kristos standing in the doorway, a concerned look on his face, and it all came back to me. I lifted my head up, wincing as the pain from my injuries hit my nervous system.
Damn . That had been one hell of a night. To think my biggest fear had been having sex with a vampire. It just goes to show, you never know what will happen next, right? I fell back on my pillow, eyes finally registering the man holding a very cold stethoscope to my chest. He was middle-aged with a