“You’ve worked for Temple for some time now.” Luther wrapped his hand around the back of her neck. The heat from his palm soaked into her chilled skin. Even though the heater was on full blast in the vehicle, she couldn’t get warm.
“Two years,” she told him.
“You know more than you think you do, more than Temple thinks you do. You’re an intelligent woman,” Luther continued. He rubbed his fingers over her nape. It would be so easy for him to snap her neck and dump her body somewhere. She started to shiver as fear snaked through her. “You know people go missing all the time. Or leave work never to return.”
She glanced at Oscar, but he continued to stay silent.
Teeth chattering, she managed to speak. “Is…is that what this is about? Are…are…are you going to kill me?”
Luther jerked back as though she’d struck him. As stupid as it was, she missed having his hand on her neck. Nothing felt real. It was as though she’d slipped into a nightmare, an alternate reality. Two days ago, her life had been predictable, boring with moments of fear, but she’d learned to live with that constant low-level fear.
This was downright terror.
“Never.” He started to reach out to her but pulled back. She had the oddest notion that she’d hurt him with her question.
“I’m going to protect you,” he promised. “No matter what.” He glanced toward the front seat. “And I’ll kill anyone who gets in the way of that.”
It was then she understood the enormity of his vow. He was telling her he was willing to put his own life on the line for hers. Just trusting Oscar was huge. He could turn around the second they got to the hotel and tell Mr. Temple about their conversation.
She cleared her throat. “And you, Oscar? What will you do?”
“Whatever it takes for all of us to stay alive.” His words were as grim as the tone of his voice.
This confirmed to her that the trip definitely had something to do with the Knights of the Dragon, but since she wasn’t supposed to know about them, she kept her mouth shut.
Oscar pulled the vehicle to a stop behind the lead SUV. She glanced out the window at the hotel. They’d arrived.
…
Luther nodded at the porter and slipped him a twenty before closing the door to Temple’s suite. His boss was in a foul mood, had been since they arrived, and Luther figured he knew why. Best to go on the offensive.
“The vehicle was bugged.” Luther let just a hint of temper show in his tone.
Temple was obviously surprised by his admission, but Luther wasn’t done. “I’d checked your vehicle but didn’t have an opportunity to check mine until we were on the road.”
“A bug?” Temple strolled to the bar area and poured himself a drink. Victoria had obviously called ahead and made Temple’s preferences known. Luther hated the fact that part of her job was to see to Temple’s comfort.
“Yes. I tossed it. I assumed Caine had one of his people slip it into the vehicle in hopes of overhearing something he could use against you.” Luther waited several seconds before continuing. “Either that, or one of our people did it.” The implication was that they had a traitor among them.
Luther knew damn well it was Temple who’d ordered the bug. He didn’t trust Luther or any of his people. He especially didn’t trust Oscar, but Temple would keep him close as long as he thought Dent’s former security chief might be of use.
“It wasn’t one of ours.” Temple slammed his glass down onto the bar and strode to the window. He kept his body angled, his back not quite turned. Luther caught his gaze in the glass and knew Temple was watching him.
“Then it must have been one of Caine’s men.” He left it at that, staying perfectly relaxed. “Is that all?” He wanted to be done with this evening.
Temple frowned, obviously not liking Luther’s tone. “Security,” he snapped.
“We’ll stagger watches. I’ll take the first one, then Saunders, Jenkins, and finally Oscar. We all need to get some rest before tomorrow.” The reminder being that they all needed to be sharp for the meeting with Caine.
“Good.” Temple waved toward the door. “Go.”
With pleasure. Luther felt his boss’s gaze on him as he left and took up his post outside the door. He wanted to be with Victoria and would be. Soon.
Didn’t matter if she was awake or asleep, he planned to watch over her once Saunders came to relieve him. In the meantime, he had Oscar keeping an eye on her. From outside her room, of course.
Luther glanced at his watch, leaned against the wall, and waited. He wondered what Victoria was doing, what she was wearing. He stifled a groan when his cock stirred at the thought of her wearing something soft and silky to bed.
He shifted to try to find a more comfortable position and forced himself to focus on the present. She was as safe as he could make her, but he knew he wouldn’t be satisfied until he saw her with his own two eyes.
Chapter Nine
Victoria was exhausted, in spite of the long nap she’d had on the plane. She knew she should be sleeping. She’d need her wits about her to deal with whatever would come her way tomorrow. Or rather today. Dawn wasn’t that far off.
But she couldn’t sleep. Maybe it was the change in time zones or the nap she’d had on the plane. Most likely, it was the pervading sense of fear she couldn’t seem to shake. This trip could end in her death. She knew that and had accepted it. But it might also finally give her some insight, some clue into where to find Sergei and Katherine.
Or maybe that was wishful thinking on her part. Maybe she’d die never knowing what had happened to her friend and his wife.
She sighed and rolled over in bed, tugging the covers more securely around her.
She didn’t know how she’d managed to put her professional mask back on after the revelations on the drive here. But she had, and she’d gotten everyone checked into the hotel. She’d also had to deal with her boss, who was never quite satisfied with any accommodations. It was more difficult because the available hotels, while quite lovely, weren’t up to his exacting standards. Of course, he found something to complain about at the best hotels in the country.
She closed her eyes and swallowed back the fear that threatened to choke her. She had to think logically. Her boss was dangling her in front of Caine…like what? Some toy he could choose to play with or not? Did he expect her to whore herself? Mr. Temple likely didn’t care what she thought. As always, he was only concerned with what he wanted.
The urge to run was strong, but she knew she wouldn’t leave, couldn’t sacrifice the life of her friend to save her own. Then there was Luther. As stupid as it was, she didn’t want to leave him.
Unable to lie still any longer, she threw back the bed covers and padded barefoot to the window, ignoring the cool air that sent a chill through her. The world outside was dark and silent, the lights from the streetlamps and nearby buildings illuminating the surrounding area. A lone person hurried down the street, their head ducked against the wind. She was safe enough here in the hotel. Tomorrow, they were heading to Caine’s compound. Once they arrived there, anything could happen.
She didn’t hear a noise, but there was a slight breeze in the air. She sensed something had changed in the room. Victoria whirled around, ready to scream, when a large hand covered her mouth. Oh God! Has someone come to kill me? She tensed, ready to fight.
“Shh. You don’t want to wake up the entire hotel.”
Luther. Heart pounding, she closed her eyes and tried to calm herself. She didn’t know if she wanted to smack him or hug him. He’d given her such a fright. And how had he gotten into her room? She hadn’t heard a sound. It drove home just how vulnerable she was.
He was still waiting for her to give him a signal she understood, his hand still covering her mouth. She was tempted to stick her tongue out and lick it just to see how he would react. But she resisted the temptation and simply nodded. Her heart still hammering, she grabbed his hand and pulled it away. He released her and
took a step back.
“I didn’t mean to frighten you.” He practically disappeared into the shadows.
“Could have fooled me.” With one hand on her chest, she tried to catch her breath. “What did you think would happen sneaking up on me like that?” There was no sense of restlessness or impatience from Luther. He just continued to watch her.
Victoria became very aware she was wearing nothing but a long, flowing nightgown. The only saving grace was that it covered her decently, and it was also too dark for him to see much of anything.
She shivered as the chill from the room and the adrenaline rush from her recent scare sent her body temperature plummeting. Luther glanced to the robe she’d tossed over the foot of the bed earlier, swept it up, and walked over to her.
“Put this on. You’re trembling.”
How could he tell? The light from the window, of course. She was standing right in front of it.
She reached out to take the robe, but he held it open instead. Rather than argue with him, she turned her back and allowed him to help her put it on. She belted it quickly and turned to face him. “Why are you here?”
“I told you, I’m not leaving you alone until this trip is over.” He was so big and solid she wanted to snuggle against him. She was more afraid than she’d ever been in her life, but she still wasn’t sure if she could trust Luther, or if at some point he’d actually betray her.
She didn’t think so, but if she made a mistake, she wouldn’t live to make another. She was walking a tightrope with no net to catch her.
“I was alone before you got here,” she pointed out.
“No, you weren’t. Oscar was watching your room.”
That he’d thought to do it warmed her. That he felt it necessary to do so tied her stomach in knots. But one problem remained. “You can’t sleep here. What if someone discovers you in my room?”
He prowled toward the window and stood just to the left of it as he scanned the landscape. “Might be better if they do.”
“What?” Surely she’d misheard him.
He glanced back at her, lowering his gaze to the opening of her robe. She tugged it tighter and kept her hands there, clenching the material.
“If they believe you belong to me, they’ll be more likely to leave you alone. Maybe.”
“Maybe?” she echoed. And what exactly did he mean by her belonging to him? Did he mean it, or was it just for show? And why did the thought of belonging to him make her so warm inside? She’d always been alone and independent, never relying on anyone but herself. And she’d never thought she’d needed anyone else. Luther was changing everything.
Knees weak, Victoria stumbled to the end of the bed and sat down hard on the mattress. Luther swore and hurried to her side. He hesitated and then knelt at her feet.
Something deep inside her seemed to open up. She desperately tried to ignore it.
“You’re really cold.” He said it almost accusingly. He grabbed her hands and rubbed them with his. Lifting them to his mouth, he blew out and warmth enveloped her fingers.
“I’m scared,” she corrected. She was cold, too, but the worst of her chill was pure terror. “I don’t know what to expect.”
“None of us do. Not even Temple.”
“Why is he here?” She prayed Luther would open up and share with her.
“You wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
“Try me.” She held her breath and prayed he’d be honest.
He swore. “Let’s get you back in bed first. Last thing you need is to get sick.” He stood and held out his hand.
She knew this was a turning point in her life. Dreams and flirtation aside, if she took Luther’s hand, their relationship would change forever. She knew if she climbed into bed, he’d crawl in beside her.
Victoria took a deep breath and stood. She prayed she was making the right decision. Deep in her heart, she knew it was the only one she could make. She couldn’t do this alone. She needed someone on her side to be there for her if something happened.
Maybe she was deluding herself, but she was connected to Luther in some way she didn’t truly understand. The way they interacted in her visions proved that beyond a shadow of a doubt. The way her body responded to his mere presence drove the point home.
She was going to keep the robe on but decided it didn’t really matter. She might as well be comfortable. When she started to slide it off, Luther was right there to help her. His fingers grazed her shoulder, and heat flowed through her, making her nipples tighten.
She quickly climbed into bed and tugged the covers up.
From her vantage point, she watched Luther pace. Sensing this might take some time, she tucked two pillows behind her and leaned against the headboard. “Whatever it is, you might as well tell me.” Delaying wasn’t helping either of them.
Luther dragged his fingers through his hair. She wished it was a bit longer. He was handsome, but longer hair would make him look extra hot.
He paused at the end of the bed. “You know Temple is more than a businessman.”
It wasn’t a question, but she nodded. “Yes.” She’d have to be stupid not to suspect that. She suddenly wondered if Mr. Temple had sent Luther to discover just how much she knew. Her stomach dropped, and she began to tremble.
“What is it?” He stalked to the side of the bed and sat, crowding close. Was it her imagination, or did he sniff the air? “You’re suddenly afraid of me again. Why?”
It was probably the stupidest thing she’d ever done, but if Luther was going to betray her, she’d rather know now than later. “Did Temple send you here?”
Luther’s face hardened, and his scowl would have made most men flee. “No.”
That was it. He didn’t try to convince her of his innocence, didn’t elaborate at all. Perversely enough, that made her believe him.
“I’m sorry, but I had to ask.”
He released a huge breath and hung his head. “I know.”
She had a sense this situation was as difficult for him as it was for her. Impulsively, she pressed her hand against his cheek. It was surprisingly smooth, like he’d shaved just before he got here. His skin was warm. Luther always seemed to be radiating heat. Maybe it just seemed that way because she was always so cold.
She licked her lips and took the plunge. “This is about the Knights of the Dragon, isn’t it?”
…
Luther stilled, hardly able to believe what he’d just heard. It was hard enough for him to concentrate with Victoria wearing a silky nightgown that clung to her every curve. Having her covered by the blankets wasn’t helping much, either.
He wanted to touch her, not just in his fantasies, but in reality.
He wanted to know what made her sigh with pleasure and what made her gasp with passion. He wanted to explore every curve and hollow of her body, run his fingers through her hair, and drown in the lush scent of her skin.
But there were more pressing matters to deal with. He forced himself to concentrate on the task at hand. Remembering her fear of him killed his arousal and helped center him.
“What do you know about the Knights?” Was she playing him? Was she in this deeper than he’d anticipated? If so, she had enough on him to hang him out to dry with Temple.
“Victoria?” he prompted when she remained silent.
“I’m afraid.” Those two simple words, so softly whispered they just about broke his heart. No matter if she was involved with Temple or not, he knew he’d protect her.
“I know.” He turned his head and kissed the palm of her hand. Then he pulled away and began to unlace his shoes.
“What are you doing?” she asked, sounding more perplexed than frightened. That was good. He hated the stench of her fear in his nostrils.
“Getting comfortable.” He slipped off his shoes and socks and then stood. He pulled off his jacket and shirt before removing his belt from his pants. He thought about removing his pants, too, but he decided that might be pushing his luck.
/> He stretched out on the bed beside her and propped his head on his hand. Her eyes were wide, but there was more speculation in them than fear.
“What do you know about the Knights?” He had to know what she suspected and what she knew for fact.
She shrugged. “Not much. Only that they’re an organization that believes in dragons.” She studied him intently.
Luther wanted to smile. They were playing a deadly game of cat and mouse, neither of them wanting to reveal too much. “You’re right.” Her hair wasn’t down, not exactly, but it was in a braid. He ran his fingers along the long hank of hair that lay across her shoulder. He really wished it was loose. “What else?”
“What do you know?” she countered. She pressed her hand against his chest. He was seared by her touch. Except for a stolen kiss in a stairwell, this was the first time they’d touched outside of his dreams and fantasies. Need pumped through him, threatening his control.
“They’re dangerous and will stop at nothing to get what they want?” His voice was hoarse with need, but there was nothing he could do about that. His blood was hot, his cock hard, his entire body vibrating with desire.
“And what is it they want?”
He had no idea how she’d react, but he decided it was time to be honest. At least about this. “Dragon blood.”
She went very still and withdrew her hand. He wanted to grab it and put it back where it had been, but that would only frighten her. She was luckier than he was. While he was in shadows to her, he could see her perfectly. Her skin was soft and pale as fresh cream. He wanted to lick it to find out if it was as tasty.
“Dragon blood?” Her voice got louder on each word, but she still remembered not to talk too loudly, was cognizant of the danger that lurked nearby. She was something else, and he wanted her to be his.
“They believe the blood of a dragon cures all diseases. That it also slows the aging process and repairs the ravages of time. No one knows how long a person might live if they had a regular supply of dragon blood.”
Victoria shoved back the covers and bolted for the bathroom. Luther was right behind her. He caught her as she started to stumble to her knees. “Going to be sick,” she told him. He helped her steady herself in front of the toilet. She heaved, but nothing came up.
Drakon Unchained (Blood of the Drakon) Page 10