****
“Why couldn’t you have waited in the carpark?” Terry bellowed.
“I told you. I’m not—”
“Yeah, yeah, you’re not my lapdog.” And now you’ve gone and made things worse.
He ran his fingers through his hair as he paced the room, trying to concentrate on the case. “Do you have any information?”
Christoff shook his head. “All humans seem strange to me. I find it hard to differentiate between the normal and those in a trance. You all walk around preoccupied with your own mediocre lives, unable to see the dangers. Unwilling to interact on a personal level.”
Terry stopped. You’ve got to be kidding me.
“Look who’s talking. Mr. Personality. Twice now your insensitivity has driven Susie from the office.”
Christoff took a step closer and glared down at his human partner. “My insensitivity? I wasn’t the one accusing her of cheating.”
“Who’s cheating?” Meaghan stepped through the door, closely followed by her husband. “If you’ve hurt her, Terry Palmer, I’ll knock you into next week.”
Terry held his hands up in surrender. “Don’t look at me. I’m loyal, boring Terry, remember? I’d be lucky to have one woman want me, let alone two.”
David shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Cry me a river.” He maneuvered himself between the two men and addressed his words to Terry. “What’s going on here?”
“I don’t have time for this.” Christoff marched past Meaghan and straight out of the office.
“Yeah, that’s right!” Terry called after him. “If you can’t stand the heat, get outta the kitchen, Lurch.”
“I wouldn’t push his buttons,” David mumbled under his breath. “He has a very low boiling point.”
Terry opened his mouth for one final insult, then changed his mind. So far, Christoff had been stoic or at worst, irritating and even that was intimidating. He’d hate to see the vampire actually upset.
Meaghan interrupted his train of thought.
“Okay, buster. Spill. What’s going on?” She pointed to the office and followed him inside. “Sit!” she ordered, motioning to his chair.
“You’d have to ask Susie,” he told her, avoiding the questioning eyes staring down at him from her position perched on the edge of the desk.
“Where is she, anyway?”
“She took off when gargantuan came back.” He glared at David. “I thought you told him not to come into the office?”
“No one tells Christoff what to do.” David shrugged.
“So I’ve been told.” A shiver of goosebumps trickled down his spine. Would he kill a human? No. He’s one of the good guys … or is he?
“That’s still up for debate.”
“Stay outa my head.” Terry slammed his palms down on the desk and spun his chair around to face out of the window. “You may be my boss, but my relationships, or lack of, are none of your business.”
The office door clicked shut. He felt the slight pressure of hands on his shoulders. Small but strong fingers kneading the knotted muscles.
“How about talking to an old friend?” Meaghan asked. “I’m concerned about the sudden turn of events. Is Susie relapsing?”
He turned his chair around to face her, shaking his head as he confessed.
“I have no idea what happened, Megs. We were going gang-busters then, pow. Punch in the guts. One minute we’re discussing ordering takeaway, the next, she’s distant and strange. I swear on a stack of Bibles, I didn’t say or do a thing.”
She drummed her fingers on his back. “Mmm. I don’t like the sounds of this.”
“You and me both.” He leaned back in his chair, averting his eyes. “I’m ashamed to admit this, but … I followed her today. She met with one of the guys from her group therapy sessions.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself,” she protested with a wag of her finger, “she told us she was going to therapy this morning. Maybe their meeting was a coincidence?”
“They looked pretty chummy to me,” he growled, before kicking the wastepaper basket across the room. “What am I doing wrong, Megs? Why can’t I ever be the guy who gets the girl?”
“Maybe, you could learn to control your temper?” she suggested while collecting the spilled contents of the bin. She placed the container back under the desk and gave his leg a pat.
“Seriously, though, I don’t believe you’ve done anything wrong. Maybe your relationship moved too fast. Maybe she needs more time.”
“Time?” He sniggered. “And while I’m giving her time, the other guy will be moving in on my woman.”
“So, what are you going to do about it?” she asked as he rose from his chair and grabbed his jacket from the coat rack.
“I’ll tell you what I’m going to do.” He marched to the door, flinging it open before calling back, “I’m going to take back what’s mine.”
Chapter Fourteen
“How dare he insinuate that I’m having an affair,” Susie growled under her breath as she threw her handbag onto her sofa and headed for the bathroom. As she waited for the cold water to fill the vanity basin, she stared at her reflection. Wide eyes stared back at her. Her heart still raced from her encounter with Christoff, but the heat radiating from her cheeks was entirely Terry’s fault. While splashing her face with the cool water, she remembered the vial in her purse.
Damn. Forgot to take my prescription.
Snatching a towel from the rail, she patted her cheeks as she headed back to her bag where she retrieved the small vial of tablets given to her by Dr. Dubois. She read the label. Take one immediately and then one every four hours.
Had she taken one earlier? She scratched her head and tried to remember if she’d taken one at lunch. Beau had talked incessantly during their meal, asking for details of her life, her job, her friends. She’d tried to withhold as much information as she could from the inquisitive man with the silver tongue and persuasive attitude. Had she told him too much?
Bang. Bang. Bang.
As she turned toward the sound, the vial fell from her hand and rolled under the couch. She froze to the spot, unable to move. Unwilling to see who might be waiting behind the front door.
“I know you’re in there, Susie.”
“I don’t want to talk to you, Terry,” she told him as she let out the breath she’d been unknowingly holding.
“Well, we’re going to talk, whether you like it or not.”
She heard the jingle of keys and a click as the door knob turned and Terry entered, closing the door behind him.
“How did you…” Damn. He still has keys. “How dare you let yourself in.” She held out her hand, palm up. “I want those keys back, now!”
He slipped the keys into his jacket pocket and shook his head. “I’ll give them back. After we talk.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” she argued as she tried to ignore the scent of his cologne, the musk of his sweat. His skin flushed a deep shade of rose. Why is he so angry with me? I should be the one who’s upset.
He ignored her comment, stepping past her to sit on the couch. She chose the single recliner and noticed the disappointment in his expression. The drop of his shoulders.
“So … talk.”
He lowered his chin and spoke in whispered tones. “Where did we go wrong, Susie? What did I do?” He raised his head and leaned forward. As he took her hands in his, he pleaded. “Whatever it is, whatever I’ve done. Give me another chance. Give us another chance.”
Confusion clouded her thoughts. What had he done to upset her so much? How could she explain her feelings when she had no explanation? Danger hung around him like a low, dark cloud. She shook her head. “I don’t know what to say.”
With a gentle tug, he pulled her out of her seat and onto the sofa beside him. “Say you’ll give us another chance. We bring out the best in each other. In your heart, you know I’m right.”
Of course he was right. He’d awakened the old Susie. Driven the dar
k memories from her mind. Why, then, did she feel the urge to wrap her fingers around his throat and squeeze the life from his body?
****
Her lips parted and he expected her to speak, but instead, her eyes flared amber and she pounced, pushing him down onto his back, straddling him. She raised her blouse over her head, exposing the sheer lace of her bra, and he groaned his appreciation when she began to rock her body over his growing erection. He felt the tug of his fly unzipping and the heat of her hand on his painfully erect cock, her fingers tightening around his shaft as she pumped him for all he was worth.
“Stop,” he gasped. “I’m … too close.”
If she heard his pleas, she ignored them. The fire in her eyes intensified and her expression changed from aroused to almost manic. She tore at her own clothes, hurling her bra across the room, ripping the lace panties as though they were made of paper before using the damp heat of her own arousal to inflame him further.
“Susie. You’re killing me.” He groaned as she moved her slick clit over his engorged cock, coaxing it, teasing it mercilessly until she suddenly drove her hips down, taking the length of his arousal in one exquisite thrust. His fingers dug into her buttocks, holding on for dear life as she rode him. Her body slamming against his in fast, hard slaps. His hands moved to her breasts, hers to his throat. Okay, that’s new. Kinky, a little uncomfortable, but definitely hot. He felt her fingers tighten around his neck, her nails dig into the flesh. His body tensed, then trembled as his cock gave a final shudder.
Her eyes widened, the pupils enormous as she released her grip on his throat.
****
Susie’s heart pounded against her chest wall. What was she thinking? Thank God his orgasm shocked her out of the homicidal stupor. She’d meant to hurt him, kill him. It didn’t make any sense.
Buzz.
Her phone bounced across the coffee table seconds before the ringtone blasted, followed by the caller ID.
Beau.
“Must you answer that?”
She looked down at the phone, then back to Terry. His hands were still cupped around her breasts, squeezing them, teasing the nipples in hard peaks. “Please, baby. Let’s not spoil the moment.”
He looked so happy. How would he feel about her if he realized she had intended to kill him? She depressed the “decline call” button, turned off the phone, and rose to her feet, kicking off her skirt, the last item of her clothing.
“I need a shower,” she told him with a twinkle in her eye as she sauntered, naked to the bathroom. His cock demonstrated its appreciation of her body with a salute, and with a lick of her lips, she showed her appreciation of his appreciation. The urge had passed, at least for now, and he seemed oblivious to the danger. “Well,” she called as she disappeared into the bathroom. “Are you coming, or what?”
****
“What was that?” yelped Terry as he shot up from the bed.
“Just the alarm clock, silly,” Susie told him with a giggle. “It’s time to go back to work.”
He lay back down with a sigh. “I was having a great dream. I dreamed we had three kids. Two girls and a boy. I’ve never felt so happy.”
Susie’s heart flip-flopped in her chest. He wanted a family with her? She traced the contours of his washboard stomach with the tips of her fingers and felt the gooseflesh rise under his skin.
“That tickles.”
She studied his eyes. Kind eyes. If eyes were truly the windows to the soul, he would make a wonderful father. The weekend they’d shared, naked in her bed, had chased away any doubts. He was the one. The man of her dreams. The man she loved.
“I’ve had my shower,” she told him. “I’ll make the coffee. Get cracking or we’ll be late. After asking David to change my shift back so I could work with you, I’d hate to make him regret it.”
He grumbled all the way to the bathroom, even more so when he commented on her choice of attire.
“Slacks? You normally wear a skirt to work.”
She frowned her confusion. They were her best gray slacks, topped off with a long-sleeved, pale-pink silk blouse. “You don’t like?”
He screwed up his nose, shaking his head as he told her, “Covering too much skin. I want to be able to touch you.” His mouth curled into a grin as he continued, “It’ll take longer to get you out of those pants during our lunch break.”
“What am I going to do with you, Terry Palmer?”
His response took her by surprise. “Marry me.”
“Is this a joke?” She leaned against the doorframe for support as he moved toward her in all his naked glory.
“I’ve never been more serious.” His expression spoke volumes. His eyes promised love and tenderness. When he got down on one knee and took her left hand, she almost cried.
“We hardly know each other,” she protested, despite her longing to accept his proposal. “How do you know I’m the right girl for you?”
“I knew you were the one the minute I first laid eyes on you. You could barely make eye contact with me but my heart recognized you. Loved you.” He held her hand to his heart, his hand to hers. “What does your heart tell you?”
“My heart’s beating so hard I can barely breathe,” she whispered. “It’s been that way since you walked into my life.” She blinked, trying to control the tears burning behind her eyes. “I’ve never known a man as kind and loving as you. Yes, Terry. The answer is yes. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
He shot to his feet so fast he almost slammed his head into her chin. She was thankful her quick reflexes saved them both. His kiss drove away any doubts.
“I haven’t bought a ring,” he apologized, as they came up for air. “I’d planned a romantic dinner. A proper proposal, but I couldn’t wait a moment longer. The dream was so vivid, so real. I don’t want to spend another day without you. I want to start making babies.” He winked his left eye. “Or at least practicing.”
She crinkled her nose and wiggled her index finger. “You are a naughty man.” Shrugging her shoulders, she added, “I don’t need a ring. Knowing that you want to marry me is enough.”
“Sorry, but this is not up for negotiation.” He gave her nose a kiss and headed for the shower. “After work, I’ll take you shopping for a ring.” He blew a kiss and disappeared into the bathroom, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
“Mrs. Terry Palmer,” she said aloud. “I like the sound of that.” But a lingering desire threatened to bring their perfect world crashing down.
Chapter Fifteen
Susie could hardly contain her excitement as she typed up the new cases on her computer. Your happiness isn’t at their expense, she told herself as a pang of guilt reminded her that the clients in her reports were suffering. Besides, David’s agency would do all they could to help these people. Surely she too was entitled to a little joy? She checked the time on the wall clock. Terry would be back soon and take her ring shopping. Butterflies took flight in her tummy. They hadn’t talked dates yet, but she suspected he didn’t want a long engagement and that was fine with her. A small wedding would be enough. The Corels and maybe—
“Where’s Palmer?”
She jumped in her seat, sending her empty coffee mug crashing to the floor.
“Why do you insist on startling me?” she asked as she picked up the pieces of broken ceramic with her right hand, placing them in her left palm. As she rose to her feet, she forced herself to look into Christoff’s eyes. Big mistake. As frightening as they’d been when they were ice-blue and cold, they now blazed red as he stared down at her left hand and the blood pooling in her palm.
Dropping the shards, she edged backward, her movements slow despite the temptation to run. You’d never make it, she warned herself.
“I won’t hurt you, little one,” he told her, although his expression warned the opposite. “Think of yourself as a slice of chocolate cake. I would love a taste but I can resist the temptation.” He turned away. “I would, however, appreciate it
if you cleaned yourself up. I’ve not eaten today and I’ve always enjoyed dessert.”
There was no need to tell her twice. She rushed to the bathroom, slamming and locking the door behind her as she wondered if she should press the alarm on her watch. Was she in danger? He’d had every chance to bite her, kill her. And yet, he’d been a gentleman. Cold, yes, but not cruel. Maybe there was good in him after all?
Once she had cleaned up and bandaged the wound, she returned to the office to find Christoff had company. Anna looked concerned, even agitated.
“What’s wrong?” Susie asked when Anna suddenly grabbed her hands.
“I need you to stay calm,” Anna told her. Something in her tone warned Susie that this would be a big ask. “Terry’s missing. David hasn’t been able to contact him telepathically and he isn’t answering his phone.”
“I don’t understand.” Susie leaned back against the desk as her world began to spin. “Why do you think he’s missing? Maybe he forgot to charge his phone. Maybe he—”
“What she’s trying to say is that if David can’t contact him through their telepathic link, he’s probably unconscious.”
“Nice one, Christoff,” Anna growled through clenched teeth. “I’m sorry, Susie, but he’s right. We believe Terry is in danger.”
“No!” Susie backed away, shaking her head. “Say it isn’t true.”
“I wish I could.” Anna reached out to touch her but stopped. “Don’t answer that.”
“Don’t answer wha—”
The phone responded to her question.
“Listen to me, Susie, and do as I say,” Anna told her. “Put the phone on speaker as you pick up. I’ve had a premonition. The caller is going to say things to confuse you. Fight it. Do you understand me?”
Christoff frowned. His expression somewhere between anger and confusion. Aware of Anna’s psychic abilities, Susie nodded and did as instructed.
“Corel Agency. Susie speaking. How may I help you?”
A deep, familiar voice answered. “I’ve been calling you for days,” he told her. “I’ve left numerous messages on your phone. Why didn’t you return my calls?”
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