Viktor had made a choice the day he woke as vampire to lay aside all human ways. His brutal sire insisted on it. Whatever he loved his sire would kill. And humans were so very weak. Like butterflies, the beautiful creatures flew for but a season before succumbing to the inevitable death that would take them from this realm.
Now this lovely human had cooked. For him. He couldn’t remember the last time someone had done something kind without expecting anything in return.
Viktor reached for the fork. His gaze set on hers as he scooped up the eggs and slid them between his lips. The sweet, buttery bite coated his tongue, his senses coming alive. Memories from long ago flooded his senses.
“You like it?” she asked.
“Yes,” he admitted, his voice soft. Waverly’s persuasive, quick-witted nature drew him to her. Lying was useless. “It’s delicious.”
A broad smile broke across her face. “I have a secret.”
“You do, do you?
“I don’t like to eat alone,” she admitted. “I do it but don’t love it.”
“You have a boyfriend?” he asked.
She gave a coy smile. “No boyfriend.”
“You eat alone often?”
“I work a lot. So yeah, I eat alone.”
“Perhaps we’ll have to change that in the future,” Viktor suggested.
Waverly smiled and quickly changed the topic of discussion. “I’ve got to get back to California. I have to give a statement. My watch died before I had a chance to respond to the detective. Do you happen to have an extra USB cord you could lend me?”
“But of course. I’ve already spoken to your boss. I called him after you fell asleep.”
“You did? Is he okay?” she asked.
“He’s quite unharmed, I assure you. As are all the guests. But I agree with you. I think it would be prudent for us to return. I’d like to learn more about the investigation.”
“Of course.”
“Dr. LaFleur.”
“Waverly. Some of my friends call me Lee.”
Viktor smiled. “Am I a friend?”
“You ate my eggs. So yes, I suppose we are on our way as long as you promise not to eat me.”
“As I said. When I bite you, you will beg me to do it. Never before.” Viktor knew full well it would test him to wait. With the taste of her blood still fresh on his lips, the craving for both her soul and flesh intensified with each minute in her presence.
“I, uh…” she stuttered, not quite finding her words.
Viktor’s own heart beat faster, his cock jerked with arousal at the thought of making love to her. He’d break every single one of his own rules to keep her. Friends? He’d tell himself it meant nothing, but he’d eaten her food. No, they’d be much more than friends. And he suspected he’d enjoy every second of it.
4
Waverly nervously tugged at her sleeve as the limo approached the tarmac. She glanced to Viktor then stared out the window trying to wrap her head around the events that had transpired the previous evening at the museum.
Viktor Christianson. The debonair vampire had impressed her with his astute knowledge of Impressionism. From the water lilies to the poppies, he’d described the flowers in the paintings as if he’d walked the gardens in Giverny and breathed the same air as Monet. Within an hour, she’d found it nearly impossible to resist his charismatic personality, soon losing herself within his arms during the waltz.
Waverly recalled being shot and rubbed her thigh, astounded her skin had healed. She’d heard the rumors of the gifts vampires possessed, but she’d purposely kept her nose to her paintings, her body in the waves, refusing to fall into the paranormal crowds.
Viktor was everything and nothing she’d ever expected in a vampire. His lethal nature had been utterly terrifying, yet both times he’d put himself at risk to save her life. His flirtatious, charming wit shattered all her preconceptions.
When he’d whispered to her, his lips teasing her neck, he’d awakened startling desire. A double-edged sword, both fear and arousal speared through her, revealing an unsettling truth she’d heard about vampires, their ability to seduce humans. Resisting temptation would challenge her. Every second in his presence would make it more difficult to sever the connection. She needed to say goodbye as soon as they landed, make it clear she couldn’t date a vampire.
But her curiosity persisted. Why did the vampire concern himself with her? Did he know something about her friend he hadn’t told her? Could he really help her find Teagan?
As the limo pulled onto the tarmac, she realized they’d entered a private airport and weren’t taking a commercial flight. She stole a glance at Viktor who leaned his head on the back of the tanned leather seats. The handsome fellow next to him, who the vampire affectionately called ‘wolf’, grinned as she caught his gaze.
“You all right?” he asked, toying with a bottle of water.
“Yes, thank you.” She gave a hesitant smile.
“I’m Rafe by the way. Dad didn’t introduce us properly.” He cupped his hand around his mouth, pretending to whisper just to her. “He doesn’t like to tell everyone about me. Might be the wolf thing. I dunno.”
“I’m Waverly.” He has a son? Her expression remained pleasant but flat, attempting to conceal her surprise.
“Can you see the resemblance?” Rafe joked.
“Well,” Waverly smiled broadly, noting his relaxed demeanor and clothing. In contrast, Viktor wore well-fitted, black jeans, an Italian silk shirt with a leather jacket. The stylish outfit was accessorized with a pair of white and silver Versace sneakers and aviator sunglasses. “I suppose you both have nice smiles.”
“You hear that, Vik? I have a nice smile. You might not know this, but Viktor is a little more boujee than me. Some might say, extra.”
“Fuck off, Rafe,” Viktor shot back and turned to Waverly. “Everything I do is extra. It’s just how I roll.”
She laughed, her eyes widening as she took in the sight of the private jet. Uniformed flight crew stood waiting for them.
“Nice little plane. Food’s pretty good too.” Rafe looked to Viktor who’d opened his eyes, shooting him a look of irritation. “Don’t worry. I promise he won’t be cooking.”
“It was toast. It burns easily,” Viktor commented. “Bread and whatnot.”
“Yeah, I could still smell it when I got back from the gym. You do know that if you wanted to impress her, you could’ve called the Ritz, Four Seasons…a half dozen fancy breakfast places in Miami.”
“I was attempting to take care of my human friend.” Viktor smiled at Waverly. “Besides, her eggs were delicious.”
Waverly melted inside as his smile washed over her. “Thank you.”
“Wait. Hold up there. You ate? Like actual food?”
Viktor grinned at Waverly, refusing to indulge the wolf.
“All right, then? That’s how it’s gonna be? You’re smooth, I’ll give you that, but next time order out.” Rafe reached for the door. “Chicks shouldn’t have to cook their own food on a first date.”
“It wasn’t a date,” Waverly blurted out, her cheeks flushing pink with embarrassment. “It was breakfast.”