UNCONTROLLED BURN by Nina Pierce Read Free Book Online

held a challenge—not humor.
    Alex couldn’t believe her ears. Ronan’s reputation of hitting on underclassmen was well known at the university. Apparently, his notoriety had also seeped into the town rumor mill and it was enough to raise Reese’s hackles. If Alex didn’t do something soon, the testosterone flying through the air would likely wound them all. She cleared her throat to draw their attention back to her.
    “Yes, well, okay then. Back to the task at hand.” Checking the scheduled appointments, Alex was surprised. Reese wasn’t expected for another hour. “You’re early, Reese. If you’re in a hurry, I’d be happy to—”
    “No, I’m good.” Casually leaning against the door jamb, Reese crossed his booted feet at the ankles, tucked his sunglasses into his chamois shirt and folded his arms over his chest. His contentious stare never left Ronan’s annoyed expression. “In light of all the recent fires, Glenn wasn’t comfortable leaving you here on your own. When he called and asked me to give you a hand this morning, I told him I was happy to help with the appointments.”
    Alex’s heart flipped in her chest. She’d spent months trying to entice Reese beyond innocent flirtations and innuendoes. Now, when she’d made the decision to cut her ties with South Kenton, the man looked as if he were going to devour her in one lusty bite.
    “I’m quite capable of handling things on my own,” she said, pleased when her voice didn’t betray the electric current of awareness snapping over her nerves. “Besides, Chris will be here after his morning classes at the university.”
    “Then how about I stay until then?” There was no confusion in the slow, smooth smile Reese offered her.
    “Reese is right, Alexandra. ‘Tisn’t a good idea for you to be alone down here. Obviously, the professor was targeted last night. You really can’t be too cautious at this point.”
    Reese simply acknowledged the statement with a nod.
    Ronan flashed her a plastic smile that had melted the resolve of many women at the tavern, but only grated across her patience. “And now that that’s settled. I am in quite a hurry. I’d appreciate it if you could fill my order, Alexandra. I have another pressing engagement this morning.”
    “I’d be happy to get your two bottles, Ronan.”
    Ronan’s hand moved lightning fast, gripping her forearm and stopping her mid-stride. “I’m finding the transition more difficult than you explained. I’ll need double that amount … at least for another week.”
    “But I’ve been bringing the wine to you for a few weeks. You should’ve weaned yourself to a pint a day last week. A bottle should last you around three days. I’m sure we’ve talked about this. And didn’t Glenn confirm the instructions?”
    Ronan looked at Reese and then back to her, a blush coloring his cheeks. “I’d rather discuss my difficulties with Glenn. It’s apparent you don’t understand how it all works.”
    Alex certainly did understand. It had been her contribution to the wine mixture that had finally made it work as a dietary replacement for vampires. The number of bottles and vampire requirements was carefully monitored. Even two bottles could mean not filling the needs of another vampire. But she had no desire to embarrass the man further in front of Reese. “Of course. We don’t want anyone to go hungry especially during their transition. But I can only give you the two bottles today. We’ll discuss more only if you can’t make this work.” She rushed into the back room, not giving the vampire time to argue.
    Alex loaded bottles from the wooden wine racks lining the back wall into the boxes on the floor. Each bottle held the thick elixir of pig blood, vitamins, and a synthetic component of anti-coagulants and various other chemicals she and Glenn mixed themselves. The wooden vat in the center of the room, half-filled with the chemical serum, was waiting for Glenn’s weekly twenty gallons