Heart of Darkness by Lauren Dane Read Free Book Online Page B

her waistline and be smart, damn it.
    He let go, only stepping a few feet away to pick up the phone, giving directions as his gaze greedily roved over her body like a roughened caress. “I can get us a taxi or we can walk. It’s up to you. Tell me and I’ll make it happen.”
    Goddess, she wanted him to kiss her again.
    She cleared her throat, lecturing herself to hold it together. She was a powerful witch, a smart woman and if she rushed into this without thinking, she might miss something good. This man was the rest of her life; it would be a crime to not pay attention.
    Yes, what they had together was intoxicating, but there were real-life considerations to be made. He didn’t trust or apparently understand much about clans and it would be a wedge between them if they didn’t address it.
    Clans were everything Meriel was. She was proud of what her foremothers had done before her to protect their people. As next in line, she’d run Owen one day. If he accepted her, he’d have to accept that too.
    But none of that was necessary right at that moment. Just then she wanted to be alone with him, to touch and be touched. She needed him all to herself.
    She smirked up at him. “My car is in valet. Some sad little wannabe named Spider, who’d piss his pants if a real vampire ever showed him fang, parked it. Better not have scratched it either. Really, Dominic, Spider ?”
    His lips quivered as he tried not to smile. “I don’t name them. They come with names you know. I walked so I’ll let you drive, although I sense that may be a mistake. Give me the tag, I’ll have it brought around.”
    She handed it to him, both of them shivering a bit as their fingertips brushed, and he called quickly. A tap on the door sounded. Meriel opened the wards and Simon walked in. He took in the sight of her and cut his gaze to Dominic, looking mighty annoyed.
    “Damn it, Dom. You’re poaching.” He looked very handsome and territorial standing there. Until his nostrils flared and his spine lost its rigidity. “She’s got your damned scent all over her. Outclan witches like you have mates? You’re like one of those full-council guys and you didn’t tell me?”
    Dominic snorted. “I didn’t tell you because I didn’t know and I’m still not convinced.” Meriel locked her jaw, holding her words back. Instead she rolled her eyes.
    Which Dominic didn’t notice as there was some sort of dick-measuring moment taking place between the two men. She sighed loudly and grabbed her bag. This startled them both and Dominic put his hand on her elbow.
    “Simon, you’ve met Meriel. I hope you enjoyed touching her because that was the last time it’ll ever happen. We’re going now. I’ll see you tomorrow. Keep an eye on the vampires near the back bar.”
    Dominic put his body between them, his arm tight around her and walked her out the back door where her car waited. Interesting. She’d never experienced that level of possessiveness before and goddess help her, she liked it.
    He stared at the powerful Camaro rumbling there. Waiting. “You said car. This isn’t a car. This is a dream. I’m impressed.” He moved the valet out of the way to hold her door open himself.
    She walked around and got in. “It’s not mine. It’s my best friend Nell’s. She’s on her honeymoon so I’m driving it in her absence.”
    He slid inside, his large form looking hot, even as he also appeared completely capable of violence if necessary.
    “Oh, I’m so going to fuck you in this car, maybe on it as we’re both tall. I’m at 2nd and Broad. The garage entrance is on Broad.”
    She didn’t tell him Nell would kill her for having sex in or on this car. It sounded really hot anyway. She followed his directions and they arrived in under two minutes. Neither spoke in that short time but for a few directional words from Dominic. The tension felt unbearably good.
    The building had good security but she still worked a protection spell around the car.