Stone Guardian by Kassanna Read Free Book Online Page B

stay on her toes, she settled back on her feet.
    “What’s the S for?”
    He glanced over his shoulder. “Subterranean level. I like that word better than basement.”
    “So your apartment is in the basement?”
    “Yes, my lair is underground, and other than Kirill you’re the only person who knows its location.” He turned to face her.
    “Oh…wow, really.”
    “Yes. The condos above us are rented out.”
    “That’s cool, but why the hotel rooms?”
    “I have to be careful. My enemies, both mortal and paranormal, would pay a lot of money to find me.” His smile was rueful. “Actually, I believe I’m probably the last of my kind, so I’d like to stick around a little longer.”
    “My grandma always told me still waters run deep.” She sighed. “I’d bet a paycheck you’re not the only gargoyle left. Since I’m on leave, I’m a little short at the moment though.”
    The cab chimed and shuddered to a stop, and the door opened to reveal a tiled foyer identical to the one they’d left. He held out his hand. “Uh-huh, welcome to my home.”
    When they stepped out he flipped open a small compartment inserted in the wall and placed his palm on it before pressing the key pad with his finger. The door swished shut but the numbers didn’t change on the console above them.
    He spun on his heel and pulled her with him. She caught glimpses of large, dark furniture pieces and shelves filled with books. If she wasn’t mistaken there were lots of tomes, stacks of them as they passed rooms. He stopped and turned the knob on the door at the end of the hall. It swung open and he reached into the darkness. Lamps flicked on, immersing the room in a soft amber glow.
    Against the far wall was a massive four poster bed covered with bed clothes in varying shades of red, gold and burnt orange. The colors reminded her of a sunset or a sunrise. The walls were tinted a pale yellow, with large black and white photographs of the Eiffel tower taken from different angles dominating a corner of the room. Beneath the artwork, two overstuffed lounge chairs faced each other. Next to the arm of one furniture piece a globe sat atop a tall end table.
    Large floor-to-ceiling book shelves lined the two adjacent walls. A doorway flanked by columns broke up the continuity of the volumes. Lamps with thin white paper shades hung from the ceiling at opposite ends of a wall, illuminating the room.
    “I take it you like to read.” She spun around, taking in everything. “But where do you keep your clothes?”
    “Knowledge is power. Do I really need an outfit right now?” His laugh was robust and made her smile.
    Ember tilted her head and stared at him. His features had softened to the point where he looked almost boyish. It dawned on her how hard his life must be. To be constantly looking over his shoulder for anything amiss and expecting an attack that could bring about his demise. Ember realized he had taken a great stride in bringing her to his secret sanctuary.
    “Thank you,” she whispered.
    He took the few steps to close the gap between them. “I want you to know as long as we’re together I will always keep your safe.”
    She couldn’t help it, her smile grew wider. She had to look like an utter fool. “Why, are you planning on going somewhere soon? Oh, don’t forget, we left my dress and gun on the roof.”
    “ Amant , I don’t plan on leaving you able to stand tonight, and I’ll take care of your things later.” He kissed her temple and took her hand.
    Walking backward, he pulled her toward the columns that formed an opening between the book shelves. He lifted her palm to his lips and kissed each fingertip. Overhead lights flashed on as they stepped over the threshold. A double shower stall surrounded by a glass enclosure was nestled in the corner. An opening carved out of the wall held stacks of fluffy towels and wash clothes while a half wall blocked off what she assumed was the toilet. Against the far wall, dual glass