Only Human: Hide and Seek

Chapter 159: June Jackson

I am back. I appreciate your patience as I recharged and prepared for this next book in the Only Human series. Here is the first chapter, and I hope that the story continues to not disappoint. Please enjoy and don't forget to vote and comment.

-Lucinda Croft

            "This is far later than you normally retire for the evening, is it not?" Geralt asked looking over his book of memories in his dashing dated wear. "I had fallen asleep waiting for you."

I glanced at my dream space that he had hijacked into his own castle-like room. I was so exhausted I hadn't mentally prepared myself for what diversion to entertain the clingy Minister with. Late was an understatement. With the kidnapping, rescue, luna-thing, and party I hadn't gotten back to the hotel until sunrise. In fact, I don't even think I made it to my room. Both Lannister and Destin argued over who would take me back, but thankfully the princesses had brought some cars with them. I remembered watching the city's lights reflect off of the car window, then nothing.

I sighed and walked over to one of his cushioned chairs before plopping down into it. "I'm really not in the mood, Geralt. Can we just skip tonight?" I asked hopefully.

"You mean today?" He corrected. "Care to share why you are not in the mood?" He asked putting his book down and leaning back in his own chair. His hands laced together over his knee and his crimson eyes watched me closely. I had gotten so comfortable in his constant presence it was easy to forget that he was basically the lord of all demons with untold amounts of dark power. He was even sealed away in this very castle out of the continent's fear of his influence. It made me wonder how he had so much time on his hands to harass me. I was just an intriguing human to him... Well, maybe something more than human, but nothing to justify this obsession of his.

"If you answer one of my questions, I'll answer yours." I said sitting straighter. It was a deal we once had after our first time together. Back then it was sweet and playful, but everything was more serious now. If Geralt discovered who I really was, his pursuit of passion will swiftly turn into a pursuit for blood. My blood.

The elegant vampire before me smiled with a pleasant look of nostalgia. "Now that brings back memories. Although, we were without clothing then. Shall we disrobe?" He asked playfully.

I winced and fought the blush that wanted to grace my cheeks. "No. Clothing will stay on." I said firmly.

"Not a keeper of tradition..." He hummed. "Fine. Ask your question."

"How does the Minister of Darkness find the time to torment some random human woman like this? Surely you have far better things to do. I doubt the demons are pleased by the distraction." I said.

Some scarlet flared into his crimson eyes before he suddenly stood. In a moment of panic, I pressed back into my chair attempting to retreat while he calmly walked towards me. I wasn't afraid he would harm me. I was afraid of how my heart raced when he drew near, of how I secretly longed to touch him or be touched by him, and of how my eyes yearned to take him in. As hard as I tried to hate him, I felt I was falling more and more in love. His strong demanding presence thrilled me, and his surprising sense of honor and respect captivated me. No matter who he was or who he ruled over, he was the first man who respected me as I was. Nothing could change that. I bit my lip. No. Him learning what I was would make his respect evaporate into thin air.

Geralt smirked when he stopped before me. I was forced to look up to meet his gaze. "I simply put my other tasks on hold. You are my first priority, and the demons have come to understand that." He said. Priority?! That meant he was putting everything into finding me. I was running out of time.