Hunter √

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Two

"I DON'T THINK THAT'S A GOOD idea," Devon said the moment her gaze collied with his.

"Why not?"

"Because i'm not exactly at my sanest when i'm close to you."

"Because i'm a vampire?"

Because i'm weak.

Because i want you.

Because i can't have you.

The reason rushed through her head before she could stop them, but she didn't say them out loud.

It didn't matter. He knew. He stared at her, into her, and he felt every one. And damned if it didn't bring the faintest smile to his face.

She opened her mouth to say "This isn't funny," but Dora Lee's voice cut her off.

"I knew it was just a matter of time before all the undesirables followed her here. Next thing you know," Dora Lee went on, "she'll be setting up shop in her office and this place will be no better than one of them brothels. Why, i wouldn't be surprised if we get raided by the police."

The talk reminded her of many similar scenes from her past. There'd been so much gossip. So many derogatory comments. So many lies. And not once had Devon ever stood up for herself.

She summoned her courage and turned toward Dora Lee. "He's not an undesirable. He's my guest. Not that it's any of your business. What i do, who i do it with---it's none of your business." And then she took Hunter's hand and led him toward the dance floor.

"I'm impressed."

"Because i can be a bitch?"

"Because you can do it so well."

"I don't know if i should be flattered or offended."

"Just say thanks."

"Thanks."

Before she could rethink her rash decision to dance with him, he drew her close. His arms surrounded her and his scent filled her nostrils and the urge to lean against him was nearly unbearable.

One dance, she told herself. Then she would make up an excuse and retreat to her office. He would leave. And that would be the end of it.

The end.

"Just breath." His deep voice distracted her from her thoughts a split second before he killed the last inch of distance between them and pulled her flush against his body.

"Easy for you to say. You don't have to bother with it."

He chuckled softly and tightened his grip on her waist.

Devon forget everything except the feel of Hunter's body against hers. It had only been a few days, but she'd missed him so much that it hurt.

"I missed you, too."

Her head snapped up and her gaze collied with his. "I hate when you do that."

"Do what?"

"Read my mind."

"It's actually a little crazy. I can usually only do it when i'm staring into someone's eyes, but you're different. I can feel what you're thinking."

Likewise.

There was no mistaking the desperation that pulsed through him. The desire. The need. He'd missed her as well, and try as he might, he'd yet to figure out how he was going to let her go.

Before she could stop herself, she rested her head on his shoulder, closed her eyes and gave herself up to the happiness of being in his arms.

They moved to and fro for a few long moment before his deep voice slid into her ear.