Page 4 of Vampire Soldier
“Goddammit,” I bite out as I look up, trying not to lose my shit on Sam. Any time I yell at him, he whines and cries like he’s the victim and nothing is ever his fault or responsibility. There’s no point in wasting any more energy on him tonight.
I jump, my heart practically leaping into my throat as the vampire is still standing in front of me. “Oh. You’re still here.”
Most people would have left as soon as they realized I was fine, if they’d stopped to help at all. I staunchly ignore the warm feelings that his staying threatens to build.
“I take it you haven’t gotten the response you’re waiting for?”
I nod, thinking that’s a nice way of saying it. “My baby brother is proving again just how unreliable he is.” I need to leave, before I do something stupid, like try to give him a hug to thank him. Thank him or have an excuse to touch him? “Could you point me to the closest bus stop? I’d rather not walk home if I can avoid it.”
It’s only a few miles, but I’m still on edge from the encounter, and the night is only going to get darker.
“Bus doesn’t run this late, especially if you’re headed across the bridge to Topside.”
“I don’t live in Topside,” I comment, distracted by the walk looming before me. There’s nothing but to face it. I give him my best professional smile. “Well, then. I should be off. I’ve got a couple miles to walk. Thanks for the help.”
Without waiting, I turn back the direction I came and start my walk. Since Sam didn’t get the money he owes me tonight, with rent and bills—I purse my lips, considering if I can afford a ride-share. I can, if I want to bet on Sam actually showing up for breakfast tomorrow.
Better not to risk it. Especially since I still need to get a ride to Topside for the performance interview in two days.
I eye the growing clouds nervously and wish I’d thought to bring a jacket. I start a mental list of all the things I want to do to Sam; first and foremost, make him walk 2 hours in the dark and rain after standing like an idiot for over an hour on a crowded street. I’d like to push him into a full dumpster that’s a week overdue for pickup and lock him in. Or maybe tattoo something like a piece of shit on his forehead so everyone will know what he is.
“Look”—the vampire is walking next to me now, but I don’t stop. “It’s about to be pissing buckets.”
“I can handle a bit of rain.”
I’d better not get sick, I think as the wind sends another chill over me. If I get sick, I won’t do well at the interview, and I need this job.
Then he’s touching me again, his hand cool against my bare arm, stopping me. He’s holding out an ID and a black business card.
“My name is Malachi. My car is one block over. You’ve had a shitty night, no need to suffer more. Let me drive you home. Take a picture of my ID and card, and send it to a friend or someone, so you know I’m not going to try anything.”
I narrow my eyes at him, weighing the options. I like to think I’m a good judge of character; I’ve had plenty of experience with creeps. This man isn’t giving off creep vibes at all.
It’s a green flag that he’s offering his ID to ensure my sense of safety. That warm feeling from someone showing genuine care starts building again. I really shouldn’t take him—Malachi—up on it.
Then the sky opens up and fat raindrops start plunking down against my head and shoulders.
Screw this.
I quickly snap pictures of his ID and business card before texting them to myself and Tonya. Then, as a second safety measure, I snatch the cards from him and shove them into my bra. I’m actually a bit surprised I caught him off guard, and from his wide eyes, he might be too.
I let him know I sent the pictures to more people than I really did. “And I’ll hold onto these until I’m at my place, safe.”
His hypnotizing lips spread in a grin, and his eyes warm with something that could be approval. Then he’s taking off that gorgeous suit jacket and wrapping it around me. The interior is silk-lined and much warmer than I expected for a vampire. Then a smell that can only be him is so good, I almost make a fool of myself by bringing it up to my nose to breathe in.
It’s rich and earthy and spicy. It’s a scent that promises indulgences and pleasure and an old-world level of hedonism.
As the rain increases, we cross the street. He’s getting soaked because of me, his white shirt plastering to his skin. I grab his hand before realizing it, and when he looks at me, I raise up the jacket, like I’d done with Charlie so many times. “We can share it. No point in you getting wet, either.”
To my surprise, Malachi takes me up on the offer, crouching down and taking hold of the other half of the jacket. This close, I can’t ignore how he smells like forbidden temptation.
I hear Tonya and the rest of the girls I work with telling me to live a little and at least let myself enjoy being next to him. I can do that. I don’t live far from here, so what harm is there in letting myself relax and enjoy this? It’s not like I’m likely to ever see him again. Even if I don’t get the stage producer position, he’s not exactly the type of man that frequents The Gentleman’s Study.
So when the wind whips at the jacket as we’re hurrying down the street, I let myself laugh as we’re both hit with rain. He smiles back and my heart pitter-patters, I swear. I hide my face when he pulls me closer, and he keeps me tucked against him as we run down the alley.
We stop in front of a door. Malachi presses his thumb to a pad, and then we’re finally out of the rain. The heavy metal door shuts behind us, leaving us in the sudden quiet as the storm is cut off. The only sound is my breathing, heavy from the combination of laughing and running. I shoot him a grateful smile when he avoids drenching me as he takes his jacket back.
He stares at me for a long moment, and that warmth in my stomach is back with a vengeance and now it’s moving lower. My breath catches in my throat, my mouth drying, as his eyes sweep across my face.
