Chapter 42 #2
Andros waves a gloved hand. “Go. I’ll stay here. There’s plenty for me to do. In fact, Charli can help me get each of the business units working on the transfer to the new company.”
Macklin finishes the rest of his lunch and presses a hard kiss to my lips. “I’ll see you at home.” He flashes Andros a pointed look on his way out.
With him gone, I scrape the rest of the bowl back into the container. “He always fixes way too much food. Teague usually eats his and whatever I have left. You don’t want any, do you?” I stop and close my eyes. Vampire, remember. “Sorry. Forgot for a second.”
“I’ll set up some meetings for late this afternoon,” he mutters. “Don’t leave the building.” He stalks out as if he’s irritated with his new babysitting role.
Between the software launch and updating everyone on the contract, my afternoon is packed. And still nothing from Teague. I’m trying not to worry, but it’s taking everything in me to focus. Although Teague isn’t the only reason. Part of my distraction is the vampire leading this meeting.
Squirming in my seat, I can’t stop staring at him, even when he’s walking the finance team through the boring details of the contract and transfer.
Andros is stunning in his suits. Authoritative.
Hot but kind of buttoned up. His combat outfit?
Oomph. He seems dangerous, like he’d be comfortable taking out whoever stood in his way.
Propping my hand on my chin, I press my lips together, pretending to study the timeline on the screen, but under the table, I’m clenching my thighs, trying to alleviate some tension.
What is wrong with me? Seriously. I rarely thought about sex before I moved to Greystone. Now, I can’t stop. Is it a case of the more you do it, the more you want it? I brush by Andros on my way out of the meeting and hear him curse under his breath.
That small sign makes me smile, but it fades when the door shuts, and he presses up against me.
I take a step back and lift my head to stare up at him. “Did you need something?”
A gloved hand lifts my chin, and he slowly lowers his mouth. “Tell me to stop.”
My lips part, but not a word passes through them.
He groans. “You’re driving me crazy today.” His mouth meets mine in a hard, hot kiss that makes my knees weak and drives every thought out of my brain.
Not wanting to rush, I slide my tongue along his, tasting the flavor of him. He leans in closer but never closes the distance between our bodies. The only contact is his firm mouth, which he wields to devastating effect. I moan, and he kisses me a little harder.
“Andros,” I murmur, and his body shudders as if hearing his name on my lips does something to him.
Someone knocks on the conference door, and he lifts his head. Staring at me with those caramel-colored eyes, he takes a step back and motions for me to leave. “Go. Before I forget we’re at work.”
I hesitantly open the door and blush when I see a group of people waiting for the room. When I get back to my desk, it takes me a while to calm down and focus.
Teague’s text comes through around five o’clock.
Teague: Found Raine and the little girl. They’re on their way back now. Along with three others. One of the vampires we saved saw Kian at another facility in Texas. I’m going with Ronan and Alejandro to find him. Stay close to Macklin and Andros. Be home soon.
Macklin mentioned Kian when he spoke about the attack in Ireland. I didn’t realize he was one of the missing.
At least Raine and the little girl are safe. I pick up my phone and shoot a quick text to Maureen to let her know Raine is on her way home and to text Macklin if she needs more info. Three dots appear, then nothing. I sigh. Raine might have found comfort in a coven, but I doubt I’ll ever join one.
After setting up a couple of follow-up meetings, I finally close my laptop.
Andros appears in the doorway. “Ready to go home?” The heat in his eyes tells me he’s still thinking about our kiss.
Home. All three of them called it home today when they were speaking to me.
But I’m still afraid to believe it. The last real home I had was happy, too, until it wasn’t.
The only thing I do believe is Teague and Macklin are my forever.
Andros…as much as I physically want him, needs to figure himself out first.
I nod and grab my things, including the lunch bag with the rest of my rice bowl. Maybe I can convince Macklin to let me take leftovers tomorrow. His plate is full with everything that’s going on, and it will give him a break too.
Entering the elevator, I lean back and study the man in front of me, wondering if he’s good in a fight. He certainly looks the part. I lick my lips.
“Stop,” he orders without looking up from his phone. “Or you’ll have me permanently ditching my suits.”
“Promise?” I remark without thinking.
He turns to face me. “Every time you squirmed and clenched your sweet little thighs today, I wanted to lay you on the conference table and devour you.” Andros steps closer.
Yes, please. I let out a shaky breath at the image his words conjure. “Sorry. I?—”
The elevator grinds to a halt, and the lights go out.
Andros curses. “It’s probably the tests Macklin’s running on the grid.
He does this every time he’s worried about security.
Checks the perimeter alarms. Food and water sources.
Electricity. I’ll send him a text.” Andros’ screen lights up, and he shoots off a text.
I take a shallow breath, trying not to breathe as his dark, musky scent fills the small space. “How long is it going to take before the electricity is back on?”
“Fifteen to twenty minutes,” Andros replies, his voice tight. There’s a ping, and his phone lights up. Turning away, he swiftly types a reply.
Might as well be a year when you’re trapped in an elevator with a vampire you want to devour you.