The Unnecessary Bodyguard Read online

  Nina had managed to penetrate his mind. Damn it....

  He dragged a hand through his hair and blamed himself for accepting that cozy dinner. Even when he had, he knew he’d later regret it. He pulled on a pair of boxers and considered how easily the base, manly part of him had pounded his logic into the ground. She intrigued him. What man wouldn’t be intrigued? The woman was made for physical loving—lots of it. She had one of those petite bodies with curves in the right places—surprisingly full breasts and a round, firm derriere. When they’d sat on that little sofa, he had to muster every ounce of willpower not to drag her into his lap. Worse, he feared this went beyond physical. There had been an unusual connection from the start.

  He stretched out onto the bed with an arm tucked under his head and ignored the throb in his groin. He’d had few human lovers, brief affairs. He avoided anything serious because his life was too complicated for the average human. The only thing normal about it was his security company. The rest involved an ongoing battle against vampires who refused to conform. Their numbers had been greatly reduced, yet the need to maintain control required steady reinforcement. Only dhampir women could understand this.

  The best thing was to keep his distance from Nina as much as possible. Hopefully, she’d limit her nightly outings until her friend felt she was safe. A chill went up his spine at the thought of anything happening to her. He’d have to continue checking on her to make sure she kept her promise. He shut his eyes, deciding that if he were to torture himself with erotic images of Nina, they might as well be in his dreams.

  * * * * *

  There was no word from her over the next two days. Was she really staying home in the evening, even on time off? He frowned as her voicemail came on a third time that day. Why the hell wasn’t she answering her phone? He gave up and called Daphne.

  “Oh, she said something about going to visit her aunt today,” Daphne replied.

  “Where’s that?”

  “In Peoria.”

  His fingers tightened around the receiver. “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah, I’m pretty sure. She visits her aunt, Ivette, once a month. It’s her mom’s sister. They’re close.”

  Jovan glanced at his watch. Two o’clock. “Do you know when she left?”

  “No idea. But Nina’s an early riser.”

  “Do you have the address and her aunt’s number?”

  “Um, I should. Hold on a second.”

  When Daphne came back on the line, he jotted the information down.

  “Is there a problem?” she asked.

  “No, but I want to know if she’s planning on staying late.”

  “Of course.”

  “Thanks.” He hung up and grabbed his jacket. Peoria of all places. She’d be the perfect prey for a vampire looking to abduct someone. The mere thought cut through him like a jagged knife. The coincidence of Daphne’s dreams and Nina’s trip to that town didn’t bode well. There was also the niggling fact that Nina had kept this from him. It made his blood boil. He’d have a serious word with her when he saw her.

  Chapter Four

  An earthy, traditional woman with the French’s love of cooking, Aunt Ivette always made sure Nina tried every dish she made, including dessert—this time, a mouth-watering strawberry tart.

  “This is too good,” Nina said, finishing off the last morsel.

  “M-hmm, but you should have had it with the ice cream.”

  Nina brushed a hand over the slight swell of her belly. “No room, Auntie. I must consume at least three thousand calories whenever I come here.”

  Aunt Ivette dismissed this with a wave of her hand. “Nonsense. You young women today don’t eat enough.”

  Nina plunked onto the comfy, old material of the couch and closed her eyes in momentary bliss. She loved visiting her aunt, hanging out in the rooms that hadn’t changed since she was a teenager.

  Aunt Ivette took a sip of coffee and regarded her with wise eyes. “What is new with you, my dear?”

  She smiled. “You asked me already. Besides the ex-boyfriend, nothing.” Besides Jovan Markovic, too.

  “Ah, yes, but then we were distracted with my fiddling in the kitchen and didn’t get the chance to talk about it. Tell me, are you looking for a really good man this time? One with the right qualities?”

  “Not actively. I’m taking a break from the male species.”

  “Hmm, not too long a break, I hope. Time passes quickly. You’re only twenty-six, of course, but it would be good to settle down by thirty—start a family young, you know.”

  Nina smiled, enjoying her aunt’s gentle lecture.

  “So many women are focused on careers, and then one day they wake up and they’re thirty-something, and it’s very difficult.”

  “I agree,” she said honestly and looked at her watch. Where had the time gone? It was nearing four. She’d been here for hours. She reached for her bag and gave her aunt a bright smile. “Auntie, I have to go before it gets dark.”

  “Of course, dear, much safer. Especially after those strange disappearances.”

  Nina’s brow crinkled. “What disappearances?”

  “You didn’t hear the news? Last week, two young people went missing in the area without a trace. And it’s not the first time....”

  “Really?” She hadn’t been following the news lately.

  Aunt Ivette accompanied her to the front door. “Drive safely, Nina. Call me when you reach home.”

  “I will.” She kissed her aunt and stepped outside. With a final wave, she headed for her car. The last thing her aunt mentioned had flicked a switch in her mind. She’d forgotten to turn her cell on. She dug around in her bag until she found the phone and turned it on, hoping she hadn’t missed any important calls. Her voicemail indicated two messages. She held the phone to her ear as Jovan’s brisk voice demanded she contact him at once.

  They hadn’t spoken in two days, during which time she’d been thinking about him a lot—and scolding herself each time. Now, what was this about? She activated the hands-free mode and dialed his number while starting down the quiet road.

  “Nina,” came the gruff response, sending a warm shiver right through her.

  “Jovan, you asked me to call.”

  “Yes. You haven’t been taking your calls all day.”

  “I know. I forgot to turn the phone on. I’m just leaving my aunt’s in Peoria.”

  “I know.”

  Her eyebrows shot up. “You do?”

  “I’m right behind you.”

  She looked into her rearview mirror before pulling over. The Land Rover came up behind her. It took her about five seconds to snap out of her surprised daze before she yanked her seatbelt loose and hopped out. He’d stepped out as well, his gaze sweeping over her as she approached.

  “What’s going on?” she demanded, her body already stirring in awareness. Why did he have to be so damn attractive?

  “What do you think? I found out you were going to Peoria today, and I wanted to make sure you were safe. It’s already late afternoon.”

  Her mouth dropped open. “My God, can’t I have any privacy?” When he merely frowned, she crossed her arms over her chest. “So now you’re protecting me in the daytime, too?”

  “I had no idea when you planned on returning.”

  He had a point. Still, he was crowding in on her space too much, in ways she’d rather not contemplate now. A good part of the reason for her visit today was to get him off her mind. “If I had planned on staying late, I would have let you know. I keep my promises.”

  A muscle twitched in his jaw. “I had to make sure.”

  An inner battle was pulling her apart. One side was thrilled that he was here, that he’d been concerned, while the other wished he would keep away. As much as she’d denied it at first, the more she saw him, the more she wanted him. And whereas he was a dhampir with a dark and dangerous side, she was just an ordinary woman who wanted a simple life, wanted a man with the right qualities.

&
nbsp; Her hands clenched at her sides. “And what if I’m on a date? Will you follow me around then, too? Maybe join us for dinner?”

  His nose flared as a fiery flame flickered in the depths of his gray eyes. “Unless he’s a certified bodyguard, then yes.”

  Her breath tore out of her. “This is becoming annoying...and frustrating.” She couldn’t bear to look at his beautiful, sensual mouth any longer. She turned on her heel and headed for the car.

  “Nina!” he called after her, but she ignored him, too rattled to face him.

  She begged him to leave her alone the entire drive back to her place, forcing her eyes away from the rear view mirror. She couldn’t help blaming Daphne again. If she hadn’t authorized him in the first place, she wouldn’t be in this predicament. She wouldn’t have made that spontaneous—and stupid—decision to invite him to dinner. She wouldn’t be going to bed with thoughts of Jovan…and waking with thoughts of Jovan. She could hardly focus on anything else, like a love-struck teenager. She cut the engine once she pulled into her driveway and cradled her forehead in her hand. He’s not for you. If you keep saying that, it will sink in. She expelled a long breath and got out. Relieved that his truck was nowhere in sight, she hurried up the steps.

  Tossing her coat and her bag onto the closest horizontal surface, she went into the kitchen and set about making a strong pot of coffee. She doubted she was going to get much sleep anyway. She called Aunt Ivette to let her know she’d arrived home.

  Ten minutes later, the doorbell rang. It was him. She knew it. Her heart skipped several beats. Of course you can’t leave me alone....

  She walked to the front door and opened it with an air of nonchalance, yet her body was already betraying her. Controlling her natural reaction to him was next to impossible.

  He attempted to maintain eye contact, but she looked away. “I’ve made coffee. Care for some?” Not waiting for a response, she returned to the kitchen. He appeared a minute later, without his jacket. She averted her gaze and turned to the cabinets for a cup.

  “I don’t drink coffee, thanks,” he said as he came up to the other side of the counter.

  She shrugged and stirred sugar into hers. The warm liquid relaxed her throat. She managed a slanted smile. “I’d offer you wine, but I finished off the bottle you bought.”

  “I just want to talk to you.”

  “I figured that—something I’m trying to avoid right now.” She’d been trying to avoid eye contact, too, knowing those unusual gray eyes had a way of trapping her. Like a magnet, though, her gaze locked onto his.

  “Are you frustrated because you don’t want the protection?” He paused, regarding her for a moment. “If that’s the case, say the word, and I’ll stop.”

  Oh, wow. This was unexpected. It’s what she wanted, right? All she had to do was say just that, and he’d go away. No more Jovan. The words came to her lips, but died there. She frowned.

  He studied her with feral keenness. “Is that the reason for your frustration, Nina...?”

  He was honing in on something dangerous. She shifted her feet and started walking around the counter when he placed a hand on her elbow. Her pulse jumped at the contact.

  He took the cup from her and placed it on the counter. “Or, is it the same reason that’s been keeping me awake at night and restless all day?” He added some weight to this.

  God, show me some mercy for a change. She shook her head. “I don’t know what you mean. I sleep just fine.” Liar.

  He tilted her chin up. “I’m talking about this....”

  He sealed his mouth over hers, smothering the squeak of protest in her throat. Sensation exploded from her head to her toes. He began slowly, exploring with limb-melting strokes and jabs of his tongue, but once she moaned, he slanted his head with a hungry growl. Her back arched as she clasped his shoulders for support. His hands circled her waist, fitting her to the hard length of his body. His erection pushed hard against her belly.

  Her knees buckled under the pleasure, and he lifted her up into a straddling position before carrying her into the living room. He sat on the loveseat with her legs still straddling him. Nina placed her palms on either side of his face, her breath still choppy from the kiss.

  “What are we doing?” she asked as his hands gripped her waist.

  “This thing between us... It’s too potent to ignore.” His voice was thick with desire.

  “And what exactly is this thing, Jovan? I mean, it’s not just physical attraction, is it?” she asked tentatively, although need pummeled her body.

  He gave a brief shake of his head. “No. Whatever it is, I’ve been fighting it ever since I met you.”

  Oh, she was very familiar with that fight—those conflicting emotions that assailed her even now. She licked her lips as her hands traveled down to his shoulders. Her action drew his attention to her mouth. His body tensed as he grimaced.

  “Tell me to stop,” he demanded.

  A sliver of reason cautioned her boldness with this virile man, yet she pushed it away, driven by that wild thing inside her. Her fingers began working the buttons of his shirt loose. When she was ready to part the shirt, he caught her wrists.

  “Don’t.”

  She lifted an eyebrow. “You started it.”

  A muscle flexed in his jaw. “It was a mistake. I’m sorry.”

  She looked pointedly at his hands. “Let go.”

  A low groan of objection sounded in his throat, but he released her. She pushed the shirt off his body, throwing it to the side. Next, she pulled off his undershirt, and her breath snagged at the naked sight of his torso. He was beautifully proportioned. Slowly, her hands ran over the hard bulge of muscles in his shoulders, down the solid breadth of his smooth chest, and lingered on the compact flesh of his abdomen. A tiny spasm occurred under her hands. She was pleased to have this effect on him.

  With heady desire in his eyes, his fingers grasped the hem of her top. “Tell me to stop,” he rasped.

  She remained silent, a challenging tilt to her chin.

  “You tempt me, woman.” He growled and lifted the top over her head, tossing it to the side. His gaze fixed on her breasts in the satiny, violet bra while his fingers traced a path between the mounds. “So lovely...”

  She edged her hips closer to him, seeking his hardness.

  “You won’t like the dark side of me, sweetheart,” he warned.

  Yet, since she’d met him, it was the dark side that continued to intrigue her. Her craving for this man was inexorable, fierce, and completely foreign to her. It tugged on her soul as well as her body. It was exclusive to Jovan.

  He grasped a handful of her hair and gently eased her head back. He nuzzled her throat, planting kisses along the sensitive skin. His teeth caught her earlobe. “At times, I am more beast than man,” he whispered.

  A current of excitement sizzled through her. Without much thought, she unhooked her bra and let it join her top.

  She heard the sharp pull of his breath as he stared at her breasts. When their gazes locked, her breath hitched. The gray had turned to charcoal, and what she saw in the depths sent a shiver of fear and excitement over her. They smoldered with an almost predatory fire that would have sent many women running.

  A deep groan rumbled in his throat as he cupped her backside and hoisted her up to his mouth.

  Nina cried out as he claimed one taut nipple between his lips, while his hand curved possessively around the swell of her breast. Sweet, tight pleasure flowed out from that center, making her fingers curl into his dark mane. She pressed his head to her as moisture gathered between the folds of her sex. He teased her other nipple with rapid flicks of his tongue and continued until she was writhing against him. She rotated her hips over him, grinding herself against the prominent bulge. Her breath snagged as she thought she felt the distinct sharpness of teeth, a wicked caress on her erect peak. Oh my...what was that?

  He tore his mouth from her with a broken sound and brought his hands up to cup her face
. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

  The statement tugged on her heart because she knew he wasn’t referring to physical pain. She covered one of his hands with hers. “You won’t.”

  His jaw clenched as he traced the line of her bottom lip. “I don’t have what you would call a normal life, as I explained.”

  She shut her eyes against the knot of frustration between her thighs. Her own logic was pushing through in response to his. “I know that.” She paused one last time to consider the warring emotions. “But...normal hasn’t worked for me so far.” She threw the final shreds of caution out the window.

  He seemed to consider her response, yet his face was unreadable. “Come with me.”

  * * * * *

  She still throbbed with sexual need as he led her through his massive condo, located in a nondescript, loft building on the penthouse floor. The design was open-concept. Floor to ceiling windows ran along the sides. They passed a kitchen outfitted with modern appliances and fine cabinets, a dining room, followed by a sitting room, which opened onto a sunken living room. The furniture and decor had tasteful, masculine overtones.

  She followed him to the other end of the condo, wondering where this was going.

  He walked into a room that functioned as an office and picked up a folder from the desk. He opened it, holding it out to her. “See these photos?”

  She nodded, looking at the newspaper clippings of two young people.

  “They were reported missing in Peoria several days ago. My organization’s investigating this. We suspect they’ve been abducted by a non-conformist vampire clan in the area.”

  Nina ignored the ache between her legs and gave a thoughtful pause. “They must be the missing people my aunt was talking about.”

  “There have been other disappearances in Peoria, which is why I didn’t like you being there alone.”