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She’d also read that it burned like acid when inside the vampire’s bloodstream. Some described it like a poison ivy burn but inside.

If that was the case, Blackmore must be in extreme pain. One wouldn’t be able to tell just by looking at him.

When the bullet popped out, Leah moved on to the second spot. Blackmore hissed out a breath when the scalpel pierced his skin. His knuckles paled as he clenched the edge of the bed. Oh, he was in pain, all right, even though he tried to hide it.

“I want a raise,” she said to distract herself from feeling sorry for him. He’d killed her compatriots. No matter that the Hunters came to kill vampires, he’d killed them. She had no business feeling sorry for him.

A chuckle from Blackmore. “It’s your first day on the job, and you’re already asking for a raise? I thought you negotiated your salary before starting.”

“Yes, but like I said, the job said nothing about performing medical procedures.”

“I hardly think cutting my back twice is considered a medical procedure.”

“I’m using a scalpel, aren’t I?” The second bullet slid out and dropped onto the towel. “See? I’d say it’s a success. If not a raise, then a bonus.”

Before Leah could slide off the bed, Blackmore twisted and gripped her hips. Her breath whooshed out as he lifted her and placed her in his lap with her legs spread. His hard length was a heavy weight against her pelvis and set a fire inside her.

“Careful. I might accidentally stab you.” She scowled, annoyed at her reaction and at being manhandled again, even though ten minutes earlier, she’d been plotting on how to seduce him.

He wagged his brows in amusement and lifted his hips once. “And I will stab back.”

Heat colored her cheeks. The nerve of him. Yet, her anger had nothing on the heat traversing through her. Her eyes dropped to his full lips. Their last kiss played havoc on her mind and body.

Seduce him,a part of her whispered. It was too easy. She desperately wanted to kiss him again. To have her every nerve sing with life again.

His hands drifted up her hips to her waist. Her heart pounded so hard she was afraid it might jump out of her chest. She wasn’t even aware of lowering her head until their lips brushed. The touch sent an electric jolt down to her toes.

There was no thought of seduction. Of Dmitri and her orders. No, the irresistible urge to kiss him, to taste him again, was purely her own.

Chapter Eight

Leah’sheadjerkedupwhen someone knocked. The door swung open. Two gorgeous women sashayed in, both in form-fitting dresses and killer heels that made Leah envious of their confidence. They halted a few steps in. One woman tilted her head and pouted, her lips bright red.

“Who are you? It’s our turn.”

Confused, Leah glanced between the women and Blackmore. “Do you know them?”

“Yes. They are feeders.”

Her eyes widened. She’d heard of feeders, humans kept as pets to supply blood to vampires. The Organization freed these individuals whenever they could and paid for their rehab. They were evaluated and released once the Organization’s doctors deemed them free from the vampires’ mind control.

The Organization didn’t believe that any human would willingly give blood to vampires.

Were these women under Blackmore’s control now? They watched him like a delectable dessert they couldn’t wait to take a bite out of.

Blackmore’s hands tightened on her waist. His wicked smile turned her insides to mush. “Or would you like to do the honors?”

Shock. Then curiosity. Then disgust. At herself. At him.

“Not in a million years.” With as much grace as she could gather, which wasn’t much, Leah clambered off him. “He’s all yours, ladies.”

The women strolled past her, their heavy perfume clogging up the air. The one that spoke studied her for a few seconds, the judgment in her gaze unmistakable. For the first time, Leah felt self-conscious about her clothing choice. She hadn’t planned on being trapped in a vampire club with the Vegas’ infamous ruler when she’d picked out her outfit.

When the women tried to sit next to Blackmore, he stopped them.

“No, the wrist,” he said, his voice gruff.

“But—”