Page 29 of Galen

Galen leaned in closer, his breath tickling my lips. My heart hammered against my ribs, and heat scorched the center of my chest. Was he seriously about to kiss me? Bite me, maybe?

He’s an angel, not a vampire, I reminded myself.

“What are you thinking?” he asked, his body pressed to mine.

“I don’t know. I think I’m about to pass out, actually.”

With a light laugh, Galen pulled away from me. “Come on. I’ll show you the house.”

I stared after him before pushing off the wall and following, trying to gather my thoughts. “Why bother showing me around? I don’t plan on staying here long.”

“You don’t have a say in the matter.”

I stopped beside an open doorway and frowned. “Excuse me?”

“Protective custody, remember?” Galen crossed his arms, emphasizing his strong arms. “Until I know you’re safe, you won’t be returning to your loft.”

“Then give me my phone.” I held out my hand. “You said you texted Kyo from it. Hand it over.”

“No.” His frown deepened.

“Why the hell not?”

“Because I don’t know if I can trust you yet,” Galen said. “What’s stopping you from telling someone you’re being held against your will?”

“You mean, tell them the truth? Because that’s exactly what you’re doing.”

“As I said before…” He strode forward, causing me to tilt my head to hold his gaze. I refused to be intimidated by him. I didn’t care if he was a damn giant. “Shades have your scent. The moment you go home, they’ll find you. They’ll tear off your head and drink your blood while bathing in it.”

I curled my nose. “That was… graphic.”

“You’re safe here, Simon. So stop arguing, and fucking follow me.”

“Why do you care so much? You don’t even know me.”

A tic started in his jaw. “Idon’t care about you. It’s nothing personal. It’s my job. Normally I wouldn’t bother dealing with you pesky humans, but this is a rare case. You can be of use to us, so we need to keep you safe for the time being.”

NowthatI believed.

I recalled the way Brandon had easily dismissed me at the restaurant. I remembered all the men before him who’d screwed me over, made me feel insignificant. I was stupid for thinking, even for a moment, that I was special in some way.

“Okay,” I said, dropping my gaze to my bare feet. The hardwood floor was cold beneath them. I would’ve killed for my comfy slippers.

“You’re sad.”

“Huh?” I glanced up to find Galen closer than before. “No, I’m not.”

“Liar.”

“Are you going to show me the rest of the house?” I asked, waving a hand around. “Or are we gonna stand here all day?”

He cut his eyes at me. “Now you’re angry.”

“You’re so perceptive,” I dryly said.

“I don’t appreciate the attitude, human.”

“And I don’t appreciate yours, Nephilim. You can’t just expect me to be okay with all of this.”