Page 43 of Taste of Blood

“Unless he’s off the grid.”

“Everyone has a digital footprint,” I insist, quoting what Elaine is always telling me. “It’s just a matter of finding it.”

“I hope you’re right, though I don’t know about bringing in outside help on this. Dante likes to keep his business in house.”

I bite my tongue to keep from saying what’s on my mind. Dante can go to hell for all I care. “I would think he’d welcome any help at this point, especially if it keeps the Black Guild off your back. Have they gotten involved?”

“Not yet, but it’s only a matter of time. That’s why we’re working day and night to find this guy. We don’t need a repeat of New Orleans.”

I vaguely recall that incident. The fallout even made the human news; dead bodies turning up everywhere. They thought it was some kind of ritualistic cult, if memory serves.

“Does it ever slow down for you?” I ask.

He drains his glass and sets it down, rubbing his jaw thoughtfully. “Not really. There always seems to be some asshole trying to make trouble. I guess this city attracts them.”

“I hate that for you.”

He grins at me. “Aw, you worried about me?”

“I am. It makes me…” I look down at my fingers rimming my glass, my voice dropping, “…want to take care of you.”

“I’m a big boy, Ash.”

“I know that. Doesn’t change the fact that I want the best for you.”

Our eyes meet and some of the old warmth sparks in his. At this point I’ll do anything he asks to keep it there. Face it, I’m a sucker for this man.

When his eyes don’t leave mine, I find myself growing hard. “Cord?” I murmur.

“Yeah?”

Is it my imagination or does he sound as breathless as I feel? I’m afraid to say what’s on my mind. I want to get out of here. I want to take him someplace and have my way with him. Or let him have his way with me. I don’t care who’s the instigator as long as it involves our bodies locked together.

God, why does this have to be so awkward?

I don’t realize I said that last part out loud until I see his lips curl up in a smirk.

“Never known you to mince words, Ash. Just say what’s on your mind.”

Ok. Here goes.

“I want to fuck you.”

We stare at each other for what feels like an eternity while I wonder what’s going through his head. Rejection or…acceptance? I wait, holding my breath.

Around us, the bar is filling up, people out for a good time, but nothing else exists beyond this table. I can hear my own heart thundering in my ears, my need coiled tightly within me. I have to concentrate to keep my blood teeth from dropping. Just one taste is all I need. One small taste…

Who am I kidding? One taste will ignite an inferno of need. Of want. One drop of his blood will send me over the edge.

Cord reaches into his pocket and pulls out his wallet, withdrawing a couple of bills and tossing them on the table, his eyes never leaving mine. I watch every movement, hyper aware of his body. A body I know by heart.

He pushes his chair back and I drink in the sight of his muscular thighs as he stands. “Come on.”

“Where are we going?” I ask, leaving my chair.

“For a walk.”

He turns and leads me back through the bar past the restrooms to an exit that opens into the alley behind.