Page 16 of Viktor’s Temptation (East Coast Territory #2)

Viktor couldn’t believe how close he’d come to kissing Gracie.

Not just close— too close . In a public place, where anyone could have seen.

Where anyone could have whispered. Where word could get back to his enemies that the great Viktor Rastan, renowned for his iron self-control, was undone by a woman who had just stumbled into his life.

What was worse, if he had kissed her, it wouldn’t have been because she truly wanted him—at least, not yet.

Gracie was overwhelmed, her world upended by a transformation she hadn’t asked for.

Her feelings could easily be a confused blend of gratitude, obligation, and the bond created by her new vampire instincts.

None of those were reasons he wanted from her.

He refused to take advantage of her vulnerability, even if the temptation burned through him with a ferocity he hadn’t felt in centuries.

No, when he kissed her—and he would—it would be because Gracie chose him. Freely, willingly, and with the knowledge of exactly what she wanted.

Stepping back, Viktor deliberately dropped his hands, forcing himself to put distance between them. “I think it’s time for lessons,” he declared, his voice calm and measured, though his body was anything but.

Gracie’s expression shifted, her silver eyes dimming as a flash of hurt crossed her face.

For a moment, it seemed like she might pull away entirely, but then she straightened her shoulders, forcing a polite smile to replace the flicker of pain.

“Lessons,” she repeated, her tone adopting a skeptical, almost playful edge.

“Of course. Because apparently, I’ve enrolled in Vampire 101 without even filling out an application. ”

His lips twitched at her attempt to mask her feelings with sarcasm, but he didn’t comment.

Instead, he turned and exited the dressing area, taking a moment to compose himself.

When he found the salesperson, she was leaning close to another clerk, whispering in hushed tones.

The abrupt silence when he approached confirmed his suspicions.

Perfect. Now the gossip would spread.

The thought darkened his mood. Viktor’s enemies would pounce on any perceived weakness, and Gracie’s connection to him was a flashing target. She’d been through enough already, and the last thing he wanted was to drag her into his world’s dangerous politics before she was ready.

“We’re done here,” he said curtly.

The salesperson straightened immediately, her earlier intrigue replaced by professionalism. “Of course, Lord Viktor. I’ll have everything wrapped up for you.”

“Thank you,” he replied, though his tone carried little warmth.

Returning to Gracie, he found her dressed in the same leggings and torn blouse from earlier, her boots in hand as she sat on a plush chair.

She looked up at him, her expression caught somewhere between exasperation and resignation.

“If you’ll send me the total for the clothes, I’ll reimburse you as soon as I sort out my credit card situation. ”

He shook his head firmly. “You will not reimburse me, Gracie. You’re under my protection now, and I insist on providing for you.”

Her eyes narrowed as she stood, hands on her hips. “I’m not a charity case, Viktor. I don’t need you to buy me clothes—or anything else, for that matter.”

“Gracie,” he said, his tone dropping into the commanding register that always worked on his clan. “You’re not a charity case. You’re a member of my clan, and I take care of my own.”

Her glare deepened. “I didn’t ask to be part of your clan.”

“And yet, here you are.” His voice softened, but his resolve didn’t waver. “You’ve been thrust into a new world without warning. Let me help you navigate it.”

Gracie stared at him, her lips pressing together in frustration. For a moment, he thought she might argue further, but then she let out a sharp breath and nodded. “Fine. But I still feel like you’re steamrolling me.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” he teased, offering her his arm.

She hesitated, but then slid her hand onto the crook of his elbow. “I just need to figure out my life,” she muttered as they walked toward the exit. “I need to go home.”

He stopped and turned to face her, his expression serious. “You need to learn about your new life first. There’s so much you don’t know yet, Gracie. Patience, please.”

“Are you asking me now?” she quipped, arching a brow. “Instead of just telling me what to do?”

Her playful defiance made him smile. “Yes, I’m asking,” he replied, his voice warm. “Will you let me teach you?”

Gracie’s lips curved into a small smile, and she nodded. “I suspect this whole ‘asking’ thing is just for show, but… yes. I’ll let you teach me.”

His chest loosened at her answer, though he masked his relief with a chuckle. “It’s not just for show. And thank you, Gracie. You won’t regret it.”

“I’ll hold you to that,” she said, a hint of mischief returning to her eyes.

As they settled into the limousine, Gracie turned to him, curiosity sparking in her gaze. “So, what’s lesson one?”

“Lesson one,” Viktor said, leaning back in his seat, “is that your new life comes with many changes—starting with what you need to survive.”

She tilted her head, her brows drawing together. “You mean… blood?”

“Exactly,” he replied, his tone light. “But it’s not as bad as you think.”

Gracie grimaced. “That’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one who has to start drinking it.”

He laughed, the sound deep and genuine. “You’ll get used to it. And who knows? You might even enjoy it.”

She gave him a skeptical look, but the corners of her mouth twitched upward. “We’ll see about that.”