Page 45 of The Devil and the Dancer
Not enough air. Still couldn’t speak.
“I realized earlier tonight that I don’t need to be obsessed with someone damaging you. I’m not the only immortal who loves you. Giovanni and Beatrice do. Tenzin does. You’re already known. My claim on you—should you decide to accept it—makes little difference for your safety in my world. Though don’t mistake me, I do not intend to fire Audra. You still need security.”
She managed to take a breath. “Gavin—”
“I love you, and I want you,” he said roughly. “I want you in my world, in my bed, in my own flesh, Chloe Reardon. But I don’t want you to decide anything tonight, because it’s important.” He grabbed her hand and pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “Abe is waiting for you. It’s late. Please let him take you home. I’ll find my own way back to the apartment.”
Gavin rose and walked to the door, leaving Chloe stunned and speechless on the couch. She didn’t know what to think past the fact that Gavin loved her.Lovedher. Everything he wanted? She didn’t know where to start.
“Oh.” He turned at the door. “And my sister is leaving tomorrow. She’ll be out of the penthouse by ten.”
“Okay.” Her voice sounded tiny. “Gavin, I—”
“Please.” His eyes pleaded with her. “Give me a day. At least think about everything I’ve said for twenty-four hours. I know I’m asking for a lot, but give me a day.”
And without another word, he walked out the door.
9
Gavin woke the next night to twenty-eight messages—two of them from Chloe—six voice mails, and thirty-seven emails.
The texts from Chloe were the only ones that made him smile.
Did you know a rat can carry a chicken drumstick? They can. I may never eat chicken again.
A picture of a rat with said drumstick in his mouth looked like it had been taken in the subway and had been sent at two forty-five in the afternoon.
Just kidding, I love fried chicken. No hate for the rat.
Nothing could stop his smile.
There was nothing else. No returned affection. No gleeful “Yes, I’ll move in!”
Ye told her to take twenty-four hours, ya fucking dobber.
But Chloe had heard that he missed her texts and she’d sent him something to make him smile.
She loves you.
You’re not that lucky.
But maybe…
He could hear Renard speaking with Veronica in the living area outside. The automatic locks that secured his day chamber clicked open at sunset, but no one in the household would bother him until he emerged.
He tapped Audra’s number on his phone. “Report?”
“Nothing much. Giovanni Vecchio left the city last night. Beatrice and her family are still in the house. No apparent threats. Their daughter’s bodyguard spotted me but didn’t approach.”
“Good. Put Hassim on night detail. I’ll let him know if he can clock off.”
“You got it, boss. Have a good night.”
“Thank you, Audra.”
Gavin rose from bed and looked around his starkly masculine room. It was luxurious in a simple way. His were the only tastes that mattered here. Deep browns and light greys gave the room a warm, organic feeling. The bed and dresser were made of mahogany. The bed linens were rich, but decoration was sparse.
What would Chloe think of it? He’d never brought a human lover into this room, but he liked the idea of Chloe leaving her scent in it. Enjoyed the thought of modifying things to please her.
