Page 10 of Viktor's Temptation
She licked her lips nervously, a gesture that sent his attention briefly back to her mouth. “It was a long day,” she began, her hands twisting again. “We had a difficult surgery—a biker who’d been in an accident. Multiple broken bones, severe lacerations, a massive concussion.” She stopped, glancing at him. “You don’t need all those details, do you?”
“Every detail is important,” he replied, his tone firm. “Sometimes the smallest detail can reveal something crucial.”
She nodded, her voice steadier now. “It was late when I got home. Warren…” Her voice faltered, and she looked away.
“Who is Warren?” Viktor asked, his voice low and sharp.
Gracie hesitated, her hands tightening into fists. “He’s… my fiancé,” she admitted reluctantly.
Viktor’s lips thinned, his expression darkening. “Your fiancé,” he repeated, the word dripping with disdain. “And what happened when you got home?”
Her brow furrowed as she struggled to piece together the memories. “He was angry. About dinner, I think. He said I should have been home to cook.”
“You work long hours,” Viktor said, his tone hard. “Why was he angry?”
She looked up at him, trying to maintain a blank façade, to not show her revulsion at Warren’s laziness. “He’s unemployed,” she said flatly, her voice tinged with bitterness. “He was fired two months ago and hasn’t bothered to look for a new job. It’s my salary that pays the bills.” She clutched her head, her frustration mounting as she tried to make sense of her jumbled thoughts.
“Did he hurt you?” Viktor’s voice was dangerously soft.
She flinched, her hands dropping to her lap. “I… he slapped me,” she admitted quietly. “That night.”
Viktor’s hands tightened into fists, his fury barely contained. “He dared to lay a hand on you?”
Gracie nodded, tears pricking her eyes. “It doesn’t matter,” she whispered. “I’m never going back to him. Not after that.”
“It does matter,” Viktor growled, his jealousy now mingled with anger. “And he will pay for what he’s done.”
Her silver eyes met his, wide and startled. “You don’t have to—”
“I do,” Viktor interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. “You are under my protection now, Gracie. And I do not tolerate harm to those in my care.”
His words sent a flicker of warmth through her, despite her lingering fear. For the first time in a long time, she felt like someone was truly on her side.
“Do you cook often?” Viktor asked, his tone light but his eyes sharp, as though he were studying her every move.
Gracie laughed softly, shaking her head. “No. I make a mean grilled cheese and open a can of soup, but there are weeks when I’m too tired from work to do more than just make popcorn for dinner.”
“Sounds delicious,” he teased, his lips curving into a faint smile.
Gracie tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her silver eyes. “Do you… eat normal food?”
He chuckled, the deep sound curling around her like a caress. “I enjoy delicacies occasionally. Wine is my preference.” His grin widened, his tone turning playful. “You’ll enjoy enhanced senses as well as incredible strength, among other powers.”
Her heart thudded against her ribs, the rhythm erratic and unnerving. “Enhanced senses? What do you mean?”
He tapped his nose lightly. “A vampire’s sense of smell is far superior to a human’s. And we can hear better than most animals. Once you adjust, you’ll start to notice other people’s heartbeats. You’ll be able to smell their blood—and sometimes other things, less… pleasant.”
Gracie leaned forward, captivated despite herself. “What kinds of scents aren’t pleasant?”
He shrugged casually, as if discussing the weather. “Garbage. Rotting food. Just as you’ll smell blood, with all its subtleties—like illness or disease like cancer or diabetes—you’ll also be overwhelmed by things like heavy cologne or someone who hasn’t bathed recently.”
“You can smell things like cancer in someone’s blood?” she asked, her voice soft with awe.
“You can too now,” Viktor replied evenly.
She blinked, pulling back slightly. “I’m not…”
“I know. You’re still not convinced you’re a vampire.” He sighed, giving her a look of exasperated affection. “All evidence to the contrary.”
