Page 22 of Viktor's Temptation
“Because he didn’t want to tell you about his termination,” Viktor offered, his lips tightening in distaste.
Gracie sighed heavily, nodding as her mind pieced it together. “Yes, that sounds like Warren. He’d see losing his job as…a weakness. His identity is tied to his work—and to drinking with his friends after work. He always claimed he stayed out late because he didn’t want to be alone in the house while I was working late, but…” She trailed off, bitterness lacing her tone. “Isuspect he just preferred downing beers over spending time with me.”
“And he drives home after drinking?” Viktor’s tone was sharp now, his frustration clear.
Gracie gave a resigned nod. “Yes. I’ve begged him to stop, but he insists he has a high alcohol tolerance and can handle it.”
“He’s an idiot,” Viktor said bluntly. Taking her hand, he lifted it to his lips, brushing a kiss across her fingers. “One of the many advantages—and occasional downsides—of being a vampire is that we can enjoy the taste of alcohol, but it doesn’t impair us.”
Her brows shot up in surprise. “How is that a downside?”
He chuckled softly, his deep voice resonating in the space between them. “We can’t get drunk.”
Gracie laughed, brushing her hand lightly against his arm. “That’s hardly a downside! I hate being out of control. I’ve never liked the idea of getting drunk.”
“Do you dislike being out of control in all situations?” Viktor asked, stepping closer, his fingers tangling with hers as he leaned in slightly.
Gracie’s breath caught, her heart thudding wildly in her chest. Every instinct in her wanted to lean into him, to feel the warmth of his chest against hers, the firm line of his body pressing into her softer curves. But she forced herself to inhaledeeply and step back, retreating from the magnetic pull between them.
“I’m…uh…not sure what you mean,” she said quickly, her voice faltering. Desperate for a distraction, she glanced down at her outfit and lifted her arms slightly. “Thank you for the clothes!”
Viktor’s gaze swept over her figure, and Gracie could swear his silver eyes burned brighter. Heat climbed her cheeks as she wondered—was he interested in her? No. Impossible.
“What are the other benefits?” she asked hurriedly, changing the subject.
He shoved his hands into his pockets, giving her a half-smile. “We don’t get sick.”
Her mouth fell open in shock. “Not at all?”
“No.” He pulled a pair of scissors from a nearby desk drawer. “And we heal incredibly fast. Let me show you.” Before she could protest, he sliced through the skin of his forearm.
“Viktor!” she gasped, rushing to him. Without hesitation, she grabbed the scissors and quickly tore a strip of fabric from the hem of her blouse. Her movements were instinctive, her fingers steady as she tried to bandage the wound. But before she could even wrap the silk around his arm, the bleeding stopped.
Gracie froze, staring in disbelief as the skin knitted itself back together right before her eyes. Even the fine hairs on his arm grew back as though nothing had happened. “What thehell?” she whispered, brushing her fingers over the now-smooth skin. “The wound… It’s completely gone!”
“Exactly,” Viktor said, his voice tinged with amusement. He tugged lightly at the torn hem of her blouse. “And don’t worry—I’ll buy you another one. You look ravishing in it.”
Gracie blinked, her breath hitching.Ravishing?No one had ever described her that way before. It wasn’t just the word; it was the way he said it, his tone warm and filled with genuine admiration.
“Ravishing?” she repeated, her fingers still absently stroking his arm.
“Yes, Gracie. Ravishing,” he said firmly, his gaze locking with hers.
She could hear his heartbeat now, the rhythmic thrum pounding in her ears. The sound mixed with the rush of his blood in his veins, loud and powerful. Every sense was alive, heightened to an almost unbearable level. The air between them crackled with unspoken energy.
Viktor inhaled sharply, then stepped back, breaking the spell. Gracie felt the loss like a physical ache but tried to mask her disappointment.
“So…no diseases at all?” she asked, her voice quieter now.
“None,” he confirmed, taking her hand and tucking it onto the crook of his arm. “And another perk—you’ll never gain weight.”
Gracie’s eyes widened in delight. “No weight gain? Ever?”
He chuckled at her enthusiasm. “Nope. Not even from chocolate cake.”
She laughed, the sound bubbling up despite the strange intensity of their earlier moment. Maybe, just maybe, being a vampire wasn’t going to be so bad after all.
“Get used to it,” he confirmed with a chuckle. “It doesn’t matter how much you eat, you will remain exactly as you are right now.”
