Page 28 of Mortal Blood
“Funny.”
“Who said I was joking?”
“I did. Because you are totally not touching my ass until you teach me something cool.”
“Trouble in paradise?” The scathing voice came from behind—and above—me, and I spun round to find myself staring up at Thaden. I scrambled to my feet and glared at him.
“There wasn’t until you showed up.”
“That’s not very nice, sweetness.”
“What do you want, Thaden?” Cole demanded, moving to stand at my shoulder.
“You know what I want.”
“I know you’re not touching her without her consent.”
Thaden curled his lip in a sneer. “I know a few humans who’ll be sorry to hear that.”
“Don’t youdaretry to guilt her into satisfying your cravings,” Cole snarled, surging past me to get right in Thaden’s face.
I blew out a slow sigh. Much as I loved to see Cole standingup for me, I hated to see the animosity between the two friends. And I hated that I was the cause of it. I touched one hand gently to Cole’s arm.
“It’s okay. I gave him my word.”
“And I gave you mine,” he said. “He won’t touch you without your permission.”
“And I’m giving it.” As I had every week for the last three months, despite enduring his cold words and colder looks. I didn’t want them to hate each other because of me. I rubbed my hand down Cole’s arm and he drew back, turning to search my face.
“You’re sure? You don’t have to do this.”
“Touching,” Thaden said cuttingly.
“Why don’t you just fuck off, Thaden?”
He jerked back like I’d slapped him—which was all too tempting—before recovering himself.
“You’re reneging, then?”
“No,” I bit out. “But I’m not writing off my entire Sunday afternoon because you fancy a snack. I’ll see you this evening.”
“Are you sure that’s what you want, sweetness? Being trapped alone with the big bad after dark?”
Cole tensed, but I just smiled at the vampire.
“Fire burns brightest in the dark.”
He stared at me for a long moment, like he was trying to puzzle me out, then turned on his heel and stalked away without another word.
“Very impressive,” Cole murmured in my ear.
“Being able to put him on his ass would be more impressive.”
“You’re thinking about Thaden’s ass?” Cole arched a brow teasingly—and least, Ithoughthe was teasing—and I scowled.
“I amnotthinking about his ass. I’m thinking about punching him in his smug face.”
“I don’t know,” Cole said, a smile ghosting across his lips in a way that made my heart stutter. “Thaden’s ass, and now his face…should I be jealous?”
