Page 21 of Guardians for the Vamp
“Oh,” Layla chirps, covering her mouth. Fucking supernatural hearing busting me and my lust. “I didn’t mean to... um... rile you up.”
I take another drink of water to stop myself from saying something embarrassing.
“I like hearing your heart react to me,” she says.
I stare at the glass of water, twisting it around on the countertop. “Do you not fuck humans? Or supes who have heartbeats?”
I cringe the moment I ask the questions.
“Sorry, that’s none of my business.”
“It’s fine.” Layla smiles, relaxing her tense shoulders. “I do fuck beings with heartbeats, but it’s been a while. I just forgot how fascinating and sensitive the little organs are. Yours is very… active.”
She giggles, probably remembering how chaotic my heartbeat was when we first met.
It’s chaotic right now.
I should change the subject.
“So, um, I have some things I’d like to discuss,” I say, standing to extract my phone so I can take notes.
Layla’s face transforms to delight.
I tilt my head.
She covers her mouth again. Why does she keep hiding her joy?
“Sorry. I got excited.”
“About me wanting to discuss things with you?”
“Yeah. I like hearing you talk. Your voice is so deep and sexy. Xander said you’re a gargoyle of few words, but I think you’re warming up to me. I need more.”
Fuck I’m blushing again.
She waves her hand, shaking her head. “Sorry, please go on.”
“Um, right, so your security detail... I’d like to double your guards. That way, you can have two always stationed outside your penthouse doors. I counted three manning the lobby, which is good, but I’d like four additional guards patrolling the perimeter of your building at all times. When you’re on the move, out in public, there will always be two to four guards by your side. I’ll rotate them out every day so we don’t fall into a routine.”
“Change them out?” Her eyes widen, panic filling them. “Does that mean you won’t be with me?”
She’s moved to sit on a stool next to where I stand and reaches out to place her hand on my forearm. I shudder at her touch and cover her knuckles with my palm.
“I will be there whenever you need me.”
She relaxes immediately. Ok… so maybe she is as affected by me as I am by her.
This isn’t a good idea.
What was I thinking fooling around with the woman I’m supposed to be protecting? This desire that’s consuming my thoughts and body has already been distracting. I can’t have distractions when my job is to keep the new vampire queen alive.
I dip my head to hide my concern.
“A few of your guards will share units in the building, that way they’re close and ready if a threat presents itself. We should also get a witch in here to ward the place. And I’d like someone to stay here inside the penthouse with you, especially now that you’ll be heading this committee for the unveiling plan. If word gets out before you’re ready for the supe community to know, I worry you’ll get unwanted attention or even threats.”
She opens her mouth, but I raise my hand.
“I don’t think it should be me.” She frowns, questions on the tip of her tongue. “I will stay here tonight, as I promised Vara, but after that, I’ll reside in another apartment in the building. What we did on the dance floor… and in the limo... I can’t let that distract me from protecting you. I already like you way too much—”
