Sweet Temptation

His nostrils flared, and his features went tight. He felt it too, this intense connection that sizzled between them. Right now she could see the war he waged with himself. He was so readable. He wanted her. He wanted to take her and use her, but he also wanted to care for her. He thought her too weak and tired for what he wanted.

Didn’t he know that he was all she needed?

“Take me home,” she whispered.

He pulled her to her feet and tucked her securely against his side. Damon stopped them when they got to the door.

“I have an idea,” he said in a quiet voice.

“I’m listening,” Micah said.

“You and Angelina should stay at The House.”

Micah looked at Damon like he’d lost his mind.

“I’m not stashing her in a fucking sex club.”

“That’s just it,” Damon said patiently. “It’s probably the last place this asshole would look. Cover your tracks, take Angelina to The House. It has all the amenities. Kitchen, bathroom. You could have your choice of the upstairs bedrooms. I can close it to the public for as long as you need a place to stay. The security is impeccable, but I’m open to having your men do whatever updating or beefing up you feel is necessary.”

Micah rubbed his chin thoughtfully and then glanced down at Angelina. She could feel the tension in his body, coiled like a snake.

“It’s a good idea,” Micah admitted. “You’ve got enough surveillance there that no one could breathe on the place and get away with it.”

Damon nodded. “Take her there tonight. I can have Serena bring you both clothing and all the necessities tomorrow morning. The kitchen is stocked. I have a full staff, so you don’t have to worry about cooking or housekeeping.”

Micah shook his head. “I want everyone out. If I’m taking her there, it’ll be just her and me.”

“If that’s what you prefer. I’ll put my staff on vacation for as long as necessary.

Micah put his hand on Damon’s shoulder. “Thank you. I appreciate this.”

“We both do,” Angelina said.

Damon smiled at her, his brown eyes warm with affection.

“I consider Micah a very dear friend, even if he doesn’t allow me to make that claim very readily. I consider you a friend as well, Angelina. If there is anything either of you need, you have only to call.”

“Come on, Angel,” Micah said gently when she wobbled on her feet. “Let’s go get whatever we’ll need for tonight, and then we’ll see about losing any potential followers on our way to The House.”

“Do you really think he’s watching?” she asked in a troubled voice.

“I won’t lie. It’s a possibility. He was certainly watching the apartment complex. He knew just when you were alone, and he knew enough about Nathan’s association with you, and where Nathan lived, to warn him off.”

She shuddered and burrowed closer to his body. He squeezed her shoulder reassuringly.

“We’ll get him, Angel. You have a lot of people working this case.

She looked up at him. “I know you will. I trust you, Micah.”

“Let me tell the others what we’re doing and then we’ll get out of here.”

She nodded, and he left her briefly to go talk to the others.

“Are you going to be all right?” Damon asked.

“I don’t know,” she said truthfully. “I’m scared. More now than I was in Miami. There it was just me. Here there are more people involved. I don’t want anyone hurt.”

“You just worry about staying safe. Let us worry about ourselves.”

“Where are Serena and the others?” she asked.

Damon smiled, his teeth flashing white. “They’re unhappy with me at present, but I have them sequestered at my home with a very surly bodyguard who poses as a chauffeur.”

She had to suppress the urge to giggle. “I’m glad they’re safe.”

“As I said, don’t worry about them or us. We take care of our own. We’ll find this guy.” He gestured over his shoulder. “They have the manpower. I have unlimited capital. It’s a good combination. He won’t be able to hide forever.”

Angelina winced. “I feel like I already owe you all so much.”

Damon shrugged. “There is no debt. There is no price I wouldn’t pay to keep the ones I love safe. Serena is everything to me. Micah is one of my closest friends. And you are someone who needs the shelter of friendship most of all.”

She shook her head. “Unbelievable. I never dreamed people like you existed. All of you.” She waved her hand in a helpless circle. It honestly baffled her that all these people were willing to go to the wall for her.

“You ready?” Micah asked as he slipped up next to her again.

She nodded.

He brought her palm up to his lips and kissed it lightly. “Then let’s go.”

CHAPTER 21

When they pulled into the parking lot at The House, it was already empty. Lights glowed from the interior, a fact she was grateful for. She didn’t think she’d be comfortable going into any dark place at the moment.

Micah got out and she followed suit. His hand went to her back, and her skin danced in reaction as he hurried her toward the door.