Blood's Fury (Deadly Beauties 1)

"Sure, babe."

Without hesitation he halts the game, and I take his hand in mine to lead him back to the room - away from the unwanted listeners.

Amy is flipping through a magazine, pretending as though she hasn't been sitting in there to stare at my man this entire time. Sierra and Deke are curled up on a chair together, their lips entangled. I'm almost jealous.

He shuts the door behind him, his body tensing as if he's worried. "Everything okay?"

"Um... yeah. I just need to get out of here for a little while. I think I'm getting a little... stir crazy."

I suck at lying.

"Sure. Let me tell the guys I'm heading out."

I grab his hand, realizing I didn't clarify what I meant.

"I need some time to myself. I'll be back in a little while."

His eyes drop, suddenly a sense of guilt in them.

"I've made you feel trapped, haven't I? I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pretty much strong-arm you into living with me."

Now I feel guilty for making him feel guilty. Good grief. What a vicious little circle.

"It's not that. I'm just... I just need to walk around for a while. I spoke to Frankie, and they still don't have any leads on my mother. It's just a little much for one night."

As much as I hate using my mother's disappearance in my lie, it really will be therapeutic to kick some night stalker ass. If Gage is right about his foolproof plan.

He sighs as he nods. "Couldn't it wait until daylight? I don't like the thought of you being alone in the dark."

Now I know why I'm so utterly lost in this beautiful man. I've never known someone to be so thoughtful and sweet for no reason.

"I'll be fine. I promise I won't be too long."

He sighs while shifting uncomfortably, fighting the urge to beg me to stay.

"Well, take your phone. If you run into any problems, call me. Where will you be?"

"Um, I'm not sure. I might go to the diner, check in with Wade and some of the others."

He pulls my hand in his, holding it gently.

"Okay. Just... be careful. A lot of girls have been popping up missing lately. I don't like you going out in the dark."

If he knew what was actually out there, he'd really be against me going out into the dark.

"Thanks."

I lean up to kiss his cheek, but he turns and catches my lips. It's been

so long since I've given into his delicious fire. This thing with my mother has forced me to disengage, feeling guilty for losing myself in him.

His breath tastes incredible in my mouth, and I love the way his body feels pressed against mine. He pulls me tighter, feeling the weeks of pent up frustration. Before I know what's happening, he jerks me up, and my legs wrap around his waist.

"Clear your head tomorrow. Stay with me tonight," he murmurs against my lips.

I groan instead of moaning, realizing by now Gage has already started growing impatient with me. If another girl falls prey at the hands of the merciless simply because I selfishly became lost in the throes, I'll hate myself.

"When I get back, we'll finish this. The diner will close before I can get there if I stay here right now."