Sweet and Vicious(Margarelli Brothers 1)

“Dosed?”

He nodded, and I closed my eyes for a moment, trying to remember what had happened to me.

“No. Why would they . . . ?”

He just looked at me, not saying anything. He was too polite to say it. He was telling me the truth, I realized, slapping my hand over my mouth.

“I’m going to be sick,” I said in a strangled whisper.

He took my arm and hurried me across the room and into the biggest bathroom I’d ever seen. It was wall to wall black marble and extravagantly luxurious. At least, from what I could tell as I dropped to my knees and vomited into the waste can.

“I’m sorry,” I said as I wiped my mouth with the back of my hand. “I wasn’t going to make it.”

His eyes crinkled but he didn’t smile.

“Don’t apologize to me. You can throw up wherever you want,” he added dryly.

I stood shakily and leaned over the sink. I watched as his tan, strong hand reached out and turned on the cold water. He was watching me very closely. I wished suddenly that he would look away.

It was impossible to think with those heavy-lidded eyes on me. I could almost feel them touching me. Sometimes, the touch was feather light, but sometimes, it was hard and heavy.

Warm. His eyes feel warm. Very, very warm.

I stared down into the sink after splashing my face a few times. I had to ask. I really did not want to.

“Did they . . .”

“Not a finger,” he said, his voice nearly a growl. It was almost like he didn’t want me to finish the sentence. Or even think it. “And they’ll never do it to anyone again.”

“How . . . how did you stop them?”

“I saw what they did. I couldn’t stop you from taking a sip. I was too far away. Two or three sips, I think.” His brow was furrowed. “They must have used a lot.”

I could almost hear the words he wasn’t saying. Bad words. He was thinking them but not saying them.

A gentleman, I thought again, staring at the crisp white cuffs of his shirt.

“I have to go,” I said suddenly. His frown intensified. He was shaking his head before he spoke.

“No, not yet. I called Doc . . . a doctor,” he amended. “You were out a long time. I want him to take a look at you.”

He smiled. It was a very appealing smile. It was the smile of a man who knew he was handsome. It didn’t mean I missed the tone of absolute authority in his voice. This was a man who was used to people following his orders.

“And the least I can do is feed you in the meantime.”

My stomach growled and I nodded. I wasn’t sure why I was agreeing. My mother would have told me to get the hell out of there. But I was fascinated by the man standing in front of me in his black and white marble bathroom with a massive window overlooking the city.

Where was I? And who was he?

Someone rich, I told myself. Probably used to women falling all over him, too.

Well, not this woman. Even though I kind of wanted to. I was surprised by how much his looks were affecting me. He was being so kind to me, too. He had saved me, after all, I reasoned. And the truth was, I was starving.

“How long was I . . . out?”

“Twenty-six hours. Or so,” he said in that straightforward way.

“Oh, my God,” I breathed. “I missed a whole day of classes?”

He nodded, tilting his head and peering at me with those insanely beautiful eyes of his. He was observing me, I realized. Trying to figure me out. Trying to unlock me, like a puzzle.

I gave him a wary look.

“I should text my roommate.”

“I didn’t find a phone,” he said, fishing one out of his pocket. “You can use mine.”

“My phone is gone? Crapola.”

“I’ll get you a new one. What do you like? iPhone? Blackberry?”

“No. But thank you.”

He cracked a smile. I was about to ask him what was so funny. He shook his head and asked “Crapola?”

I shrugged and took his phone after he unlocked it. I exhaled and tried to figure out what to say.

AAre you alive? It’s Evie.

OMG WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?

I’m okay. I guess somebody put something in my drink? This guy saved me. I’ve been asleep.

What guy? How do you know he didn’t do it?

Because I have all my clothes on? Trust me, he’s not the type.

Okay, well I’m glad you’re okay. Are you coming home?

Soon.

I chewed on my lip, wondering what else to say.

I’ll be in touch.

I looked up and caught him staring at my mouth with an intensity that made my breath catch. I cleared my throat and held out the phone. He blinked as if he were coming out of a daze.