Captivated (Deep in Your Veins 6)

“Yes, spill all,” urged Imani, leaning forward in her recliner.

Keeley sighed. “So maybe I have a little thing for Sebastian. I wouldn’t say I’m waiting on him, I’m not a girl who has a problem making the first move. But it’s clear that he’s not interested, so there’s no point. Human and vampire years together, I’m thirty-four. He’s been on this Earth for centuries, he sees me as a baby.”

Perching himself on a lounger, Fletcher snorted. “Oh no, he doesn’t.”

She frowned. “Really?”

“Really,” he assured her. “A few times now I’ve been in the same room when you two were stood closely together, I know he’s interested.” Well, as an Empath, Fletcher truly would know for sure. “But he likes you too much to use you for a jump in the sack, so if you’re looking for a fling, you won’t get one.”

“I was hoping for more than a fling.”

“It’s good that you’re all right with making the first move, then, because you’ll have to. Sebastian … he’s given up on relationships. As a tracker, he can be away from The Hollow for months at a time. The women in his past told him they could handle it, but they never could. Mostly because couples don’t like to feed from other people, but he can’t possibly promise that. Like I said, he can be gone for months. He needs pure blood while away. Just the same, his woman would need to feed from others until he returns. You’d need to be good with that.”

Keeley double-blinked. “Huh. I never actually thought of that. I wouldn’t like that we’d have to regularly feed from others, but I could handle it. I’d prefer that to not being with him at all.”

“Then make that clear to him, but don’t be offended if he doubts you at first. He’s been let down too many times.”

It was only right then it occurred to me that any woman who committed to Ryder would be in that same boat. It could be one of the reasons why he wasn’t looking for anything serious. Like Keeley, I wouldn’t like having to share the blood of my partner so often, but I could handle it if necessary. Not that I’d need to handle it. Ryder wasn’t looking for commitment. I wasn’t sure he was looking for anything at all.

Grimacing, Norm reached behind him in the water and wiggled. “I don’t think I’ll be wearing these shorts again. I’ve had wedgie after wedgie. If I wanted a G-string, I’d buy one.”

“And then I’d bin it, because it wouldn’t suit you,” said Fletcher.

Norm frowned. “Are you saying I couldn’t work a G-string?”

“Luv, don’t let it bother you, there are more interesting things to have wedged between your arse cheeks,” said Fletcher, a twinkle in his eyes.

Norm chuckled. “That there are.”

Fletcher glanced around. “If anyone’s interested, I went to see Damien and Lexi earlier.”

“Of course we’re interested,” said Ava. “How is she doing?”

“All right, really,” he replied. “Poor Damien was fretting that she was suffering from a case of delayed shock, he kept thinking she’d suddenly lose her mind about now being one of us. But she’s rolling with it like a pro. I took her a ‘We’re Thinking of You’ basket and tossed in some muffins, chocolate, bath bombs, lube, and a neon orange dildo.’”

I felt my mouth curve. “A strange combo, but okay. I like Lexi. And I like her for Damien.”

Paige smiled. “He’s so gone over her.”

Ava nodded. “She owns his ass, and I’m not sure if she even knows it.”

Norm sighed dreamily. “They’re both so sweet together.” His gaze cut to me. “How’re things going with you and Coop?”

“Okay, thanks,” I said.

Fletcher hummed. “So not as thrilling as whatever’s going on between you and Ryder, then? You were seen heading to his place last night, and no one will buy that you two sat and played UNO.”

Oh, here we go. I just knew I’d get grilled at some point. A few of the girls had earlier tossed probing comments my way, but I’d brushed off each one, not wanting to discuss what was between me and Ryder. Or, more specifically, what wasn’t between us.

He might have made some sweetly possessive remarks, but they didn’t give me hope, because he was seemingly content with just occasionally fucking me. That wasn’t what I was looking for from him. But it had become clear that it was essential he and I weren’t ever alone in a room, because I couldn’t guarantee I’d ever push him away if he made a move.

“Just answer me one thing,” said Norm. “Is he hot in bed?”

Fletcher shot him a dark look. “And why, pray tell, would that peak your interest?”

Norm raised his shoulders. “What, you don’t want to know?”

Fletcher pursed his lips and then looked my way. “Well, is he hot in bed?”