Vampire Mine - Kerrelyn Sparks [62]
“In the bedroom?”
“Yes.”
“When I touched yer breast?”
She gave him an annoyed look. “Not at that precise moment, no.”
He nodded slowly with a glint in his eyes. “So I can safely fondle yer breasts without revealing more information?”
“Excuse me?” When he chuckled, she realized he was teasing her, and she slapped at his shoulder. “Brynley must be right about the Three-Step Rule.”
“What is that?”
She narrowed her eyes. “I know what you’re doing. You’re trying to distract me from the main topic of conversation.”
“Nay, our main topics are merely different. I want to talk about yer breasts. Actually, I’d like to see yer breasts. And then I’d like to kiss them.”
She huffed. “Three steps. Brynley was right.”
The phone rang in his sporran and he pulled it out. “Aye?” He listened for a while. “Verra well. I’ll see if she’ll come.” He dropped the phone back into his sporran.
“What is it?” she asked.
“Shanna wants to meet you. Will ye come to Romatech with me?”
She nodded. “Yes, of course.” She owed the poor woman an apology. And Connor was sadly mistaken if he thought she would forget to question him about Darcy Newhart again.
When Connor teleported with Marielle to the side entrance of Romatech, Phineas was there to greet them.
Connor introduced the young black Vamp. “This is Phineas McKinney. He works for Angus, too, and he’s in charge of security here.”
“God bless you, dear soul.” She gave him one of her dazzling smiles.
“Wow.” Phineas’s eyes widened. “Robby just said she was dangerous. He didn’t mention she was smokin’ hot!”
Connor glowered at him. “Her hearing works well, too.”
“It’s not her ears I’m worried about,” Phineas muttered. He turned to Marielle. “We have a few mortal and shape-shifter employees here tonight. They have been warned to remain in their offices until you leave the premises.”
She nodded, her face growing sad. “I understand.”
“She wouldna purposely harm anyone,” Connor grumbled.
“I know.” Phineas gave Marielle an apologetic look. “I don’t mean to insult you, but as head of security here, I would feel personally responsible for any . . . accidents.”
She stuffed her hands into the pockets of her hooded jacket. “I’ll be careful.”
Phineas opened the side door and motioned for them to enter. “Shanna’s waiting for you in the cafeteria. Roman is outside with the children. Radinka and Father Andrew are with them.”
“Radinka is Gregori’s mother,” Connor explained as they walked down the corridor, followed by Phineas. “She’s mortal and helps Shanna with the children.” He winced. Radinka would have to watch over the children all day now.
“Gregori has a mortal mother who is still alive?” Marielle asked.
“Aye, he’s a young Vamp. Transformed in the parking lot here after Casimir attacked him. Radinka found him barely alive and begged Roman to save him.”
Marielle nodded. “I thought he was younger. Not as . . . heavily burdened as others.” She gave Connor a worried look.
She was obviously referring to him and the black pit of remorse she kept trying to dig into. He didn’t want to talk about it or even think about it. Tonight had been a magical night, buying her first ice cream cone and sharing her first ride on a carousel. And hearing her admit that she cared deeply for him.
Tonight had filled his heart with joy. It would be a memory he would treasure long after she returned to heaven. He flinched inwardly with a pang to his heart. He didn’t want to think about that, either. It would hurt like hell when she left.
But of course, he was on the list for hell, so it was exactly what he deserved.
They reached the main foyer, and Connor turned left, motioning for Marielle to follow.
“I guess an angel like you has to be really old,” Phineas said as he walked behind them.
Connor glanced back with an irritated look.
Phineas smirked. “I bet you’re even older than grouchy old Connor.”
Marielle smiled. “I am.” She looked at Connor. “How old are you?”
His jaw shifted. “I doona discuss my private life.”