His warmth was heavenly, and I snuggled close against him. Our bodies fit together perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle. It was one of my favorite feelings.
“It's been a long night. But now, it is finally perfect.” He nuzzled my ear, stimulating the nerves, which sent a tickle down my spine. “How was yours?”
“Better than last night, that's for sure. I'm glad you came by. I needed this.” Closing my eyes, I soaked up the moment.
Shaz was silent, his arms tightening around me. He rested his head on top of mine, and I pressed my face into his black cotton t-shirt. The only thing missing was my bedroom, which was downstairs.
“I'm guessing that Arys' pissy mood tonight has something to do with that?”
“You saw him?” I leaned back so that I could look him in the eyes. “Did he say anything?”
His lips twisted into a grimace, and he gave his head a slight shake. “Other than telling me to mind my own business and keep my mouth shut, no. He didn't have much to say to me.”
“Figures. He must be in a real mood.” With an exasperated sigh, I repeated the incident with Arys to him, editing out unnecessary details. If Shaz knew how he'd enforced his threat, he'd be tearing out of here to go and kill him.
When I finished, Shaz' jaw was clenching, and his jade green eyes had darkened.
Tension thrummed throughout his body, and I stroked the side of his face. If Shaz and Arys were to get physical with each other again, I knew it would end much worse than it had the first time, and this wasn't worth that kind of trouble.
“I don't know how that mother f**ker thinks he can control you. Lex, you have every damn right to go to whoever you think you need to see. But … I do have to agree that Harley may not be the best first choice. Isn't there anybody else?”
I shook my head, and chewed my lower lip until I tasted blood. It was a nervous habit. “Not that I know of. Besides, I don't plan to go alone. Kale's coming with me.”
Shaz knew about the kiss I'd shared with Kale, but only because I'd told him. Arys knew nothing and never would. Hiding things from Shaz wasn't something I could do, nor did I want to. He was far more open-minded and understanding than the dominating vampire. He understood why it happened whereas Arys would merely finger point.
“The thought of you walking in there makes me sick to my stomach. Can you just take a few days to think about it?”
I smiled and stood on my tiptoes to kiss him. I loved that he worried about me, though I didn't want him to. Our lips met, and for a moment, my nagging problems ceased to hold any power or meaning. The taste of wolf stirred my own beast to life, and I wrapped my arms around his neck to hold him closer.
I dipped my tongue into his mouth for the briefest taste of him. The temptation to linger was strong. He caught my tongue as I tried to pull away, sucking it deep into his mouth. It sent an excited thrill through me, causing my heart to race.
“I have been thinking about speaking with Harley for weeks now. Several. I have to.
And besides, he probably won't even give me the time of day.”
Shaz didn't look convinced. “Or he'll be more than happy to see you and milk it for all it's worth. Just what are you prepared to give him for his help, Alexa? He's not going to give something for nothing.”
Worry shone in his eyes then, and I knew the types of things that he was imagining Harley would demand. I didn't doubt most of them myself. I knew how vampires worked.
“Leave that to me, ok? I have boundaries, and I don't intend to cross any of them.”
My mind wandered to the file folder from Veryl sitting in the den. Dammit. “Why don't you come and join me in a hot bath? And then, I have something from Veryl to show you.”
* * * *
The interior light of Kale's car was relatively dim, but it was good enough for me to see my reflection in the rear view mirror. Kale had made a pained noise when I'd turned it so that I could look into it from the passenger seat, but for the most part, he waited patiently while I double-checked my appearance. Call me vain, but I didn't want to approach Harley in PJs and a ponytail. I wanted to appeal to every one of his senses. I planned to get what I came here for. I knew what would get Harley's attention. The cle**age baring black halter top and red lips would certainly help; he was a man after all. But, my exposed throat would really make him listen. Wearing a scarf or choker necklace was an indication that one wasn't interested in playing. In a place like The Wicked Kiss, a bare neck was like an open invitation.
I could feel Kale's eyes on me, watchful and curious. I slid him a sidelong glance and raised a brow. “Yes? Go ahead and ask whatever it is that you're thinking.”
“Alright.” He gave a brief nod of his dark head. “Are you absolutely sure that you want to do this? It could get nasty in there.”
“It could. But, it won't. And, no matter what happens, don't get confrontational with him. Nobody gets hurt, ok?” As tough as Kale was, he'd been no match for Harley.