in her undergarments. She didn’t remember undressing so she could only ascertain that she’d finally passed out and he’d undressed her. She didn’t know how she felt about him undressing her, but then again, her clothes had been soaked. He’d washed her clothes and had them sitting out for her, but the sheer peek-a-boo tank wasn’t appropriate for the daytime. Heck, it was hardly appropriate for the nighttime, the reason she’d sifted through his closet for the t-shirt.
Anxious to get out to Derrick before he disappeared, Kris rummaged through her closet, selecting a pair of faded capri jeans and a long-sleeved black t-shirt. The simple attire would complement Derrick’s tan khakis and plain white button-down oxford. She could picture him with a white jacket over top and a stethoscope around his neck. Although, the image that popped into her head was of a doctor on a soap opera, not any of the physicians she’d ever seen.
If Derrick had been her doctor, she would have never fussed about going. In fact, she probably would have made up excuses for regular examinations. His brooding eyes, dark features, and onyx-colored hair over light olive skin gave him a Mediterranean look. But then again, she’d dated several Portuguese and Lebanese men over the years with similar skin tone, but neither of them had Derrick’s high, prominent cheekbones, slender nose, and square jawline. And of course, his striking almond shaped eyes with their immense depth. Somehow, he looked to have a touch of American Indian, Mediterranean, and Asian appearance all at once. He resembled no man she’d ever seen in person or a celebrity.
Taking one long look at herself in the mirror, she drew in a deep breath, steeling herself. Would he agree, she wondered. He seemed attracted to her. He’d called her beautiful after all.
Determined, she marched out of her bedroom, but then stopped when she entered the living area. He was holding up a picture of her mother and her, taken a few months before she was murdered. Her mother had taken her to see Santa Claus and then they’d jumped in one of those photo booths. They’d taken silly and serious photos. Kris had enlarged and framed the serious one.
“She was beautiful, wasn’t she?”
Derrick turned in her direction, his expression surprisingly solemn, and if she wasn’t mistaken, his eyes looked glassy. “Yes. Very.” He set the frame on the window ledge and crossed the room, taking her hand in his. He led her to the couch, pulling her down beside him. “Kristina,” he paused as he lifted his hand to her neck, “I can’t introduce you to my family today.”
“Why not?” she demanded, attempting to put power behind her question, but a trace of defeat filled her tone and she was certain he’d recognize it. She’d assumed since she had to choose as he’d said, that they’d want to meet her. “You said your brother moved my car, so he obviously already knows about me,” she continued before he could answer, adding validity to her petition.
“Listen to me, please. I’m different. My family’s different.” He shook his head. “We need to make sure —”
“Derrick,” she moved his hand to her lap, “I am sure.”
“But you don’t even know me. You—”
“I jumped off a bridge to get your attention,” she interjected. “Do you think I would do that if I wanted anyone else?”
“You were sick. Under the influence of—”
“I knew what I was doing—” she tried, but this time he cut her off by placing his fingers over her lips.
The edges of his mouth quirked up, but she could tell he tried to resist smiling. “Please stop interrupting me. I was wrong,” he said. “I guess you do like to talk.” He raised his hand when she started to interrupt again. “Kristina, you heard me. They’ll kill you if you ever try to leave. Let’s just take a few days, get to know each other. And if…” he lowered his head to look into her eyes, “if you decide to be with me, then yes, I would love for you to meet my family.” He stopped as if it were okay for her to speak again.
“But your brother knows…” she said, undeterred by his suggestion that his family was dangerous. She just couldn’t imagine that anyone related to him would harm her.
“Well, he’s my brother. He’s allowing us time. But he wouldn’t hesitate…” he trailed off, not wanting to say that his brother would be willing to kill her, she assumed.
Kris’ heartbeat kicked up a notch, wondering what was so secretive. “So tell me then, and I’ll decide.”
He pursed his lips, obviously determined to keep her in the dark as long as possible. “No. But I’m glad you finally believe I’m real. I wasn’t sure how I was going to prove my existence to you, but I had an idea.”
A thrill shot through her system, watching the way his eyes melted into hers, the ever-slight tilt of his head. Her heart thrummed beneath her ribcage as she realized he’d had the same idea she had. She licked her lips, letting out a soft sigh in anticipation. Her Dark Angel was going to kiss her.
Derrick glided his fingers along her jawline as he inched his head closer. “I’ve wanted—”
She bolted upright as her cell phone rang. “Oh, God!” She threw her hand over her chest and peered down at the caller ID. “Beth,” she whooshed out her friend’s name, not certain why she’d jumped.
“You need to take her call,” he said softly.
Kris shook her head wildly, refusing to break the moment, even though it was already lost. Derrick picked up her phone off the coffee table and hit ‘answer’ before she could object again.
Beth’s voice immediately came over the speaker in a frantic rush. “Kris? Oh, dear Lord, are you there, Kris?”
Kris lifted the phone to her ear. “I’m here.”
“You scared the death out of me. You left me that message and then wouldn’t answer my calls. I thought… I thought you’d…” Obviously, Beth couldn’t form the words.
“I was leaving town,” Kris lied. “It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, and I didn’t want you to change my mind. And then I sort of just hid. Cleaned up my act, you know?”
“Oh, thank goodness, Kris. I just… I didn’t know what to think. So, you’re not leaving then, right? You’ll still be my maid of honor?”
She couldn’t help but laugh at her friend’s question. If she didn’t love Beth so much, she’d think the only reason she was upset was because she’d have to find another size three to fit in the dress Beth had custom made to fit Kris. “Yes. Of course. What are best friends for?”
“Okay, then. I have to go. My mom’s here. We’re going wedding shopping today. I’ll call you later, okay?” Her okay sounded like a question of whether Kris would really be around or not.
“Yes,” Kris assured her. “But if I don’t answer, it’s just because I’m busy.” She looked up at Derrick who hadn’t moved from in front of her. Her heart started pounding double time as soon as he smiled. “Don’t worry. I’m not going anywhere. Bye, Beth.” Kris hung up the phone and switched off the ringer. She didn’t want any more interruptions.
Derrick reached for the phone and set it on the end table behind her. The heat of his body caressed hers as he moved past her. Instead of pulling away, he trailed his hand down her back, wrapping his arm around her waist. “No matter what happens, I’d hate myself if I never kissed you.”
Kris licked her lips again. The anticipation was killing her. Most guys were so sloppy and quick, almost falling forward, missing her mouth. But Derrick seemed to be measuring his moves, planning his approach. His other hand moved behind her neck. And with both hands, he pulled her closer as he moved in again. His eyes held hers as his lips brushed against hers ever so softly. Then he kissed her tenderly on the corner of her mouth, and once again, sweeping his lips back over hers, delicately kissed the other side of her mouth. Her mouth fell open a fraction in submission, as if he’d coaxed her to open up. He drew her toward him and this time encompassed her completely, his mouth closing over hers. He took her top lip, then her bottom, venturing inside and exploring. Her entire body felt weightless as if under a spell by just his kiss.
For some reason, she had to break the spell. As good as it was, she felt possessed. “Derrick,” she spoke his name under his warm and moist lips. Not wanting to stop, but wanting to maintain control.
“Yes,” he asked, his kisses trailing across her cheekbones.
Her mind almost felt free from his enchantment. Though, somehow, she knew she’d never be free. She’d always been his. “What took you so long?”
“I’m here now.” Capturing her mouth once again, he kissed her deeply with a passion she’d never felt.
