His name was weird—Viper. No last name. He wore a black T-shirt exposing his full sleeve of tattoos up his arms. He had dark brown hair shaved on the sides of his head and the top swooped back over the top. Chiseled features, dark, almost black eyes with an intense stare. He towered over her five feet four inches by at least a foot and a half. He was built like a quarterback, and every inch of him was delicious. But even more delicious was his deep baritone voice.
“Where do you want these?”
“What?” Her eyes had been admiring the bulging biceps and overlooked the fact that he was holding an enormous box.
“The books that Valorie is donating.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I’m discombobulated.”
“The box?” he asked, holding it up.
“Right. Could you take it to the banquet room at the back?” She walked in that direction and he followed her. She felt his eyes on her and she smoothed out the dress she was wearing. She must look like a mess, having moved books around all day. She didn’t even brush her hair before the students showed up. As they walked, she rambled nervously.
“I don’t believe that we have been formally introduced. I’m Caroline Aline Sinclair, but everyone around here calls me Callie. What’s your name?”
“Viper.”
That was all he said. “Is there a last name?”
“No.”
Okay, so he wasn’t a talker. “Have you been at the King R Ranch very long?”
“Yes.”
Frowning, Callie motioned toward the dining table and watched as he easily carried and placed the box down. The bending motion made his jeans tighten across his mighty fine ass. She felt heat travel up and down her entire body. When he turned around, she got a look at his front and wondered if he wore boxers or briefs.
“I prefer boxers,” he said.
Oh shit! “Did I say that out loud?”
He chuckled. “Yes, you did. Would it be inappropriate to ask the same of you?”
It took her a moment to realize that this serious-looking, dark and dangerous man was making a joke. She opened her mouth, and then closed it, only to open it again.
“Sorry, I was just kidding.”
She smiled up at him and teased him a little. “I didn’t think you knew how. You are always so serious.”
“I mean you no harm.”
“I didn’t say that I feared you. I feel safe with you here. That sounds so strange, but it’s true. I was about to close up the library. I have dinner in my Crock-Pot, which should be ready. Would you like to stay for dinner... as a thank you for bringing the books?”
“I should get back to the ranch.”
“Oh. Well then…” she felt so stupid. He was only running an errand for Valorie, not here to see her.
Boom! A loud crashing sound from above had them both looking at the ceiling.
“Is there someone upstairs?” Viper asked. His voice took on a sharp, dangerous tone.
She shook her head. “That’s my personal living space and I keep it locked during the day when I’m working. No one should be up there.”
“Any pets?”
“No, I’m allergic to pet dander ever since I was a child. I used to have a goldfish, but it died.” Stop rambling, Callie! He will think I’m a pathetic spinster!
“I will check it out.”
“Wait, the backstairs by the kitchen is the only way up to my apartment. I’ve got the only key.” Callie moved past him toward the kitchen, and then opened a door that led to a stairway. She could feel his warm body right behind her, so close. She tripped over a step. Instantly, his hands were on her hips, steadying her. Then he let her go and she had to grip the railing for balance. Her breathing was fast, just like her the pounding of her heart. They reached the top of the stairs at the small platform. She unlocked the door and was about to open it, but he stopped her.
“You remain here while I check it out.”
“Okay,” she agreed breathlessly. The way he took charge and protected her made her heart race and her imagination kick into overdrive. It was just the thing a prince would do to save a fair maiden. Callie snorted to herself. Right, this was no fairy tale, and she was no princess. This was real life, not a fantasy. Men like Viper never looked twice at shy librarians.
Chapter 4
Viper’s dragon was pushing his way to the surface, wanting to get out and protect their mate. Mate? What the hell was he thinking? Callie was not their mate, she was human. He barely knew her, and she definitely wouldn’t have anything to do with him if she knew what he really was.
To humans, he and his kind were nothing more than monsters. He had plenty of experience over the centuries with mobs of humans with pitchforks wanting to eradicate the world of demons breathing fire. Many of those humans died from the very demons they were hunting. He shook away those awful memories. Not all humans were his enemy. Some were mates to Drakonians. Callie was a friend of Valorie’s. He focused on finding out who dared to invade the apartment.
Stepping through the door silently, he made Callie stay back and closed the door. As soon as he was inside the apartment, he smelled a Drakonian male. The male’s emotions were powerful, lingering behind each room. The living room had a fluffy couch and matching chair with a coffee table and two end tables. There was a TV and stand. Lot’s of pictures on the
