He wasn’t sure what to think about her. But it was obvious what she thought of him as evidenced by the permanent scowl on her face when he was around.
“Feet off the kitchen table,” Adrianna said as she breezed into the kitchen. She knocked Julianna’s legs off with a flick of her hand, which earned her a scowl from the younger woman. She chuckled and rubbed her sister’s hair affectionately.
The easy and relaxed atmosphere around the sisters reminded him of another time. Of a time when he ruffled the hair of someone much younger. Of blue eyes looking up at him in wonder. Of a small face with a gap-tooth smile. And then … the blank slate of nothingness.
“Darius?” Adrianna was looking at him. “Are you okay?”
Her gentle, concerned tone brought him back to the present. “I’m fine.”
“Then please be careful, that cup is very old.”
He looked down at the delicate cup in his hand, his fingers gripped around the body. “Apologies.” He placed it on the counter and reached into a cupboard for a sturdier mug. “Are we heading into the city today, Miss Anderson?”
She seemed to bristle at his question. “Well, I am. I have to go to work.”
“Then I will be with you.”
The tips of her ears went red. “It’s just New York. I’ve been safe there the past couple of weeks. The mages wouldn’t dare try anything in my father’s territory.”
“Still, I am tasked with your safety. I am bound by my family’s oath to the Alpha to keep you safe.”
“I—”
“For God’s sake, just let him follow you, Adrianna.” Julianna rolled her eyes. “You’ve already let him in the house. You know what they say, right? Once you let a stray animal in, you’ll never get rid of them.”
He didn’t know if he wanted to thank Julianna or wring her neck. So, he decided to ignore her. “I can drive you into the city. That way, with your hands free, you can get some work done on your phone.”
She opened her mouth, then quickly shut it again. “Fine. Let’s go.”
He walked ahead of her, opening the front door to let her out into the porch. “We can take my car,” he said. She shrugged and motioned for him to go ahead. Dashing over to his vehicle, he opened the rear passenger seat. When he glanced back at her, she was frowning.
“What are you doing?” She walked around to the front passenger seat and pulled the door open.
“It’s not—”
“You wanted to drive me, right? Well, I don’t want to be late,” she said before she slipped inside and shut the door.
He paused, gathering his thoughts. It was bad enough that he would be trapped in that enclosed space, smelling her sweet scent, but now she would be right beside him and it would be even harder to ignore her. When she walked into the kitchen, he saw the flicker of desire in her eyes as her gaze ran over his body. Last night had been a revelation and now he couldn’t unsee her attraction to him. Which only made things even more dangerous.
Not wanting to keep her waiting, he slipped into the driver’s seat. She was already settled in, eyes on her phone as she typed furiously. He tore his gaze away from her, started the engine, and braced himself for a very long drive ahead.
Chapter Seven
“Giselle,” Adrianna said as she breezed out of her office, coat and purse in hand.
The young woman sitting at the desk looked up at her from her computer screen. “Yes, Ms. Anderson?”
“I’m headed to lunch across the street. I don’t want to be disturbed unless it’s a real emergency.”
“Yes, Ms. Anderson.”
“Thank you.” She strode out the door and took the elevator to the ground floor. Muccino International had their headquarters downtown in the SoHo district, across the street from the upscale Manhattan branch of their original Italian restaurant, which was run by her uncle Dante. Ironically, the physical office itself was actually located right above Petite Louve, a French restaurant run by his wife, Holly.
She glanced around, wondering where Darius was. He had dropped her off in front of the office—she still wondered how exactly he knew where to go—and said that he would park in the back. Her emails and to-do lists were starting to pile up, so she didn’t even have time to think of where he’d be while she was working. Had he decided to go home? The thought disturbed her for some reason.
“Miss Anderson.”
“Madre de dio!” She jumped back and placed her hand on her heart. Darius stood in front of the elevator doors, the same aloof expression on his face. “Have you been here the entire time?”
“I didn’t have access to get upstairs.”
“Next time, just have the receptionist buzz you in.”
“Shall I get the car?” he asked.
“No.” She shook her head. “I’m just going across the street for lunch. Oh, are you hungry? Did you get something to eat?” She didn’t really know when he was supposed to go on breaks or get meals. The Lycan Security Team always worked in shifts.
“I am not hungry,” he stated. “I shall find a quick meal later.”
“Nonsense. Come on.” She waved to him to follow her, and they left the building to cross the street to Muccinos. They entered the restaurant, and as soon as the maître d’, Jon, saw her, he rushed to her side.
“Ms. Anderson,” Jon said, his tone warm and welcoming. “Ms. Hannah is already inside. At your usual table.”
“Thanks, Jon. My, er”—she glanced at Darius—“companion needs to eat too. Please get him a table.”
“There is no need,” Darius said.
“Of course, Ms. Anderson.” When Jon tried to hand Darius a menu, the Lycan shot him a freezing look. The poor maître d’ looked to Adrianna.
“Fine,” she sighed. “Please have some food made for him and he can eat it later.”
“Yes, Ms. Anderson.”
Damn stubborn man.
