They both laughed.
“Well, I do hope that you’ll come and visit me at this ‘sanctuary.’ It may be safe, but it sounds a bit dull. I could use a beautiful woman to brighten my day.”
She took a sip of her orange juice. “I’m sure we’ll come by again sometime.”
He reached out and patted her hand. “That would be nice.”
Tristan’s gaze clung to where the man still touched Surcy. He was surprised by the strange feeling blossoming within his chest. Could this be jealousy? The emotion was unexpected. And confusing.
“So tell me,” Jasper continued, completely ignoring Tristan. “What sort of relationship do you have with these three crude fellows?”
Tell him you belong to us.
Surcy’s smile fled. “I’m—uh—it’s confusing.”
The way the vampire smirked made Tristan’s hand curl into a fist. “So that means you’re available?”
Tristan reached across the table and plucked the man’s hand from Surcy’s. “She is not available.”
Surcy gave a nervous laugh. “We should get ready. The others will be back soon.”
Does she wish for this vampire’s attention?
The notion bothered Tristan more than he could say. The Surcy who loved them would have shot down Jasper in an instant, but this was not the same Surcy. For some reason, her interaction with the vampire left him feeling agitated.
One day will she seek comfort in the arms of other men?
Anger uncoiled within him. I will never allow it.
“I didn’t mean to upset anyone,” the vampire replied smoothly. “It’s just that none of you seem to be sharing a bed.”
“What we do in our beds is none of your business,” Tristan snapped.
The vampire patted his lips with his napkin. “Unless, of course, I want to invite the young angel to my bed.”
Tristan punched him so hard the man tumbled from his chair and hit the ground, unmoving.
“What the hell?” Surcy rose and reached for the vampire.
Tristan caught her hand. “I’m a gargoyle. But I don’t have a heart of stone. If you touch other males, I will kill them.”
Her eyes widened. “Tristan…”
He leaned closer. “That isn’t a threat. That’s a promise.”
“I—I’m not ready for any of that.”
He released her hand. “Well, when you are, you know where to find me.”
Turning, he strode from the room. Gargoyles were not accustomed to jealousy. Anger? Yes. But not jealousy.
When his brothers returned, no one mentioned the new bruise on the vampire’s face, but Surcy continued to glance at Tristan whenever she thought he wasn’t looking. He didn’t let her know he saw her. He didn’t say a word as they prepared to return home.
All he could think of was whether or not they had made a mistake with their plan. Getting Surcy to help with their cause might change her mind about angels and demons. But would it make her love them again?
They were demons. She was an angel. But at the end of it all, if they couldn’t remind her that they were men and she was a woman, what good would any of it do?
27
Surcy had felt strange ever since they’d dropped the vampire at the sanctuary. She’d been shocked by Tristan’s jealousy. Shocked and intrigued. Maybe more than intrigued.
It was the dumbest thing in the world, but seeing how Tristan had reacted to another man flirting with her had made her see him differently. He wasn’t just a massive demon with a dangerous quality, or a silent gargoyle with far too keen eyes. He was… an attractive man.
She took another sip of her juice, as she sat on the kitchen counter. As far as she knew, the demons had gone to bed. So why am I still awake? Just sitting around. Feeling wired.
The past few days spun through her mind. Daniel’s kiss. Tristan’s jealousy. Mark's kindness. She wanted to explore her connection to them, but she couldn’t think of a way to do it that didn’t leave her feeling vulnerable and exposed.
It isn’t like opportunities to touch hot men drop out of the sky.
Finishing her drink and rinsing her glass out, she left it by the sink and headed for bed. Halfway down the hallway, a door opened. She froze and took a step back as Tristan came out into the hall, nearly running into her.
He was hot from the shower and he wore a small white towel wrapped around his waist. Too small.
Her jaw dropped. Crap.
The sexy demon turned and stared at her. His entire body stiffened as he stood up straighter. “Surcy.”
She nodded at him, unable to find the words, unable to look away
“Can I help you with something?" he asked.
Her gaze slid over him. His body was extraordinary. It was no wonder he was chiseled from stone, because that’s exactly how he seemed. Massive. His long, dark hair was still damp, slicked back from his face. His mismatched eyes met hers with unconcealed arousal.
This man made her want things she shouldn’t want.
He encroached on her space, and within seconds had her pressed against the hallway wall. His arms caged her on either side of her head.
She licked her lips and looked down at the towel he wore. It was barely hanging on him. Tucked loosely. The slightest tug would have it falling to the ground.
“Surcy…”
Her gaze moved up to his dangerous face. The beauty and threat within the chiseled lines made her want to look away. For once, she didn’t.
“What do you want?” he asked.
Taking a deep breath. Deciding to be bold. She looked down at where his obvious arousal was poorly hidden and reached out.
He was trembling. His entire body radiating need like nothing she’d ever felt before.
When she grasped the towel, her eyes locked with his, and she tugged it until she felt it fall to the floor. Unable to stop herself, she looked down.
He did not disappoint. He was long and thick. Beautifully made and absolutely enticing.
Reaching out her hand, she drew one finger along his length.
A groan tore from his lips.
She couldn’t believe she was doing this. She couldn’t believe she closed her hand around his length
