Read Online Charleston Past Midnight by Christine Edwards - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Christine Edwards
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buildings and a hulking metal dumpster. The humidity is thick, even at midnight. I’m glad that I’m sporting a ponytail because my neck is already sweaty. Remembering Severin’s warning, I waste zero time making a beeline to my nearby car. I’ve just opened the door, poised to hop into my ancient Saab, when a large hand clamps down on the top of the doorframe, and that unmistakably seductive voice whispers from directly behind me, “You really shouldn’t defy me, Calla.”
I gasp and spin around so fast that I drop my keys in the process.
I crane my neck up to stare at him, and before I can open my mouth to say anything, he says, “I don’t want to hear your excuses. Nothing has changed. You’re still in extreme danger and apparently the only one who doesn’t realize it is you, Calla.” He leans into me and practically hisses my name.
He’s furious and it’s scary as hell to witness.
Breathing deeply for confidence I reply, “I-I know what you told me but if I don’t work then I don’t eat. Does that make sense to you? Am I supposed to weigh what’s more dangerous—not eating and not having a roof over my head versus the possibility of some freak harming me? Step back and think about my reality, Severin.”
He takes his time processing what I said and I can see the agitation ease a bit from his chiseled features. It’s a relief because the man is terrifying when his is furious. Yeah, so not a good look for him.
His head lifts and he scans the rooftops behind me before dropping his gaze to mine once again. “It’s not safe for you in the city, Calla. I would like you to come with me for a few days until I get this situation sorted out.” He leans in even closer and says too quietly, “Before you try to balk at my proposal, know that I’m not asking, Calla.”
“No.”
“Did you not just hear me?”
“Oh, yes. Loud and clear, but why should I let some weirdo chase me away from my own house? And on top of that, what about Kiana? What if he comes looking for me and she’s placed in danger?”
“Case is all over that.”
“What? ” I whisper, completely astonished.
“You heard me. He’s outside, watching her building as we speak. He’s been there since dusk.” Curt, direct.
His eyes track the starry night and the buildings once again. “Get in the passenger seat. I’ll drive us.”
I huff out a breath, realizing that I could stand here all night arguing with him, and knowing his tenacious, inflexible personality, we would be here until dawn. Then that would be a problem. If it wasn’t for the gripping fear that the terrifying vampire named Valdon caused in me, there is no way I would agree to go with him, but I’m not stupid. I wouldn’t stand a chance against that guy and his henchmen if he showed up at my door. Besides, deep down I’ve been longing to spend more time with Severin.
“Fine.” I grumble, bending down to pick up my keys before handing them over and rounding the back of my silver car. I wonder if I’ve totally lost my faculties to be going home with him for the sole reason of safety. Damn! I can smell the queso and greasy chips on my work clothes and know that he can as well. Welcome to the unglamorous world of making it on your own.
He pulls out onto King Street and I look over, “I need to pick up some things from my place.”
Keeping his blue eyes locked on the road he says simply, “No.”
“But, I—”
He cuts me off. “I’ll go back for your things, and when I do I’ll explain to Kiana that you are keeping me company for a few days.”
I sigh and look out the window at the traffic and the twenty-somethings who are out on the prowl from bar to bar on the main artery in the city. Even on a Tuesday night, the city is pulsing with energy. I glance over at him once, understanding that if they come here to feed then they would certainly not have difficulty finding what they crave. I shudder at the thought and wonder if it’s that intimate with
I gasp and spin around so fast that I drop my keys in the process.
I crane my neck up to stare at him, and before I can open my mouth to say anything, he says, “I don’t want to hear your excuses. Nothing has changed. You’re still in extreme danger and apparently the only one who doesn’t realize it is you, Calla.” He leans into me and practically hisses my name.
He’s furious and it’s scary as hell to witness.
Breathing deeply for confidence I reply, “I-I know what you told me but if I don’t work then I don’t eat. Does that make sense to you? Am I supposed to weigh what’s more dangerous—not eating and not having a roof over my head versus the possibility of some freak harming me? Step back and think about my reality, Severin.”
He takes his time processing what I said and I can see the agitation ease a bit from his chiseled features. It’s a relief because the man is terrifying when his is furious. Yeah, so not a good look for him.
His head lifts and he scans the rooftops behind me before dropping his gaze to mine once again. “It’s not safe for you in the city, Calla. I would like you to come with me for a few days until I get this situation sorted out.” He leans in even closer and says too quietly, “Before you try to balk at my proposal, know that I’m not asking, Calla.”
“No.”
“Did you not just hear me?”
“Oh, yes. Loud and clear, but why should I let some weirdo chase me away from my own house? And on top of that, what about Kiana? What if he comes looking for me and she’s placed in danger?”
“Case is all over that.”
“What? ” I whisper, completely astonished.
“You heard me. He’s outside, watching her building as we speak. He’s been there since dusk.” Curt, direct.
His eyes track the starry night and the buildings once again. “Get in the passenger seat. I’ll drive us.”
I huff out a breath, realizing that I could stand here all night arguing with him, and knowing his tenacious, inflexible personality, we would be here until dawn. Then that would be a problem. If it wasn’t for the gripping fear that the terrifying vampire named Valdon caused in me, there is no way I would agree to go with him, but I’m not stupid. I wouldn’t stand a chance against that guy and his henchmen if he showed up at my door. Besides, deep down I’ve been longing to spend more time with Severin.
“Fine.” I grumble, bending down to pick up my keys before handing them over and rounding the back of my silver car. I wonder if I’ve totally lost my faculties to be going home with him for the sole reason of safety. Damn! I can smell the queso and greasy chips on my work clothes and know that he can as well. Welcome to the unglamorous world of making it on your own.
He pulls out onto King Street and I look over, “I need to pick up some things from my place.”
Keeping his blue eyes locked on the road he says simply, “No.”
“But, I—”
He cuts me off. “I’ll go back for your things, and when I do I’ll explain to Kiana that you are keeping me company for a few days.”
I sigh and look out the window at the traffic and the twenty-somethings who are out on the prowl from bar to bar on the main artery in the city. Even on a Tuesday night, the city is pulsing with energy. I glance over at him once, understanding that if they come here to feed then they would certainly not have difficulty finding what they crave. I shudder at the thought and wonder if it’s that intimate with
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