Read Online To Honor: Vampire Assassin League #22 by Jackie Ivie - Free Book Online Page B

she talked. Her hands moved. Her eyes sparked green daggers up at him. He much preferred that to the glassy-look. He’d almost smiled during her speech. Twice.
    “Really? I usually don’t have any trouble communicating. With anyone. I have to admit, however, that I am having a bit of trouble, um. Around you. There’s something...I just can’t figure out. Why don’t we just call it sexual attraction? Okay? And it’s pretty severe. Maybe you should find a shirt.”
    Everything in his world went bright. Clear. Sparks bubbled through his veins, nearly causing a chortle. He held the jubilation close. Clasped his hands together at the base of his abdomen and tightened them into knots. Breathed as calmly and deeply as possible. He had to. He didn’t know how she’d react otherwise.
    “So. Takeshi. You want to get us to a dry place? Or—! What the hell? How do you move so fast?”
    Takeshi had grabbed her to him and jumped, clearing the tunnel entrance to his honden. He didn’t answer. Anything he tried to say might contain his elation. He shot down a hallway. Turned corners. Passed several options. The black silk that had canopied his bed fluttered about them like a cape. She had her arms wrapped about his waist. Her head tucked beneath his chin. Surely she didn’t expect him to moderate movement when his soul was soaring?
    “Takeshi?”
    Her heart was the match to his. Beating rapidly. His was from complete and total joy. Hers might be fright. That slowed him. His feet dropped to the carpeted floor with only a slight bump. He’d decided. He was taking her to where they’d be alone. Completely.
    His Himalayan hideaway.
    They reached the hangar. His newest jet. It felt right. The décor even welcomed them back. It was in his favorite. Black leather covered seating, dark mahogany wood, soft lighting. The door whispered shut behind them. The silk material settled against his back. He’d moved so quickly, it was almost dry. He could hear the engines starting up. Christine was breathing rapidly, taking his breath along. He smacked at an intercom button, swallowing against the breathlessness. As if racing hallways with his mate in his arms was strenuous.
    “Okay. This kidnapping stuff is getting old,” Christine said.
    “One moment, watashi no ai .”
    He touched her lip with his forefinger as the intercom beeped. Her eyes went wide. Her heart stopped. He knew, because his did the exact same thing. And then his knees wobbled. All amazingly enjoyable.
    “Morning, Boss. Where to?”
    He’d hired Vaughn for the season. The man had worked for the Vampire Assassin League for years. He was the best pilot they had. He was also arrogant. Cocky. His services weren’t usually available, but Takeshi had an edge. His hydrogen company experimented with aircraft. Technology. Speed. And Vaughn had been bored.
    “Nepal.”
    “Make that New York,” Christine interrupted.
    “Why would I wish to go there?” he asked her.
    “Because I live there.”
    “It’s too small.”
    “Small? There are millions of people there. Small?”
    “I’m Japanese,” he replied. “Have you seen Tokyo?”
    “So...what’s it gonna be, Boss?”
    Vaughn’s voice boomed through the cabin. Christine had a set look to her mouth. Her eyes weren’t lush and open, either. They looked about as hard as the jade wall again. Takeshi sighed.
    “New York,” he announced to the space about him.
    “Fair enough. I’ll get flight plans and fuel stops in place. Have a seat. Fasten some seat belts, and—. I don’t know why I say it. You guys have zero idea of air security. Do whatever you want back there.”
    The intercom went silent. A hum started up. The structure about them shuddered then moved. Christine gasped. He matched it. He really wished she’d stop doing that. It unbalanced him.
    “Thank you.”
    “For what?”
    “Taking me home.”
    “Oh. Gratitude is not necessary, but appreciated. You wish to talk now?”
    “Um...let me rain-check that.