“You’re the one who wanted me to come here first.”
Terrance grunts again and folds his arms across his chest. I get the T-man scowl. “My wards keep out anyone who isn’t expressly invited. I didn’t want Parker invited to my place because vamps are all connected by a mental link to their sire. Invite Parker, and the magic wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between him and any member of his clan.”
So then Henry or any of his cronies could theoretically sneak in. I shiver again. “Good call, then, T. Thanks.”
His face softens. “I’ll keep you safe, Nora.”
My throat closes up at the promise. It’s still overwhelming to have someone I trust looking out for me.
“I’ll always protect you, too,” a smooth, soft voice says from behind me.
The hairs on my neck stand up, and I have to take a deep breath and smooth out my face before I turn to face Parker. My heart skips a beat when I see him. I can’t help it. He’s dressed in designer jeans that fit him like jeans should fit a man, and a nice button-down shirt the same color blue as his deep blue eyes. The sleeves are rolled up on his strong forearms. And he’s looking at me as if I’ve stolen all the air from his lungs.
“Hey,” I say. I cringe when the word comes out raspy.
He doesn’t speak right away. He’s still taking in the sight of me. “Nora,” he finally whispers, slowly shaking his head. “You look…”
Before he can find the right word, Terrance clears his throat. Parker blinks a couple times and flinches as he breaks from whatever spell he was under. Knowing that I was the cause of his trance, heat rushes to my cheeks. He clears his throat. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”
“It’s just business.” At least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
Parker’s lips twitch, as if he can see right through my no-nonsense attitude. Considering the man can sense my attraction to him, he probably does. That only makes me more determined to keep things professional. “We have a lot to discuss, so let’s get a move on.”
His lips twitch again. “Anywhere in particular?”
“Nowhere underworld affiliated,” Terrance orders. He’s gone back to scowling at all the hovering men.
“How about Greektown?” I offer. “That’s not run by the underworld, is it?”
Parker laughs. “Nope. Just the Greek.”
“Great. I’m starving, and I love me some falafel.”
“Greektown it is.” Parker’s eyes sparkle with amusement. It only makes him look hotter.
Parker grins as if he knows why I’m suddenly scowling, and moves to place his hand on the small of my back.
“No touching!” Terrance snaps as I sidestep Parker’s hand. “And keep a damn eye on her.”
Parker drops his hand and gives Terrance a grave look. “I’ll keep her safe, Terrance. You have my word.”
“You’d better.”
“I will.”
The two share a look that I want to roll my eyes at. I’m not some fragile doll. But I’m not ungrateful to have people looking out for me while I’m wearing a dress, so I resist the urge.
Parker, keeping to the no-touching rule, waves his hand, signaling for me to lead the way. We head out the front door, and I have no doubt the Mercedes Coupe waiting at the valet is his. He hurries forward and opens the passenger door for me, and now it really feels like I’m on a date. For the first time in my life, I’m conflicted by that feeling.
I shouldn’t want to date Parker. In my head, I know he’s a vampire. He’s one of the same disgusting, murderous things that killed my mother. He drinks blood. But the more I get to know him, the harder it is to see the vampire, and all that’s left is the man.
I’ve never been interested in guys before. Normally when one gets too close, all I feel is fear. When Parker slides into the car and his heady cologne fills the air, fear is not the feeling that overtakes me. I don’t understand why he has this effect on me, and I don’t like it. It makes me nervous.
“You okay?” Parker asks as he pulls away from the club.
“Fine.” I realize I’m completely stiff and that my answer came out clipped, but I can’t seem to relax.
I don’t say anything else until we reach the restaurant Parker insists is the best in Greektown. It’s too nice for my taste and has a romantic atmosphere, but since it smells heavenly, I don’t argue.
We’re escorted to a small, candlelit table for two. Parker pulls out my chair for me, and now I know I’m on a date. How the hell did he trick me? What have I gotten myself into?
I startle when I hear my name called. Parker and the guy who escorted us to our table are both looking at me. “Wine?” Parker asks again.
“I don’t drink.”
I cringe inwardly for sounding so bitchy. But I’m on a date with a vampire, and I’m so nervous I’m about to start shaking.
Parker mutters something to the host, who scampers away, and then Parker settles his eyes on me. His gaze roves over me again, as if he can’t help himself.
“Nora—”
“What’s good here?” I ask, scooping up my menu and ducking behind it to hide from his penetrating stare. I can still feel him watching me.
“Everything,” he answers. “Especially the falafel. That is what you wanted, isn’t it? They have an especially excellent dish here.”
I lower my menu and frown at him. “So you eat food, then?”
His eyes spark with amusement again. “Yes. I do. It won’t sustain me, but I enjoy it, and will be ordering dinner with you.”
Well, that’s a relief. A small one.
As if his comment conjured him up, a waiter appears beside our table, dropping off water glasses with wedges of lemon. I order the falafel, and Parker opts for some kind of Greek lamb chops that actually sound awesome. When the waiter is gone, I grab my water and chug half of it down.
“There’s no need to be nervous, Nora.”
“Right,” I grumble under my breath from behind my water glass. “I’m only on a date with a vampire.”
I forgot vampires have really good hearing. Parker hears my comment, and his face lights up with pure pleasure. Damn. Now he knows it’s a date. What the hell is wrong with me?
“I’m really glad you agreed to see me tonight, Nora.” He holds up a hand when I open my mouth to argue. “I know it’s only because we need to find the missing underworlders, but I’m still grateful. Please, allow me to apologize for my part in your experience with my clan.” I scoff but don’t interrupt him, because his face looks so sincerely regretful. “If I’d had any idea of your gifts, or that you most likely have underworlder blood in you, I never would have brought you to Henry.”
No. You’d have tried to keep me for yourself.
“Whatever. It’s over now, so let’s just forget about it, okay? I know you didn’t mean for all that to happen. I’m still mad, but I don’t blame you. I blame Henry.”
“Henry is not all vampires,” Parker says softly.
Parker meets my stare, and I can’t look away. I’m so grateful for the table between us. If he touched me right now, I don’t think I’d have the willpower to stop him. “It doesn’t matter,” I whisper. “Vampire or not. I don’t do dating or relationships or anything physical.”
“You’re attracted to me.”
He’s right, but that’s not enough. “I’m afraid of you,” I admit. “I’m afraid of all men. I’ve been hurt by nearly every single one I’ve ever met.”
Parker’s eyes fill with sadness. “I would never hurt you, Nora.”
I gulp. I don’t want to trust him, but my heart is starting to believe even if my head doesn’t. “It doesn’t matter,” I say again. It’s barely a whisper.
“How can I prove myself to you? Tell me how I can gain your forgiveness and your trust.”
I shake my head. It wouldn’t matter if I forgave him, and I already do trust him, or I wouldn’t be here with him now. But I can’t get into a relationship. It wouldn’t end well. He’s too drawn to me. If I gave him an opportunity, he wouldn’t be able to stop himself. No. Until I figure out what I am and how to control this curse of mine, I can’t date anyone. My body is just going to have to cool down.