Xander's Chance

She twisted her head to study his strong profile, not expecting the philosophical response.

"You could always offer to sleep with me in exchange for whatever it is," he suggested. "I'll trade almost anything for sex."

She sighed as he returned to himself.

"Unbelievable. I can't believe you'd trade anything for a night of sex," she heard the considering note in her voice and was embarrassed.

"Oh, and I get to suck your blood."

Jessi rose and left the porch. "Rule three. Wherever this book signing is, we should leave soon."

She thought there was more to him earlier when he healed her and for a moment, she'd made the same mistake while sitting in his lap. Fortunately, he was good at reminding her what kind of …creature he actually was.

She waited for him to go to his room to change before reclaiming the iPad with the goal of deleting that damn picture. It was too revealing. She tried to unlock it twice before realizing he changed the password.

"You are the most infuriating, chauvinistic, ego-maniacal … I bet you can't even cook!" she muttered.

"Your car or mine?"

He probably heard her mini-rant, but she didn't care. Jessi faced him and stopped. He was dressed from head to toe in black leather with a spiked collar, heavy boots, and his dark hair down around his shoulders. He wore nothing beneath the black vest. His fangs were out. He dripped sex appeal. She almost asked him if she could have her picture taken with him.

He'd probably refuse, unless she let him bite her. Jessi shook her head.

"What … uh, what kind of car do you have?" she asked.

"Bentley Continental GT."

Her mouth dropped. "We're taking your car, and I'm driving."

"You want to test-drive my car but not me," he said, eyeing her.

"Absolutely," she said. "Keys, please."

She was surprised when Xander tossed them to her. A thrill went through her. She loved a nice car, even if the company wasn't so great. He led her down into the basement of the gated apartment building, where the wealthy residents of the apartment kept their expensive cars.

"Oh. My. God," she breathed as he stopped behind a new, black sports coupe.

"Hop in."

She was already opening the car door. The interior was sleek and dark, clashing with the cherry red exterior. Black leather and detailing everywhere. Xander slid into the passenger seat, and Jessi fumbled with the seat controls until she was satisfied. She was so excited, her hands trembled as she placed them on the steering wheel before starting it. She sighed at the low grumble.