">Xander stood with her for a long moment, patient as she acclimated to him. She let herself feel the comfort of his strength.
">He lifted her chin. "Are you okay?"
">For the first time since meeting him, his voice was soft. Jessi wasn't certain how to respond. Despite her suspicion there was more to him, she didn't want to see that part of him that made her feel bad for what she intended to do! He'd saved her tonight from Jonny's goons. It was bad enough that she alone knew they were there to remind her to screw him over.
">She nodded, too torn to trust herself to talk.
">Xander's thumb brushed her lips, sending warm bursts through her. His other arm went around her to hold her against him. He held her gaze while the warmth of his skin seeped into her. She felt a hint of the trance she'd fallen into when he bit her, the coursing of desire and pooling of heat in her lower belly. Her remaining tension eased. The intimate moment almost made her want to cry in frustration. Stuck between two supernatural creatures, she couldn't help feeling there was no way she'd win this round.
Life is about choice. You always have one. When you think you don't, you're overlooking something.
">She wished it was the case.
">Xander dipped his head. His lips brushed hers. She sensed he was giving her the chance to reject him. She knew she should reject him, and couldn't help her curiosity. Some tiny part of her wanted to know how good he was that every woman who left his bed didn't know which way was up. And didn't she owe him a kiss for saving her, especially since she planned on stealing from him?
">He held her against his hard, thick frame, his gentle kiss a question she didn't want to answer truthfully. But she had to. She owed him that, if nothing else.
">"Xander …" she whispered against his warm lips. "I can't."
">He lifted his head. Disappointed but knowing she needed to walk away, she resisted the urge to pull his face down to hers for a kiss. Her body was tingling from his tease.
">"I like this," he replied softly.
">"What?"
">"You thinking you're gonna win this game."
">"You are making my life hell."
">"You're welcome for saving your ass," he said, the tension easing from his body. "You decide if what you want is worth a night in my bed?"
">She flushed and tugged her chin away from his grip.