Xander's Chance

">"Sleeping with you is not a way out, and involving my seventeen-year-old cousin will not make me more likely to sleep with you!"

">"She came to me, because you were in danger," he snarled. "You're welcome for not leaving you to face those three on your own."

">Jessi looked away, beyond confused about what to feel or do.

">"You're in over your head, Jessi," he said.

">"You don't have the capacity to care."

">"Right. I could've let them carve you up."

">She winced at his tone. "I appreciate you helping me, Xander, and for being somewhat decent to my cousin. But I don't want you ever talking to either of them again. I can't handle it."

">"At least you're honest about something," he replied. "There will come a point when you're going to have a really hard choice to make."

">"Don't try to be decent now," she murmured. Her face felt hot, and she refused to look at him. "I can't handle that, either."

">"You wanna be my breakfast?"

">She almost smiled, relieved he listened. "Absolutely not."

">"I'll let you drive my car again."

">"Tempting but no."

">He chuckled. She rolled her eyes at him.

">"Your cousin says you haven't dated anyone in four years," he said. "Long time not to get laid."

">"You did not just go there! Do you really think I'd tell them about my dates?" she retorted. "Xander, I'm serious. Don't talk to my cousins."

">"Tell me why."

">She bit back her response, aware she was playing into his hands at every turn. She wasn't sure why she was bothering with the tug-of-war battle with him, except that she hoped she was able to hide what she sought and make it easier for her to get.

">He leaned across the kitchen, trapping her between his two arms. His scent and heat washed over her. His face inches away, the expanse of his chest so close …

">"Boundary." She refused to give into the sex appeal that made grown women faint in front of him.

">"You owe me," he replied in the same tone. "A small snack, as repayment for saving your life last night."

">She grated her teeth at the reminder. He waited for her response. Her heart slammed into her chest, her body warming.

">"Fine. Then we're even," she said.

">"Sure." He searched her face with fascination. "Not sure why you're fighting it so hard. You want me, and I'm offering."

">"I'm not going to swoon like every other woman who looks at you," she said.