Vampire Undone. Shannon Curtis

lifted his pinkie and curled it around hers.

      “Pinkie swear,” he said, his voice rough. “I’ll keep you and your friends safe.”

      Her brow dipped at his words, but only for a moment before another yawn surprised her. She pulled her hand away from him to cover her mouth. “Oh, I’m so sorry. Right, I’m off to crash for a couple of hours, and then I’ll get back to this.” She started to walk around him but he grabbed her arm gently to halt her.

      She was so close, he could smell her, that sweet scent edged with spice. “Wait,” he said. Her eyes met his in surprise, a flash of wariness tinged with curiosity and something a little warmer glinted as she returned his gaze before dropping briefly to look at his lips. He smiled and her stare returned to his. He raised both hands to the top of her head and removed her spectacles, folding them carefully before handing them back to her. “Don’t forget your glasses,” he whispered. He tilted his head forward.

      A book flew off the shelf, hit him in the cheek, and he reeled back. “What the hell?” he growled in shocked surprise.

      Natalie gasped, her hand covering her mouth.

      “I’ll defend your honor,” Rupert said smugly, dusting off his hands.

      “I’m so sorry,” she whispered as Lucien rubbed his cheek and bent to pick up the book. Shakespeare’s Macbeth. “It must have fallen off the shelf,” she offered with a wince.

      He eyed the bookshelf that stood three feet away. “Yeah, it fell,” he said, not buying it one bit. He handed her the book, but held on to it briefly as she clasped it. She was still wearing her gloves, he noticed.

      “I’m trusting you,” he said softly.

      She nodded solemnly. “That goes both ways, Lucien.”

      He dipped his head and strode out of the room.

      He shut the door behind him then turned back to look at the plaque bearing the lettering Professor N. Segova. His brows pulled together. She used to call him Luc, once upon a time. He sighed as he walked away. Well, at least now he had her cooperation.