Levet Read Free

led the tiny gargoyle down the hall to the kitchen that had recently been remodeled with pretty white cabinets and stainless steel appliances.
    As much as she might love Elijah, it was always fun to poke a few holes in his massive arrogance and at the same time reestablish the boundaries that he continually tried to smash through.
    Besides, she found that she enjoyed Levet’s companionship.
    She didn’t feel threatened by his light flirtations. A rare and wonderful sensation after she’d been brutalized while held captive by the slavers. In fact, he was the only male beyond Elijah she’d ever invited into her home.
    â€œThis is your apartment?” Levet asked as he took a seat at the dining table and watched her put the kettle on to boil.
    She pulled two cups from the cabinet and grabbed a plate of cookies.
    â€œElijah is kind enough to allow me to stay here.”
    â€œNo.” The rich male voice stroked over her like the finest satin. It didn’t matter how many years she’d known Elijah, his voice always made her shiver. Well . . . her and every other woman in Paris, she wryly acknowledged. “Elijah grudgingly allows you to stay here because you’ve refused the number of other homes I’ve offered you,” he continued, as he prowled across the floor to gently tuck a curl behind her ear.
    It was an ongoing fight.
    Elijah insisted that she belonged in his lair near the Champs-Élysées.
    Valla refused to give up her independence. It was bad enough he’d emphatically demanded that she live in one of his numerous properties.
    â€œI won’t take advantage of your generosity.”
    His hand cupped her cheek, his gaze smoldering with a frustration that filled the air with a sharp chill.
    â€œValla.”
    The touch of his lean fingers against her face sent an ache of long-suppressed hunger shivering through her body. Only this delectable, sexy, aggravatingly stubborn vampire could stir the desires she’d thought dead forever.
    â€œThere’s no need for you to stay, Elijah,” she murmured in husky tones. “I know you must be busy.”
    His brows furrowed, his eyes darkening as he easily sensed her reaction to his touch.
    â€œYou think I’ll leave you alone with a strange demon?”
    â€œThe choice isn’t yours,” she reminded him. Gently.
    â€œDammit, Valla.”
    She heaved a sigh. It would be so easy to give in to his demands.
    She would be protected, cosseted, her every need and desire fulfilled.
    Just like a favorite pet.
    â€œWe’ve been through this before,” she reminded him, an edge of steel in her voice. “You’re my friend, not my keeper. If you can’t distinguish between the two, then I’ll have to leave Paris.”
    With a growl, he swooped his head down and kissed her.
    Just like that.
    Caught off-guard, her lips parted in helpless need, her entire world tilting on its axis. Elijah had always treated her like a fragile doll. Not a flesh-and-blood woman.
    Now she quivered beneath the blazing pleasure that exploded through her quivering body.
    â€œThis is what I want,” he rasped against her lips, his fingers stroking down the tender curve of her neck before he kissed her again.
    This time she was prepared for the combustible heat that stole her breath and made her stomach clench with a surge of excitement.
    Oh . . . yes.
    Her lashes fluttered downward as the desire flowed through her, as heady and intoxicating as the finest French champagne.
    â€œElijah—” she breathed, not certain what she needed, but knowing only he could satisfy the restless ache that burned deep inside her.
    Then, the shrill whistle of the pot had her pulling back with a confused blush.
    Still seated at the table, Levet awkwardly cleared his throat.
    â€œMaybe I should leave?”
    â€œYes,” Elijah agreed, his dark gaze smoldering with a dangerous hunger.
    â€œNo,” she hastily countered,