He stalked her right across the room, looming over her small figure like a conqueror of old. “You deserve some kind of punishment for leaving this house after you so sincerely promised me you would stay put.”
“I assured you I had no intention of going out dancing,” she pointed out virtuously. “I can’t think where you ever got the idea that I intended to sit around waiting for you. I have things to do. Modern-day women do not sit at home while their men go out and play.”
He touched her face with one fingertip, tracing her soft skin, the delicate line of her high cheekbone. “I told you to stay here.”
“I was merely out walking. Fresh air is good for a person—didn’t you know that? And walking is the greatest exercise of all. It can be done anywhere, anytime.” She looked absolutely convinced of it. “Walking doesn’t count as going out.”
Lucian sat on the bed, crowding her. “Walking.” He murmured the word absently, his fingers tangling in her hair. The feel of it against his skin distracted him. “Do not place yourself at risk again, angel. I will take action next time.”
She shoved at the wall of his chest, more to get some breathing room than for any other reason. He seemed capable of robbing her of her very air. “I hope you don’t think you’re threatening me with something. I’m a police officer, Lucian. Threats are not a great way to win favors.”
“I do not need favors, and I do not much care for your rather strange choice of occupations. This may not be a good time to bring it up, but you do not seem to understand. I have never had anyone question my decisions. You will not place yourself at risk again.” He never raised his voice; if anything, it was softer, gentler than ever before. He sounded mild, almost absently giving his order to her.
Jaxon frowned at him. “You don’t improve much as one gets more acquainted with you. I don’t like bossy men.”
His hand slipped to the nape of her neck, his fingers caressing her soft, scented skin. He didn’t seem to notice, and she sat very still, not wanting to draw attention to the fact that he was scattering her senses in every direction.
“I do not consider myself bossy. There is a vast difference between being bossy and being in command.”
“Go command something else then, Lucian, because I am in charge of my own life. Total charge. If I decide to leave the house, I’ll do so anytime I please. Don’t think you can get away with being a supreme dictator just because you’re…” Words totally failed her. What was he?
I already answered that. Deliberately he used the intimate form of communication that his race used with their lifemates. He bent his head to the vulnerable nape of her neck, unable to resist the temptation. I am Carpathian, your lifemate.
At once hungry flames danced over his body. His gut clenched hotly, and he closed his eyes to savor the taste and feel of her skin. To savor the feeling of intense hunger. His larger, stronger body bent over hers, slowly forcing her to lie across the bed beneath him. She was very delicate, very fragile beneath his exploring hands as he imprinted her for all time deep within his soul.
“Lucian.” His name came out a soft, whispered plea, almost as if she were asking him for help.
Lucian lifted his head and stared down into her enormous eyes. She looked confused, drowsy, and very, very sexy. “I am not hurting you, angel, only giving in to a tremendous need I have to feel you.”
She reached up to brush at his hair, a small smile tugging at her full lower lip. “Yes, well, I noticed. I just think this is a little dangerous. I’m still trying to get used to the idea that you’re not human. You tell me all this interesting science-fiction stuff, and I hear what you’re saying, but my mind doesn’t want to put together all the facts. You’re positively scary, Lucian.”
“Not to you,” he denied, his voice lazy as he bent to find her throat with his mouth. She tasted so good. Felt so good, her skin like satin. “I have been unfailingly gentle with you.” His mouth followed the perfection of her skin down her throat and across her collarbone. She was so very delicate. He didn’t see how anything so small could hold together such a perfect package.