My Blood To Rise by Paula Paradis Page B

impression you spend a lot of time here,” she told him.
    Andrei seemed to consider his answer. “What you might think is a long time might not mean the same thing to me.”
    “Then I guess you do come here often,” she concluded. “Is that how you pick up girls?”
    He shot her a smile. “Is that what I’m doing now? Am I picking up a girl?”
    She shook her head. “Don’t play coy. We both know where this is going.” The truth was, ever since she’d felt that powerful sensation, she couldn’t think of anything else. She wanted him like she’d never wanted anyone else in her life.
    “Where is it going?” he asked.
    “You’re taking me somewhere,” she said, “to seduce me, or whatever you want to call it.”
    “I am?” he asked.
    Dara nodded. “Yes, you are.”
    “And you’re going along willingly,” he pointed out. “You’re letting me seduce you, or whatever you want to call it.”
    He touched her arm, and heat rushed to her cheeks.
    The stubborn side of her reared up. “I haven’t given in yet, have I? I can walk away whenever I want.”
    Drawing his fingers down her arm, he took her hand. “You won’t walk away, Dara.”
    Though he held her lightly, she couldn’t break his grip if her life depended on it. Gazing into his eyes, she asked, “What are you doing to me?”
    “I’m not doing anything to you, Dara,” he whispered. “I’m holding your hand and looking into your eyes. I haven’t done anything to seduce you, or take advantage of you, or make you do anything you didn’t want to do. I’m not a creep or a loser or any other name you want to call me.”
    She could barely get the words out. “What are you?”
    He lowered his eyes. “I’m just me.”
    “You’re more than that.”
    “And what if I told you that you’re more than just a woman,” he replied. “Would you believe me?”
    “I’m nothing special,” she replied.
    “You definitely are something special,” he told her. “You’re like no other woman I’ve ever met.”
    “You’re just saying that.” Her breath was quickening.
    “Even now, you could walk away from me, if you wanted, and there’s nothing I could do to stop you.”
    “What if I don’t want to walk away?” she asked finally.
    Instead of replying, he smiled and continued through the park.
    Her heart thundering in her chest, her hand shaking in his grasp, she let herself be led along.
    What was she doing? She never picked up guys she barely knew. Yet, she was flushed with anticipation. There was nothing she wanted more than to be with him. He radiated power and confidence. She could only imagine what he would do with her. Whatever it was, she would be happy to do it. The only thing she knew was that she had to be with him.
     

Chapter Two
    He led her to the street and stopped.
    Taxis and late night delivery trucks rushed back and forth on the street.
    Dara blinked and looked around. She hadn’t realized until that moment that they were out of the park.
    “Where to now?” he asked.
    She looked at him. “What do you mean?”
    “Which way to your apartment?”
    Without hesitation, Dara pointed north. “A few blocks.”
    They walked for several minutes until they reached the front of an apartment complex. “This is it.”
    She started up the stairs, but Andrei hung back.
    “Don’t you want to come in?” she asked, stopping halfway up the steps. “I thought that’s what you came here for.”
    “I didn’t come here for that.”
    Suddenly, she felt silly. She’d wanted to bring him home for the night, but it was obvious he’d changed his mind. “Did I do something wrong?”
    “No.” His eyes plead with her. “I don’t want to take advantage of you?”
    “It’s not taking advantage of me if you’re going to give me what I want.” She couldn’t pry her eyes from his.
    “Dara,” he whispered, “my dear. I didn’t come here for that.”
    Had he just been leading her on for kicks? Her voice had an edge to it. “Then,