[Phantom Warriors 01] Bacchus by Jordan Summers

at work if I may. Ryan gave me a great deal of information
    about your skills, but I prefer to witness them firsthand. It would help me understand
    the dynamics of your relationship.”
    “I suppose that would be okay,” she said hesitantly. “I still don’t see the point, since
    he’s already moved on.”
    Bacchus released a heavy breath, then met her gaze. “He wants you to be happy, Ms.
    Tanner. He has a new love and wants the same for you.” Bacchus straightened the sleeve
    of his jacket. “I am here to make sure that happens.”
    “What? I’m confused. Ryan hired you for me?”
    “Not exactly. Let’s just say he directed me to your location.” Bacchus finished the
    coffee, allowing her to digest what he’d told her. She had a sharp mind and it wouldn’t
    take long for her to jump from one conclusion to another. He’d planted enough of a false
    trail to lead her in circles for at least a few hours. Long enough for her to get used to
    having him around. Bacchus spread his arms wide, taking up much of the loveseat he
    occupied. He crossed his ankle over his knee and sat back to wait.
    Jill remained silent, staring off into space. Her white teeth worried her bottom lip
    and her brow drew down over her eyes. He could tell her mind churned beneath the
    calm façade. Bacchus could see her emotions flitting one after the other over her
    porcelain features. He needed to gain her trust and fast. It wouldn’t take long before the
    Atlanteans left and sent a ship back for him or, more likely, the Phantom people would
    grow impatient and dispatch a transport—if they hadn’t already. If that were the case,
    there was no telling when they’d departed and could be here at any time.
    The Atlanteans might be an efficient people, but the Phantoms were desperate. He
    had to act fast. Bacchus took a deep breath, scenting his pheromones again in the air.
    Damn, his body had crossed into mating mode without his consent. How could this be
    without testing for compatibility?
    He wasn’t sure how the tiny molecules affected a human, but he knew they had the
    power to entrance an Atlantean woman, making her malleable and willing. Much like
    his saliva could intoxicate with one swipe of his tongue. Phantom women only scented
    such things from their mates. Jill had already experienced a tiny bit of euphoria and that
    was before he’d stepped inside the door. He needed to get Jill out of her house, but he
    wanted to remain in her company.
    Finally, Bacchus broke the peace. “I mentioned observing you at your job earlier. Do
    you have to go to work today?”
    She nodded absently, before replying. “There’s a bitch in heat that I need to stud
    today.” Her eyes widened almost imperceptibly and her pupils dilated, whether from
    the pheromone or the job ahead, Bacchus wasn’t sure. She slipped her legs out from
    under her. “Tomorrow may be a better day. I have basic obedience classes scheduled.”
    “No, I think today would be far better for my purposes.”
    “Suit yourself.” She rose from her seat. “I need to catch a shower. I’ll be out in ten.
    Do you mind waiting on the porch?”
    “Not at all, if it adds to your comfort.”
    Bacchus allowed Jill to lead him to the front door. The gentle swish of her hips left
    him aching. He stepped out onto the porch and a moment later she shut the door. He
    waited, listening to her retreating footsteps. The second he heard the door to the
    bedroom close and lock, he raced around to the backyard, which was surrounded by
    shrubs for privacy. Bacchus slipped out of his newly purchased clothes and dissolved in
    the sunlight, passing through the back door before heading down the hallway, straight
    to her bedroom.
    Jill removed her top as he entered the room. A can labeled pepper spray was tucked
    in her sweats. She set it on the dresser. He frowned, doing a quick search of the
    memories he’d absorbed from Ryan. Bacchus smiled as he realized what the canister
    contained. She’d