Dare to Bleed (Emily Sullivan Series) (10 page)

“
Ok well you guys keep trying to convince me that I’m a witch, so are you… flirting with me to annoy Gavin?” I asked, suddenly wondering if Nelly was back. I could use a brownie hug.

“
What? No, Emily, I have real feelings for you. I know you feel the same way for me.” He looked hurt.

“
Ya know what, Ezra? You don’t know what I feel. You only know what I think. I’ll go ahead and tell you exactly what I think so you don’t have to pull it out of my head. I think that I should stay away from you and Gavin. At least until this Damon situation blows over. I think I have enough on my plate right now. ” I slid off the bed. Tears were threatening to fall and I was willing them back with everything I had.

“
Em, I didn’t mean—“

“
Yeah, yeah whatever.” I walked out. I had no idea where I was going but I just needed to calm down. Walking hall after hall I began to think I was lost. Honestly I didn’t care. I just want to get as far away from Ezra as possible.

Chapter Ten

I opened a door and as soon as my eyes adjusted to the darkness decided this would be my room. The only light came from a few dozen red and black candles placed randomly around the room and the fire in the dark marble fireplace. I flipped on the light, which was a giant chandelier. The black wood canopy bed had black mesh fabric draped across the top, reaching the floor. Across from the fireplace was a dark red couch. I opened the mesh and fell unto the dark red comforter. It felt as if I was melting into a gooey marshmallow. “I could get used to this,” I sighed.

“
Well, unless you like sharing, you probably shouldn’t get too used to it,” a male voice said, knocking me out of my trance.

“
Oh, I am so sorry. I thought I was alone. I didn’t realize anyone else lived here.” I sat up quickly and noticed the dark figure standing in the doorway. The man was tall, about six feet, and had a captivating, light chocolate complexion and very short jet black hair. His face was beautiful and seemed a tad bit scruffy. Other than his amazing good looks, he seemed pretty normal. He was wearing some jeans and a black tee shirt. He looked as though he was not a stranger to the gym. And I mean that in the sense that if he were to flex he could rip his shirt with his biceps. Standing propped up against the doorway, he looked like a fantasy wet dream come true. Just what I didn’t need, another hot guy running around to tempt me.

“
I don’t live here, I’m visiting.” He crossed the room toward me. I wanted to crawl across the bed to escape but held my ground. He radiated confidence and sensuality. As he came closer, his big golden brown eyes burned into mine, and I swallowed loudly. He stopped about a foot in front of me and I slid off the bed. We were standing slightly too close for complete strangers, especially with my track record of people trying to kill me. But looking deeply into his eyes, I could just tell he would never touch a hair on my head unless it was in the heat of the moment. His lips were the prime example of what women pay money for, puffy and kissable. I had to get this crap out of my head. This was the third guy I was falling all over in a week. I was becoming tramp material. I was becoming Vicky.

He smiled at the awkward silence that surrounded us. Just as I suspected, a perfect white gleaming smile greeted me. “I’m Axle.”

“
Of course you are,” I replied, not exactly meaning to say it out loud. I was still in a trance from his beauty. He laughed at my comment. What was up with the universe dropping all these gorgeous men in my lap at once? Couldn’t they at least be spread out a little, maybe one a week? That would give me enough time to destroy any hope of a relationship with each of them.

“
I work with Ezra. I usually stay in this room when I visit.” He still refused to leave my personal space. I looked around at the room. It would be such a shame to give up this beauty. I noticed the gigantic tub built into the floor and it was over, I had to fight back.

“
So do you have your things with you or are they already here in the room?” I asked, coming up with a plan as fast as my brain could think.

He gave me a confused look before answering slowly. “No, we just arrived so all my belongings are with me.”

“
Ah, I see. Well, Axle, was it? Hmm, see I have already made claim on this room, all of my belongings are unpacked. I’ve moved in and it would be such a shame…” I couldn’t finish before he walked across the room to the dresser and opened it, calling my bluff.

He turned to stare back at me. “You were saying?” he asked as he pointed to the empty drawer. This was going to be harder than I thought.

“
As I was saying, all of my belongings are already in this room so it would seem pointless for me to pack up and leave. I believe the gentlemanly thing to do would be to find a new room to stay in,” I informed him.

He briskly walked back over to me. I was proud of myself for standing my ground. He had a gleam in his eyes that said this was exciting him.

“
Too bad I’m not a gentleman,” he finally replied.

I wasn’t sure where he was going with that but I couldn’t help but picture him in drag. I’m sure his comment didn’t exactly mean he wasn’t a man but my mind is messed up.

“
So, Emily, let me ask you a question. Do you sleep nude because I didn’t see any pajamas in the dresser?” He walked over and sat on the couch, making himself comfortable. I was so taken aback at the thought of being nude in this room I turned three shades red. I cleared my throat and walked over to stand in between him and my cozy fireplace. I wasn’t giving up this room.

“
That is none of your business and how did you know my name?” I asked, crossing my arms across my chest.

“
Well, then I guess you are also planning on wearing what you have on during your stay here.” He ignored my question.

“
Look, dude. I was here first so that makes this my room. I’m not leaving,” I said, reverting to first grade. All I needed was a foot stomp.

“
That’s fine with me, I don’t mind sharing. But you should know I do sleep nude.” He got up and walked out.

I stood with my mouth wide open in shock. No way was I sharing this room with anyone, especially someone that hot. I might consider with Nelly… ah, I did not just think that. I wondered where that Brownie was at.

Axle had said
we
just arrived, maybe Gavin had come in with him. That would have been quick, but maybe that is what he was telling Ezra on the phone. That he was already on the way so there was no use in arguing. I decided to look around and find out.

After a few wrong turns and dead end hallways, I decided I no longer liked Ezra’s maze he called his home. A home should not be so big that you are unable to find the fridge in the middle of the night. At least you would burn every calorie you consume walking around. I turned the corner and ran into Gavin.

“
Oh, Gavin!” I exclaimed as I gave him a big hug.

He returned the hug, holding me tight. “Hey, how are you settling in? Do you need anything?”

“
Meh, I’m ok. I just met this jerk though who is trying to steal my room right out from under me.” As I said it Axle came up around Gavin with a big smile on his face.

“
Aw, now, pumpkin, I thought we were sharing?” he asked as he laughed.

“
Axle, Emily is a guest here, just let her have the room,” Gavin said, looking upset. I gave Axle my best ‘na-na-naa boo boo’ look. He returned a look that clearly said we would be sharing.

“
Nah, it’s too easy. She’ll break. Plus the red room is mine.” He walked past me, bumping into my arm and almost knocking me over. What a douche bag.

“
What do you think Robert will say of that sleeping arrangement?” Gavin asked, stopping Axle in his tracks. The name made my ears stand at attention.

“
Robert is here?” I asked, suddenly feeling nervous but trying to seem nonchalant.

“
He will be here later tonight,” Gavin stated, more to Axle than me. I felt my throat start closing up. Finally I would meet the SOB who made me. I really didn’t know what to say to him. I was so pissed that he was never around. My entire life I had to explain to nosey m’fers that I didn’t know my father. He left before my mother could even get the words ‘I’m pregnant’ out of her mouth. Now I would meet him face to face. It felt like I was going to meet the enemy.

“
Em, you ok?” Axle asked, grabbing me around my waist to keep me up. Guess I was looking a little pale. I couldn’t answer him. Everything was closing around me. I don’t know why my body reacted so violently about the possibility of meeting my father.

“
I’m taking her to her room,” Axle stated to Gavin as he scooped me up with ease. At least he was giving up the room. He gently placed me on the bed and he was awfully close to me. There seemed to be something on his mind and I was praying he wouldn’t kiss me. I had enough men drama. I didn’t need to add another dude to the mix. His expression was soft and he studied me, looking worried.

“
So you gave up, huh?” I asked, finally able to speak again.

“
Nah, I only said that in case you died. I couldn’t have you thinking I was a complete dirt bag as your last thought.” He smiled, looking less worried.

“
Axle, what are you?” I asked, afraid of his answer.

“
What do you mean?” he asked, looking away. Clearly he knew what I was asking but didn’t want to answer.

“
Well, for one thing, you said you work with Ezra, and he’s a vampire.” I slowly sat up, not feeling so lightheaded anymore.

“
What? Ezra’s a vampire?” He smiled.

“
Maybe you shouldn’t concern yourself with our petty little defects. You need rest.” He studied the ground as if he was embarrassed. The man had not one ounce of fat on his beautiful body. He had amazing skin and eyes that could melt titanium with perfect dark skin, and yet here he was ashamed of himself. “Why would you say defect? Like it’s such a bad thing?” I really wanted to give him a hug but thought it would be best if we never touched. Ever.

“
You’ve been through a lot. I’ve got some things to do so I’ll leave you be. Try the bath. I’ll be back later to check on you.”

“
Hey, can I ask you a question?” I asked.

“
Ok, but I’m not sure I’m going to answer.”

I knew I would like this guy. He tried to seem like a jerk but he was a softy at heart, I could tell.

“
Can you at least tell me if you can read minds?” I asked.

He laughed and walked out, never answering my question.

It only took me ten minutes to figure out the knobs on the high tech bath tub. There was a button that automatically added bubble bath to the water. Wow. I decided I never would need a man again in my life. What I really needed was that tub in my apartment. I stripped and stepped in. This tub was so big there were actual steps on the side to get in. It could hold at least six people easily. It reminded me of a huge hot tub that was built into the ground. I could easily swim around in there. I was beginning to relax, soaking up the heat, surrounded by bubbles, when the door came flying open. Ezra stormed in and slammed the door.

Chapter Eleven

“
What the hell, Ezra? I thought you needed a damn invitation or something.” I scooped up as many bubbles as I could fit in my arms, clutching them close.

“
What… I’m going to ignore that comment. I heard you were sharing this room with Axle,” he yelled. His hands were in fists by his side. He looked silly if you asked me. Like a child throwing a fit for some candy. His remark caught me off guard and my mouth was wide open.

“
Well, actually—” I started but he interrupted me. Good thing too because I really didn’t know how to explain the situation.

“
You really aren’t unlucky, you just keep looking for death. Why would you even consider Axle, of all people? He is dangerous.”

“
Um, wow I don’t even know,” I started again.

“
Come on, I can understand why you would be mad at me but are you trying to make me jealous or something?”

“
Ok, enough, Ezra. Take a chill pill for one minute and let me answer,” I yelled back and noticed I was starting to lose bubbles. I sank down into the water to keep covered.

“
First off, we are not dating so I’m allowed to share whatever I want with whomever I want. And second, why do you think Axle is so dangerous?” I asked curiously. If he thought that this guy was more dangerous than a vampire I had to hear this.

“
He didn’t tell you?” He squatted beside the tub, which made me tingle at the thought that I was naked in the same room as Ezra. Mad was a sexy look for Ezra. Hell, every look was a sexy look for Ezra.

“
Ezra, please just come out with it already.”

“
Axle is a werewolf,” he stated, studying each of my bubbles. I didn’t need to be a vampire to know what was on his mind. All these hot men around me and I couldn’t think of anyone except Ezra. He won.

“
Well, that doesn’t sound that dangerous. I mean a vampire sounds scarier than a werewolf. I wasn’t trying to make you jealous, I just really like this tub,” I said perhaps slightly flirting. I put my finger to my mouth and gave him a look over. I couldn’t stay mad at that man. His essence made my body shiver. He gave me a hard stare before he climbed in the tub, fully clothed, and waded over to me. Water was flowing out of the sides. I was disappointed for a second that he was destroying my room. Gripping my wet hair in his massive hands, he pulled my face to his, panting as he placed his forehead on mine.