I really hate how vampires can move in a flash like that.
"Where do you think you're going, little bird?" he asks me, his voice dark and sensual.
I feel my heart pitter patter in my chest as I look up at his big form. He's intimidating to be sure, but I've never been one to back down from a challenge, so I lift my chin bravely and tell him defiantly, "I don't really think that's any of your business."
His lips tilt up into a half grin. "Oh, I think it's definitely my business. When you kiss someone like that, little bird, you can't just fly away like nothing happened."
My cheeks redden further—if that’s even possible—as I sputter up at him, "That…that was a mistake. I mean…that kiss wasn't meant for you."
His eyes darken at my words, and his face pulls down into a frown.
"I'm aware." His voice is like ice. "It was for Donovan." He nearly spits the name before he lifts his own chin. "Who is he to you?" His jaw sets angrily.
I blink, surprised by his sudden anger. And who is Donovan?
"Who?" I ask. Is Donovan the name of the vampire who I'd really been trying to kiss?
He studies me for a moment as he rubs his forefinger and thumb over his chin thoughtfully. "You didn't know who he was, so why were you out there trying to kiss a random vampire?"
He takes a step toward me.
I take a step back.
"Again, that's not really any of your—" I start to say, but he cuts me off, moving like lightning to grab me and pull me flush against his chest.
I gasp as I crane my head back to look up at him. I feel his entire body pressed against mine, and while I might not have much experience with men, I know that hard thing pressing against my stomach isn't a gun.
Good lord, this insanely hot vampire is turned on—forme.
"It most certainly is my business," he states firmly, his eyes glittering down at me dangerously. I feel like I'm in the snare of a wild animal. One wrong move, and he'll bite me—literally.
I don't know what's going on here, but the way this vampire is holding me so possessively like he thinks I'm his or something has me feeling a little lightheaded.
"I don't even know who you are," I stammer.
"Jasper," he answers immediately. "And who are you, my little bird?" he asks as he trails a finger along the side of my cheek, studying me intently.
My breath hitches in my throat at the way he calls me his little bird.
"Brenna," I answer him before I can stop myself. Then, I mentally curse myself for giving him my name.
"Brenna," he repeats my name, and the way he says it sends a shiver up my spine. He feels it too if the way his eyes flare with heat are any indication.
"Well, pretty little Brenna, what were you doing trying to kiss Donovan if you don't even know who he is?” His jaw clenches again.
I start to tell him, but then I catch myself and shake my head as if to pull myself out of the daze he seems to have put me under. I push against his chest, trying to break free from his hold, but it's to no avail. I won't be getting away from this vampire unless he chooses to release me.
"Let me go," I insist, not liking the feeling of being trapped.
"Not until you answer my question." He's holding me stubbornly.
I glare up at him. I really don't want to tell him anything, but it's obvious he's not going to let me go until I do, so I finally huff out, "It was a prophecy. I was told something would happen if I kissed a vampire."
Jasper's eyebrows shoot up into his hairline, but he keeps his face impassive as he asks me, "What was supposed to happen?"
I fight against him again, not wanting to share all this with him, especially since nothing has happened, and I feel like a complete idiot.
And I don't think I'll be able to bear it if he laughs at me. I'm already feeling stupid and embarrassed enough.