"I could, but then…."
"If you say you'd have to kill me, Draven Woodburn," she growls in warning.
"Never," I vow solemnly. I'd set this world on fire before harming a single hair on her head.
She falls silent, tension in the air. It crackles like electricity between us, igniting my blood. Does she feel it too? Is she thinking about our kiss in the library? Or the way she felt pressed up against my body in the bedroom? God knows I am.
"Why video games?" she asks as if grasping for something to break the charged silence between us.
"I needed something to keep me occupied."
She frowns, clearly not liking this answer.
"I was nine when I…changed," I murmur. "A scientist in town meant to mix one thing into the punch at our Halloween party, but he mixed something else instead. I was one of the youngest to change. I barely remember what it's like to be human. But I remember video games." It's odd. I know what it's like to be other and to be treated as such, but my memories of a time when I was anything else are hazy. They grow a little dimmer every year.
"Draven," she whispers, her voice soft.
"I guess we all cling to things that bring us comfort." I shrug one shoulder and then chuckle. "You might not have noticed, Beauty, but this mansion is a time capsule. Ma has a serious thing for the eighties."
"Oh!" she cries suddenly. "Gretchen is waiting for you. She says you two have an appointment."
Hearing Ma's name is like having a bucket of ice water tossed over me. My dick instantly deflates. "Shit. What time is it?"
"A little after 6:30. Why? What kind of appointment do the two of you have?"
Dahlia Savage is insatiably curious about the world and everything in it. Questions fall from her perfect lips at every available opportunity. I don't think she's been hiding away like I have for most of my life, but I get the impression that she hasn't seen much of the world. And I don't think that was her choice.
The more I get to know her, the more certain I am that she's here not because she needs a job…but because she needs a place to hide for a little while. And I don't like that thought at all. My Beauty is running from something—or rather,someone. And I fully intend to find out who.
But there will be plenty of time to deal with that later. For now, I think I need to start by showing her that she can trust me. And who is more trusting than a doting son willing to make a fool of himself in front of a beautiful woman? No one, that's who.
"If you want to know about this appointment," I say, climbing to my feet. "You'll just have to follow me for once."
Chapter Four
Dahlia
Ifonlyheknewhow far I'd traveled to find him, he'd understand why I could never say no to anything he asked me to do. I'm more comfortable around Draven, even though we're practically strangers than I am with any member of my own family.
Follow him? I will absolutely follow him wherever he wants me to go, and if I had a tail like his, it would wag with joy. I trot behind him without a moment's hesitation, lengthening my stride to keep up with his pace. I'm not a small woman at five foot eight, but he's at least a head taller.
Draven has the strength and physique of an athlete and moves with the grace of a panther. I haven't seen his tail and want to see him walk with it free, not tucked into his pants, like a lumpy fabric-covered bobble.
He senses I've fallen behind, slows down, and glances over his shoulder. "Everything alright, Beauty?"
I nod, then realize the gesture is too subtle, so I place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. While I'd love to run my fingers over his muscles until I get my fill, I hold myself back. What if Gretchen pokes her head out and sees me feeling up her precious son? She could be growing impatient, waiting for him, and wondering what the hold-up is.
It's one thing for us to flirt when she's not around, but if she catches us and doesn't like what she sees? What happens then? I'm protective of him, and I've only known him for a short time. I can't even imagine how fierce she would be if she felt he was being threatened.
Draven's mom hired me as a housekeeper and home helper, not a concubine. What if she changes her mind about me and gives me marching orders? No. Leaving the Woodburn mansion doesn't bear thinking about. I won't let it happen but being cautious is the only way to do that.
I skip around to one side of him and glance around to ensure Gretchen isn't watching. Though realistically, I don't know what I'm worried about, seeing as Draven is the sneaky member of the Woodburn family.
"Hold up a minute." He pauses, and I place my hand on his hip to stop him from moving, then swiftly flick the Velcro tab of the pocket concealing his tail. The length uncoils with a flourish, and before I have a chance to move away, he's flicked my butt with the tassel.
"Owww." Both hands fly up to my mouth to stop me from laughing. Or maybe from begging him to do it again. Only harder and without any clothes on because there's no use denying he makes me feel crazy hot and horny.
"Focus, or I'll do it again," he growls.What?Is he reading my mind?