“Tell me what's going on,” I grumbled in irritation.

Viktor climbed off the bed and his hands went to my hair, rubbing strands that had fallen across my cheeks. He was an abnormally handsy person and yet still respectful, despite that. He just wanted to touch me it seemed, no further intention at hand. He didn’t paw at my chest and grab my ass.

Instead, he felt the texture of my hair, traced the shape of my features, and memorized the curve of my waist. I wasn’t sure what to make of it but I didn’t dislike it. Perhaps I was a bit touch starved. It’s not as if I’d had a regular lover anytime recently and I did miss these sorts of touches. Though no one had ever given casual touch as much thought and attention as Viktor did.

“The Council wants to kill all of us. Dullahan, Lorcan, and me. We need your help.”

“What?” I asked in confusion, pulling back up. He let my hair slide through his fingers. “This is the shittiest way possible to ask for help,” I sighed. “And why should I help you three? The Council must want you dead for a good reason.”

“They want us dead simply because of what we are. Our powers frighten them. They are a zero-sum organization that wants everything tied in a neat bow as the supernatural comes closer to being fully out in the public.” He walked in a long stride around me, circling as he talked.

“Me, and the others, aren’t good publicity,” he said with a smile that was far too charming given what he was admitting. I looked up into his eager eyes that still roved over my face and shook my head.

“Imagine that,” I said blankly. “So now you’re asking for my help…after capturing me. Plus, I still haven’t forgotten your men shot at me—”

“I knew you’d be fine. It was a test,” he sighed, rolling his eyes.

“Also, you followed me, broke into my home, sent an incubus to seduce me, and Dullahan himself to overpower me.” I got up in his face, pressing my finger to his chest. His big gold eyes were finally looking right back at my own eyes. He looked confused as I talked, as if he didn’t expect me to put up all this fuss.

“You tell me the Council has demanded your death. Well, I’m not surprised. I’m sure tricking me is a drop in the bucket of your combined bad deeds.” I leaned forward, bringing our faces close. My tongue darted over my lips as I eyed his mouth. One of the most dangerous supernatural beings in the world, huh? I shouldn’t be getting turned on.

He lunged forward suddenly, his hands found my shoulders and pushed, toppling me onto the bed while he fell on top of me. I screamed out in shock as he held my writhing body down with his weight. The soft fabric of his suit slid over the bare skin of my legs and forearms, distracting me. Was his suit made from vicuna wool? That was one of the most expensive fabrics money could buy.