flowers to shame.
Mari’s head swam with emotions, with a thrilling sensation of freedom she would never be able to put into words. As the climax reached its peak, then began losing momentum, he leaned against her, then turned sideways to crumple both of them to the bed.
Chapter Seven
Up the River with No Flop in Sight
Mari listened to Tucker’s singing and smiled at her reflection in the mirror. Brushing her hair, she giggled as he hit a particularly awful note. But who cared what he sounded like? What the man lacked in musical talent, he made up for in every other way.
Sighing, she walked away from the mirror and pushed the bathroom door open an inch. “Tucker?”
The singing stopped, and he poked his head out from behind the shower curtain. “Hey, you’re up.” The wicked grin stirred the warmth between her legs. “How about joining me? I’m crazy good with a loofah.”
If only he’d move the curtain more. Then again, maybe it was a good thing he didn’t. Otherwise, she’d never return to her hotel room and get ready for the day’s play. “I bet you are. But no thanks. I’m going to take a shower and change in my room. Meet you downstairs for breakfast?”
He bobbed his gaze the length of her and back again, the lust in his eyes unmistakable. “Aw, hell. I was counting on you washing my back.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “I’m a dirty, dirty boy.”
“You are too funny.” She laughed, then gave his idea serious consideration. “I’d love to join you, but we do have a tournament to win. See you in a bit, okay?”
“Okay. But don’t take too long.” He disappeared behind the curtain and started singing again.
Mari cringed at Tucker’s horrible rendition of Bad Moon Rising , then grabbed her purse and slipped from the room. Leaning against the hallway wall, she dug in her purse, trying to find her hotel key. “Now where the hell did I put it?”
“I would not know, but I am happy to be of assistance.”
Bascom took her arm and tugged her away from the wall. Mari gasped and tried to pull away from the vampire but couldn’t break free. “Let me go, you jerk.” Fear rushed into her, stiffening her body and paralyzing her brain.
“My, my. The ladies of this day and age never fail to shock me. No, wait. I doubt any lady would speak such profanity. Which means, my sweet Mari, that you are no lady.”
“You’re really going to think I’m not a lady when my knee connects with your balls.”
Bascom chuckled, the sound grating on Mari’s nerves more than fingernails on a chalkboard ever could. “Ah, if you would like to touch my balls, you need only ask.”
He skimmed a fingernail along her cheek. She twisted her head away from his finger but could still feel the cold on her skin. “Don’t touch me.”
“I do not understand. Why, oh why, would you want to lie down with a dog? Believe me, sweet one, I am sure you will find me a much better lover than that animal.” He let out an exaggerated sigh. “Alas, for now, I will have to settle for the dulcet tones of your lilting voice.”
She tried to wrench free again but had no better luck than before. The vampire’s fingers dug into her arm, but she refused to cry out.
“What do you want, Bascom?” Lifting her chin in an effort to at least appear braver than she felt, Mari glared into the dark glasses. If she screamed, would Tucker hear her? But what then? Would he make good on his threats and tear the vampire apart? Not wanting to put Tucker at risk, she racked her brain for the spell she’d planned to use against him.
What the hell was wrong with her? Why couldn’t she think straight?
“I need a little of your time.”
Her fear whipped into panic. “Not happening. I’m on my way back to my room, so if you’ll turn me loose…” She looked pointedly at his arm, then down the hallway. She steeled herself then shifted to glare at him. “If you don’t take your hand off me in two seconds, I’m going to scream bloody
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