She took a wary step back as Salvatore neared, and he forced himself to come to a halt, raising a hand in a gesture of peace.
“Wait.”
Her eyes narrowed (not emerald, but instead a stunning hazel with flecks of gold), and her expression hardened, but there was no fear. His fascination ratcheted up another notch.
There was nothing sexier than a woman who knew she could take care of herself.
“Who are you?” she demanded, her low, husky voice brushing over him like a physical caress.
“Salvatore Giuliani.”
Recognition flashed through her eyes. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the good kind of recognition. Not like finding the perfect silk tie to match his new Armani suit. More like a woman who turned over a rock and didn’t like what crawled out.
“God,” she breathed. “Caine is an idiot.”
“What’s your name?”
“Harley.”
He stretched out his hand. “Come to me, Harley.”
“I don’t think so.”
“I’m not going to hurt you.”
“And I should believe you, why?”
Salvatore frowned. She wasn’t acting like a Were who’d been kidnapped and held captive by a deranged cur.
“I’m here to rescue you.”
She shook her head, her hair shimmering with pale beauty even in the darkness.
“Hip-frigging-hooray for you. Who said I wanted to be rescued?”
“You aren’t being held against your will?”
“No one holds me against my will.” She flicked a dismissive gaze over his less than pristine suit. “Especially not a man.”
Salvatore growled low in his throat. He didn’t get dismissive glances from women. Women drooled and panted and sometimes fainted when he entered a room.
“It doesn’t matter,” he rasped. “You’re coming with me.”
“Very smooth, Romeo.” Levet moved to stand at his side. “It’s no wonder the Weres are nearly extinct.”
Salvatore glared at the gargoyle. It didn’t improve his mood to know the miniature demon was right. He could seduce a woman with a mere glance, so why was he barely restraining his urge to snap and snarl?
Because the female was his, a voice whispered in the back of his mind. And she was damned well going to admit it.
“Levet,” he warned as the demon waddled forward.
“Shh. Allow the master to work.” With a flick of his tail, Levet halted directly in front of Harley, and performed an awkward bow. “Please forgive my oafish companion, beautiful Harley. He is never troubled by the need to display good manners.” He heaved a dramatic sigh. “Royalty, you cannot live with them, cannot slice off their heads. Well, not without a great deal of stupid fuss.” The delicate wings fluttered. “What Salvatore intended to say was that we would be deeply honored to have your company so we can converse with you over a lovely meal.” He licked his lips. “Perhaps a roasted ox. Or two.”
A reluctant smile curved Harley’s lips and Salvatore swallowed a sigh. Men wanted to drown the gargoyle on sight, women inevitably found him charming. It was as unfathomable as black holes.
“I like you,” she murmured.
“But of course you do, ma belle. I am quite irresistible to the opposite sex. It is a blessing…and a curse.”