No doubt from the woman awaiting him behind the door.
Shay paced her room for over an hour before she felt comfortable that they weren't under attack. Obviously the waiting vampire had dropped by for a late-night chat, not a late-night snack.
Thank God.
She had had quite enough bloodbaths for one day.
Confident that Viper was properly distracted she had stripped off her clothes and climbed into the shower. She felt an overwhelming need to scrub away the ghastly images of dead trolls.
Shay sighed deeply as the hot water cascaded over her knotted muscles. She sighed even deeper as she discovered the large stash of soaps and oils that lined the glass shelves in the back of the shower.
It had been far too long since she had been able to indulge in such luxury, she acknowledged as she washed her long hair in a flowery scented shampoo.
Too long?
A wry smile touched her lips.
Closer to never.
Lingering until her skin was wrinkled and scrubbed pink, she at last reluctantly wrapped a towel about herself and returned to her bedroom.
She had expected to discover Levet on her bed awaiting her return. He had been oddly reluctant to leave her side since they had arrived at the house.
But what she discovered wasn't Levet.
It wasn't even a gargoyle.
Instead it was a tall, silver-haired, midnight-eyed vampire who made her breath catch in her throat and strange things flutter in the pit of her stomach.
Damn, damn, and double damn.
Clutching the towel tight about her na**d body she glared into those sinful eyes.
"What do you want?"
With an elegant motion Viper rose to his feet, his gaze taking a full, blatant inventory of her slender form.
"I thought you might wish to know that my guest has left."
His voice held a smooth darkness that slithered straight down her spine. The flutters beat all the harder.
"Is that all?"
"My housekeeper has left dinner for you in the kitchen."
"Oh... thank you." She licked her lips. "I'll go down later."
His gaze once again roamed downward, lingering upon the small swell of her br**sts. His smile slowly widened as if he could sense her ni**les tighten in response.
Freaking hell.
"Surely you must be hungry?" he drawled softly. "I know you possess a healthy appetite."
With an abrupt motion, she turned her back to him. He might be able to seduce her with a glance, but she didn't have to let him witness his power.
"I can hardly go as I am."
He gave a smoky laugh. "Why not? I assure you I don't mind."