long?" she teased.
Gregori bunched her hair in his hand and tugged. "Show some respect, bйbй, or I might have to turn you over my knee."
"Kinky." One delicate shoulder rose and fell in a sexy little shrug. "I'm willing to try anything once."
He leaned over and kissed her. He had to kiss her; he had no other choice. Once his mouth fastened on hers, he was in trouble. She was heat and light, spice and satin, lace and candlelight. And he was lost. Utterly, completely lost. Gregori jerked himself away from her, swearing in his ancient tongue.
Savannah's eyes were cloudy, dreamy, her lips moist and slightly parted. Her soft mouth curved with that sensuous, mysterious smile he could never quite figure out.
"I have a great idea, Gregori," she told him wickedly. "Let's take a commercial flight."
"What?" He was staring at her mouth. She had a great mouth. A perfect mouth. A sexy mouth.
Mon Dieu, he wanted her mouth.
"Doesn't a commercial flight sound fun? We could take a night flight, mingle with people. It might even throw off the reporter."
"Nothing is going to throw off the reporter. He is tenacious. And there will be no commercial flight. There will be no discussion on this, either. None. If we go to New Orleans, and I am not saying we will, commercial flights are out."
"Oh, Gregori. I was only kidding. Naturally we'll do things your way," she added demurely.
He shook his head, exasperated at himself. Of course she had been teasing. He wasn't used to anyone treating him as Savannah did.
Outrageous woman.
"I need to go out and talk with Wade Carter."
She stood up instantly, expectantly, her blue eyes wide in anticipation. "Tell me what you want me to do. I can probably manage mist. I'm stronger now, using your blood. I can back you up."
Amusement warmed the cool silver of his eyes. "
Mon Dieu.
Savannah, you sound like a cop movie. No, you will not back me up. You are not talking to Carter. You will stay here, safe, where I know he cannot touch you. Am I making myself crystal clear, bйbй? You are not to leave this dwelling."
"But Gregori," she said softly, "I'm your partner now. I'm supposed to help you. If you Insist on tackling this Wade Carter, men I have to help you. I'm your lifemate."
"There is no chance that I will allow such a thing. You may attempt to defy me, but I assure you, it is a waste of your energy." He spoke gently, that mocking male superiority setting her teeth on edge. "I am your lifemate, chйrie, and I will give any order I deem necessary for your safety."
She thumped his chest hard with her clenched fist. "You make me so mad, Gregori! I'm trying very hard to get along with you and your arrogant orders. You don't even change expression! We could be discussing the weather instead of having a fight."
His eyebrows shot up. "This is no fight, ma petite. A fight is where we both are angry and have a contest of wills, a battle. There cannot be such a thing between us. I do not feel anger when I look at you, only the need to care for you and protect you. I am responsible for your health and safety, Savannah. I can do no other than to protect you, even from your own folly. You cannot hope to win. I know this absolutely, so there is no reason to become agitated over the issue."
She thumped him again. He looked startled, then caught her flying fist in his hand and gently pried her fingers open. Very carefully he pressed a kiss into the exact center of her palm. "Savannah? Were you trying to hit me?"
"I did hit you - twice, you scum. You didn't even notice the first time." She sounded very irritated with him.
For some reason it made him want to smile. "I apologize, mon amour.
Next time, I promise I will notice when you strike me." The hard edge to his mouth softened into a semblance of a smile. "I will even go so far as to pretend that it hurts, if you wish it."
Her blue eyes flashed at him. "Ha, ha, ha, you're so funny, Gregori. Stop being so smug."
"It is not being smug to know my own power, chйrie.
I am trying to care for you as best I know how. You do not make it easy for me. I find myself making poor decisions just to see that smile on your face,"