The lie tasted bitter on his tongue. But it was better she think him incapable of love. It would make things easier when he walked away.
"I'm not asking for anything more than one night, Michael.” Her gaze searched his for a moment. “I don't want anything more."
Maybe she didn't, he thought, studying the dark auburn highlights in her hair. But could he hold her in his arms, make love to her, then simply walk away?
"Making love will strengthen the link between us, Nikki,” he said softly. “Can you risk that, when you fear the link almost as much as you fear the vampire?"
She glanced up sharply. “I don't fear you."
He smiled grimly. “No. You fear the darkness in me—the vampire. But I am not two beings, and you cannot fear one without fearing the other."
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. “I don't care about the technicalities, Michael. I just want—"
He placed a finger against her lips, quickly silencing her. Someone approached the room. He turned and watched the heat of life approach. After a moment, he relaxed. It was only Jake. And just in the nick of time, too.
Smiling wryly, he glanced back at Nikki. “Jake's about to knock at the door. He's angry about something."
"How can you tell?” She rubbed her hands up and down her arms, a gesture that spoke of the fear he could see in her thoughts.
"His heart is racing, and fury runs through his thoughts."
"Something's happened."
He entwined his fingers through hers and squeezed them lightly. She smiled, then motioned him towards the door when Jake knocked.
Jake's smile was anything but warm. “Have you heard the news yet?"
"No.” It wasn't too hard to guess what had happened, though. He stepped aside, allowing Jake to enter.