Once Bitten, Twice Dead - By Bianca D'Arc Page 0,39
wanted to come over but Sarah put her off. All the while, she felt Xavier’s eyes on her, as if burning into her skin. She refused to acknowledge his attention. For one thing, if she looked at him, she’d no doubt begin to babble to her friend. For another, she wasn’t sure yet how she felt about what had almost just happened.
She should probably be appalled by her behavior, but she couldn’t work up enough energy for it. The delicious hum of arousal still rode her hard—as hard as she imagined he’d have ridden her if she’d let him stay between her thighs just a little bit longer.
They’d been on the verge of having sex. She wasn’t usually so easy, but there was something about this soldier that blew down all her defenses. She’d wanted to have sex with him. More than anything.
Saner heads prevailed now that she was free from his seductive spell. He was potent at close range. She’d remember that for the next time.
She had no doubt there would be a next time. With a man as highly sexual as Xavier, it would be a miracle if he didn’t try something—or if she didn’t—before they finally parted ways. It would be up to her to remain strong against his charm because she’d be the one who ended up with a broken heart when he went on his way.
Sarah ended the conversation with Terry after a few minutes more and hung up the phone. When she turned, Xavier was gone from the kitchen. He’d moved so silently, she hadn’t even been aware of his leaving. Perhaps it was for the best. She didn’t think she could face him right now.
As she made her cowardly way down the hall, she heard him moving around in the guest room. He’d retreated for now and she was grateful. She would use this night to shore up her defenses. The first skirmish was his. It would be up to her to regroup to fight another day.
Chapter Six
After spending what remained of the night tossing and turning, she finally fell into a deep sleep. Sarah rose late to find Xavier sitting at her kitchen table. He had papers spread out before him, his phone on the table within easy reach, and half a pot of coffee left on the burner. It looked like he’d been hard at work while she’d slept late.
The awkwardness she had feared after what had transpired between them the night before had dissipated. Seeing him working focused her like nothing else. They had a job to do. It was critical that they work together to solve this problem before anyone else died.
“Why didn’t you wake me?” She made a beeline for the coffeepot and poured herself a cup. An infusion of caffeine was welcome, considering she felt like she’d been through the wringer and it wasn’t even noon yet. The one bright spot was that her leg felt worlds better.
“Within the next day or so we’re going to have to switch to night patrols. I figured you could ease into it if you slept late today and went to sleep later tonight.” Xavier rubbed one hand over his face and reached for his cup of coffee. Come to think of it, he probably didn’t look like he’d slept much better than she had. “You just got out of the hospital, after all. You still need your rest to complete your healing.”
That he would think of her comfort and health was extremely appealing. It had been a long time since anyone put her needs first. So long, in fact, that it felt distinctly strange. Strange and wonderful at the same time.
“Why nights?” Sarah took a seat next to him at the table.
“The creatures prefer darkness. They didn’t follow you into the sunlight during your first confrontation, remember? That seems to be a common trait among them all, even if this batch has one or two modifications.”
“Modifications? You mean how that last guy tried to talk?” She sipped her coffee, welcoming the rush of energy it gave her.
“Exactly. That was totally new. I spent some time this morning discussing our observations with my superior officer and a few others who’ve had a little more experience with zombies than me. No one has ever seen them try to talk before.”
“So what does it mean?” She grew concerned, troubled by the frown wrinkling his brow.
“Who knows? It could be nothing—just an anomaly of that particular creature. Or it could be something much more