that. “Okay, but you didn’t tell me what you’re doing here. I don’t like surprise visits.”
His gaze darkens and I get ready for an angry retort from him. But he seems to be able to rein in his irritation a bit. “I’ll remember that next time. I heard you were sick, so I came to check on you.”
“I fell ill two days ago.” I cross my arms. “And you could have called.”
“Nobody bothered to tell me until today. And what kind of fiancé would I be if I didn’t come in person to make sure you’re okay?”
He walks over, and on reflex, I step back. He notices it.
“You said you wanted to make things work between us, and yet, you act like you’re scared of me.”
I snort. “Oh please. Like I’d ever be scared of you.”
What’s making my heart beat out of control has nothing to do with fear. It’s the damn bond rejecting the knowledge that I’m supposed to marry someone who is not Saxon. Shit. What’s going to happen during the honeymoon? If I’m getting the creeps now, will I go into shock if Calvin touches me?
My stomach decides to revolt just then. I run to the sink, almost not making it in time. My eyes and nose sting as I puke my guts out.
“Fuck. You’re still sick,” Calvin says. “Are you contagious?”
I wish I could tell him yes so he’ll bail, but I’m not done spewing out the contents of my stomach yet.
Suddenly, a growl echoes in my apartment. It takes me a second to register that Saxon is here, ready to shred Calvin to pieces. The sickness passes at once.
“Who the hell are you?” Calvin asks.
Wiping my face with the back of my arm, I whirl around. Saxon’s eyes are glowing bright red and his lips are pulled back. Damn it. He’s gone berserk.
I jump in front of Calvin with my hands up. “Saxon. Calm down. Everything is fine.”
His breathing is coming out in bursts and he still won’t meet my gaze. His murderous eyes are focused on Calvin behind me.
“What’s that deranged vampire doing here, Aurora?”
I sense a burst of magic behind me, which only makes Saxon take a menacing step forward, body poised to strike.
“Shut up, Calvin, and stand down.”
“Hell no. That bloodsucker is going crazy and he’s going to kill us both.”
“Saxon, look at me.” I walk over slowly, afraid any sudden movement will set him off. He’s like a wild animal in protective mode, ready to strike.
But my proximity doesn’t seem to register. Saxon doesn’t lower his gaze to mine, so I reach over and touch his cheek as tenderly as possible. A zap of electricity shoots up my hand, but instead of causing pain, it soothes everything. My muscles relax and a peaceful warmth spreads through my body. Finally, his attention switches to me. The red in his eyes fades when he looks into mine and his fangs retract.
“I’m okay,” I say.
“I thought you were in danger,” he replies gruffly.
Goose bumps spread all over my skin when sparks of electricity seem to crackle around us. The desire that has been ever-present unleashes at full strength, making the world around us disappear. Saxon leans down, bringing his mouth an inch from mine.
“What the hell!” Calvin’s annoying voice pierces through the bubble of the mating bond, jarring me back to the here and now.
Shit. I was about to make out with Saxon in front of my fiancé.
I jump back, covering my face, which now feels as hot as lava. My pulse has skyrocketed and my heart is beating in an erratic manner.
Slowly, I turn around, not knowing how I’m going to explain what he just witnessed without telling the truth.
“Did you fuck this bloodsucker, Aurora?” Calvin asks with an air of incredulity.
“You bet your ass she did,” Saxon replies, stepping to my side.
Damn it, Saxon. Way to make things worse.
“What happened between Saxon and me is none of your business, Calvin. I had a life before our arrangement.”
He doesn’t need to know I fucked Saxon’s brains out only after I knew I’d be shackled to his Douchey Excellency.
“Right. You want me to believe your illicit affair is over?” Calvin narrows his beady eyes, while a vein in his temple throbs.
Illicit affair? I’m so fucking angry right now that any common sense I have leaves my brain.
“You know what? We’re not getting married for another nine months, which means I can do whatever I please until then.”
“No, you can’t!” His eyes bulge from his