Good evening, the woman said, smiling pleasantly.
Tegan nodded curtly and waited until she sauntered down the stairs to the main level of the mansion. He knocked one last time, then opened the door and went inside the empty room.
Where the hell was she? And where was Reichen? Why wouldn't they have returned by now?
A tremor of dread snaked up Tegan's spine.
Ah, Christ. If anything had happened to her...
He stalked to the pair of French doors that opened onto a small balcony overlooking the estate's front grounds, intending what, he didn't know. The blast of cold air braced him as he stepped outside and listened to the surrounding night.
If one of Marek's human assassins had managed to find Elise while he was away-- Just then, Reichen's sleek black Rolls- Royce limo came gently up the drive, making an elegant sweep as it came to rest outside the mansion's main entrance.
Relief washed over Tegan as the driver came around and opened the rear passenger door. He helped Elise out, Reichen exiting directly behind her.
Thank you again for dinner, Elise said as Reichen strolled in front of her and offered his hand to help her up the mansion's steps.
It was my great pleasure. Truly.
Something primitive and possessively male rose to attention at the intimate tone Reichen was using on Elise.
Perhaps I could entice you to extend your stay in Berlin, said the Darkhaven lord as he inched closer to her, his large frame towering over Elise and obscuring her from Tegan's view. I would very much like to get to know you better, Elise.
Tegan could hardly contain his growl as Reichen reached out to touch her, then leaned down to deliver what was unmistakably a more than friendly kiss.
She didn't draw back. She didn't slap him or run away in outrage.
And why should she?
Tegan hadn't given her any reason not to consider other males. No, he'd practically shoved her into Reichen's arms. He should be relieved that she might look elsewhere for a mate. He sure as hell was no prize.
Elise deserved far better than him--or Reichen, for that matter. And Tegan was going to tell her as much, damn it.
His foul mood heading farther south every second she remained out there with the Darkhaven male, Tegan stalked back into her room to wait for her.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Elise drew out of the very unexpected kiss, her fingers pressed to her lips. It had been a pleasant, if brief, contact but she felt absolutely nothing for the handsome man who was now looking at her in awkward, yet understanding, silence.
I'm sorry, Andreas. I shouldn't have let you do that.
When she glanced down, embarrassed, he gently lifted her chin so that she was looking at him again. The fault is mine. I should have asked you first. No, he said, correcting himself. I should have recognized that your heart is already spoken for. I did, actually, but I suppose I wanted to be certain that I stood no chance. I don't...stand any chance, do I, Elise?
She smiled up at him apologetically and slowly shook her head.
Ah. I feared not. The lucky bastard. Reichen exhaled, stripping the thin leather thong from his queued hair and raking his hand into the loose, dark waves. I think I've finally run out of charity when it comes to that warrior. After this forfeit to him, Tegan will have no choice but to accept that my debt to him is paid in full.
Elise warmed to his praise, even though she wasn't sure it was valid. Tegan had made no claims on her, despite her feelings for him. In fact he seemed intent on keeping her at arm's length. He would probably be relieved if she were to suddenly develop an affection for another male.
But that wasn't going to happen. Reichen was right; her heart was no longer hers to give. Tegan had it, whether he wanted it or not.
She looked up into Reichen's striking dark eyes. You're a good man, Andreas. A very kind man.
He gasped dramatically. Stop, I beg you! You have thrashed my pride enough for one night. I'm a devil and a cad, and don't you forget it.
Elise laughed, and went up on her toes to kiss his cheek. Thank you for dinner. Thank you for everything, Andreas.
He nodded, then strode ahead to open the mansion door for her.
Good night, beauty, he said, then waited in the foyer as she made the climb upstairs to her guest room.
Tegan heard her light footsteps pause outside her room door. He waited silently, stealthily, as the crystal knob turned and the panel swung inward. Elise took only a step inside, then she paused, listening. Her blood link to him instantly gave him away; she could feel his presence. He knew it by the softly indrawn breath she took, her eyes searching the dark room.
Tegan?
She flipped the light switch. Walked farther into the room. He stayed still, watching her rub a chill from her arms as she crossed the thick rug and went to the open French doors. She looked out onto the balcony, her movements cautious, uncertain.
Tegan...are you out here?
The sweet scent of her drifted up to him as a chill night breeze swept in from outside. Reichen's scent was on her too--a dark, musky undertone that set Tegan's teeth on edge. Jealousy spiked in him, raw and feral.
Instinctively male.
As she drew back to close the doors, Tegan came down from the corner of the room where he'd been suspended spiderlike. He dropped soundlessly behind her, his body blocking her as she pivoted around and gasped.
Startled, her eyes went wide. Tegan! Where were y--
He pulled her to him in a hard, unyielding embrace and slanted his mouth over hers. His kiss was forceful, deliberate. An animal male putting his stamp on what he meant to be his, and his alone.
Elise didn't fight him. He felt her hands come up around his neck, her fingers linking together at his nape and holding him close. She kissed him back, sighing into his mouth as he pushed her lips apart and plunged his tongue between them, needing to taste her.