Thirty minutes later, with no clues to be found, Sydney did something she never let any man do, she let him drive her baby, her convertible. She was hesitant about turning over the keys, but she was nursing a major headache and the lump on her upper back was throbbing. The bleeding on her hands had stopped, but she was pretty sure her entire back was going to be black and blue. As they pulled up to her building, Kade carefully parked the car. So, her limo driven vampire seemed to have some driving skills after all. What else was he hiding?
Kade got out, handed her the keys, and opened her car door. Sydney groaned as she shoved herself up onto her feet. “Well, thanks for driving. You sure you don’t want to take my car back to the station? I can have Tony pick me up later. Um...you wanna come up for coffee?” She felt stupid even asking. Did a freakin’ vampire even drink coffee?
Kade wanted to go in with her, but he had to get back and call home. Luca would have a full update on possible suspects waiting. He didn’t want to tell Sydney yet, but there were rumors back home that someone was working black magic to gain power, just talk. There was always some asshole looking for more supernatural power. Once you were a vampire, there was no democracy. You reported to the head vampire in the area, comply or die. Most accepted their new life, some didn’t.
“Sydney love, you know you tempt me with your offer. While I do enjoy a spot of tea, I am afraid that my tastes require more than you are willing to give.” He wanted to stay. She was driving him fucking crazy. “But I really must get back and make some calls.” He reached for her hand, and she let him take it. He lifted her hand, turned her palm up, and kissed it. “I will call you with any news. Please do the same. Please forgive me...ah, my car is here.” The limo pulled up to the curb.
Sydney sniffed, “Whatever. You’ve got my cell number. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll be in touch tomorrow afternoon and we can plan next steps. It’s been a hell of a night, and I need to get a shower. Later.” She turned and entered the code to the building not looking back. What was she thinking anyway asking him up for coffee? Really? Coffee? More like do you want to come up and fuck my brains out? Guess not.
Chapter Six
After taking three Advil, Sydney showered and dressed in her favorite, red sundress that showed off the swell of her tan breasts. Unfortunately, it also showed off her upper back that had started to turn bluish. She slipped on a pair of black, platform flip-flops. She didn’t bother to dry her hair; her blonde locks looked wild and curly. It was late at night, no use blowing it out.
Sydney considered going to sleep. It was nearly four in the morning, but working nights, she was wide awake. She knew she should get into her pajamas, read a book and get some rest, but her nerves were on fire. Nearly dying can do that to a girl, but it wasn’t what was making her jumpy. It was Kade. She wanted, she needed, needed something, someone, him. But she wasn’t going to have him. Like a wanton slut, she asked him to come in with her 'for coffee' a.k.a. 'sex', and he was just too freakin’ busy, or didn’t want her. Fine. She thought there was a sexual tension there but maybe she was wrong. He had lied about being a detective. He seemed to have plenty of other secrets. What else was the guy lying about? Maybe he had a girlfriend? Maybe he was married?
Sydney longed to forget her lustful thoughts of Kade. She would get him out of her system. She didn’t believe in love at first sight anyway, lust maybe, and lust could be controlled...or redirected. Sydney decided Tristan was just what she needed. She knew he cared about her...wanted her. He was always there for her, the one stable man in her life besides Tony. Life was too short to sit around moping. She didn’t want to be alone tonight, and Tristan would help her forget.
As Sydney strolled through Eden’s doors, she spied Tristan leaning against the bar, talking to a redhead who was flirting with him and flipping her hair back. Setting her sights on Tristan, Sydney traipsed across the dance floor, ignoring the stares from all the other men. It meant nothing to her; this was a club, a place to come and be noticed. Dancing, drinking, sweat, blood, sex, it was all here, and she was going to sate herself until she felt better. Stepping in front of Tristan, she flashed a badge at the girl. “Get lost. I’ve got business here,” she ordered. Her face held no smile. The girl looked at her and rushed away, not wanting to be involved with the police.
Tristan was not going to be bossed in his own house, but damn if Sydney didn’t have presence. He instantly grabbed her arms and pulled her against his own firm body. His cheek brushed across hers, and he whispered in her ear, “What gives, Syd? My girl looks a little tense. You need something tonight?”
She quivered in his arms. “Yes, Tristan. I need you.”
With those words, Tristan took her hand and led her up the stairs. There would be no stopping him tonight. It had been weeks since they’d been together. Yeah, he knew there was no commitment between them, but tonight she was his. He wasn’t sure what Kade had done, but he would take care of her. Like always, he would give her what she needed.
Tristan led her into a private room that was painted royal blue, which had a large cherry desk and a black, leather sofa. This was Tristan’s private office. It was soundproofed, secure. He flipped a switch and a gas fire flared up in the fireplace. Sydney stood still. She needed her friend Tristan. Needed to feel cared about. He was always there for her, and she for him. “Tristan, I....”
“Sydney, you don’t need to say anything. You know I care for you. I missed you.” He brushed the back of his hand across her cheek, and she leaned into him and kissed his hand.
“Tris, this case. It was a rough night. I just need to relax. I just need…you.”
Tristan raised an eyebrow at her. “You sure, baby? You seem, I don’t know. A little different tonight. Distracted. You okay?”
Sydney didn’t want to tell Tristan that she asked Kade to come up to her apartment or how she almost got killed tonight. But he would see the bruises and wonder what happened to her. “I’m fine, Tris, really. I got hurt earlier tonight out with Kade. I’m okay, just some bruises, really.”
“Dammit Syd. What happened? Let me see you.” He pulled her closer to the fireplace and walked around her inspecting her skin. When he looked at her back, he sucked a breath and ground his back teeth. “You’re hurt. Mon chaton, did you go to the doctors? Where was Kade when this happened?” He leaned down and kissed her shoulder. Tristan rubbed her neck, and she moaned. Sydney relaxed and leaned back into him allowing him better access to her throat, submitting. Usually, she had to be in control. But here, she could let down the wall with Tristan. He knew what she wanted in life, sexually. She would never let him fully into her heart but this would have to be good enough. She would purge the thoughts of Kade from her mind. She would get her release, go home, sleep and be back on the job tomorrow with a smile on her face.
“I’m okay. Some perp got me with a baton. It’ll leave a bruise but it’s nothing serious. Come on Tris, I don’t want to talk about it. Please, just make me feel good. No more questions.”
Tristan put his hands on her shoulders and pushed away the flimsy strings of her sundress. The dress fell to her feet exposing her back to him. He reached around under her belly and cupped her breasts. His hands were full as he took her nipples between his forefinger and thumb and squeezed. She moaned again as heat rushed to her sex. Tristan gently turned her around and pressed his lips to hers. He found her lips opening, their tongues reaching for each other.