Chapter 42

The next thing I knew it was late morning. I woke in the middle of the bed with Kaz spooned up against my ass, and me up against Ty's. Someone had dragged the blanket up over us all at some point.
There was an irritating beeping sound I couldn't identify at first, followed by a volley of profanity from Kaz. He rolled away from me and out of bed. "Shit. Duty calls."
"That sucks," Ty responded, rolling to face Kaz and me. "What time are you done today?"
"Six," Kaz replied. He hit a button on his cell phone and pulled on his jeans. "Why don't you two give me a half-hour or so to change then meet me in my suite? I'll have the restaurant send up some dinner this evening."
"Sounds good to me." Ty sat up, tugging me with him. We both scooted to the side of the bed. "How about you, sweet thing?"
"Sounds perfect," I said around a yawn. Even as a vamp, I'm soo not a morning person. "And you can count me in for dinner. I do eat regular food, you know. Just not very much."
"We know." Kaz leaned down and gave me a long, lingering kiss before turning to do the same to Ty. "Talk to you later. You two don't have too much fun without me." He slipped into his T-shirt, picked up his jacket and shoes. Just before he closed the door behind him, he called, "Or if you do, take pictures."
Ty laughed, giving me a big hug. "Thank you, Dani. Last night was the first time I've seen him really smile since before Lily died."
"That's a shame," I said, my breath stirring the golden hairs on Ty's chest. "I'm glad you two are friends again."
"So am I, honey, more than I even imagined." We just held each other for a while, the embrace more comforting and sweet than erotic for a change.
"Now as much as I hate to disillusion Kaz about us staying in bed together while he works, I really need to get going too." Ty pulled back enough for me to see the reluctance in his brown eyes, which for once weren't swirling with arousal.
So, it wasn't playtime again. Drat.
He must have seen the disappointment in my face because he laughed softly and just a hint of the amber swirled in his chocolate irises. "Don't worry. I just have to go deal with some follow-up to last night's business. I'll be back in time for our dinner date. Pick you up at six fifteen?"
I smiled and nodded. "A little more sleep wouldn't hurt me anyway," I said wryly.
"Good, because you won't be getting any tonight. I promise you that." His features tightened into a serious, intent expression. "And, Dani? Tonight, would you at least think about telling us why you're so skittish about being on the bottom? You've heard all our dirty laundry - and it worries us both that we might inadvertently do something to hurt you."
I bit my lip, even nicking it a little as a fang popped partway out at my sudden turmoil. I looked up into Ty's patient, tender gaze and nodded. "I'll think about it," I promised, even though I'd never told another soul - not even Ariana or Jess. "I'll try."
His smile was brilliant, and even though I knew he had to leave, I couldn't help getting wet all over again. I rubbed my hand against his erection, proof that he wasn't immune either. It was better, knowing he was leaving because he had to, not because he wasn't interested.
"You cheat, vixen." He pulled my hand off his cock and lifted it to his lips. "Sleep. I'll see you later." He disappeared into the bathroom, grabbing his clothes as he went. I heard the shower start and briefly considered joining him, but I didn't. Part of me was just too comfy in the big, warm bed to want to move, and part of me just understood. Ty wanted to wait until Kaz was with us again. As deeply as those two cared about each other, I could respect that wish. Hell, I considered myself lucky they were including me at all. I thought back on the sex the night before and grinned - very, very lucky. I lay back against the pillows, replaying the previous night in my mind. I dozed off, barely waking when Ty bent over me, fully clothed, to kiss me goodbye.
I dressed carefully that evening in the sexiest outfit I'd packed. When Ty knocked on my door, I was as nervous as a schoolgirl on a date - not that I'd ever been one, but I'd watched enough television to get the idea.
Tamping down my anticipation, I opened the door and stepped out to greet Ty in the hallway. I knew if I let him in the room, I'd jump him, and I'd already decided to go along with his wish to wait until we were with Kaz. I felt his gaze burning as he took in my outfit.
The black velvet halter dress was just long enough to be legal, leaving most of my thighs bare, except for sheer black stockings that were held up by a garter belt. The garter clips were just barely hidden under the hemline of the dress, so as I moved, the occasional glimpse of pale skin would show between stocking top and hem. High-heeled red velvet pumps were matched by my crimson fingernails and lipstick. Diamond studs - three on each side - glittered on my earlobes, and a single diamond teardrop was suspended from a black lace choker around my neck. The front of my hair was pulled back with a black velvet-covered clip while the rest hung down my back to my waist, curling wildly. I held a small red clutch purse in my hand, completing the ensemble. Slowly, I spun in front of Ty, waiting for him to comment.
He just stared for a while, golden glints swirling in the brown of his eyes as he drew in a deep, shuddering breath. "Damn, sweet thing. Let's get out of here before you cause a riot in the hallways." He wrapped one arm around my waist in a grip so possessive, I was reminded that Zendir are essentially predators - even ones in Brooks Brothers suits. Tonight, though, he'd left off the jacket and was wearing a pair of perfectly tailored black slacks and a black silk dress shirt, sans tie. It was the most casual look I'd seen for him, other than buck-naked, and I liked that he was figuratively letting his hair down.
"So how was your day?" I asked as we waited for the elevator. "Get all your paperwork taken care of?"
"Mission accomplished," he replied with a cryptic little smile. "And yours? All rested up?"
"I had a lovely, lazy day in bed followed by a few glorious hours at the spa," I replied. "Manicure, pedicure, massage and hair - nothing makes a girl feel more like a girl."