Free Seizing Darkness (Fur, Fangs, and Fairies) by Mariana Thorn Page A

and scurried to the bathroom across the hall. He disappeared down the stairs. After brushing my teeth, which felt wonderful, I found a comb and started in on my wild hair. I must have been muttering and cursing a bit too loud because I soon heard a knock on the door.
    “Doing okay in there?” his amused voice came through the door.
    I considered saying some choice words to him , but managed to hold my tongue. “No, I can’t comb my freaking hair with one flipping hand,” I said, throwing open the door and getting an eyeful of his wonderfully muscled chest encased in a tight-fitting black t-shirt. My eyes slowly traveled up, finally settling on his mouth, which was smiling again. 
    He laughed, “Would you like me to help you?” He held out his hand.
    I slapped the comb into his hand with a satisfying smack. He took my shoulders, turned me toward the mirror, and made quick work of my hair. I quickly rethought having him help me. The feel of his fingers running through my hair was arousing. My heart was racing and I knew he could hear it because I could hear his. I was surprised when he even took a rubber band and put it in a ponytail for me. That snapped me out of it for a second.
    “You’re a guy. How did you do that so well?” I asked as I inspected his work. It wasn’t too bad.
    His voice came out low and close, “I’m a few centuries old. I’ve had long hair before.”
    His hand came up and cupped my chin, forcing me to look up at him. A second later his warm mouth was on mine. Electricity shot through me. I couldn’t think, I could only feel. Damn the cat could kiss. I felt him pull away slowly. We were both breathing hard as he took a small step away from me.
     I glanced down at my bare feet and wiggled my toes. I need a pedicure, I thought. I looked up and saw that he had the look that said he was going to kiss me again. I knew I needed to distract both of us before we ended up in the bed and full of regrets. So I said the first thing that came to mind. “My feet are cold.”
    It was right up there with the stupidest things I’ve ever said. But it was either that or say something along the lines of ‘take your clothes off and get in bed.’ I’d chosen the better of the two I hoped.
    He cleared his throat. “Shoes can be our first stop. You tell me your size and I’ll run in and buy you a pair. How does that sound?”
    His gaze held amusement and longing. He knew where that kiss would have led. He was letting me have my out though. I was going to run for the moment. I didn’t think I could handle whatever was brewing between us just then.
    “As long as they are cute shoes. Got any food?” I asked, my voice still a little rough from the kiss.
    He laughed. “I’m not sure I know what cute shoes are. I’ll do the best I can though. We can grab something to eat when we go out.”
    “Okay then. Ready when you are,” I said, wanting to be near him and as far away as possible at the same time. “Any chance I can stop and get a manicure and pedicure?” I figured it wouldn’t kill me to ask. It had been on my mind since I’d looked at my feet.
    “What?” He looked at me as if I’d lost my mind.
    “I guess not then. It would be nice though. Have you ever had one? They’re delightful.” He didn’t have to be so rude about it, I thought. After all I had been almost burned, strangled, eaten and a few other things. Didn’t I deserve a little pampering?
    “Are you sure you didn’t hit your head and bruise your brain last night?” he asked.
    “Hey, there’s no need to be rude. I had a rough night. A manicure and a pedicure would help me relax and think.” I could feel my fur rise a little in anger.
    He stood there for a moment with a look I couldn’t quite place. Then the edge of his mouth lifted into a half smile.
    I was pissed. “Just go get my car and I can take myself if you are going to be that way.” I crossed my arms over my chest. Now I was acting like a child. He really knew