Free Vampire Thirst by Ella J. Phoenix Page B

well, I’d say ‘alliance’ is a very strong word.”
    Phillip’s suspicious gaze released hers and slid down to her lips, her throat, then stopped on her breasts.
    Sam shifted uncomfortably on the chair. “King Tardieh just offered his support. After all, a number of female vampires were abducted too, not only draconians,” Sam added, trying to sound nonchalant. Zoricah had warned her that Phillip was a very good informant, but just like any other snitch, his loyalties were directly proportional to the size of the pot on the table. So, let’s raise the offer.
    Sam leaned forward and said in the best bimbo voice she could muster, “Phillip, Zoricah is willing to reward you generously for your services.”
    A lazy half-smile lifted his swollen lips. He then reached across the table and took her hands in his. “I’ll tell you what, love, you get rid of your vampire boyfriend over there and we can go to my hotel room and discuss what sort of reward Zoricah has in mind.”
    What? Sam’s blood ran cold. She snapped her head around.
    Hikuro was at the far end of the bar, watching them like a hawk. Damn it!
    She turned back around and returned Phillip’s smile with one of her own. “He’s not my boyfriend. Don’t worry about him.”
    “I couldn’t agree more,” Phillip replied, caressing her fingers. “Let’s go back to my hotel room, love, and…discuss Zoricah’s offer, away from prying ears.”
    Sam wasn’t ready for that kind of situation. She’d been in the field fighting alongside Zoricah and Yara for decades, but Yara was usually the one they sent to engage in those sorts of tricky situations. Sam was the geeky one who did the research and hacked into high security sites.
    She tilted her chin down and tried to channel Yara as much as she could. She had to buy herself some time. “That’s a fantastic idea,” she said, pouting her lips ala Marilyn Monroe. “It’s a pity I don’t have much time. Why don’t you tell me what you know about the razbians’ operations in London and then we’ll set up another time to…you know…discuss your reward.”
    “You mean Yerik’s experiments and his new weapon?”
    Crap, he was on to her.
    Sam tried to free her hands, but Phillip held them in place, then lifted them up to his lips and slowly licked the joints between her fingers. Sam’s stomach churned in revulsion. “I can see your reputation is not unfounded, Phillip…but a girl has her obligations.”
    “Nonsense, love, I’m sure I can convince you that your only obligation is to your…self.” He then took her middle finger into his mouth and sucked it deeply.
    Sam swallowed dry.
    “Let go of her.”
    Sam’s head snapped upwards at the dark command. Hikuro stood right beside her, murder in his eyes. No, no, no!  
    “Hikuro!” Sam barked at him, but Hikuro didn’t even bother to look at her.
     “Let. Her. Go. Now.”
     “I believe your girl wants to try other fish in the sea, my friend,” Phillip replied with a deceivingly laid-back voice, but his blue eyes were intent on Hikuro, almost daring him to do something about it.
    Sam yanked her hand free and stood up, blocking Hikuro’s path. “Hikuro, leave now.”
    He didn’t flinch. His eyes pierced Phillip’s. Great, that was all Sam needed, two alpha males fighting for the “dick of the year” title. But then Phillip made what would probably be the biggest mistake of his life – he pulled Sam by the arm toward him. Sam lost her balance and fell down onto his lap. Before she could find her ground, his lips crashed on hers.
    What the fuck?
    She struggled against him, but he locked her in a tight embrace. Not for long. Suddenly, the room swung by as she was flung out of Phillip’s arms. She tumbled backwards and crashed against tables and chairs. When she looked up, Hikuro had Phillip’s head pinned down on the table. The draco tried to set himself free by elbowing Hikuro’s jaw, but Hikuro was faster. Within seconds, the fight was