Free Undying Hunger by Jessica Lee Page B

the doorway said.
    Oh dear God. Not now.
    She didn’t need to raise her head to identify who stood there. The way the sound lifted the hairs on her arms and made her heart sputter told her who had been watching.
    Eve stood. “She doesn’t need your input, Markus.”
    Alex straightened, the ability to draw a deep breath resuming.
    “After the blow Alexandria just received”—Markus approached, raking his gaze from head to toe over Alex—“I’d let her be the judge of that.”
    Her stomach flipped as if she’d topped the first hill on a roller coaster and was about to go on the ride of her life. Alex crossed her arms over her chest.
    “You arrogant son of a…” Eve shook her head, clamped her mouth shut, and moved in closer to the male. “We’re doing just fine without your interference,” she added.
    “Yes. We are,” Alex chimed in.
    “Then you won’t mind if I observe your technique?” Markus backed off the mat. “It has been a while since I’ve been out in the field. I could be rusty.” He shrugged.
    Eve glanced her way, the fire in her eyes mirroring what Alex knew her own had to resemble. “I think I’ve had enough for one day,” Alex muttered.
    “Are you sure?” Eve eased toward her. “Don’t let him get to you and ruin your progress. You’re doing fine. If you want to keep going, I’m here for you.”
    “I appreciate it,” Alex said. “You’re a good friend. But let’s continue this tomorrow, if that’s okay?” Alex rotated her shoulder, loosening the muscle.
    “Sure. We can call it.” Eve strode over to one of the chairs in the corner of the room and Alex followed. The heat from what had to be Markus’s gaze warmed her spine. Eve grabbed her towel, and Alex did the same. “Same time tomorrow night?”
    “Sounds good.” Alex painted on a smile as Eve started to leave, then halted when she realized Alex hadn’t moved.
    “You’re not coming with me?”
    “ Uhm …” Alex couldn’t help but glance across the gym at the tall male with his dark hair loose around his shoulders. Instead of sweats, this time he wore a pair of dark jeans and a white short-sleeved shirt stretched taut over his arms, his bold tattoos in brilliant contrast against the cotton. His presence somehow filled the expanse of the open space and set her on her edge. “Markus and I need to talk.”
    They definitely had to set some boundaries.
    “You’re sure?” Eve followed Alex’s gaze, concern wrinkling her forehead. “This vampire has unresolved issues. He may be saying he’s let bygones be bygones, but believe me, honey, after all I’ve heard, let’s just say I’m not convinced yet.”
    “I’m not sold either,” Alex said. “As they say, actions speak louder than words.”
    “You got that right.” Eve wiped her neck with the towel and headed out. “I don’t think he’d be stupid enough to try anything with you in this house. I just don’t trust that he’s not up to something.”
    “I know. But I’ll be fine,” Alex said.
    “Okay.” Eve nodded. “Catch up with me later,” she said over her shoulder and disappeared through the door.
    From the other side of the gym, Markus followed Eve’s exit with his gaze, then turned his attention to her. “You’re not running out on me, too?”
    Alex dropped her towel back on the chair and strode toward the male. “Do I have a reason to run?”
    “Not from me.” Markus met her halfway, his arms relaxed at his sides.
    “Good to know,” she said. “But when it comes to me and this house, you need to keep your distance.”
    “A guy can’t even get in a workout?”
    “Dressed like this?” Alex pointed at the boots and jeans. “Pleeaasse. You didn’t stop in here for exercise.”
    He glanced down at his clothes, then up at her from under a thick set of lashes, and the stormy gaze she’d remembered as a dark void shone with mirth.
    “Guilty.” He smiled, and this time the effect went straight to her knees. Alex quickly compensated