Total pages in book: 58
Estimated words: 54305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 272(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 54305 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 272(@200wpm)___ 217(@250wpm)___ 181(@300wpm)
Ryder jerked upright, eyes widening. “No!”
“I didn’t think so, but you’re always bundling me up and covering me. I’m a vampire. Plus, I dance in a cage almost completely naked five nights a week.” He still sounded confused and possibly on the verge of laughing as he stuffed his arms into the sleeves and lifted the shirt over his head.
Ryder dropped his gaze to Gideon’s sock-covered feet. “That’s work. I don’t care about work. And I know that the cold doesn’t bother you because you’re a vampire. But you’re at home now. When you’re at home, you enjoy being warm and surrounded by soft things. You looked…cold,” Ryder finished softly, feeling like an idiot.
Gideon’s feet pulled out of his lap and as he was glancing up, Gideon launched his body at Ryder, wrapping his arms around his neck. “Thank you for taking such good care of me. For knowing the things that I like.”
He hesitated for a second before folding him into a tight hug. There were no words. Not that it mattered. Nothing was getting past the lump that had formed in his throat. Of course, he knew the things Gideon liked. He adored this man. There was nothing more important to him than making sure Gideon was safe, cozy, and happy.
As much as he wanted to stay exactly like that, it wasn’t fair for Gideon to be scared out of his home. He needed to investigate that noise so Gideon could get some sleep and feel safe.
“Let’s go check out this noise,” Ryder prodded.
Gideon didn’t immediately release him, but asked with his face still pressed into Ryder’s throat, “You don’t think I’m crazy or making it up?”
“No, I don’t.”
“Okay,” Gideon whispered, sounding as if he were gathering his courage. Ryder was about to remind him that he could remain behind in Ryder’s bed if he wanted, but Gideon wanted to support him. He wasn’t going to take that from Gideon.
Ryder led the way up the stairs with Gideon following close behind, two of his fingers pinching the back of his shirt. He quietly opened the door to Gideon’s kitchen and poked his head inside. All the lights were on, making it bright as the middle of the day.
“Did you turn on all the lights?” Ryder inquired. He glanced over his shoulder to see Gideon shake his head.
“Just one lamp in the living room and probably the bathroom light.”
The idea that this might be a practical joke played by Fox did briefly cross his mind. Winter had installed a high-tech security system to the entire building that included metal shutters on all the windows, steel bolts on the exterior doors, and a state-of-the-art fire suppression system. He wouldn’t put it past the crafty vamp to have the power to turn on all the lights in the place.
But as insane as the Varik brothers could be, he didn’t think they’d do anything to scare Gideon.
That meant someone was inside Gideon’s condo, and that would not do. His fangs slid down and ached to pierce flesh. He would destroy anyone who dared to threaten his Gideon.
Teeth clenched, Ryder edged into the kitchen. The air was chilly, far colder than he thought Gideon would normally keep the temperature at. Almost as if Gideon had left a window open and a winter wind had swept through, carrying with it the faded scent of roses.
As he tried to take another step, a low metallic rattling surrounded them. Gideon squeaked and lunged forward, wrapping both of his arms around Ryder’s waist, his face smashed into his spine.
“What’s that? What’s that?” he demanded. “I didn’t hear that earlier.”
Ryder smiled. “The protective metal window shades are rolling into place. It’s less than an hour until sunrise.”
“Oh,” Gideon mumbled into his back and released his hold on Ryder’s waist. “You must think I’m an idiot.”
“I don’t. You said you heard a rattle and a knocking noise. That wasn’t the shades.” Not to mention, the lights were all on.
He managed two steps forward this time before he reached the edge of the kitchen and stopped. A breakfast bar separated the kitchen from the small dining room. Gideon had purchased four stools with colorful seats. Currently, the four stools were on their seats with their legs in the air, arranged in a diamond pattern. He almost didn’t want to ask.
Ryder motioned toward the chairs on the floor. “I’m guessing you didn’t do that.”
Gideon peered past Ryder, his hands tightly gripping his hips. “What the fuck? No, I didn’t do that! What the hell is going on? Is this some sort of practical joke?”
Their answer was a high-pitched giggle that swirled around them, then into the living room. Gideon shrieked and attempted to climb Ryder from behind. Goose bumps swept up Ryder’s arms. Every hair on his body stood on end.
Holy shit! Gideon’s place was haunted!