I felt a shiver ripple across my teammates.
At least I’m not the only one thrown by his presence.
“But…but…what?” I said, still not able to mount any kind of verbal defense from the shock of it all.
Considine shifted his red eyes back to me, blessing me with a dangerous smile. “Don’t worry, it’s quite simple: I fancy you.”
“You fancy me,” I repeated after him, like a bewildered parrot.
“Yes.” He said casually.
“You, Considine Maledictus, elder vampire, fancy me,” I said.
“Precisely.” Considine gave me a smile that sounded off every internal danger bell I had, then he leaned into me.
“I don’t believe it,” I said.
“That’s acceptable,” he purred. “Since we’re working together, I’ll have plenty of time to prove it.”
He’d invaded my space so frequently as both his day and night persona that I didn’t back up, didn’t flinch, didn’t even realize what was happening, until it was too late, and Considine’s lips were against mine in a very public, very real kiss.
My brain ceased to function and all the thoughts bouncing around my head instantly perished as I struggled to connect with reality.
I barely registered more than the gentle but insistent feeling of his lips pressing into mine, his hand curling around the small of my back, and the choking inhale my entire team took in a synchronization that would have impressed me if I had the ability to think.
Considine’s arm around my waist kept me from tilting backwards and sitting on my rear in shock. He gently tipped me against his chest—still kissing me—as I automatically grabbed the shoulder of his uniform to balance myself.
After several long moments, Considine released my lips. But the fireworks weren’t over. Ooh, no.
He set his cheek against mine. “Thank you for that delightful welcome, partner,” he whispered in my hair before kissing the rim of my ear.
I stood, stunned, holding myself upright by my grip on his uniform. This went beyond every observation I’d made about him as both Connor and Considine. What was going on?
I turned my head to look at Sarge.
My boss merely nodded confirming Considine’s presence on our team. “Considine will be serving as Blood’s permanent partner.”
As Considine chuckled into my hair, I came to a very real conclusion.
I’m going to die, I realized. Of shock… or a heart attack.
THE END