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you were free for dinner.”
    She clasped her hands behind her back, pushing out her large chest. The diamonds sparkled in the light with each breath she took.
    “No. I’m not free for dinner. If you want an appointment, call my office.” Draven’s body relaxed next to her. “If you’ll excuse us, we haven’t had dinner.”
    He squeezed Rose’s side again before removing his arm. Grasping her hand, he led her out of the room, leaving Ileana alone.
    Rose tried not to feel smug, but couldn’t help it. He’d chosen her.
    “I’m sorry about that. Ileana is the daughter of one of Draven’s Crossing’s most prominent vampire families. She believes herself to be my perfect match.” Draven’s grip on her hand didn’t loosen. She didn’t insist that he let go, either.
    “She also fancies herself your fiancée.”
    A choking sound came from above her. If it were even possible, he seemed to become paler. “She said that?”
    “Yup. Tried to warn me off of you.” She managed to take a sip of wine as they went, amused by the horror on his face.
    His features became stony. “Who I date is none of hers or anyone else’s business. I’m not some fucking stallion needing to be paired off. Ridiculous.”
    “This is a business dinner, remember? Not a date,” Rose pointed out.
    He grinned. “This is a date to me.”
    “You’re delusional. This is business, plain and simple.” After taking another sip of wine, she waited for his next move. They entered a small, dimly lit room. Candles flickered on a circular table. A fire burned in the hearth. The atmosphere spoke of seduction, not business. “Draven—”
    “I just love how you say my name,” he murmured next to her ear.
    She jerked back, shocked at how close he’d gotten without making a sound.
    “And this is a date. In my mind, I’m seducing you.”
    “We said—”
    “That was before that woman came here trying to stake her claim on me.” Draven pressed a kiss to her temple, heating her skin and causing her heart rate to spike. She sucked in a breath. “I’m all yours. Remember that.”
    Draven pulled away. This time the heat didn’t leave with him. Instead, it remained, spreading through her body like a gentle wave. Pushing back as much desire as she could, Rose straightened up. “You know, Mayor , this could be seen as going back on a promise. As a voter, I’d find that very hard to forget.”
    He chuckled. “Ouch. But you don’t work for me. You’re working the ad campaign, and as for the voter aspect, I’m sure you can overlook this.”
    She rolled her eyes. “You’re such a charmer.”
    “I’m sorry again, sir, there’s another call for you.” The butler entered the room and went directly to Draven. With heads bent together, they spoke in low tones. Draven’s face hardened. Anger flashed in his eyes, and his whole body went rigid.
    “Son of a bitch. Get the fucking police chief now, and dial Jagger, too, and have Hamilcar meet me at the office. This shit has to stop. I’m sorry, honey. Dinner has to be postponed. Something’s come up.” He ran a hand through his hair and let out a heavy sigh. His lips thinned until all she saw was the seam of his mouth. Nostrils flaring and fists clenched, he headed out of the room. “Put a plate together for, Rose,” he barked as he left.
    She was left alone. Again, the heat left the room, and she felt a sense of loss and worry. Something was wrong. Her stomach pitched, and she felt nauseous. Rose couldn’t fathom the sudden anxiousness that rose within her. Worry for Draven began to grow. Shaking her head, she waited for someone to come back and get her. The goons from before appeared at the doorway and nodded to her.
    “Time to go,” Mr. Black said.
    All she could do was follow them, wondering what had happened to cause Draven to call that many people to his office. Has to be something bad.

 

     
    Chapter Four
     
    Draven paced in his office, gritting his teeth. The predatory instinct