The Ortega Project Read online

  “We wouldn’t want that to happen now, would we?” Grinning at his good fortune, he slapped both palms on the bar and backed away. Hell, he was as pumped-up as a gawky teen on prom night. And his date was the prom queen. Then it struck him. This might be the closest he’d ever been on an actual date. He couldn’t even recall the last time he took time to get to know a woman. But Grace seemed special, classy. Different from the others. More than his usual one night stands.

  “I’ll finish up, Grace. Get the drinks and go join your friend.”

  “Thanks. Jerry,” she said, a slight hesitation sounding in her voice.

  With two bottles of Heineken in hand, Grace swung around to the customer side of the bar. She handed Roman a bottle and kept the other for herself.

  Leading the way to the table, he sensed her presence behind him. His heart pounded in anticipation of what he hoped would come. He set his beer on the table, and pulled out the chair next to his. “Have a seat.”

  She set her drink on the table, pulled out the chair across from him, and sat there instead.

  An independent woman, he thought. Her jasmine scent wafted toward him and he closed his eyes, inhaling deeply, filling his lungs and his fantasy. He eased himself into the chair. When he caught himself drumming his fingers on the tabletop, he stopped and wiped his sweaty palms on his pants legs. This woman made him as nervous as a schoolboy. What the hell had gotten into him?

  “Can I ask you a question, Roman?”

  “Shoot.”

  “Before your friends left, you seemed to be having quite a spirited discussion. The guys looked pretty ticked off at you. Did meeting me for a drink have anything to do with your disagreement?”

  Very intuitive, Miss Grace. He shook his head and started peeling the label off his bottle of imported beer. “It’s just that we operate on a pretty tight schedule. Rules, you now.”

  “Why’s that?”

  He folded his arms on the table and stared into her luminous blue eyes. “We’re on a short leash so they can keep us on the straight and narrow.”

  “Who’s they?”

  Damn! “No one in particular. Just a figure of speech.” How did he let that little tidbit slip? There was a they, but he had no intention of discussing them with her or anyone else. If she knew who they were, he feared she would have nothing to do with him and he couldn’t risk that.

  “So Roman, what brought you into our fine establishment this evening?”

  He hooked his thumbs in his front pockets and leaned back on the chair. “We know the band.”

  “How’s that?” She narrowed her eyes, showing her skepticism.

  “It’s true. We work together from time to time.”

  She sat straighter in her chair and squared her shoulders. “Doing what?”

  Roman needed to end this interrogation. He’d already said too much. Perspiration formed above his upper lip. Think! “We’ve worked some of the same gigs. Nothing spectacular.”

  Her eyes grew as large as silver dollars and a victorious smile lit up her face. “You’re a musician?”

  “Not anymore.” He swigged his beer.

  “What do you do now?”

  Grappling for an answer, he hemmed and hawed. How could he tell her his true vocation—leader of an elite team of vampires who hunted and destroyed slayers?

  “Crisis intervention.”

  “How interesting. Where?”

  “One of the labs in the area.” He needed to switch topics. Pronto. “Is this the first time you’ve seen the band, Grace?”

  “Uh-huh. I’ve been out of town. How long have you known them?”

  “Not sure exactly. But we go way back.” He took another sip of the cool liquid. “Has anyone ever told you that you have the most beautiful blue eyes?”

  She rolled her eyes and groaned.

  He winced. “Not original enough, huh?”

  “Hardly.” Her eyes twinkled. She raised the Heineken to her full lips and leaned her head back. Large, gold, hoop earrings dangled and came to rest against her long neck. Her heartbeat throbbed in his ears as the frothy brew made its way down her beautiful throat. He needed to touch her. But when he reached for her hand, she pulled away.

  So you’re going to make me work for it. Being rejected was unfamiliar to him. Even playfully. He liked her attitude and spunk. He liked her.

  “You know something, Grace. You’re all right.”

  * * *

  Grace

  * * *

  The lights in the club blinked off and on.

  “That’s it, kids. Time to go home.” Jerry stared directly at Grace and Roman, who, besides a couple of employees, were the only people left in the club.

  It seemed impossible that two hours had passed. During that time, Grace grew more at ease with Roman and offered no resistance when he’d moved his chair next to her a half hour into their so-called date. His arm draped across the top of her chair felt right. Comfortable. She hadn’t anticipated enjoying his company this much.

  Roman glanced at his watch. “I didn’t realize how late….”

  “Neither did I,” she gushed. “I had a nice time.” Nice didn’t even come close to describing her feelings.

  “Tomorrow night’s the last time Dark Syde will be here.” He re-checked his watch. “Or should I say later tonight. We’ll be back to offer moral support. As if they need it.” He gave a sarcastic, good-natured chuckle. “How about you? Will you be here?”

  “Uh-huh.” Try keeping her away.

  He stood and offered his large hand, which she eagerly held. His touch surged through her body like a massive jolt of electricity, turning her insides to jelly. Did he feel the same way? She tried acting nonchalant, but had to grip the edge of the table to keep her knees from buckling.

  “Be right back. I need to get my jacket.” Making her way to the back room and her locker, she zigzagged between tables and chairs. When she sensed he might be watching, she peeked over her shoulder for verification. The instant she took her focus off the path, she bumped into a stool at the end of the bar.

  “Ouch.”

  Maybe Roman hadn’t noticed. But how could he not notice? Especially since Jerry and Deanna rushed over to make sure she wasn’t hurt. Grace waved them away and assured them she was fine. Except for a bruised ego, she came through the mishap unscathed. She rounded the corner of the bar, and pushed open the doors to the back room.

  “Well, what’s he like?” Deanna asked, nipping at her heels.

  “You were right. He is nice.” Very nice. Grace retrieved her jacket and purse from her locker, and set both on a chair. She emptied her front pockets—stuffed with tonight’s tips—and dropped everything into a smaller pouch inside her purse and zipped it shut. She slathered on a generous layer of apple flavored lip gloss.

  “And?”

  “He didn’t talk about himself much—which makes me curious.” She shrugged. “But I always did love a good mystery.”

  Deanna pulled her jacket and purse from her assigned locker. “So you don’t need me to stay?”

  “Not really. He seems harmless enough. Nothing I can’t handle anyway. We’ve got to go. Jerry’s booting us out.”

  Deanna blew out a breath. “Be careful, Grace.”

  “Don’t worry about me. I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself. Besides, he’s only walking me to my car.” She grinned and slipped her arm through the strap of her handbag. “He’s actually kind of sweet.” She drew Deanna into a quick hug. “Thank you for being here for me. Got to go.”

  She left Deanna slack-jawed and hurried back to Roman, who waited for her near the front door. His engaging grin and broad shoulders caused her heart to flutter. And his black leather jacket added credibility to the bad-boy mystique she found irresistible.

  “How about I walk you to your car? A pretty girl can’t be too cautious. You never know who or what’s lurking in the parking lot,” he said.

  The front door flew open. The bouncer burst inside. He pulled the
door closed. “Be careful out there, Grace.”

  “Why? What’s wrong?”

  “Some of the customers complained about a guy hanging around the parking lot. Said he stood out—like he didn’t belong here. An older guy with gray hair and a big ugly-ass scar running down the side of his face.”

  Jerry abandoned his task of stocking liquor bottles in the back bar, bolted for the entrance “That son-of-a-bitch better be gone. The last thing we need is some freak bothering our customers. He flung open the door with such force, it banged against the wall.

  The booming noise startled Grace, causing her to gasp.

  “Think he’s still out there?” Jerry poked his head out the door and looked both ways.

  Bronco shook his head. “I doubt it. I walked the perimeter a couple times. He must have taken off.”

  Jerry closed the door and faced Roman. “Make sure Grace makes it to her car safely. And you,” he said, pointing to Roman for emphasis. “You be careful, too.”

  “I’ll see to it.” Roman helped Grace into her jacket.

  Bronco opened the door to let them pass. “’Night now.”

  “’Night.” Roman cupped Grace’s elbow and led her outside. His take-charge attitude comforted her and made her feel safe, treasured.

  Fearing she’d spot the mystery man, she held her breath and scanned the near empty lot. Seeing no one, she released the air she’d captured in her lungs. She glanced at Roman and found it curious he’d pulled his jacket collar up, partially concealing his face.

  “My car’s over there.” As she pointed to her pitiful ten-year-old Nissan, she wished she’d been able to afford a newer model. Her body tingled when he moved his hand to the small of her back, guiding her.

  Stepping in front of her car, Roman ran his hand over the hood. “I’ll take care of this dent.”

  “But it’s practically invisible.”

  “That may be so, but I insist. I’m responsible.”

  She smiled and shrugged one shoulder. “We’ll talk about it later.” She unlocked the car door, tossed her handbag onto the passenger seat, and slid in behind the wheel.

  “Can I follow you home?”

  She grinned. Such charm and sexuality were definitely appealing, but she decided to heed Deanna’s warning to play it safe. At least for now. “I appreciate your chivalry, but I think I can take it from here.”

  He threw up his hands in surrender. “I only wanted to make sure you got home in one piece. No ulterior motives. I promise.”

  “Yeah, right. You men are all alike. See a girl home. Invite yourself in for a nightcap. And so on and so on.” She rested her hands on the steering wheel.

  “But it’s late,” he said, looking at the heavens. “And there’s a full moon. Terrible things can happen to a beautiful, young lady when there’s a full moon. I promise I won’t even get out of my truck.” He crossed his heart.

  Grace narrowed her eyes. “Good night, Roman.” She pulled the door shut.

  He motioned for her to roll down the window. When she did, he reached in and brushed his fingertips lightly across her cheek.

  A slight moan escaped her lips. His touch made her want him even more.

  A cell phone’s ring broke the spell. He pulled his cell from his jacket pocket and checked caller ID. “Sorry, Grace. I need to get this.” Turning from her, he stepped away and answered the call. “Yeah! Hold on. I’m in the middle of something right now.” He ended the call and dropped his cell back in his pocket.

  “I’d like to kiss you goodnight. May I?”

  Nodding, she ground out a husky “Yes,” and closed her eyes.

  Roman opened the car door and leaned inside. Placing his hand behind her neck, he gently drew her face to his, and kissed her tenderly. “Mmm, you taste good.”

  “It’s the lip gloss,” she whispered. Good thing she was sitting. Standing, her legs would have failed.

  “I disagree,” he countered. “It’s the girl. Sorry I have to leave. I’d like to continue this… uh… conversation.” He held her face between his palms and planted a deep, yet gentle, open-mouthed kiss on her oh, so ready lips. His thumbs grazed her cheeks and her breathing stopped.

  No one had ever kissed her that way before, not even Jake.

  Roman closed the car door. Reaching in through the open window, he traced the length of her nose with his index finger. “Night, pretty lady.” He shot her a wicked smile, backed away, and plucked his cell from his pocket.

  “Good night.” Grace started the car and flashed him one more grin, hoping for another connection. Seemingly engrossed in his phone call, he didn’t even glance her way. A sinking feeling settled in the pit of her stomach. She tamped down her disappointment, refusing to reveal her emotions. Turning on the headlights, she shifted into drive, and headed toward the exit, which happened to be in his direction.

  This time their gazes met. He moved the phone from his cheek, and put up his hand, signaling her to stop.

  She did.

  “Still on for tomorrow night?”

  Silly boy. He didn’t need to ask. She wasn’t about to miss another chance to hook up. “I look forward to it.”

  “Great. See you then.” He turned his back to her and continued his phone call.

  As Grace drove off, she checked the rearview mirror. Watching him walk away, she wondered what made the conversation so important that it tore him away from what might have been.

  3

  Roman

  Damn! With phone in hand, Roman watched Grace drive off. He waited until she was out of sight before continuing his conversation with Levi, head of the Elder Council, informing him of the Father Darius sighting at the club.

  “Thanks for the head’s up. I’ll see what I can do on this end. Keep us updated. I’ll be in touch. You do the same,” Levi said.

  “I will.” Immediately, after hanging up, Roman’s cell rang again. Alex’s name showed on the screen. “Yeah.”

  “You better get your ass back here ASAP,” Alex said. “There’s a meeting.”

  Being summoned back to the Ortega Research Institute usually meant vampire hunters were spotted in the area. “I’m on my way,” he said and ended the call.

  Normally, Roman craved a good battle and welcomed a chance to slay the slayers.

  But not tonight. Tonight was different. Tonight he’d met Grace. The most desirable mortal female he’d come across in a long time. She smelled of sweet jasmine and apple pie. And her kisses tasted even better.

  Blondes had never appealed to him before. Totally not his type, yet he found her intriguing and he couldn’t deny the chemistry between them. Or how fervently and naturally his body responded to hers. He wanted her, right then, right there, in the club’s parking lot.

  But he had responsibilities. Responsibilities that took him away from her. He narrowed his eyes, pounded his palms on the dash, and cursed.

  After the long drive from the club, he drove to the institute, punched his code onto the keypad, entered the parking lot, and pulled into his assigned space. He raced toward the laboratory wing of the building, swiped his keycard in the card reader, and pushed open the door. In the hallway, Alex was waiting, leaning against the wall, cell phone in hand.

  “Who died?” Roman growled.

  Alex pocketed his phone. “What took you so long? We’ve been back about a half an hour.”

  “What’d you do with your ladies? Slow down and drop-kick them to the curb?” He followed Alex down the hallway.

  “Hardly.” He chuckled and shook his head. “Actually, Doc called and told us to get back ASAP.”

  Doctor Riley Peters, Crawford’s assistant, was a straight shooter, a reliable confidant, someone Roman and his team trusted completely.

  “Are the test results back?” Roman’s heart thumped.

  Alex shrugged. “He wouldn’t say. Only that Crawford wanted to talk to everyone at the same time.”

  Learning it was Doc who’d been behind him being called away from Grace, Roman’
s mood switched from anger to curiosity and concern. “Is it bad news?”

  “We’re thinking it’s about the program,” Alex answered as they strode shoulder-to-shoulder down the long, stark hallway. “With all the blood work we’ve had done lately, I’m beginning to feel like a damn pin cushion.”

  “One way or another, I’ll find out what’s going on. So don’t you worry your pretty little head about it.” He tousled Alex’s long, black hair.

  Alex batted Roman’s hand away. “Asshole. About tonight—”

  “I lost track of time.” Even though it was the truth, somehow, even to him, the excuse sounded lame.

  “When you weren’t with us, Doc started asking questions.”

  Roman narrowed his eyes. “What did you tell him?”

  Rounding the corner, he glanced at the security camera near the ceiling, blinking at him, reminding him of its presence.

  Alex pulled Roman away from the camera’s eye. “You lucked out this time.” He lowered his voice to a whisper. “I played dumb for the first few minutes, but then I had to make up some dumbass excuse about you needing to gas up.”

  “He believed you?”

  “Seemed to.”

  Roman stopped in front of a closed door. “Thanks. I owe you big time.” He clapped Alex on his back.

  “I sure hope she’s worth it.”

  “She is.”

  He pushed the door open and Alex followed him into the lounge which doubled as their living quarters. The lights were turned down. A sixty-plus inch plasma television covered most of the wall to the right. A row of four plush, crimson-colored recliners faced the screen. The recliners nearest the door belonged to Roman and Alex. Gabriel and Seth sat at the far end.

  Playing on the large screen was one of their favorite vampire DVDs, Forty Days of Night.

  Roman checked the empty, darkened laboratory to his right. At his insistence, whenever he was present, the door to the lab was kept open so he could keep an eye on what went on inside.

  Gabriel switched his gaze from the movie to Roman. “We thought you were going to be a no-show.”