Sins of the Undead Patriot by a.c. Mason

of the bags into the cubed metal case next to the last one he’d filled in. Though they wouldn’t die, they would be contained in this government facility. He tossed another bag in with a grin. A lighter one. Maybe the creature’s dismembered member. Another few bags, and the night was his for the taking.
     

 
    Chapter 9
     
    Leera slid her finger behind one ear then the other, leaving a trail of vanilla perfume. At the edge of her bed, she pulled on her black Cuban heels and buckled the straps. Gliding her finger up the seam of her stockings, she left a hint of the sweet scent. Did the aroma please zombies? She had no idea. Why did she even want to appeal to Vaihan?
    The doorbell rang. She grabbed her beige coat and rushed to the door. Her hands trembled, and she took a deep breath to calm the nervous energy inside. This was doable.
    She opened the door.
    Vaihan stood with a bouquet of pink and white orchids in hand. His pupils grew large as his gaze traveled over her figure. A red scarf draped around the neck of his black, three quarter length overcoat sharpened the edge of his dramatic appearance. The maroon dress shirt suited his light blue skin pigmentation.
    “You look gorgeous.” He held out the flowers for her.
    Definitely smooth, but what high-ranking government official wasn’t? “Thank you, it’s a beautiful arrangement.” Gesturing him in, she stepped back. “Let me get these in water.”
    “Don’t rush. We aren’t pressed for time and you, beaute , are worth the wait. Let me hold your jacket.” He held his arm out.
    Just as she was doing, he was formulating opinions about her. A shaky breath escaped her. “Thank you.” She draped the fabric over his forearm and hurried to the kitchen, flowers in hand.
    She peeked over at him standing in her foyer with a half smile, examining her house with his gaze. Doable might have been the wrong word...but she didn’t know what to replace it with yet. She removed a vase from her kitchen cabinet, filled it with water then cut the clear plastic over the exotic bouquet. One by one, she slid the stems into the glass then carried the flowers out to the dining room table.
    She had done a piss poor job of stalling. “I’m ready,” she said.
    As his gaze moved over her again, her body tingled.
    “It’s chilly this evening.” Vaihan held up her coat.
    After she slipped her arms in the sleeves, she turned to face him. “Nice and toasty warm thanks to you.” The difference in body temperature could come in handy. Especially in the winter.
    “I aim to please.” His lips curved upward on one side. Despite his awkward beauty, the lines of his face were kind, baffling her that what some found terrifying, she found sexy. Did this make her weird? Not that this would be the first time.
    He opened the door and guided her out.
    The brisk night air washed over her cheeks, chilling her as she stepped out then locked the door.
    “How was your week?” Vaihan’s deep voice was warmly gruff.
    Cool air whirled around her. “I’ve had better, and you?”
    He opened the passenger door for her. “Do you not wish to speak of what disrupted your week?”
    She sat and he closed the door. This would be a good time to bring Rowley into the mix and ensure she set the pace of Vaihan’s inquiries. She buckled in.
    Vaihan climbed into the driver’s seat then fastened his seatbelt. “Securely in?”
    Did he have something of an obsession with locks? “I believe so.”
    “Do you mind if I make sure? Given the issue with the latch.”
    “Please do.” She extended the strap to him.
    His warm, large hand covered hers. Her gaze met his intense stare as he yanked. “All clear.”
    “If the car is under warranty, they will replace a faulty seatbelt latch.” She set her purse on her lap.
    He leaned back, darting a look at the belt’s locking mechanism. “The dealer assures me it’s fixed.”
    For peace of mind, he might want to get it replaced, as it gave him a fair amount of