Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas by Bartlett, Gerry (white hot kiss TXT) 📕

Maggie and I both gasped. It was a jeweled Cleopatra costume that must have been worth a fortune. It would hug Maggie’s curves and look fantastic on her.

“What will you be, my dear Fergie?” Maggie held her costume up to her, clearly delighted.

“A Roman gladiator, of course, guarding his queen.” He pulled out a short leather soldier’s outfit in the ancient Roman style complete with breastplate. “I can pick up a spear if I want to bring it along, with a shield. It might be a bit awkward to carry, but great for defense if we get in a tangle.” He had another bag. “This one holds the boots to go with it. We’ll be quite a sight.”

I rested my hand on Jerry’s arm. “I don’t have to ask what you’ll be wearing, do I?”

“I know, I’m predictable. But I’m always comfortable in my kilt.” He finally smiled down at me. “I have concerns about the crowd that will be there as well. I’ll strap on my sword and knives. Demon be damned. I’m more worried about certain vampires who will be there.”

I leaned against him. “Robert MacDonald for one.”

“I knew it. Your boss sent out a guest list. Good of him. He knew there would be conflicts among certain vampires. We could decide whether coming was worth the risk beforehand. As if I’d let MacDonald’s presence keep me from taking advantage of a business opportunity.” He strode to the windows and looked out, putting his back to us.

“Of course, you wouldn’t. A man without your strength might have decided differently.” I followed him and slid my arms around his waist. “What show are we going to see? I admit, I’m looking forward to our night out.” Because I feared we might not have many more.

“There’s a magic show that’s highly rated. Fergus wanted to see it. We have very good seats, a private box.” Jerry held me against him. “I haven’t forgotten about this demon thing you are so worried about. We’ll talk about it later. Promise you’ll tell me everything.”

“I will. I must. You have to be careful. I don’t know what you can do against a demon, but he’s determined to hurt me through you. It’s…” I laid my head on his chest. To be close to him, to feel his strength, that was what I needed to find my own will to fight. “Well, I am trying to find a way to get him to stop, to back off.”

“You don’t think I can handle him?” He used his thumb to brush away what I was afraid was a tear. “Have I ever let you down before, Gloriana?”

“No, you are my champion. Always. This time, though, you are fighting against someone, something that may be impossible for you to defeat. He certainly won’t play fair.” I held on and breathed him in.

“I thought you smelled like sage.” He tipped up my chin so I could see his smile. “A good first step. Let me think on it, my warrior woman. Surely, we can take care of this. I have faith, even if you don’t.”

“Faith. Oh, a demon would hate that word.” I pulled away and patted his chest.

He looked a treat in a bespoke suit from Savile Row in London. Jeremiah knew how to dress even when he wasn’t in his beloved kilt. Black suit, red tie, white shirt and a tiny bit of a red silk in his pocket. His shirt sported gold cufflinks with the Campbell crest. He’d had a recent haircut but left it a bit long in back. I loved it that way.

“You told Maggie?” He pulled me toward the door.

“Yes.” I held his hand, so firm, so strong.

“Then Fergus will soon know. She shares everything with him.” He squeezed my fingers. “Among all of us, surely we can find a solution for you. As I said, demons be damned.”

But even as he said it, I felt a shiver from a cold wind blowing my skirt. Was my lover tempting the Devil to try his worst? I followed him to the elevator, Valdez and Sheri left behind. I almost wished they could stay with us. We were relying on our vampire skills to save us at the performance. I hoped they’d be enough.

“I’ve heard one of the magic shows on the Strip is special.” I leaned forward in our box. “I think this might be the one.”

“What do you mean?” Maggie sat next to me. Our men had settled behind us as we waited for the show to start.

“Watch and you’ll see.” The lights went off except for a spotlight on a man who floated down from above the stage. The audience gasped. Magic? Or was this man a vampire with some extraordinary skills? The show began and we watched things disappear then reappear in the audience. The man was dressed all in silver, his hair a mane of black curls. We clapped along with the rest, but when he flew over us, we all inhaled and knew—this man was a vampire.

“No wonder he has such an easy time with his tricks. I think he’s mesmerizing the audience. All of us.” Jeremiah sounded grumpy. “I’m not staring at the son of a bitch again.”

“Oh, come on. It’s fun. And he is a good magician. I can’t figure out where those pigeons are coming from.” I leaned forward. The vamps at the Council House had talked about this man. I wanted to meet him. His skills were fantastic. It made me wonder if he could know how to trick a demon.

“Jerry, we need to go introduce ourselves after the show.” I turned to him and poked his knee. “He might be able to help me with my latest problem.”

“I doubt it. He’s doing tricks, Gloriana.” Jerry stared at the stage. “But then again, demons are known for their trickery. Yes, let’s meet him. He does sound Scottish. I like that. What do you say, Fergus, Maggie?”

“Why not? Glory’s right.