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

“I’m healing. This was not your fault, Jerry.” I sat next to him and carefully brushed chunks of glass out of his hair. “My God, you were thrown through the windshield.”

He looked back at the car. “I swear, that driver hit us deliberately. It makes no sense.”

“Sure it does, if you’re a demon.” I leaned against him, still weak and scared. “He wanted to kill you, Jeremiah. To hurt me. I’m the one who’s sorry.” I knew the demon would be back. When? Where? I felt that nausea again. This time it wasn’t from tainted blood. It was pure terror.

I had to defeat the demon or sell my soul. Those were my choices. I closed my eyes, refusing to look at the horrific scene again. If I’d learned nothing else from this, I’d learned that, immortal or not, even vampires should wear seatbelts. Seeing Jerry lying on the hood of that car would haunt me forever.

29

“Halloween night is perfect for this.” Adela Schmidt was obviously very pleased with the arrangements. She might have made her money in Europe, but she was looking forward to seeing what Dom would bring together for the other territories. Luca clearly was more interested in Connie and her costume. She made a very sexy cave woman.

“I detect a theme tonight, Glory. You look lovely. And there’s to be a singer?” Luca zeroed in on Marlene, setting up next to the stage.

Luca was right. The servers and singer had all decided to dress as if straight from a Flintstones cartoon. Dennis strutted his stuff bare-chested in a loin cloth. He had Adela’s interest as he brought her a glass of her favorite premium synthetic. I wore an off-the-shoulder costume that showed a lot of skin. The tiger print was our common denominator. Connie’s costume dipped low enough to show the tops of her breasts. When she bent over to serve drinks, the customers would get an eyeful. We were all in it for the tips.

“Yes, Marlene Davies will sing. Later, we’ll have a famous magician perform a few tricks. Maybe you’ve heard of him, The Great Anderston?”

“Yes, yes indeed!” Luca waved Connie over. “Why I am most impressed. Most impressed.” He smiled at Connie. “Dear Connie, could you bring me a glass of the Brazilian champagne? I’m dying to try it.”

“Certainly, sir.” She hurried away.

“I could have served you, Luca.” I was a little frustrated. The rich Romanian obviously saw me as part of management, not a server. Was I going to miss out on tips altogether?

“My dear, I will make sure you get a bonus after this night is over.” Luca took my hand. “Your work for Dominic has not gone unnoticed by my wife and myself.” He nodded toward where shape-shifters were checking in the guests and a burly vampire was even giving them a sniff test. We didn’t want demons or werewolves slipping in among the guests.

“We like Dom and he has certainly done a fine job organizing the bidding, but I can see your fine hand in these arrangements.” Luca waved his hand around the room. “A man like Dominic would never have thought of the décor or the entertainment. Both will help the clients relax and enjoy our products.”

“Why, thank you, Luca.” I didn’t mention that he’d read my mind, which I didn’t appreciate. I had to be more careful around him. “I hope you noticed that the Brazilians aren’t here. They wanted to be, but we persuaded them to let us handle things.” I pulled my hand from his. “That will give you a decided advantage when it comes to talking about your own products.”

“Yes, it will.” He looked around the room. “I see more guests are arriving. Cleopatra is lovely.”

“She is a friend of mine. Be careful, her husband is jealous. They are the Turnbulls. They can certainly afford to invest in a franchise. Talk to them.”

“With the famous Turnbull Shape-shifters?” When I nodded, Luca hurried to greet them.

The room was filling and I was happy to see Jerry arrive with his own shape-shifter in tow. Sherie joined Valdez against the wall. The more vampires in the club, the harder it would be to control things. I had just managed to make my way to my lover when I felt the air change in the room. A cool breeze? No, my imagination. Because the next person to arrive wasn’t a demon, no, it was Robert MacDonald with his own entourage.

“I knew he was coming, but it still makes my blood boil to see him here.” Jerry gripped his sword.

“Don’t you dare start something.” I held onto his sword arm. He looked wonderful in his kilt with the sword strapped on. I’m sure the security at the door had tried to rid him of it but he’d never give it up. Robert had worn his own kilt and sword. It was like a slap in the face to Jerry.

“Who’s that with him?” Jerry looked down at my hand until I let go.

“Odette. She’s a vampire who lives here in town. I like her.” I moved to his other side. “I’m sure you remember that I like Robert as well. Whatever old disputes you have with the man need to be put aside tonight. We need to make this evening a success. I’ve worked hard on it.”

“You know I actually remember Odette. Paris.” Jeremiah smiled. “I knew her in Paris. Lovely woman.”

I squeezed his bicep. He knew her. Who else here had he known? I gazed around the room. There were other beautiful women in the crowd. Beautiful men too. I made myself smile as if I didn’t want to stab Jerry with his own sword.

“It’s a small world, isn’t it? I’m here to work. You need to start tasting the synthetics on offer. Let me get you a glass of something.” I was determined to be cool about this when I was fuming inside.

He grabbed my arm. “Gloriana. Ignore them.