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

“Really?” I stood, behind him before I could stop myself. When he screwed off a lid and poured some into a goblet, the smell of that fake blood was tantalizing. This was the good stuff, rich and close to the real thing.

“How do you like yours? Hot or cold?” He waved the goblet under my nose.

“Warm.” I couldn’t move, frozen in anticipation as he opened another cabinet to reveal a microwave. “Thirty seconds, please.” I leaned in, not sure I could wait that long.

“You’ll find this is a particularly fine blend from Romania. I import synthetics from all over the world.” The microwave dinged and he handed me the goblet.

I inhaled. Oh, yes. This would be almost as good as the real deal.

Dom was right. Since synthetics had been created, most vampires had given up taking blood from mortals. Some called it crude, but, in the age of cell phones and cameras everywhere, the real reason was that it was increasingly dangerous for vampires to use mortals for prey. Modern vamps were smarter—buying blood from blood banks or sticking to one of the fakes to stay off mortal radar. The problem was the cost. For someone like me on a budget, buying either one was a hardship.

I took a sip, my fangs hitting the fine crystal and making a clink that was the vamp version of applause. Dominic smiled. I forced myself to slow down when I wanted to gulp it like I’d just been found dying from thirst in the middle of a desert. Hey, Vegas was surrounded by sand and cactus. Who could blame me if I felt the urge to down that synthetic fast?

“This is delicious. Thank you, Dominic.” I couldn’t help it. I did drink the rest greedily, embarrassing myself. When I looked up, he held out a napkin. I took it and blotted my lips, I hoped delicately. There went my lipstick. “Sorry. It’s been so long since I’ve been able to afford this quality.”

“Would you like another glass?” He walked back to the refrigerator.

“No, thank you. But you said you had a proposition for me?” I hoped he wasn’t preparing a sales pitch. No way could I afford to buy this quality. I made myself put the goblet on the table in front of me, even though I wanted to lick it clean. I had a dealer who gave me a good price on some cheap stuff from Idaho. I suspected it was made from potatoes. Didn’t matter. While it wasn’t exactly delicious, it did the job and the price was right. Imported from Romania? That was way out of my budget.

“Sit down, let me tell you what I have in mind.” He settled behind his desk again then glanced at Valdez.

My so-called bodyguard snored softly. When he’d realized what this was about, he’d put his head on his paws and decided to take a nap. I wasn’t surprised. He’d had a hard day waiting for me to rescue him from dog jail. I still didn’t know why he hadn’t just shifted out of there. I needed to ask him that. Now I looked at Dominic expectantly.

“You ever heard of wine tastings? Like they have in Napa? Your application said you were born in California. I’m sure that’s a fiction. Ever been there?” Dom leaned back, still trying to get into my thoughts.

I smiled. “I’ve been there. Never been to a wine tasting. What’s the point? But I know what a wine tasting is. What’s that have to do with us?”

“You missed a bet if you didn’t hang around one of those. Taking blood from a customer loaded with fine wine?” He ran his tongue over his fangs. “A fine buzz. But I’ve found a better way to get one. With one of my synthetics.”

“Really.” I leaned forward. He had me interested.

“I want to arrange tastings for the different bloods I’m importing. Get some high rollers here to sample my brands. They tend to enjoy Las Vegas anyway. They come from all over the country. All over the world, actually, for the amusements here. You know we have great nightlife. Why else did you land here?”

“I get it. You’ll pull in the high rollers.” I’d heard the term before. Rich people. Vampires with money to burn. Gods, but I wanted to be one of them. Then I would be able to afford to pay my own shape-shifter to watch over me during the day. I wouldn’t have to rely on Jeremiah at all. Why had I landed in Vegas? Lots of night jobs, of course.

“What then, Dom?”

“I plan to sell them distributorships. Territories.” Dominic jumped up and started pacing, clearly excited as he explained. “I bought exclusive rights from more than half a dozen really top shelf synthetics manufacturers. Rights all over the world! Imagine if I can sell these distributorships for six or seven figures each, then take a percentage off the top of all their sales. I’ve been studying how liquor and wine distributors do it. I can use the same model for blood.” He stopped next to that hidden refrigerator. “Imagine the profits, Glory!”

“Wow. That’s genius, Dominic. What did you do? Go to all these countries and meet with the creators of the synthetics?” I licked my lips. I was craving another taste of what I’d tried. “What other brands do you have in there? What countries?”

“See? One taste and I’ve got you hooked. It’ll work, I tell you. Let me give you another sample. A scientist from Madagascar has created a special blend with hints of spices that will blow you away.” He opened the refrigerator and picked up a fresh container. “You must try it.” He filled another goblet and stuck it in the microwave. “Thirty seconds.”

“You know I’m supposed to be working the bar.” But, of course, I reached for that goblet as soon as the microwave dinged. I inhaled and tears came to my eyes. This took me to a