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

the dancers got into it and how sexy they looked. I was pretty sure the audience would go crazy. We’d found some more Latin music by the same artist to play during the break when the women were available for photos. I already had a song idea for the next night and Manny approved.

I walked to Dom’s office. Valdez refused to be left behind again. I was happy to see the club filling up as I knocked on the office door. We were going to have to keep this meeting short. The other waitress was going to be swamped without my help.

“Come.”

“Sorry I’m running late. Manny let me choreograph a new dance routine for the girls. I think you’re going to like it.” I stopped short, almost bumping into him, when I realized he wasn’t alone. For a moment I just stared. Where was the communication? I couldn’t believe he had just shown up here.

This couldn’t be a coincidence. I knew exactly how he’d found me. I gave Valdez a nudge with my left foot. I knew he had a job to do and sending reports was part of it, but seriously? The man smiling at me now could have at least given me a little warning. I was too aware of how I was dressed— overflowing bra top and those inadequate shorts. He was scanning me from head to toe, not missing a thing. God, I hated that I was seeing him for the first time in…months? And looked like this.

“Glory, my invitations just went out and I’ve already gotten a response. Have you met Jeremy Blade? He owns hotels in Florida and hotels and casinos in Louisiana.”

“Oh, yes, we’ve met.” I could feel a flush creeping up my neck as Jeremiah Campbell’s dark eyes swept over me. They were disapproving. “Jeremy, that’s right. Your name this year.”

“This decade and into the next.” He moved forward and took my hand. “You haven’t changed, except for the wardrobe.”

“Haven’t changed and never will. Thanks to you.” I pulled my hand from his. “Dom, did you need me for something? The bar is getting crowded.”

Dom was grinning. He wasn’t stupid. “Ah. This must be your sire. How…interesting. Run along if you must. Jerry and I were discussing business. He likes the idea of owning a franchise.”

“But I’m not committing to anything yet. I will have to see numbers.” Jeremiah glanced down at Valdez. “Shifter, you are staying close?”

“That’s what you pay me for.” Valdez showed some teeth. “You know how she is. She fights it.”

“Naturally.” Jeremiah raked me with those disapproving eyes again then turned to Dom. “Is the costume she’s wearing now entirely necessary?”

“No. She could be topless, like the dancers.” Dom flashed a fang-filled grin at me, trying to start trouble. “Be sure to stay and watch the show. I hear Glory is helping with that. I’m dying to see it. Drinks are on me. You must try the new synthetic I just had flown in from Peru. It’s made with an exotic herb found only on Machu Picchu. It has a certain quality that stirs the libido like no other I’ve tried.” Dom walked to his hidden refrigerator, ignoring the way Jeremiah’s hands clinched into fists. “If you need help with your libido.”

I choked back a laugh. The expression on Jeremiah’s face! “Enjoy the show.” I turned to leave.

“You wouldn’t parade around topless, would you?” Jeremiah’s voice was low, almost a growl, as he stopped me with a hand on my arm. He had on a dark sport coat over a red silk shirt the color of blood. Despite his frown he looked so handsome I wanted to climb all over him.

“Well, Jerry,” I liked calling him that, like Dom had, it seemed more modern, and a little insulting. “If I wanted to and I thought the tips would be bigger, I might shed the top.”

“You know what men are like. You would be putting yourself in danger.” He focused on my breasts, very exposed in my pushup bra top. “Why the hell won’t you let me take care of you? This type of work is demeaning.”

He knew as soon as the words left his mouth that he’d said the wrong thing.

“Demeaning?” My voice rose and Dom turned from where he was filling goblets to watch us. “Is it demeaning to do an honest night’s work? To stay on my feet for hours keeping orders straight and making change while dodging handsy customers?” I turned on my heels, wobbling because they were loose. Damn it, why couldn’t I make a good exit?

“You’re showing your ass to the world, Gloriana!” He stayed right behind me, his hands on my shoulders. “You’re mine, damn it. Don’t do this. There are other jobs, other ways to make a living if you insist on this independence crap.”

“Crap. Right. Why don’t I just hire on as CEO of a major corporation? Fly a jet like you do or play the stock market like some of our friends?” I whirled to face him, hating the tears that stood in my eyes. “I have no formal education, Jeremiah. Sit me in front of the SATs and imagine my score. What a joke.”

“Gloriana…” He looked stricken.

“Don’t stop me now, I’m on a roll. I’ve yet to discover a great ability with numbers or machinery. I am a product of a much earlier time and never had a fortune to help me get started.” I didn’t have to remind him that he came from a wealthy family with royal connections. He’d been a warrior in earlier times lucky enough to land on the winning side when it counted.

“I would have given you a fortune, if only you’d asked.” He said it quietly, as if aware we had a very interested audience in the room. Vampires were big gossips. I didn’t doubt Dom would remember every word and pass it on.

“That’s the problem. I never wanted to ask, to beg for my stake. I want to make my own