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

“I don’t know, Dom.” I shook my head. “I hate to think we’re going to have trouble with them now. If you had just ignored them…”

“You can’t tell me they didn’t know this club was owned by a vampire when they came here. Then you heard one of them, Glory, howling at the dancers.” Dom showed his fangs. “Animals! Carrying on like that in public.” He stared at Valdez. “I’m telling you, shifter, Johnson, their leader, knew what he was doing, bringing some of his pack here. He wants to start something. That’s why, like I said, Caro is walking the perimeter right now and making sure the parking lot is clear. Stay alert.” He squeezed my hand. “Hear from Blade recently?”

It took me a moment to shift gears. Blade. He meant Jerry. “He texts me a couple of times a week. New Orleans is keeping him busy. He’s opening a hotel and casino there. Apparently there have been some snags.”

“You two have an interesting relationship.” Dom looked into my eyes, trying to read my mind. No way would I let him. “An open relationship if what I hear from New Orleans is true.”

“I don’t expect him to remain celibate if that’s what you’re hinting at. He’s free to see other women.” I made myself smile like that didn’t hurt like hell. I resisted the urge to probe for information. What had Dom heard? Who was she? Was it serious? Oh, God, I hated how my gut clenched just thinking about Jerry with another woman.

“Of course, you’re free to see other men. Right? It’s only fair, Glory.” He pressed my hand to his lips, then turned it to lightly draw his fangs over my palm.

That fang action made me shiver. “Yes, I’m free to do as I please.” I stared into Dom’s eyes. He wouldn’t let me see his thoughts either. But I knew enough about him now to know he was after only one thing. He wanted a good time. His own fling. That was what Jerry had when we were apart. One fling after another. Why couldn’t I enjoy the same carefree attitude? I admitted I was attracted to Dom. Not in love but maybe a little in lust.

“Come to my home, my dear. You’ve never seen it. I don’t live here, you know, above the club. Lionel, the bouncer, rents the apartment there and gets a discount for being on-site security. See how thrifty I can be?” Dom ignored Valdez, who growled low in his throat. “I hear you’re interested in opening your own business someday. I can help you with that. Tell you some things to help you get started.” He waved his hand around the empty break room. “It wasn’t easy setting up a club. Any kind of business is a challenge for our kind.”

“Yes, it is.” I leaned in. “I’d love to get some advice from you, Dom.” I was jostled back when Valdez shoved his head in between Dom and me.

Dom frowned. “Shifter, why don’t you go outside and help Caroline secure the perimeter?” He glanced at me. “Glory? What do you think?”

“I think that’s a good idea.” I gave Valdez a push. “Go. I need to talk to Dom. In private.” I waited until a sulking Valdez left, shoving the door open with his shoulder.

“Just talk?” Dom leaned closer and nibbled my ear then inhaled. “There’s nothing like vintage blood, is there?”

“Dom, slow down, please.” I stood and walked around the bench. I was at a terrible disadvantage, still in my waitress costume and very aware of the way he stared at my breasts escaping from my bra top. I made a point of zipping up my hoodie.

“How slow can I go? You’ve been on my radar for months now.” He smiled with that hint of fang that he knew was sexy as hell to another vampire.

He had a point. “Um, you know, I have no idea where you live.” I had to admit to a little tingle. Dom was handsome. He was very different from Jerry, slimmer and compact, more sophisticated and less warrior. That shiny skull made him seem intelligent for some reason. I almost regretted sending Valdez away. He served as my conscience. No, he was a reminder of Jerry and my loyalty to him. But I did have urges and Valdez couldn’t control those. What would it hurt to at least see where Dom lived? I wouldn’t mind picking his brain about starting a business when I had only nights to work with.

“Come home with me then. Nothing has to happen.” Dom got up and pulled me toward the door. “You can sample some of my delicious synthetics and we can have adult conversation. In peaceful surroundings, where there aren’t a bunch of drunks staring at naked women.” He smiled, a wicked twinkle in his eyes. “When dawn comes, we can die together. Or you can use my extra bedroom. What does it matter where we die? We will have two bodyguards watching over us.”

“That sounds heavenly.” I let him draw me toward the door. “I’m not promising anything, Dom. You know I’m in love with Jerry.”

“Of course. I admire your loyalty to your sire.” He kissed my cheek then opened the door. “Your bodyguard will be with us, as always. It’s too bad Jeremy doesn’t trust you to be on your own.”

Dom had just pushed one of my hot buttons. Doesn’t trust me? I glanced down at Valdez, who had been waiting so close outside the door I’d almost tripped over him.

“Jerry just wants me to be protected during my death sleep. I see nothing wrong with that. I certainly can’t afford to hire my own shifter.” I knew my smile was tight. “Valdez can wait with Caro while we visit. Let’s go.” I kept my hand in Dom’s as we walked out to his car.

That got me a barrage of mental messages