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

and twirled again. “Money and a hot new man. Woohoo!” She disappeared into her room and closed the door.

I was speechless. She thought this was one big joke. But I knew better. Nothing like laying it all out there. The Devil indeed. What did he want in exchange for Misty’s soul? I was afraid I knew. I sure didn’t want to give it to him. Obviously, I needed a plan and I needed it now.

20

Misty had the bright idea of having me go with her to pay Lee what she owed. Of course, her winnings were just a down payment. I really didn’t want to go and was glad I had an excuse to tell her no. Dom was expecting me at his house. Admitting that got me a speculative look. But then Misty’s phone rang and she was planning a date with, you know, the Devil’s sidekick. Oh, how I hated the way she lit up when Davenport arranged to pick her up.

“He has a surprise for me.” Misty was busy deciding what to wear. “He said he’ll take me back to the casino after we meet Lee. I’m so glad I don’t have to see Lee alone.” She glanced at me. “I know, I know, you have a date with Dom. Go, girl. I’ll be fine.”

I knew I couldn’t dissuade her from going with Davenport but I tried one more time. “You promised me you wouldn’t gamble if I gave you my money and then you bet it anyway. I’m really disappointed, Misty. Please attend a GA meeting instead of going on this date.”

Misty threw down the dress she’d settled on. “Are you kidding me? My luck has finally turned and you’re throwing a wet blanket on it?” She looked me up and down. I’d put on a low-cut hot pink sweater and tight jeans that were guaranteed man pleasers.

“I don’t see you sitting at home with nothing to do. Hell, no. You’ve got a hot date with the rich man who owns our club. Everything’s biscuits and gravy for you, girl. Now quit trying to bring me down. I like Davenport and he might just be someone who could take me out of this dump.” She waved her hand around what was a really dreary bedroom. She hadn’t bothered to put up a single picture and her bedspread had been washed so many times it was no color at all.

“What do you know about him? Where does he come from? What does he do for a living? Has he shown you a driver’s license? How old is he anyway?” I could feel Valdez watching me. Yes, those were good questions. Had I asked any of them when I’d met Jerry? Of course not. I’d been starving, just thrilled that he’d been clean and eager to bed me. I was such a hypocrite.

“I know enough. He’s a few years older than I am but I like that. He’s stable. He has plenty of money and doesn’t mind spreading it around. When I told him I needed to go by Donna’s hotel and pay Lee tonight, he swore he’d make sure no one threatened me again.” Misty picked up her hairbrush and pointed it at me. “How do you like that?”

“You admitted how much trouble you’re in? I’m surprised he didn’t take off after that.” I knew a human might, but a demon? He’d have been delighted to learn how desperate Misty was. She was ripe for a bargain with the Devil.

“Glory, you should have heard him. He was amazing. I swear he made me a little scared, the way he swore to defend me. Lee had better watch himself in front of Davenport.”

That shut me up. Yes, the demon could sure do a number on a mobster. But then again, he’d probably like Lee. Donna’s boyfriend had probably already secured his spot in Hell by doing any number of bad things. Smacking around his girlfriend was probably on the demon’s top ten list on the fast track to Hell.

“Misty, I want you to have a new man in your life.” I certainly wasn’t going to tell her Sid had made one more attempt to cause problems. “Just be careful, please. You’re always quoting your grandma. She was a good person, right?”

“She’s not dead, Glory. She’s still a good person. Lives out there on that farm struggling to make things grow. She could use my help if I ever hit it big.” Misty attacked her hair. “She’s one reason I’m so determined to meet a rich man or finally hit a jackpot. I would love to buy Gran a place in California, acreage with lots of water.” Her eyes were glistening. “Maybe one of those avocado groves or someplace with an irrigation system like she’s dreamed of having out there on the edge of town.”

“That’s a nice fantasy, Misty. Something to work for. Just don’t count on luck to do it.” I picked up Valdez’s leash. “I’ve got to go. For your information, I’m not having an affair with Dom, we’re just friends.” I smiled. “Though I admit, he did lure me out there with a promise that I’d get to sit in his hot tub under the stars.”

Misty sighed and picked up her hairspray. “Good for you. Sounds like a date to me. Friends? Maybe more? See what happens, Glory. Your regular guy isn’t coming to town very often, is he? I’d say he’s taking you for granted. You don’t owe him loyalty.”

“We have a lot of history, Misty. I owe Jerry a lot, but he’s told me I’m free to look around. I do get lonely and I am attracted to Dom.” I’d said it out loud. Valdez managed to raise his eyebrows. Hmm. What about the fact that Jerry paid for my bodyguard? I shook my head. Jerry had always insisted on that, no strings attached.

“Have fun.” Misty started spraying and I knew that was my signal to get out of there.