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

And I’m not stripping off. We’re just friends, remember?” I sighed. “If you are going to be a pest, too, I’ll head back home right now.”

“A pest?” He tried to look indignant. It didn’t work. “Fine. Friends. I’ll put on trunks, you put on your bathing suit. I’m praying it’s one of those tiny little bikinis.” He winked. “Caro already has the water going. She’s cooking something special for Valdez. It seems she’s developed a soft spot for him.”

I looked down at my bodyguard. He hadn’t said a word, just stood there waiting for orders. “Fine. We’re safe out here unless the werewolves lose their minds again. Valdez, you two have fun.” I reached into my tote and pulled out… “What is this?” Instead of the tiny pieces of black nylon that were my bikini, I had the vintage bathing suit I’d bought from Misty. It would come down to my knees and cover most of my body.

Valdez was slinking away, following Caro to the kitchen.

“Valdez, stop right there!” I stomped after him. “Did you put this in my tote?” I waved the heavy suit in front of me.

“What the hell is that thing?” Dom came up beside me and fingered the fabric. “Good God! It’s wool!”

“Early nineteen hundreds, antique bathing costume.” I grabbed Valdez’s tail when he wouldn’t turn around. “Look at me, V. What did you do?”

He pulled free and faced me. “Were you really going to wear a bikini here? In front of him?” He nodded at Dom. “I thought you were just friends.”

“I decide whether I’ll be someone’s friend or…” I felt Dom’s arm slide around my waist. “more.”

“That’s right, dog. Stay out of her personal affairs.” Dom squeezed my waist. “You two get out of here.”

“On our way, Dom, Glory.” Caro walked inside. “Valdez?”

She was in her usual black pants and long-sleeve tee. The vest over it made it look military. The sway in her hips, though, was pure woman. I noticed Valdez watching her as they walked away.

“You know you don’t want to wear that thing. Your underwear is like a bikini, isn’t it? I’ll run up, put on my trunks, then meet you in the hot tub.” Dom pulled off his lightweight sweater. His chest was smooth and muscular. Again, I wondered what he’d done in his life before he was turned. I knew he’d been in a fencing club. Did a man develop those muscles playing with swords? I doubted it.

I wasn’t about to do the hot tub thing in my underwear. A bikini was one thing, but demi bra and thong panties sent the wrong message. So I found a bathroom and pulled on that vintage suit. I had to feel sorry for the women who’d been forced to wear these shapeless things back then. The heavy wool did stretch and the scoop neckline was modest. Dom would be disappointed about that. With sleeves to my elbows and pants to my knees, I could have worn this costume anywhere. Thank goodness there was a chill in the night air. How would I feel in the bubbling water?

I couldn’t forget the last thing Davenport had said. He knew Dom. Was all this rush to get me into bed one more ploy by the Devil?

Sin, Glory. Why try to have morals or standards of behavior when no one around you has them? I stepped out of the bathroom and saw the spa next to the pool through the French doors. The water bubbled and steam rose from the tub that could seat six. Two people would have plenty of room to do whatever they wanted to do in there.

I inhaled and smelled something delicious. The kitchen was on the other side of the house, not where the two shape-shifters could see what was happening in the pool area. Whatever Caro was cooking, she’d used some spices that permeated the air. I smelled turmeric and garlic. Maybe she was going Indian.

I was sure Valdez was staying close to her, ready to eat whatever she cooked. Too bad she’d have to put a plate on the floor for him. Maybe she’d shift into something like a dog so he’d be comfortable eating that way with her beside him. The idea made me smile as I opened the door and stepped outside and into the chilly night air.

“You look like a blast from my past. I lived through those years when women wore those things to the shore. I’m mourning the loss of your bikini. You should fire that hound. Instead, what’s making you smile?” Dom held out his hand. He wore snug briefs that showed off his trim middle and muscular thighs.

“I was imagining our shape-shifters eating gourmet food off plates on the floor.” I let him help me into the tub.

“Tough break for Valdez, not allowed to shift into his human form. Serves him right after the stunt he pulled tonight.” Dom stretched out next to me then handed me a crystal goblet filled with a substance the color of blood. “He told Caro his contract forbids it.”

I sniffed the synthetic and ignored his comment. “What is this one? It smells delicious.”

“Another one from Romania. It’s also laced with alcohol. It will help us both relax.” He sipped then eyed me over the rim. “That’s a pretty harsh contract. Doesn’t your sire trust you with a regular male bodyguard?”

“Drop it, Dom. My relationship with my sire is none of your business.” I took a deep swallow. The synthetic warmed my insides as it went down. “Sorry, but if you’re going to pry, I’m going home.” I set the glass behind me.

“Now, now. Calm down. Stay.” He slid his arm around me, pressing me back in my seat. “I’ll shut up about that.” He tickled my neck with his breath. “Lean back, look up at the stars. I promised you a great view, didn’t I?” He picked up a remote with his other hand and the lights dimmed except for those beneath the water in