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

Dom was still my boss but I’d probably ruined my relationship with him. There was a vampire council and plenty of vamps I could tap for information and friendship. I might not like the Council House but it was a good resource. Too bad I knew from experience that vampires could be unreliable. I think it had something to do with having to skulk about in the night, keeping so many secrets from mortals.

Karla was certainly a possibility as a mentor, but she hadn’t really told me anything I hadn’t already known. I needed a big idea and to network. Hello, networking was why I’d sought her out in the first place!

I was about to lie down when I heard the outer door open. Misty was home. I inhaled, relieved to discover she was alone. I threw a robe over my nightgown and walked out to the living room. She was petting Valdez.

“Glory! I got my car back. Those idiots at the car lot made a mistake. I had only missed one payment. I caught up that one and they had to bring back the car. Isn’t that great?” She pushed Valdez out of the way and sat on the couch. “How was your night with Dom?”

“A disaster. He really is a jerk. I made a new friend though. She’s going to give me advice about starting my business.” I sat across from her. “I thought you had a date with Davenport.”

“Who?” She looked puzzled. “I did laundry then went to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting. There’s a cute guy there who asked me for coffee. We sat at the IHop for hours, just talking. I didn’t tell him where I worked. I said I was a dancer.” She ran a finger down her jeans. “I think if I said topless dancer he’d automatically think bimbo. Know what I mean?”

“Yes, and it’s not fair.” I yawned. “Get to know him first. Are you serious about GA this time?”

“I am. No more gambling for me. I’d saved up enough to clear my debts, paid Lee, and now I’ve got a chance for a fresh start. If I even talk about buying a lottery ticket, stop me.” She got up. “I’m getting ready for bed. Good night.” She ruffled Valdez’s fur. “Night, pup.”

I gestured to Valdez and he followed me into my room where I closed the door. “I found some peppermints in the kitchen. Eat one or three.” I unwrapped them and watched him crunch one at a time.

“Thanks. I admit the garlic was too much. Caro needs to learn restraint if she’s serious about opening her own restaurant someday.” He settled in front of the door.

“Did you hear Misty? She doesn’t remember Davenport. He did wipe her memory. She’s done with gambling and thinks she saved up enough on her own to pay her debts.” I fell back on my bed. “That demon did keep his end of the bargain.”

“So what?” Valdez snorted. “I’m telling you, Glory, demons never play fair and you don’t have to play fair with them. Weaseling out of a deal is allowed. In fact, they will respect you for the attempt. The problem is, we don’t know what he wants you to do for him. That makes me nervous.”

“Yeah, me too.” I threw my robe on the floor and pulled up the covers. I could feel dawn coming. I could also feel that pill, sitting in my stomach and refusing to dissolve. What had I swallowed? Why had I swallowed it? Micah. He was still a problem. I sighed and closed my eyes. I was more than ready for this endless night to be over.

Micah didn’t show up the next night. I didn’t hear from him again and September crawled by with no word from Davenport either. Dom acted like nothing had happened between us. He was busy organizing the blood tasting and treated me like any other waitress. I got up my nerve and dropped in at the Council House on my nights off a few times. Karla did try to help me with a business plan. She wasn’t excited about my idea of selling what she called “old clothes” but she did help me approach some of the other vampires about the idea.

“You have to do research. Find a place where it will be cheap to set up that type of business.” Karla was using the free wi-fi in her office to help me figure that out. “Not the northeast. Rents are too high. California is out too.”

“I know that. I just came from there.” I was going through a stack of vintage lingerie one of the female vampires had brought me. “Look.” I held up a nightgown. “The lace on this is exquisite.”

“Straight from Paris. Odette spent a lot of time there. I’m surprised she wanted to part with it.” Karla held it up to her chest. “That woman has almost no bust. I could never wear this. Too bad. It’s beautiful. What did you pay for it?”

“Nothing. She gave me all of this. She said it has bad memories and she was tired of dragging it around with her.” I couldn’t believe my luck. Tonight the beautiful vampire had approached me and unloaded this suitcase. She’d even given me the vintage Louis Vuitton to carry it in.

“Odette must have a new and rich lover.” Karla slammed the computer shut. “I’ve got to know more.” She got up. “Let’s go downstairs. Mix and mingle. You see how your networking already paid off? How do you think Odette heard you were in the market for some vintage lingerie?”

“Fine. Let’s go.” I stuffed the gown back into the suitcase. “Can I leave this up here?”

“Of course. Don’t forget it.” Karla steered me to the door. “Now tell me how the plans for Dominic’s Halloween blood tasting are going. You know he hasn’t invited a single Las Vegas vampire.”

“He insists on being the only provider for quality synthetics in Nevada.” I didn’t