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

off, they have to find someone to cover for them. It’s a big responsibility.” She looked over at Valdez. “I can’t figure out how you can be properly protected by that shifter in dog form.”

“He manages.” I was suddenly eager to leave. “I’ll let you know if and when my roommate moves out.”

“Wait! Surely your shifter isn’t a dog all the time, is he?” Connie leaned close. “Is he a hot guy? Our shifter is an old man. He’s strong as an ox and I feel safe around him but I sure don’t want to jump his bones, know what I mean?”

“I’ve never seen Valdez in his human form. It’s forbidden by his contract.” I pushed past Karla toward the stairs. “I’ve got to get the suitcase from Karla’s office. I’ll call you, Connie.”

“Do that.” She was staring at Valdez when he got up to follow me. “Hey, Valdez. Why would you agree to such a stupid contract?”

He stopped on the step and turned around. “Big money, Connie. Big money.” He wagged his tail. “It’s a shame what a guy will do for big money.”

“No kidding.” She settled back down next to Dennis.

“Really? Jerry is paying you that much?” I collected that suitcase and my tote I’d brought with me.

“Don’t worry about it. But, yeah, why else would I agree to this humiliation?” He looked up at me, serious for a change. “You think I like this dog body day in and day out? I can’t even unlock the door or use the facilities like a decent person.” He sneezed. “Or grab a tissue and blow my freaking nose.”

“I’m sorry, Valdez. It’s my fault. Years ago, I had other bodyguards, handsome men, who made Jeremiah jealous. Having a man around twenty-four/seven also made it impossible for me to have a decent relationship with any other man. This dog thing was Jerry’s idea. I like dogs and he knew it would be an acceptable way to keep someone around me for protection without it looking like I had a live-in lover to the mortals around me.”

“I get it and I knew what I was signing on for when I agreed to the contract. There’s a big bonus involved.” He sneezed again. “Let’s just say the reality of being in this body all the time is different from imagining how it would be. But I’m dealing with it.” He sneezed again. “Something in here is off. It’s a smell…”

“I think you’re allergic to me or my perfume, shifter.” Odette stepped from behind the screen Karla used for her clients to change clothes. “I’m sorry, I didn’t want to interrupt your exchange of confidences.”

“I didn’t even notice the scent. I thought it was coming from your beautiful lingerie.” I smiled at her, though I thought she really should have made herself known right away. “I hope you didn’t change your mind about giving your things to me.”

“No, not at all. In fact, I want to show you more. This time I will be selling a few things. For pocket money. If you have time tonight to come with me.” She moved closer. Valdez sneezed again. “I’m sorry you cannot tolerate my perfume. It is very expensive. I have it mixed especially for me in Switzerland.” She ran a finger down her throat. “I call it ‘Irresistible’.”

“I think it’s lovely. Very distinctive.” I looked at the clock on the wall. “Yes, I have time. What do you have you think I might want to buy?” I was afraid it would be expensive, like her perfume, but I couldn’t resist the chance to shop.

“Some jewelry, scarves and a bag or two. My closet is so full, I can’t find anything. It would be a pleasure to get rid of some things and get a little pin money at the same time.”

“I have to warn you, I can’t afford to pay a lot. Karla put me on a budget.” I wasn’t lying. My business mentor had spelled out just what I should allow myself to spend to build up my savings. I had already invested more than I should on inventory, according to Karla.

“No matter. I have a generous lover now. Let’s go play in my closet. Open the window and we will fly there.” She shifted into a parrot and flew to sit on the window sill. “Don’t lose me in the dark.”

“Wait!” I hated to confess this. “I don’t shape-shift, Odette. Sorry, but it’s something I simply cannot do.”

In a moment Odette was back in human form. “Oh, my dear.” She put her hand on my forehead. “Is it an illness? Have you tried some of the special brews out of Romania?”

“Romania again?” I threw up my hands. “I’m not sick. Except of the pressure to shape-shift. I just don’t want to do it. There, I said it. And, yes, it scares me silly. Said that too. Now, I hope you don’t mind, but I’ll drive to your place. Give me the address and I’ll meet you there.” I was angry and upset with myself. Too bad. I wasn’t going to change. I’d tried. I was sorry to admit that.

Odette made a little moue of disappointment. “Very well.” She picked up paper and a pen. “Here is my address. It is a beautiful night. I will fly and meet you there. I will wash off my perfume to please your shifter while I wait. Hurry. I want to have time to show you everything! I have the most fabulous closet.” She handed me the paper then threw open the window, shifted, and was gone in a flutter of brightly colored wings.

“She makes a pretty bird.” Valdez followed me out of the room and down the stairs.

“Shut up.” I said my good-byes then unlocked my car and pulled out my worn paper map of Las Vegas. It didn’t take long to get there. Odette lived in a mansion with a gate. Nice. I punched a button and said my name. That got me buzzed inside.