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

together. At times.” I turned to Robert. “Yes. Jerry will be there. He’s going by Jeremy Blade these days. I hope you two can be in the same room together without trying to kill each other. He is interested in a franchise as well.”

“Of course, he is.” Robert was up and drained his glass. “I foresee a bidding war. Damn him. Micah should have warned me about this.”

“Micah. I met him. What is he to you?” I stopped next to Odette in the hall doorway.

“A cousin. He is not a MacDonald but shares some of our blood. He also has some Campbell blood. That is why Jeremiah tolerates him. Someday trying to get along with both clans will get the man killed.” Robert shook his head. “He came to Las Vegas to look around before the tasting. He told me he met you.”

“Yes, he helped me out of a bit of trouble then disappeared. I need to thank him.” No wonder I had noticed his good looks. Blood from both clans!

“That is what Micah does.” Robert frowned. “You never know which side he will land on either.”

“Men and their feuds.” Odette linked arms with me. “A woman would have settled such a thing centuries ago with a conversation over wine. Don’t you think, Glory?”

“Yes, I do.” I was liking Odette more and more. “But then no one will tell me exactly what started it all.”

Robert laughed. “Believe me, we don’t wish to fight, but sometimes that is the only way to settle our differences. Now I have work to do. Money to make.” He walked over and kissed my cheek. “Gloriana, it was good to see you. If you’re lucky, someday you will get to meet my brother Ian. He’s the brains of the family. He is in Texas of all places. Says it’s cheap to live there.” Robert walked toward his office. “Not that he has to worry about money. He’s richer than the rest of us put together.”

“Come, Glory. Robert is a Scot and a pinch-penny. I will go through my jewels and sell you some.” Odette narrowed her gaze at Robert. “I hope we can come to terms. I need my own pocket money.”

“Odette, I love you, but you seem to go through money like water. By all means, sell something. Learn the value of a dollar and make room in your closet.” Robert nodded and disappeared into his office.

Odette huffed before walking into the elaborate master suite. I followed her, trying to concentrate on business. Robert MacDonald. Micah Something. Jerry had always hated anyone from the MacDonald clan because of an ancient feud that he would never explain beyond claims of stolen cattle. Neighbors raiding neighbors. It all seemed so foolish with such a passage of time. Now both Robert and Jerry would be after franchises at the blood tasting. It would be beyond foolish if they both bid on the same areas. I needed to talk to Jeremiah. Warn him.

“Glory, look. Don’t you think someone would die for these earrings?” Odette was rifling through a jewelry box and held up some gold loops.

“They’re perfect and would be easy to sell. Put them aside. When we get a pile together, I’ll make a bid for the lot.” I’d learned from Karla how to negotiate. She was a shrewd businesswoman.

Odette and I toured what was a fabulous closet. I resisted dresses and all kinds of clothing and concentrated on accessories. I didn’t have much room left in my storage unit and really couldn’t afford to rent another one. Still, I’d ended up with a pile of scarves, bags and jewelry when we realized we were running out of time before dawn.

“You don’t have to go home. It’s late. You can spend the day here, Glory. Your shifter is here and we have many extra bedrooms. All the windows are automatically covered by special shades once dawn arrives. It is very safe.” Odette packed the treasures into a bag from a high-end boutique. “Don’t worry about paying me now. We can get together tomorrow night.”

That suited me because I would need tomorrow’s tips to pay her anyway. “Fine. I’ll stay. Show me where I can spend my death sleep.” I saw Valdez still waiting for me by the door, always close. “My shifter will stay with me, inside the room. I hope there’s a lock on the door.”

“Of course.” Odette smiled. “I understand your concern. I would ask for the same, staying in a new place.” She held out her hand. “Come. I will show you.”

I followed her upstairs to a beautiful suite of rooms. The master bedroom had been downstairs. This was obviously reserved for guests. There were towels set out in a luxurious bathroom but I would have to wear the same clothes I had on now once I woke tomorrow night.

“We are much the same size, Glory, though you have more bosom. If it would work, I would do what women can these days,” she held her hands out in front of her chest, “implants!” Then she shook her head. “But then I think what would happen during death sleep? Would they pop out? Explode? I am afraid to try.” Odette was obviously reading my mind. “Don’t worry, I will bring you an outfit to wear home tomorrow. You can keep it.” She gave me a quick hug.

“Thanks, Odette. Robert was right. Nothing ever happened between us and nothing ever will. I’m still in love with my sire, Jeremiah Campbell.” I looked into her eyes when I said this.

“I wouldn’t blame you if you are attracted to Robert. He is handsome and has that wicked twinkle in his eyes that draws a woman. I’m sure you know what I mean.” She still stared at me. “He certainly seems attracted to you.”

“He flirts, it’s harmless.” But I did know what she meant. I was sure that was one reason Jeremiah would never consider settling his differences with the man. He was jealous of my friendship with