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

want me to tell Glory why you are not the perfect guard dog she thinks you are?”

“Shut up. Leave her alone. That favor you did for her was easy for a demon like you. Didn’t even make you break a sweat, did it? Now take off and go back to Hell where you belong.” Valdez sat in front of me, his back brushing my legs. His body vibrated with anger.

“You’re irritating me, fur face. Mind your own business.” Davenport sat across from us again and leaned forward. His eyes glowed red.

Valdez pushed against me so hard, I shoved at him. “Hey, careful. You want to break my legs?”

“Sorry.” He eased off but never took his eyes away from Davenport’s. “Listen to me. Glory is my business. I’m charged with keeping her safe and I take it seriously.” Valdez growled with such menace that I shivered.

“And I am charged with stealing her soul. Watch me work.” Davenport lifted his gaze to mine and studied me until I squirmed, very uneasy under his solemn regard. It didn’t help that his eyes glowed red. “Tell me, Gloriana St. Clair. What is it you value most?”

Before I could stop myself, one word popped into my head. I didn’t say it, but Davenport lit up like one of the neon signs on the Strip.

“Thank you, Glory!” He clapped his hands. “That’s exactly what I needed. Now to get to work.” He jumped up and practically skipped to the door in his Gucci loafers. “I’ll be in touch. Not to worry. You are perfectly safe. For now. But I can’t make any promises about that other one. Know who I mean?” He cackled, like a creepy figure in a haunted house, then opened the door and left.

“Oh, gods, what have I done?” I was shaking as I looked at Valdez. “I didn’t want to do it but you know what I thought when he asked that question, don’t you?”

“What do you value most?” Valdez went to the door and nosed the deadbolt lock into place. “Yours isn’t a what, it’s a who. Jeremiah. You thought his name, of course.” He snorted. “I have never known a woman so ridiculously in love with a man. Have you no pride?” He stalked back to face me. “He cheats on you, Glory. All the time. You know that.”

“Yes, I do. So what? He says it’s meaningless sex and I believe that. What I feel for Jeremiah? It’s not blind love, Valdez. It’s much more complicated than that. Quit making me sound like a fool.” I took a steadying breath and got off the couch.

I needed a shower and a change of clothes. I was supposed to meet Jerry at the hotel and time was ticking away on our night. We’d have sex. Meaningless? Not to me. How did he feel about it? I didn’t want to go down that road. I didn’t dare start analyzing our relationship too deeply. Maybe I needed to spend a night with him without sex. We could talk, catch up on how we’d been. But then he’d touch me and I knew I had no will to resist.

“What is it you feel for him then?” Valdez blocked my way down the hall. “Please take a moment and explain it to me. I respect you, I do. So, when I see you acting like this about a man, it makes me,” he shook his head, “I don’t know, a little crazy. Because you’re weak around him.”

“Weak!” Now I was mad.

“Yeah, weak. You pay lip service to the idea of independence but when Jeremiah crooks his finger, you’re like Misty or Donna, who are always looking for the next man to take care of them. Even Odette! It’s the only way they know how to live.”

“Stop it. You’re not being fair. I’m here, aren’t I?” I didn’t know why I was bothering to defend myself but this wasn’t fair. “I don’t follow him around. Notice that? I’m working on my independence because what I feel for Jeremiah is not just love or lust, Valdez. Yes, he’s the most important thing in my life. Why wouldn’t he be? He’s why I’m still here instead of dead and gone. I could have been planted in a grave somewhere in England centuries ago.”

“Fine. He made you vampire. You’re grateful.” Valdez snorted. “I think four hundred years is long enough to prove you appreciate the gift.”

“Of course, it is. But do you get that I’m also loyal? Jeremiah’s gift of immortality is a rare thing. He didn’t give it lightly. I know for a fact he doesn’t go around turning other mortals into vampires. Then there’s this: He not only gave me eternity but he’s always insisted on making sure I’m safe. For centuries! Most sires certainly don’t do that. Valdez, you’re here because of how Jerry cares for me. Can you understand how big that is?” I didn’t like having to explain myself and shouldn’t have to do it. Saying it out loud, though, made me realize what I owed Jerry.

“I understand that he wants you with him forever. Not entirely unselfish of him, is it? He provides a guard who reports to him about your whereabouts and lets him know who you’re involved with. Try to break that tie and see what happens. I know for a fact you can’t afford my services. I’m sorry, but that’s the sad truth.” Valdez moved out of my way. “You found that out for yourself just recently, didn’t you?”

I couldn’t argue with him. I’d learned that even a budget shape-shifter like Dennis and his roommates hired was way beyond my own budget. The thought of being vulnerable during my death sleep without someone to watch over me was so terrifying, my stomach burned at the thought.

Valdez finally shook his head. “Oh, go to him. Do your thing. I know you love him. But at times I’ve seen something else in your eyes. You hate him too. For making you feel like