Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas Bartlett, Gerry (good fiction books to read .txt) 📖

the Velvet Slipper.” I saw a couple of men take their beer and slip away to their trucks, parked down the street.

“Ain’t that sweet?” Bob looked around when we both heard engines start. “How about waiving the cover charge? He embarrassed us. We have a clear case for discrimination.”

“True. But could you really go in front of a judge and start talking about shape-shifters, werewolves and vampires?” I smiled. “Get real, Bob. No cover charge but don’t push us. Get your guys to behave when they’re in here. We need our dancers to be treated with respect. You understand what I’m saying?” I saw two more men slip away into the darkness. “Don’t you have a wife and kids at home who are waiting to enjoy Halloween? Go home and spend the evening with the family.”

“Fine. No cover charge and we’ll be gentlemen when we come. I can live with that.” He held out his hand. “You sure Dominic is okay with this deal?”

“He will be.” I shook his hand.

“Who is this guy behind you showing fangs and daring me to touch you?” Bob nodded toward Jerry. “Hey, dude, the lady and I are just hammering out an agreement. It’s her boss who is always trying to get her in the sack. That’s who you should be shooting those death rays at, not me.” He grinned and waved at his men.

“We’re done here, guys. Mission accomplished. We can come here anytime we want.” A cheer went up from the few wolves who were left. Well, they weren’t cheers, they were howls. Bob led the men to their trucks parked down the street.

I turned to Jerry. He was looking death rays, but at the building behind us. “Calm down. Dom did what most men do when they meet me. He made a pass. I set him straight. I’m not available.” I took Jerry’s arm and led him inside. Valdez and Sherie were still watching the wolves, waiting until every truck was out of sight.

“I find that hard to believe.” His body was stiff as I pushed him through the door. Marlene was singing a ballad again. Several couples were dancing including Fergus and Maggie. The lights had dimmed. This was turning into a party. It was up to me to start the bidding for territories. I’d check with Dom for the timing.

“Wait. What do you find hard to believe? That men make passes? Or that I always turn them down?” I shook his arm. “Honestly, Jerry. I’m insulted. Yes, Dom got me into his hot tub. I was tempted.” I glanced at Dom who looked good in a Spiderman costume. He did have muscles and I was sure he could climb on the bar with no problem.

“I don’t want that picture in my head, Glory.” Jerry also eyed Dom. Then he gripped my arms. “Come home with me. Stop this insane quest for independence. The thought of you in another’s arms makes me crazy. I want to take this sword and slice his head from his shoulders.” He took a breath. “Primitive of me but that’s my honest feeling.”

“Too bad. I need this job. Give me a couple more years here and I’ll have enough to start my business.” I pulled away from him. He hadn’t hurt me, he never had. But his anger was a red flag. His jealousy too. I had read enough articles about controlling men to know one when I saw one. Donna’s Lee was a classic case. Luckily, he had broken it off with her, tired of her gambling. She’d moved in with Tiffany and claimed she was glad it had worked out that way.

“Years!” He was clearly frustrated.

“Insane quests can take a while. I am my own woman, not yours, Jeremiah. Get used to it.” I walked away from him and up to Dom.

“Glory, we need to start the auction. I think everyone has had a chance to taste the synthetics they are interested in.” Dom pulled me to the bar. He did jump on top of it, just like Spiderman. Marlene had finished her song. Smiling up at him when she brought the microphone to Dom. I saw he was quite happy to look down the front of her low-cut costume.

“Ladies and Gentlemen! May I have your attention please?” Dom grinned, bursting with pride. “It’s time for our silent auction. I hope you have figured out what areas of the world you wish for your distributorship and which products you like for that area. I’ve decided to make the bidding silent because I don’t want any problems if two or more of you covet the same area.” He laughed but it was strained.

Dom gazed around the room when there were mutterings. “We’ve already managed to send a pack of werewolves away. I’d hate to have to bring in security to break up fights.” Several vampires touched their swords. Ancient warrior had been a popular costume theme.

“Seriously, folks, let me introduce the geniuses who created the Romanian brands many of you have admired.” He brought Luca and Adela to the front and heaped praise on them. They certainly enjoyed the limelight. “Their own brands, the Romanian ones, will be sold by them exclusively in Eastern Europe. But you can bid on Western Europe, Africa and North and South America. I believe we have some interest in Australia too.” He pointed to a couple standing next to the stage.

“I don’t like this silent auction thing, Mayer. When will we know who won the rights to certain territories? Then what if we wish to raise our bids? I can certainly outbid most people here.” A man whose costume consisted of a James Bond type suit and who had been flashing a gun inside his coat, seemed certain he was the richest man in the room. I wondered if that was true.

“Simon, I will post the winning bid and let anyone who wants to top it, try to do that.” Dom jumped down from the bar when the