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

I feel full of life, that’s what drinking blood always does to us, right?”

“Yes. Make change? I’m sure you’ll figure it out. You seem like a smart woman.” Dom just kept watching me with those dark eyes.

“Blood tasting. Like a wine tasting. And I’m your waitress.” I licked my lips. I’d love to taste one of those premium bloods again right now. “Lots of high rollers who will tip big. Count me in. I’ll help you sell your blood but I need guaranteed pay for this as well.”

“What if I paid you in blood? Some of that special stuff you just tasted?” Dominic suddenly stood close, in one of those vamp moves that could be sexy if done right. He’d managed it. His suit tonight was a sleek black number with a black shirt and purple tie. He looked successful and smelled that way, reeking of that expensive blood.

“You’re tempting me.” I inhaled and felt the door handle digging into my butt. “But I just decided to save for my future. Cash. I work for cash from now on. I want my own business someday. I’ll survive on cheap synthetics and sock away my pay, thank you very much.”

“How…sensible of you.” He brushed my hair back from my cheek. “I like ambition in a woman.”

“Hmm.” That was all I could say as he moved in to brush his lips across my jugular. It was fleeting but sent shivers through me. When his fangs drifted over my skin, I jerked away and got the door open.

“We’ll talk again, Glory,” he said as I ran toward the bar, Valdez on my heels after he stopped to growl at Dom.

I rounded the corner and was in the midst of the action. Customers were crowding the bar. It must be close to show time. I sent Valdez to the break room and concentrated. Must get the money right. Dodge hands and smile at the men who wanted a drink. Word had gotten around Vegas about the beautiful topless women and there was a good crowd to see them dance, if you could call it that. By the time the second show was over, I’d sobered up and had seen enough.

“Who choreographs those dances, Manny?” He was counting out picture money to the last of the girls when I got to the dressing room. Even after only getting half, it was a profitable venture.

“I do. Why?” He handed me my take for the night.

“They aren’t dances, they’re just walks around the stage with a few shimmies and shakes. It’s kind of sad, really. You need to hire someone to make it more interesting. Try some better music.” I could see Valdez grinning at me. “I heard some customers complaining.”

“What do you know about it?” Manny looked me over. “You would never be hired to dance on the strip in Vegas. Too short.”

“You’re right. But I did some dance work a few years back in California.” I didn’t tell him it had been during the Gold Rush days in a saloon. “What if I came up with a number for the girls to try? Would you let them do it? If you liked it?”

“When are you going to do this? Dom says you can’t work during the day. Some kind of sunlight allergy. That’s when we practice the dances.” Manny shrugged. “But I sure as hell don’t know what I’m doing. If Dom could get a license, I’d say turn this joint into a casino. But he says there’s problems with that. I had to throw together this dance thing myself.” He peered into the showroom when there was a noise. “Hey, take it over if you want. Tomorrow night, right after dark. Show up with new music and some steps for the ladies. But they have to be topless. We just paid for that sign.”

“Can they strip?” I had an idea in the back of my mind.

“A little, but no pole dancing. When I hired the girls, I promised I wasn’t going to make them strip. We want classy. It’s a tit show. That’s all.” Manny turned to look at Valdez who had snorted. “Did that dog just laugh?”

“No, he has allergies too. All this powder in here gives him fits.” I headed to my locker and got my clothes. “Tomorrow night. As soon after dark as I can make it. Tell the ladies not to put on their headdresses for a change. This place isn’t that large. No need for them.”

Manny scratched his head. “You’re right about that. But the big places on the Strip have them, so I thought…”

“They are classy, but a hassle when you’re mixing with the customers. Look at what happened with Donna and the candle.”

“Right. But they cost a lot.” Manny frowned.

“We’ll still use the feathers, trust me.” I smiled as I put on my tennis shoes. I would have to wear my costume home again. I’d missed Mae and now would have two costumes at home. I had to get better organized. I’d rinse them out before dawn.

“See you tomorrow night.” I grabbed Valdez’s leash and we left the club.

“A classy tit show.” Valdez chortled as he waited for me to unlock the car. “How are you going to fix that?”

“Beats me. But anything should be better than what they’ve been doing.” I walked around and got behind the wheel. Then I stuck my key in the ignition. One groan and then nothing. I hit the steering wheel. Not now!

“Need a ride?” The owner of the Jaguar next to me leaned down and stared at me through the open car window.

“Afraid so. The car is dead.” I opened the door. “Can my dog come too?”

“Sure, I love Valdez.” Donna unlocked her car and gestured for us to get in. “Careful, the seats are hot.”

“Thanks, Donna.” I pulled the passenger seat forward so Valdez could hop into the back. He gave me a look.

“This is not a good idea.”

“Why not?” I glanced at Donna. She had started the car