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

“You don’t know her. I do.” Valdez still hadn’t hopped in. “She has dangerous friends.”

“It’s just a ride. And, besides, how do you know?”

“She cried on my shoulder when her boyfriend hit her. I see that asshole, I’m liable to get thrown in dog jail again.” Valdez showed his teeth.

“Donna, can you take us straight home? I’ve got to feed Valdez.” I shoved him into the car then smiled at her. “I really appreciate this. I’ll get a new battery tomorrow night.” I wanted to scream. When would that be? Before I choreographed a new dance routine? Gods.

“I fed him a roast beef sandwich from the bar between dances, Glory. He’ll be fine. I hate to do this to you, but I’ve got to check in with Lee first. He’s very concerned about me. If I’m late…” She shrugged. “Well, I don’t want him to worry. Let me stop by the apartment first, check in, then I’ll take you home. Okay?”

“Lee sounds like a controlling bastard.” But I just smiled. “Okay.”

“Hold me back, Glory.” Valdez made another noise from the back seat.

“I’ll try. Or not.”

6

Donna’s apartment was a luxury suite in a hotel on the Strip. A valet took her car and she insisted we come inside with her to meet Lee.

“Not a good idea, Donna. Look at me. I still have on my waitress costume. And there’s the dog. Can I just walk him through the lobby?” I was embarrassed to be seen in the skimpy outfit until I saw one of the cocktail waitresses by the pool who wore a thong and bikini top that made mine seem conservative.

“Lee wants to meet my friends. I told him about Valdez. He might let me have my own dog if he sees how sweet Valdez is. How well-behaved.” Her eyes shimmered with tears. “I’d just love to have a little dog of my own, Gloria. You are so lucky to have this one.” She reached over to tug Valdez’s ear. “People bring their dogs to this hotel. It won’t be a big deal as long as he's on his leash.”

Now what could I say to that? I trudged behind her through the crowded lobby and casino to the elevator that took us up to her apartment. I found out as we went to the twenty-second floor, that it was really Lee’s place. Donna felt lucky to have such a generous boyfriend. Lucky? To be with a controlling guy who slapped her around and wouldn’t even let her have a freaking dog? I felt my anger rise with that elevator. I couldn’t wait to meet this man.

I made myself cool down when she threw open the door and smiled excitedly. “Lee! We’ve got company. Look!” She took Valdez’s leash from me. “Gloria, that new hire at the club I told you about, is here with her dog. She had car trouble. I gave her a ride.”

“And you brought her here?” The man who stood and looked me over was tall, handsome and had a hard edge I recognized.

This was someone powerful. He had two bodyguards who’d stepped away from the windows to cover him, their hands inside their suit coats in case I made a move. Was I imagining all this? I glanced at Valdez.

“Here’s one of your high rollers, Glory.” He wagged a friendly tail. “We’ve got to get Donna away from this dude. I smell dirty money.”

“I smell an expensive cologne. I hate men who wear too much.” I pasted on a smile. “Donna did me a huge favor. I could have tried to catch a cab, but she insisted on giving us a lift. Cabbies don’t like taking the dog along.” I stuck out a hand. “Gloria Simpson.”

I got a thorough inspection and a raised eyebrow. It didn’t take a mind reader to see that this man liked the package but I didn’t get a creepy vibe from him. His smile was for Donna.

“Lee Campanella.” He took my hand, holding it the way he’d pick up a wet washcloth. He dropped it immediately and frowned at the dog who stood between me and Donna. “I told you a dog is a stupid idea.”

“Come on, baby, look at this sweet face. Isn’t he well-behaved?” Donna leaned down to kiss Valdez on top of his head.

“You know I’ll do anything for you, baby, but get real. You can’t have a dog in a high-rise. Where is he gonna shit, stuff like that? You have to walk one all the time.” Lee nodded and the bodyguards retired to their positions by the windows. He pulled Donna into his arms. “After work you come in tired and sleep like the dead. Dave or Mike would end up with dog duty.” He glanced at the guys by the window. “How’s that fair to them?”

Donna rubbed Lee’s chest. “They might like getting out of the apartment for some fresh air for a change.” She went up on tiptoe and kissed him. “Don’t be mean.” She started whispering in his ear, promises that I really didn’t want to hear but my vampire hearing made impossible to ignore. Manipulation. Hmm. Donna could give lessons.

I could see the view of the city was spectacular. The whole apartment was spacious and decorated like a movie set. Large couches, a bar against one wall, and a big tv were the highlights. Donna had it good. I had to wonder what Lee did that required bodyguards and paid well enough that they lived like this.

“I know it would be complicated, but it would be my problem. Something to keep me company when you’re busy.” Donna wasn’t letting this go. “It would make me happy, baby.”

I cleared my throat. When I glanced at the window and saw through the open drapes that the sky was lightening, I almost panicked.

“Hey, Donna, not to interrupt or anything, but I’ve got to go. Get this guy home. He does need to be fed again