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

way. This time I’m going to do it, I swear it.” I ran my hands down my body, his eyes tracking my movements. “I have my assets and I’m using them.”

“I don’t like where this is going, my love.” He shook his head. “You don’t have to sell yourself—”

“Stop!” I put a hand over his mouth. “I have never sold myself and don’t intend to start. What I’m doing is earning an honest living and saving my money so I can start my own business. Surely you can understand my urge to do that. You have hundreds of businesses, probably thousands by now.”

He nodded. “Very well. Work. Show off what you call your assets. Do what you have to do. But I hope you know that I am here for you. I could loan you the money you need. Or give it to you outright. There’s no need to go through this struggle.”

“This struggle, as you call it, will make it all mine when the time comes.” I smiled at him finally. I did love him. “Stay and watch the show. I helped put it together and I think it’s going to be pretty good.” I touched his cheek. “You always did like to look at beautiful women.”

He grabbed my hand and pulled me to him. “I always liked to look at you, beautiful woman.” He kissed me hungrily, making my knees fail me. Didn’t matter, he held me up, his arms strong around me. I was finally aware that Dom was clearing his throat.

“The clock is ticking, you two. If you’re serious about working, Glory, you’d better get out there.” Dom strolled over to hand Jeremiah a goblet. “I’d hate to have to fire you after that impassioned speech.”

I straightened my hair and managed to get the door open. “Enjoy the show, gentlemen.” I could hardly think. Oh, how I’d missed my man. I hadn’t let myself think about him. I’d been so determined to prove how independent I could be, I’d pretended I didn’t have needs or the craving that now made me clumsy with drinks, forgetting orders and dropping change. By the time the show started, I was glad for the darkness that hid my flushed cheeks.

That kiss still had me rattled. The worst thing was that I wanted more. More of Jerry, the modern man who’d looked so good to me in a silk shirt, open at the neck, and jeans. He kissed the same though. And time had stood still. He tasted of the Scottish Highlands and London alleys and the press of naked bodies discovering ecstasy.

I leaned against a wall as Manny introduced the dancers and the music swelled. “Smooth.” The girls had ripped t-shirts and tied them beneath their breasts. The rips still showed plenty of skin and they planned to shred them as the music went on. It was actually more erotic to see nipple through a rip than to just bare a breast. They carried their feathers and ran them down their bodies as they undulated to the Latin beat. The men in the audience couldn’t take their eyes off of them.

“You came up with this dance?” His voice was low in my ear.

“Yes.” I felt breathless, hot, wishing I could rip off that bra and dance with the girls on stage.

“Will you dance it for me later, when we’re alone?” Jeremiah ran a finger down my arm, a light touch that seemed to burn and sizzle as he did it.

I couldn’t look at him, couldn’t say a word. I just hugged my tray to my breasts and nodded.

8

Jerry was staying in a hotel on the strip. I was glad it wasn’t the same one Donna’s boyfriend occupied. This one was cool with dogs too, though. I left my uniform in my locker and pulled a t-shirt on over a spare pair of shorts before I met him there. He’d given me time to change my mind. I appreciated that.

Apparently, he and Dom had discussed business before Jerry left to go back to his hotel. He’d left me a note asking me to meet him. Not very loverlike, but it did give me the chance to back out.

“You’re going to his hotel?” Valdez settled into the passenger seat of the Suburban. “You should feed me first. I have no idea what we’ll find there. He’ll have a shifter on guard for his own daily death sleep.” He gave me a look. “He won’t be looking like a dog, I can guarantee you that. You have any idea how humiliating this will be for me?”

“Suck it up, you’re being well paid to suffer through it. The other shifter will understand. I’m sure they’ll order room service during the day. You won’t starve.” I drove while I replayed that kiss. I had never denied that I loved Jeremiah. No, I was calling him Jeremy or Jerry now. We had cover stories that kept us blending with mortals as time passed. If I was meeting him, I had to play along with his current one.

We arrived at the front of the hotel and the valet opened my car door. I handed over my keys and reached for Valdez’s leash.

“Let’s go, pup.” I had to tug at his collar, putting on a show for the valet, who stood waiting. Valdez chuffed, not eager to leave the car.

“Can’t wait. Sucking it up as you lead me through the lobby on a damned leash while Jerry’s shifters laugh in my face. Thanks a heap.” He hopped out, finally waiting patiently while I clipped the leash on his collar.

“Be a good boy now. Behave and I’ll get him to order you a nice steak for your supper from room service.” I glanced at the valet who whistled.

Valdez growled and the valet took a couple of steps back.

“Jeez, I’d be a good boy for a steak from here.” The valet eyed my butt in those revealing short shorts.

I flushed and ignored the comment, leaning down