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

and Sherie finishing off dinner or lunch or whatever they called it. Valdez was inhaling bacon and eggs. I guess it was breakfast.

“I let him sleep since he has night duty. I hope that was okay, boss.” Sherie jumped up and handed me Valdez’s leash. “You know you really dumped a difficult job on this shifter.”

“I’m realizing that.” Jerry looked at Valdez who was wiping his mouth against a napkin Sherie held out for him.

“I can handle it. We’ve been fine for the last year. I’m a light sleeper and can nap during the days. Glory’s in an apartment with stout locks. If there’s any sign of danger, I know who to call.” Valdez walked up to me. “Right, Glory?”

“It is pretty hard on you since I work nights all the time. Did he tell you he was in dog jail recently?” I took the leash from Sherie.

Valdez groaned. “No, I did not.”

“What happened?” Sherie was interested. This was shifter gossip that would be passed along, I was sure.

“Her roommate’s boyfriend thought he could enjoy Glory’s favors. He tried her bedroom door during the day. I took a few chunks out of him. No contest. The guy didn’t even have a weapon. They called animal control on me, but I’ve got good forged papers. No biggie.”

“They threatened to neuter him.” That got me the dirtiest of looks from Valdez. “Well, it was a horrible experience for you.”

“Why didn’t you just shift the hell out of there?” Jerry finally got off the phone long enough to ask.

“Are you kidding me? Who wrote the binding contract that said I can’t shift during this five-year deal or I lose my bonus and terminate my contract?” Valdez was vibrating with anger. “I honor my commitments. I sat there like a good dog and listened to them discuss whether they’d have to put me down.”

Sherie gasped. “You surely wouldn’t have let it go that far.”

“No, I wouldn’t.” He gave Jerry a hard stare. “But we need a codicil or amendment or whatever. Something that covers extenuating circumstances. You hear me?”

“Yes. I’ll have my lawyer look into it. He can meet with your agent. I’m sure you’ll hear from him.” Jerry walked us to the door. “My love, be careful. A man tried to get in your bedroom during your death sleep? I should have been told about that.”

“What could you do about it? Valdez handled it. He has that creep so scared, he’ll never darken our door again.” I clipped on the leash and smiled at Valdez.

“Are you sure? He could be plotting revenge.” Jerry glanced down at Valdez. “I thought the dog guise was a good idea.”

“You are a jealous man.” I kissed his cheek. “Flattering, but it also shows a lack of trust. Please remember that, when we are on a break, we are both free to play the field. I know you see other women.”

“They mean nothing to me.” He looked over his shoulder when Sherie choked. “You have something to say, shifter?”

“No, sir. Except that I can back you up. It’s a swinging door, Glory, one woman after another. Nothing serious, just temporary…” Sherie realized Jerry was glaring at her. “Never mind.”

“Good to know.” I wanted to take Jerry’s manhood and squeeze it until he cried bitter tears. A swinging door? Couldn’t he do without a woman for a year or two? Why did I hesitate even an instant when there were good looking men like Dom around?

“Glory, stop thinking. Remember last night. It was great. We plan on tonight. Right?” Jerry ran his arm around my shoulders.

I took a deep, shuddering breath. One more night and we wouldn’t see each other until Halloween, months away. I could still smell him on me, even though I’d scrubbed my body and my hair. My imagination, surely. But I wanted him again. I wasn’t about to let pride stand in my way. One more night.

“Come to the club. Let’s see how I feel after work.” With that I tugged on Valdez’s leash and opened the door. I had another dance to teach. The CD was in the car and I dug in my purse for tip money. I hope the valet was a different one and I didn’t have to deal with the ogling guy from the night before. I could feel Jerry’s eyes on my rear as I walked to the elevator. I think he was going to say something but I heard his phone ring. Business. Just as well. I was way too weak where he was concerned.

Manny loved the new dance. The problem was we needed yet another costume to go with it. This song featured more of a hard-hitting dance that would have every man in the audience leaning forward as bare boobs bounced to the beat. It was a hit by Britney Spears. A classic schoolgirl look would play into a popular male fantasy. Mae was trying to come up with a short plaid skirt that could be whipped off to reveal a G-string.

“I don’t know. Are we turning into strippers now?” Donna complained. “Taking off bits?”

“Get real, girl. We’re doing a dance routine. I’d like to see strippers stay in sync. Do these steps without missing a beat.” Misty was all for this. Apparently, she’d been in a dance squad in high school and loved working in a group number. She helped me get the girls in line and on the beat. Once they had the idea, several others admitted they’d been cheerleaders or in dance squads in school. One had been in an award-winning college club. She offered to do a flip or backbend. I thought Manny would swallow his tongue when she did her backbend topless.

“The crowd will go nuts. Keep that move in, Gloria. Anyone else have an acrobatic move like that? How about splits?” He loosened his tie, his face flushed. “This number is going to be so damned hot!”

“Good. I hated that hula number. If you’ve ever been