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

I didn’t know what to say. Instead of talking I did what I always did. Distracted him with sex. The tub was filling, the bubbles smelled delicious and we sank into the warm water and into each other’s arms. My lover. My love. Why couldn’t I just accept his invitation and go with him to New Orleans? It would make my life so much easier.

12

Iwas happy to introduce Maggie, Fergus and Caroline to Dom. Then I had to go to work. The dancers were bound to be better this night, getting the hang of the choreography. They were enjoying the two songs I’d done so far and Manny had okayed a country song for the Saturday night special. I explored the costume room before my shift started and found the boots and vests Donna had told me about. Now all I needed was the perfect song.

“Where’s your boyfriend?” Tiffany was getting a layer of boob makeup sprayed on when she asked that question. “He was cute and looked rich.”

“He is cute and rich.” I glanced at Valdez. “He’ll be along at closing time to pick me up. He has business tonight.”

“I’m surprised a guy like that is making you work in a dump like this.” Tiffany glanced down when Mae told her she was done. “Looks good, Mae. Thanks.”

“I won’t let him support me.” I sat down to put new innersoles in my high heels. Why couldn’t I work in tennis shoes?

“Why the hell not?” Tiffany sat next to me to put on her own heels. They were dancing shoes with a strap that she buckled so she wouldn’t kick it off into the audience. “I’m seeing Dom after we close tonight. Believe me, if this thing with him develops into something, I’m going to try to get him to set me up in a place somewhere and pay my way. Marry him if I get really lucky.”

I had to discourage this. Poor Tiffany. She had no idea she was nothing but a blood donor to Dom. Of course, sitting next to me in nothing but a G-string and heels, she clearly had plenty to offer him besides blood. She was a gorgeous woman and I was sure Dom had noticed.

“Have you slept with him yet?” That question popped out of my mouth before I could stop it.

“I only met him last night.” She giggled. “I honestly think I might have if I’d had a chance. He’s that good looking.” She sighed. “Oh, I know he’s older, probably forty. And he’s got that shaved head thing going on which probably means he’s losing his hair. But I think he’s hot.”

“I get it. He is sexy. I saw it myself.” I wasn’t doing a good job of discouraging her. I looked over when I heard Valdez snort. “There’s just something about him… But he may not be rich. Look around. This club is a dump. You got that right. Dom dresses nice, sure. But a rich man wouldn’t own a club like this, he’d be set up on the Strip. Don’t you think?”

“Wow. I didn’t think of that. Good point, Gloria. I shouldn’t give it away or get tangled up with a man who might not have what I need.”

“What’s that?”

Tiffany’s face hardened. “Plenty of cold hard cash. I tried love and all it got me was slapped around and a pile of his bills after he took off. Never again.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” I stood, pretty sure I’d done what I could. “Dom can get rough, I’ve seen it. Why, he even threatened to kick Valdez once. I had to stand between them to protect my guy here.” I patted V’s head. “Can you believe it?”

“Threatened an innocent dog? Why?” Tiffany stood, her glittery breasts trembling in outrage.

“Doesn’t like animals. Called him a mangy cur. I told him I wouldn’t work here if Valdez couldn’t stay in the break room.” It wasn’t a lie.

“Why, that does it. I’m cancelling our date. I don’t want anything to do with a man who isn’t an animal lover. I think it says something about their, I don’t know, soul.” She tapped her heart, like this was a lesson learned for her.

“You are so right, Tiffany.” I had to agree with her. Man or woman, if a person couldn’t treat a helpless animal right, they sure weren’t going to be good to another human being. “See you later. Good luck with the dance.”

“No worries. Donna helped me practice this afternoon. I think I’ve got it down. I was on the cheer squad in high school. Before I dropped out.” She sighed. “Another thing I did for love, quitting school. Big mistake. Now I’m studying for my GED.”

“That’s good, Tiffany.” I had to admire her. It wouldn’t be easy fitting that in with the schedule here.

“Listen, Gloria. This gig here is temporary.” She clutched my hand. “I live in fear my mama is going to find out I’m showing my titties to the world. I need a different kind of job where I wear clothes. Maybe work with computers.” She sighed. “I know I don’t look it. Hell, even the dog is giving me the eye. But I’m good with stuff like that. Aced the technology classes before I dropped out.”

“There’s no shame in dancing to make an honest living, Tiffany.” I gave Valdez a warning tap on the head before I went on to the bar. I believed what I’d said. The dancers were working hard and using what they had to keep a roof over their heads. I admired them for the courage it took to show their bodies each night to a bunch of men who called out remarks to them that made me want to rip out their throats. Animals.

“You look ready to bite off someone’s head. What’s up?” Caroline approached me as I was picking up an empty tray with napkins on it.

“Hi.