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

asked for.” I knew as soon as he threw open the door that we were in his bedroom. The blackout curtains, the huge king-sized bed with the heavy wood headboard, and the massive furniture were all masculine. He had a black velvet spread and black silk sheets. He was a cliché but an expensive one.

“Why can’t we die together, Glory?” He laid me gently on one side of the bed.

“No, sorry. I’m using that spare bedroom, Dom. I want some of your blood first, as payback for your greed, then I’m going straight to that other bedroom.” I was still light-headed and fell back on the bed. “Give me your wrist.”

“I get it. I made a mistake.” He sat next to me. “But look at you. Don’t you want to take off that waitress outfit before sunrise? It’s got to be uncomfortable.”

“I’d really like a shower.” I sat up when I saw the gleam in his eyes. He was being stubborn, refusing to take “no” for an answer. “Alone, Dom. You’re right. This waitress costume isn’t comfortable. I’d love a shirt to put on after my shower. Can you spare one?”

“Can I?” He walked over to throw open double doors. What he showed me was a dream closet. It went on forever with racks of suits, pants, shirts. There were shelves for dozens of pairs of shoes. He had drawers too that must have held underwear, ties, and socks.

“Oh, Dom. If you were serious about seducing me, you should have shown me your closet first.” I laughed when I saw his face. “Relax. If you’ve got a tee-shirt in there, I’ll take it. Otherwise, a cotton shirt.”

I got under the covers and wiggled out of my clothes, tossing them to the floor. Then I held out my hand.

He stood next to the bed and looked down at the meager pile of my clothing. “God, Glory, the idea of you lying naked in my bed is killing me.”

“Sorry about that.” I snatched the cotton shirt out of his hands and slipped it on. “Now give me your vein. I want to drink before I’m dead to the world.”

“Fine.” He unbuttoned his shirt and cast it aside. Okay, so he had a nice chest. Slim, but ripped. Whatever he’d done in New York before he’d been turned had included some physical activity. He was pale but that wasn’t unusual in a vampire. Jerry was the exception in that case. Dom undid his belt buckle and unzipped.

“Stop right there, mister. I’m just taking your blood. Then I’m going to that extra bedroom.” He dropped his pants and I looked away. Jerk. He stood inches away from me holding out his wrist. I could smell his ancient blood, calling me.

“You will be lucky to make it that far. Can’t you feel the sunrise?” He sat on the side of the bed, too close.

“Hurry then. Put on some pajamas.” Dawn. Forget the shower. I was weak from blood loss and that sunrise dragged at my limbs until they weighed me down. I could barely move when he scoffed and picked up the small pile of clothes I’d wiggled out of and tossed them on a chair.

“It’s my house. I always sleep naked. Deal with it.” He stalked around to the other side of the bed. Nice butt and, clearly, he was still aroused. I closed my eyes. He slid into bed and rolled until he had his head on my shoulder.

“Take what you need.” He threw a leg over mine. Asshole. He was letting me know I’d left him with a problem.

“Back off. Give me your wrist.” I scooted away from him and grabbed his hand. Before he could object, I found the vein in his wrist and bit into it. Oh, the combo of old enough to be interesting vampire and that alcohol we’d been drinking made me moan. This was good stuff. By the time I’d finished taking what I wanted, there was no way I could think straight. It didn’t help that Dom’s elbow had landed on my breast. Then there was his leg between my legs again.

“Dom!” I shoved him off of me. I’d buttoned the shirt I wore. Yet here I lay, shirt open and Dom reaching for my nipple.

“Your body is telling me yes.” He lifted his head and looked into my eyes.

“That’s your imagination. Wishful thinking.” I could admit that I had needs, who didn’t? Jerry had reminded me of his often enough. But I didn’t have to give in to mine. “I’m not doing this.”

He stared at my jugular. “Look at that. I didn’t erase the marks. Bad vampire.” He licked the spot where he’d taken my blood then kissed it tenderly. “I never take a woman against her will. Are you too drunk to know your own mind, Glory? Jerry calls you Gloriana. He says you are his. If you are not free, say so.”

“I’m free, Dom.” I inhaled. “To say yes or…no.” He looked so disappointed I almost pulled his head down and kissed him. He was different, not Jeremiah. Was I too drunk to make a clear decision? I didn’t belong to Jerry. If I wanted to take another lover, I could, and Jerry be damned.

I rolled us over until I was looking down at Dom. “Read my mind. Am I willing? Or not?” Gods. Even I didn’t know the answer to that question.

He grinned and rolled us again, until he was on top of me. “I—” He collapsed on top of me.

I managed to get him off before I felt the dawn take me. Relieved or disappointed? I didn’t have time to decide before I, too, fell dead.

I woke to see Valdez staring at me from the foot of the bed. “Go away. I have a headache.”

“I think you’re hung over.” He nodded toward where I could hear the shower running in the attached bathroom. “I sniffed what you two were drinking last night. Alcohol laced blood. No wonder