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

“Shut up, Larry.” A tall, thin vampire with blond hair and blue eyes shoved him aside. “Did I hear Karla say you work for Dominic?”

“Yes, I’m a waitress at his club.” I hated to admit it because that got me the usual speculative looks. “No, I don’t do the topless thing. I’m not one of his dancers.”

“Joe Black. You may have seen the movie they made about me.” He smiled, his fangs long and lethal.

“Not that bullshit again.” Larry poked him in the chest. “He claims to be Death. Do you think this guy looks like Brad Pitt?”

“Are you saying I’m not as pretty as Brad Pitt?” Joe gave Larry a hard shove that sent him to the floor.

The next thing I knew the two men were hitting each other and rolling across the carpet. Furniture crashed and a lamp turned over with the sound of breaking glass.

“Never mind them, my dear. It is an old rivalry.” A third man took my elbow and helped me get out of the way of flying fists. “They will settle this in bed. They say it always ends the same.” He smiled down at me. “Come. You don’t look well. I will walk you to your car. You do have one here, don’t you? Unless you and the shifter both flew in together.”

“No, you’re right. My car’s parked outside, behind the building.” I realized Valdez was close. “I didn’t catch your name.” My head was still hurting. I’d met too many people and the names were running together. This man was right. I didn’t feel well. Now Joe and Larry were kissing each other on the floor, ignoring the mess they’d made of the living room. I was more than ready to leave, especially when Dennis pumped up the volume on the TV and the trio on the couch jumped up and started dancing. They ignored the chaos and the lovemaking starting nearby.

“Call me Micah. That’s enough for now.” He opened his hand and there was a pill in his palm. “Take this. It will cure your headache.”

“I’m not sure…”

“Trust me.” He looked deep into my eyes then handed me a goblet of synthetic.

I sniffed. No alcohol, which was a relief. “Why should I trust you?”

“I know Jeremiah. Does that help?” He looked down at Valdez. “Shifter, go outside and make sure there are no surprises waiting for us.”

I was shocked when Valdez obeyed him. He trotted out when Micah held the door open for him. Maybe Valdez had done it because it was a good idea.

“Prove it. Prove you know my sire.” I sipped the drink but ignored the pill. I had never taken one in my long, long life but I’d certainly seen them around and been offered drugs before.

“Jeremiah’s father is Angus, his mother is Magdalena. Their home castle is in Dollar near Edinburgh. Jerry is currently in New Orleans squiring around a woman he shouldn’t trust.” Micah smiled. “Convinced?”

“What woman?” I picked up the pill from his calloused hand. The man was very like Jeremiah in that he had the look of a warrior, with a sturdy build, longish hair the color of an oak tree’s trunk and dark eyes that were probing my thoughts. I tried to block them but the alcohol in my system made that a struggle.

He laughed, loud and long. “Of course, all you heard was about the woman. Jealous, are you, Gloriana?” The hint of a Scottish lilt was suddenly in his voice.

I swallowed the pill, almost choking at the unaccustomed feel, the roughness of it going down my throat. I quickly took a deep drink.

“I hope you haven’t poisoned me. If you know Jeremiah’s mother, I wouldn’t be surprised by that.” I grabbed his arm when he helped me outside. It was a chilly night and I was relieved to see Valdez waiting, his ears and tail up, on alert.

“I’m going to drive you home. I don’t think you should be behind the wheel after all the alcohol you consumed tonight.” Micah walked me to my car, his hand out for my keys.

I dug into my evening bag and found them. It wasn’t like me to be so docile, letting this man call the shots, but the world was moving under my feet and I was relieved to finally slide into the passenger seat. The stench of garlic on Valdez’s breath when he hopped into the back then leaned over to look at me, almost made me gag.

“He’s right, you know. You shouldn’t drive. If I could, I’d do it.” Valdez glanced at Micah as he settled behind the wheel. “Jeremiah sent you?”

“I didn’t say that.” He smiled at me. “Lean back, shifter. Your breath is an abomination.”

“Sorry.” He sat back. “What did you say?”

“I said I knew him.” Micah smiled at me as he started the car. “Jeremiah and I know each other and have for centuries. Send him a text, Glory. Let him know you are with Micah and see what he says.”

I fumbled my phone out of my purse again. All I wanted to do was to lie in my bed and wait for sunrise. A good death sleep and I would wake up refreshed. That’s what I needed. But now I was worried. Micah’s smile was too knowing. Was he one of Jeremiah’s ancient enemies? Just my luck to fall into the clutches of someone who was after revenge. I found Jerry’s number and sent a quick text. I had to do it over three times before it made any kind of sense. Damn auto correct.

I got a quick response. “Oh.” I looked at the man who was happily steering us down the Strip. He’d asked Valdez for my address and my bodyguard hadn’t hesitated to tell him not only the address but how to get there.

“Did he answer?” Micah stopped for a red light and glanced at me. His face, lit by a rainbow of neon lights, made me think of demons again. Was that why Jeremiah