by Renee Rose
“Yes, Sir,” she whispers. “I’ll be yours until I die.”
Hauling her back up to her feet, I crush her body against mine. “You will not die, belissima. I will not allow it. As soon as we get back to New York, I’ll work on having you turned.” I tuck my knuckle under her chin and lift her face up to mine. “Unless you have any objections.”
She flashes me a fanged grin. “None at all!” Then her face falls a bit. “But what will I do there? I can’t just be your sex slave.”
“Why not?” I waggle my eyebrows at her. “I promise to make it worth your while.”
Giggling, she pushes against me playfully. “I bet you would. But I want to be more than I am right now. Wait a minute! Do you have a club like Toxic where you are? I could work there or something.”
“We don’t actually have a club quite like that. It’s a shame, actually. I think one would do really well up there.”
She’s silent for a bit and I can sense the wheels turning in her head. “You make fancy food, right? What if we do something elegant? Like a four course meal and a submissive for dessert?”
“You know, that’s not a bad idea! Let me run it by Lucius when I see him again. He can give me pointers. Would you help me plan and run it?”
Her whole face lights up and she starts rambling in excited tones about decor, meal plans, layouts. I just shake my head, waiting to get a word in.
“I’m excited that you’re so enthusiastic about this endeavor, but,” I start slowly unbuttoning my shirt as I stalk my way closer to her, “I find that I am very ravenous, and you my dear, are on the menu. If you want a chance at coming at all tonight, you’ll get that hot little ass into my bedroom as quickly as you can.”
With an excited shriek, she tears off in the direction of my room. I give her a few moments’ head start, letting the beast stretch for a bit before I give chase. Oh yes. I will definitely enjoy every inch of my morsel, from now and until eternity.
The End
About the Author
Vivian Murdoch is a sassy, mouthy submissive who loves the written word. Though her day job keeps her hands busy, her mind is constantly crafting sexy worlds for her characters to play in. She lives with her own alpha hottie and three cats, all of whom are severely spoiled. Because she likes to write from a position of knowledge, whenever she can, she’ll try out whatever hellish ordeal she’s going to put her characters through, first. Thus, in her household, “for science” is said very frequently.
Also by Vivian Murdoch
One Bite To Live
Brenda Trim
Many steps and individuals go into writing and publishing a book, even for independent authors. I couldn’t do it without the help and support of my editor, beta readers, cover artist, and close friends. Thank you is a paltry way to express my gratitude, but they are the best words to convey how much I appreciate you all. A special thank you goes out to Arial Burnz for working closely with me on this novella. It was a fun ride!
Chapter 1
“This night needs to end already.” I tilt a pint glass and dump an inch of foam from the top of a beer then pull the handle to add more. Years of performing the task allow me to scan the crowded bar. There are too many bodies for me to have a clear view of Armando, but that doesn’t stop me from trying.
Roxy chuckles and plunges some glasses inside the sink to wash them. “Someone’s an eager beaver.”
Heat creeps up my cheeks and I turn away from the happy club goers.
“Are you going to finally approach Armando?”
My mouth falls open. “I can’t do that. He’s not interested in me.”
Roxy shakes her head. “Then you’re blind. That Spaniard is hot for you.”
I snort, grab the tequila, and add two shots to the shaker in front of me. “You’re wrong about that. I’ve been here for months and he’s not once made a move.”
Roxy lifts one eyebrow at me. “Neither have you. The heat between you guys is scalding. And the way he looks at you when he talks to you says it all.”
What? Is she right? That’s the freaking reason you still crave him. “You really think so?” Self-doubt sucks, yet it creeps in every time I think about Armando.
“I know so. And, so does everyone else.” Roxy smiles and tips her head toward the man in question.
As if on cue, Armando’s smoldering gaze singes me with promise. Dare I hope Roxy is right?
I duck under the bar. “I’ll be right back.”
Roxy whistles, egging me on as I navigate toward the coat check area. My pulse pounds in my ears. I reach his side and my throat dries up.
Armando smiles and I forget my name.
“Hi.” Did I just squeak? I clear my throat, and my words rush out in one breath. “I was wondering if you’d like to go out with me sometime.” Please don’t ask me to say that again!
His brown eyes darken, and he smirks. “What do you have in mind?”
Armando is a tsunami and I’m happy to drown in his presence. My mouth waters as I imagine those broad shoulders hovering over me in bed. And those lips. Are they as soft as they look?
I’m on my tiptoes, closing the distance, when my senses return, and I back off.
His hands slide to my hips and he drags me closer. His mouth brushes against mine like a whisper. Just enough to ignite a fire in my body.
I moan when his erection presses against my abdomen. He releases me and I stumble. The room spins, and I’m aching for more.
Oh, shit. He asked me a question, didn’t he? “H-how about dinner?” I swallow and lick my lower lip, hoping to get another taste of him.
He cups my face and runs his thumb over my cheek. “Sunday night?”
My head bobs. “Perfect. I’m off that night.”
He smiles. “Yes. I know.”
I run away before he can change his mind.
I messed up the Moscow Mule on my last order, and now I’m knocking over glasses. Shake it off, Z. It was hardly even a kiss. And yet that doesn’t matter one bit, does it? I’m floating on air because he didn’t reject me and send me away with my tail between my legs. Roxy was right. Once again, my eyes wander to the coat closet. I drink in every inch of Armando’s tanned six feet. God, the man is gorgeous.
Armando’s smile is contagious, no matter how hard I try to suppress it. Sighing, I force myself to pay attention to the beer I’m pouring.
A creeping and familiar persona taunts me from the corner of my gaze, and I snap it toward the man sitting at the end of the bar. My heart stops, and ice courses through my veins. Oh, Jesus. How did he find me? How did he fucking find me?
My butt slams into the register behind me. Those chilling blue eyes lock onto my face and that evil grin twists his mouth. One whole year has passed, and I dared to hope he’d forgotten about me and finally moved on. Apparently not.
Phil lifts his Old Fashioned in a silent toast, his dark blue silk shirt bragging his wealth. His spiked blond hair and confident demeanor grate on my every last nerve. I resist the urge to claw his eyes out, knowing full well I’ll be the one to go to jail for assault. Never mind the fact that this creep has been stalking me for six years, and police won’t do a fucking thing about it. When money talks, people shut up and listen.
Goddamnit! I fight the tears stinging the backs of my eyes. This monster has ruined my life.
How the hell did he follow us from New Orleans? And, how the fuck does he keep finding me? My heart beats against my ribcage like a sledgehammer. Keep your shit together, Z! My soul plummets into the abyss. I can’t stay at Club Toxic. For that alone, I want to slit his throat. I finally worked up the nerve to ask Armando out, and now I have to leave.
The music pounds me into the floor. The walls seem to shrink. I can’t breathe. My eyes search for Armando, Theo, Maximus, Augustus. I glance at Phil, and that smug smile reminds me I’m trapped… once again. He’s doing nothing. He’s a customer having a drink. He’s done no crime. At least, not right this minute. It doesn’t matter that h
e broke my jaw and I filed a police report. Phil knows people in high places, and the charges were mysteriously dropped. No one arrested him. And I had to pay for the hospital bills.
And move.
And try to restart my life.
And he came after me again. And again.
Here we are, full circle, dancing that same clumsy waltz of hide and seek.
I scream inside. Poor Karina, the only family I have left in this world. She always gets caught in the middle. She’s always moved with me. Phil’s already hurt her once. I can’t let him do it again. I jump when a hand lands on my shoulder.
Roxy’s brow furrows. “You okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Taking a deep breath, I pray my stomach settles. It doesn’t work. The sour taste continues brewing in the back of my throat. My stomach gurgles as if it’s laughing at my attempts to keep my dinner in place. “Sorry. I was lost in thought.”
Roxy leans close. “That was more than being lost in thought. You don’t have to worry when you’re here. You’re safe. If you need help, just ask.”
I nod, appreciating her assurances, but I know better. “I have to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back.” I duck under the bar and race to the back hall. There’s a line to the ladies’ bathroom, so I dart into the men’s room. Empty, as usual. I slam my back against the tiled wall and slide down to the floor. Head in my hands, I let the tears fall.
Fuck! Just when I found a place I thought we could call home. Just when I thought we could start living in peace and finally enjoy our lives. We’ll be missing the big masquerade ball, as well. I groan and thump my head against the tile. We were so looking forward to the Halloween costume party. Karina and I spent weeks searching for the perfect costumes, too. The dress I selected has more layers than a wedding cake. It’s more decadent, as well.
My chest constricts, and I can hardly catch my breath. I just want a normal fucking life! Is that too much to ask for? I grab my cell from the tiny apron around my waist and text Karina. Where are you? You’re late. Are you okay?
I need to get the hell out of here and find Karina. I stare at my screen, waiting for a response that doesn’t seem to be coming. And I can’t stay in here all night.
I splash some cold water on my face and pat it dry with a wad of paper towels. I can’t let that fucker see me crumble. With a few deep breaths, I steel myself go back out there and shove through the door.
I cut across the dance floor, hoping to hide from the asshole until I get to the safety of the bar. I slam into a blue silk shirt, and the rancid smell of sweat triggers my gag reflex. Fucking Phil.
He grabs my shoulders, his hands biting into my flesh. “Zoe, my dear. I’ve been looking all over for you. You’ll love the new spa I’ve opened up here in Tucson.”
I shake my head in denial, as if that will make him go away. “I’m not going anywhere with you.”
“You can’t possibly enjoy tending bar.” He snakes his arm around my waist and holds my hand as if we’re slow dancing. “What a waste of talent. I know how skilled these hands are.” He presses his mouth to my ear and I cringe, trying to push him away. “My body misses these hands, Zoe.” There is nothing remotely human about him. Demonic possession is a possible explanation. He could just be a psychopath. No normal person can force women to do what he does on a daily basis.
He twirls me, and I squirm in his arms. “Big Tony keeps asking for you. I’m running out of excuses. You know I’ll make it worth your while. He has deep pockets.” Phil laughs at his double-entendre, and I shiver.
Bile presses up my esophagus. My skin crawls. And I am tired of running from this creep.
“Get your fucking hands off me, you slime bucket.”
Phil’s grip tightens, and he shoves me through the forest of bodies and pins me against the wall. He grabs my face and glares at me. “Get your shit together and get with the program. I’ve had enough of this cat and mouse bullshit. This playing hard to get is getting old and costing me a lot of fucking money.”
I writhe in his grasp, trying to get free. His fingers tighten on my shoulders, no doubt leaving bruises. I bite my tongue. I refuse to let him know he’s hurting me. I’m not giving him any more power over me.
“Is there a problem?” There’s a silent promise of pain behind Roxy’s words. To my surprise, Phil lets go of me and backs away.
“No. I was just catching up with Zoe, here. Nice to see you again, hon.” He winks and slithers away.
Roxy angles herself so she’s watching him. “What the fuck was that about?”
I have no desire to bring anyone else into the situation and make them another target for Phil. “Nothing. Just an old boss. Seems his clients miss me.” I shrug to emphasize it’s no big deal.
My insides churn, and I gulp for air. There’s no way in fucking hell I’ll work for him again. But I can’t let him hurt Karina again, either. What the hell am I’m going to do? This is not how I wanted the week to end.
When I emerge from the dungeon, I can smell Zoe’s fear from here. I was gone five minutes, and her demeanor went from innocent infatuation to a deer in headlights. I don’t know what the fuck happened, but it takes everything to keep my fangs from punching through my gums to defend her. When I find whoever upset Zoe, I’m ripping their throat out.
Roxy glares at me and jerks her chin at Theo, who pushes through the bodies toward me. “We need to talk,” he says.
I turn to him and nod.
Theo joins me in the coat check room and lowers his voice. “Zoe has a problem, and I know you care about her. Seems her old boss is trying to get her to return to his establishment. I have no idea who this guy is, but from what Roxy tells me, he isn’t good. Liam informed me this jerk just left, but he’s waiting in the parking lot. Can you make sure she gets home safely?”
Red tints my vision as I battle the desire to rip the guy to shreds. He’s threatening what’s mine. “Can we take this guy out?”
Theo cocks an eyebrow. “Uh, no. First of all, he’s human. Even assholes are protected until they cross the line.”
If he’s threatened Zoe, he’s already crossed my line, but I rein in my temper. I know Lucius’s rules about harming humans.
“But second, he’s connected in the community. Killing him will only draw attention to our existence. Besides, he’s a coward preying on women who are weaker than him. I’m hoping that, when he sees we protect her, he’ll leave her alone.”
I clench my fists at my sides. “If he knows what’s good for him, he’ll walk away and never look back.”
Theo nods. “Exactly.” With that, he turns and leaves.
I roll my head to ease the tension building in my shoulders, but it doesn’t help.
Roxy nudges Zoe, whispering and grinning. Zoe shrugs and busies herself with making drinks, the smile that lights up my evenings dimmed because of this asshole.
I clench my fists, fighting to stay rooted at my post and not tear outside and find the bastard.
After some time passes, Zoe’s smile returns, which helps ease the worst of my rage. She’s filling drink orders, letting Roxy’s teasing lighten her mood.
I approach her and lean across the bar. “Don’t leave without me tonight. I’m walking you to your car.”
She glances at Roxy and they share a silent exchange. Everyone else in the bar disappears when her gaze lands on me. “That’s not necessary. I told Roxy he’s not a threat. I’ll be fine.”
I cup her cheek and brush my thumb over her mouth. “I’m still walking you to your car. You’re one of us. We protect our own.”
You’re mine, is on the tip of my tongue, but I bite it back. I’ve been ignoring my desire for her as much as possible since the day she walked into this club. But one little brush of her lips and I’m falling headlong into the depths of her hazel eyes. And I can’t go there. I don’t know how she’ll react to learning what I am, but I also don’t want to drag her into my dark world. This has been the battle raging in my body for
months. How can I enjoy the sweet pleasures of this woman without destroying who she is? I still don’t have the answer, and she’s weakening my resolve.
She releases a sigh and her shoulders curl in. “Just promise me you won’t do anything stupid. I’ll never forgive myself if you’re hurt.”
I rap my knuckle on the bar. “You have nothing to worry about.”
She purses her lips and waves me away before turning to a customer to take his order.
That’s okay. She doesn’t have to believe I can protect her in order for me to do so. She made the first move, and banished the barely-there walls I managed to erect between us. Fate pushed us together months ago. It’s time I stopped ignoring it. Returning to my station in front of the hidden entrance to the dungeon, I formulate a plan. Somehow, I’m going to make Zoe mine.
Chapter 2
“Frat boys, three o’clock.” Roxy jabs her thumb at a group of polo-shirt-wearing jackasses. She’s been trying to distract me ever since Phil left the club two hours ago.
And, it works for a few minutes. I scan the group of guys who look like they stepped off the pages of a J Crew catalog. They walk with their heads held high and act like they own the place, but I know better. Underneath that I’m-God’s-gift-to-women exterior, they’re nothing but insecure little boys afraid they’ll fall off their bikes. There is such a thing as too loud and cocky.
My dark corset, chunky-soled boots, and steampunk style is as far as you can get from the prim and proper richy-riches, and serve as armor against unwanted attention. I chuckle as I continue wiping down the bar top. “I’m guessing you never attended college, either.”
Roxy shrugs and shakes her head. I’m not sure how to interpret the gesture. I open my mouth, then my mind goes blank when Armando walks past the bar. Every. Damn. Time. I should forget about him. Phil’s resurgence in my life ensures I can’t finish what I started. What’s the point? Karina and I will have to leave again.
