“Come to my home, my dear. You’ve never seen it. I don’t live here, you know, above the club. Lionel, the bouncer, rents the apartment there and gets a discount for being on-site security. See how thrifty I can be?” Dom ignored Valdez, who growled low in his throat. “I hear you’re interested in opening your own business someday. I can help you with that. Tell you some things to help you get started.” He waved his hand around the empty break room. “It wasn’t easy setting up a club. Any kind of business is a challenge for our kind.”
“Yes, it is.” I leaned in. “I’d love to get some advice from you, Dom.” I was jostled back when Valdez shoved his head in between Dom and me.
Dom frowned. “Shifter, why don’t you go outside and help Caroline secure the perimeter?” He glanced at me. “Glory? What do you think?”
“I think that’s a good idea.” I gave Valdez a push. “Go. I need to talk to Dom. In private.” I waited until a sulking Valdez left, shoving the door open with his shoulder.
“Just talk?” Dom leaned closer and nibbled my ear then inhaled. “There’s nothing like vintage blood, is there?”
“Dom, slow down, please.” I stood and walked around the bench. I was at a terrible disadvantage, still in my waitress costume and very aware of the way he stared at my breasts escaping from my bra top. I made a point of zipping up my hoodie.
“How slow can I go? You’ve been on my radar for months now.” He smiled with that hint of fang that he knew was sexy as hell to another vampire.
He had a point. “Um, you know, I have no idea where you live.” I had to admit to a little tingle. Dom was handsome. He was very different from Jerry, slimmer and compact, more sophisticated and less warrior. That shiny skull made him seem intelligent for some reason. I almost regretted sending Valdez away. He served as my conscience. No, he was a reminder of Jerry and my loyalty to him. But I did have urges and Valdez couldn’t control those. What would it hurt to at least see where Dom lived? I wouldn’t mind picking his brain about starting a business when I had only nights to work with.
“Come home with me then. Nothing has to happen.” Dom got up and pulled me toward the door. “You can sample some of my delicious synthetics and we can have adult conversation. In peaceful surroundings, where there aren’t a bunch of drunks staring at naked women.” He smiled, a wicked twinkle in his eyes. “When dawn comes, we can die together. Or you can use my extra bedroom. What does it matter where we die? We will have two bodyguards watching over us.”
“That sounds heavenly.” I let him draw me toward the door. “I’m not promising anything, Dom. You know I’m in love with Jerry.”
“Of course. I admire your loyalty to your sire.” He kissed my cheek then opened the door. “Your bodyguard will be with us, as always. It’s too bad Jeremy doesn’t trust you to be on your own.”
Dom had just pushed one of my hot buttons. Doesn’t trust me? I glanced down at Valdez, who had been waiting so close outside the door I’d almost tripped over him.
“Jerry just wants me to be protected during my death sleep. I see nothing wrong with that. I certainly can’t afford to hire my own shifter.” I knew my smile was tight. “Valdez can wait with Caro while we visit. Let’s go.” I kept my hand in Dom’s as we walked out to his car.
That got me a barrage of mental messages from Valdez which I ignored. Warnings of course. Dom was not to be trusted. Valdez was ready to come to my rescue if Dom tried to mesmerize me. Blah, blah, blah. I knew he had some reason to worry, but I was an ancient vampire. I could handle my own love life, thank you very much.
Caro drove us, Valdez in the front seat with her. Dom and I sat in the back of his luxurious Town Car, sipping a synthetic that had bubbles Dom claimed imitated champagne.
By the time Caro pulled up in front of a modern house that sat alone on the edge of the desert, I was relaxed and looking at Dom like he was the last sticky bun on the tray. Oh, boy, was I in trouble.
16
“ T his is quite a place you have here.” I wandered around the first floor. The big screen TV and leather sectional made the rooms masculine. He had a stone fireplace which turned on with a remote control. Crossed swords had pride of place above it. Were they a clue to his past? Interesting.
The kitchen was functional with a big refrigeration system for Dom’s many synthetics. I heard Caroline complain to Valdez that she had to stock her own groceries because they couldn’t get food delivery this far out of town. She offered to make him a snack and he certainly didn’t turn it down.
The bar was equipped with yet another refrigerator and expensive glassware. Dom went straight to it and poured us each a glass of something deep red. I could smell it from across the room and knew it would be hard to resist. I’d never had a synthetic that had a scent as close to real blood as this seemed.
“Please don’t try to drug me. I want a clear head for whatever I decide to do.” I gave him what I hoped was a flirtatious smile. “I mean it, Dom. You mentioned cocaine at the club. I’d rather not go there. Let’s just talk.”
“Fine. Just taste this. It’s got a kick, but it’s nothing illegal. More like an alcoholic kick. I find it reminds me of drinking from a customer who’s had too much top shelf bourbon at the bar.” He smiled and handed me the fine crystal. We clinked our glasses and I loved the sound they made as they touched. Very fine crystal.
“Baccarat?” I stroked the side of the goblet and took a sip, savoring the taste. He’d heated it, serving it warm. “What is this?”
“A Romanian favorite of mine. Like I said, it has a bit of an alcohol enhancement but made from the actual blood of slaves kept for the purpose. The makers keep them drunk for days then take some of their blood for this very specialized brew.” He sipped his until the goblet was almost empty then picked up the bottle.
“Slaves? They don’t kill them, do they?” I looked at the glass with a frown.
“No, Glory. They give willingly. It’s just what the Romanians call them. They are paid well and are happy to drink the different beverages they are given. Haven’t you heard of vampire groupies?”
“Yes, of course. Silly mortals who want to give us their blood and think we’ll turn them someday. They think being a vampire is glamourous. I could tell them otherwise.” I shook my head. Looking around, I could see Dom was certainly living the good life. Perhaps I was the only one who hadn’t figured out how to do the vampire thing right.
I sipped again. Oh, but it was delicious. “You swear these so-called slaves aren’t held against their will?”
“I swear.” His mind opened for just long enough for me to see he was telling the truth. Then he took my hand. “Come, let me show you upstairs.”
“I want to sit and talk.” I resisted his pull.
“We can do that upstairs.” He gestured to Caroline. “Take Valdez outside. Patrol the grounds. We won’t need either of you until the dawn.”
“Glory, what do you say about that?” Valdez stood firm even after Caroline opened a French door.
“I say go on out. Dom and I have plenty to discuss. Leave me to it.” I started up the stairs. Whether it was the drink or my own need to pay back Jerry for his constant affairs, I didn’t know, but I was feeling reckless. I didn’t plan to sleep with Dom, but I wasn’t afraid to be alone with him. I waved my hand at Valdez then stared at him. “You heard me. Go.”
“Yes, ma’am. At your service.” He followed Caro then waited for her to close the doors. Then he stood there and gave me a stare through the glass that had me wishing I’d had time to change clothes. I’d taken off my hoodie in the car. Now I fiddled with my bra strap as I followed Dom up the stairs and out of sight of those eyes that had a view of my butt hanging out of those skimpy shorts. Damn.
“You see? I made this area into my library. I love to read. Do you?” Dom gestured to a velvet couch done in a deep red. The Oriental rug had touches of the same color along with a dozen other shades of blue and beige. The room was lined with books, some very old, some new
best sellers.
“I do love to read. I was taught to read late in life. It took me a long time to be comfortable reading. Then there’s the problem of finding the time when I have to work every night.” I strolled over to check out a section that featured some titles I’d never managed to get to. “I’ve always wanted to read this series. What did you think of it?” I pointed to a famous author’s thrillers.
“Loved it. Borrow one if you like.” He came up behind me. “I’d start with this one, a prequel.” He reached for a book, brushing against me. He’d taken off his jacket and the fine cotton of his shirt felt cool against my back. He had on a belt with a golden logo that screamed expensive. When he pressed closer, the buckle was cold where it hit my spine.
“Thanks, I’d love to borrow it.” I took it then turned, settling into his arms. I felt a little helpless with a book in one hand and an expensive goblet in the other. His eyes were dark with what I recognized as desire and I felt the proof of it hard against me. I sighed, pretty relaxed from that amazing drink, and finally rested my arms on his shoulders.
“What are you doing?” I licked my lips.
“Making a move. Am I being too subtle?” He smiled and leaned down to brush a fang where I’d just moistened those lips.
“Not at all.” I let him kiss me, curious if nothing else. He was talented, if not world class. But then nobody kissed like Jeremiah. No, I couldn’t think about him now. I wanted to get even and wasn’t that a horrible reason to do anything? I pushed lightly and Dom backed off.
“We were going to talk and I want a refill.” I chugged the rest of that delicious drink and held out my empty goblet.
“Of course.” He picked up the bottle.
I found a seat on the couch. “This is very comfortable. I never suspected you had a literary side.”
“You don’t know me at all, Glory. I don’t know you either. Mae tells me you’ve been buying old clothing from the dancers. That seems like a hobby, not a business.” He filled our goblets and sat beside me.
“I’ve been doing research for a future shop. I’ll have antiques, home goods as well as clothing.” I explained what I had in mind and was glad he listened intently. He even gave me some ideas about how to find rental property and negotiate fees for proper outdoor signage.
“You never have told me how old you are, Dom.” I was really flying high now. Whatever the alcohol content in this drink, it was apparent that it hadn’t affected Dom but was making me feel loose and almost see double.
“I was turned in 1888. New York was a wild place then. I had immigrated from Romania when I was a teenager but had found my place in the city. I don’t know about you, but I’m grateful that I’ve lived to see the way the world has changed.” He gestured toward the small bar built into his shelving. “Refrigeration, microwaves, cell phones!”
“I know. Imagine how I feel with four hundred years behind me.” I laughed and let my head fall to the back of the sofa. “Flying machines, automobiles, air conditioning!” We clinked our glasses again and drank deeply. “Isn’t it wonderful to be immortal?” I set my empty glass down on the coffee table in front of us. Next thing I knew, Dom was on top of me, one of his legs between mine.
“Glory, do you have any idea how long I have dreamed of being with you?”
“No, I can’t imagine you’ve wasted too much time on the idea. You seem to enjoy the dancers too much. Tall, leggy young women beat the hell out of ancient vampires any day.” I kept my hands splayed on his chest.
“Their blood couldn’t compare to yours, I’m sure.” He dipped his head and breathed against my neck, his mouth teasing my jugular. “I want to drink from you, may I?”
“Sure, go ahead. I think dawn must be coming, I feel, um, tired.” I closed my eyes at the first touch of his fangs. He’d not bothered to lick the spot and he hurt me going in. But not too much. I was distracted by his hand on my breast, slipping it out of my bra cup to tease the nipple. Oh, that felt good. Too good. His knee was sliding against me, with a rhythm that had my deprived libido desperate for completion. My tiny shorts and G-string were not much of a barrier when he kept pressing his knee where I was eager to feel something, anything.
“You taste like the most ancient wine, steeped in mysteries. Who are you, Gloria Simpson?” He sent me messages in my mind while he took my life force, his mouth insistent against my throat. “Come for me.” He reached between my legs and touched me then. That was all I needed to shudder and arch against him. Damn him. I hadn’t wanted things to go this far. This felt like a betrayal. Coward. Why not let it go as far as…
“Stop. You will take too much.” I shoved and he finally withdrew his fangs. He was breathing hard. That wasn’t the only thing that was hard. When I heard his zipper go down, I gave him such a push and he landed on the floor, knocking over the coffee table with the bottle of blood and the two goblets. Luckily, the bottle was empty and the carpet cushioned the glass. The only thing broken was Dom’s pride.
“Seriously? You’re not going to let me finish?” He pointed down to where he had a raging erection.
“I gave you my blood. I think that should be enough for you. I’m sorry if that left you frustrated.” I sat up. “You took too much and now I’m light-headed. Besides, it’s almost dawn. Where’s that extra bedroom?” I tried not to look at him where he sat, pants open, next to the overturned table.
He kicked aside those expensive glasses and stood. “I’m sorry. I got a little carried away. Let me give you some of my blood in return.” He held out his hand. “Come here. I’ll show you to your room.” He pulled me to my feet. When I almost fell, he lifted me into his arms. I’m no lightweight, but he didn’t seem to have a problem carrying me to a closed door with his vampire strength. He reached down and turned the knob.
“Whoa. This isn’t what I 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 t
he 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.
Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas Page 17
