“I don’t hate this place.” I scooted next to him and threw my arms around him, my head on his shoulder. “It’s big, bright, and the closets are enormous. A dream come true.” I sighed, frustrated with myself for letting things slide. When had I lost control? Or had I ever had it in the first place? It seemed like once I set a date, some kind of momentum had taken over and here we were. “But look at this stuff they gave me. Jer. Ecru, beige, stone, wheat, ivory, cream, desert sand, khaki…” I rolled off of him and fell back to lay staring at the ceiling. “I could go on and on.”
He leaned over me. “And what’s the problem again?”
“They aren’t colors, Jer. They’re, uh, neutral!” I sat up, almost hitting him in the nose. “Am I neutral? Am I?” I heard my voice rising but couldn’t stop. “Look at me.” Okay so I had on my usual black pants, but my top was a brilliant raspberry vee-neck. “Do I try to blend into the woodwork?” I glanced at the walls and wood trim, “Which in here is a color no doubt called Tuscan white.”
“Well excuse me for going with the logical choice.” Jerry laughed and wrestled me to the floor until he was on top of me, our body parts fitting together in a most logical way that got me immediately distracted. “No, my love, you are not neutral, which you seem to equate with boring. You want to paint the walls purple? Have at it. Take this stuff back and exchange it for bright colors? I say go for it. When our friends come we can bring out a token hand towel in boring beige. Does that make you happy?” He slid one hand under me, pulling me tight against him.
“Well, yes.” I knew I was acting the fool, but I didn’t care. Call it nerves or whatever, this road to domestic bliss had seemed headed to Jerry Land. It had to have my stamp on it somewhere or I was very afraid I’d lose myself. Become Mrs. Jerry not Glory at all anymore.
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” He reached behind him and grabbed one of the decorative bags covered in wedding bells. It was full of king-sized sheets. “Look, there’s a gift receipt in the bottom of this bag. It tells where this set was purchased. Now I’m very interested in what color sheets you favor for our bed. Not those awful pink flowered things Richard complains about I hope.” He leaned down to nip my earlobe then ran his lips to my jugular. “What about a dark red, the color of your blood?”
“That seems a little, mmm, yes, bite me there, Jer,” I sighed when he did. “too vampirish. I look good in blue. Blue sheets. Or green. Though that sounds predictable.”
“Can’t have that.” Jerry laughed, going to work on my pants. “Gloriana, you know you’re driving me mad, don’t you? First because you are too busy to help with the apartment and now... Oh, hell, just keep surprising me.”
“I will.” I wiggled out of my pants, glad to help him change the subject to something much more interesting. “Animal print.” I slid my hands under his shirt. “To bring out the beast in you.”
“Do we need sheets for that?” He growled and dragged a soft pillow under my butt.
“We should go shopping together.” I grinned when he groaned and leaned back.
“Now you’re threatening me. On-line shopping? Maybe. I’ve got the wi-fi already set up. And I bought you something to go with it. A shower gift. Wait here.”
“You’re leaving me here, on the floor half naked and ready to play?” I couldn’t believe it.
“Patience, love. I think you’ll like this. And we have a lifetime to explore this apartment together, naked and otherwise.” He tossed his shirt aside as he walked away. I had to admire his broad shoulders and the way his jeans hugged his firm butt. I couldn’t wait to strip them off.
A gift? I lay back, beginning to see a pattern. Jerry was going to keep buying me things and I was going to have to get used to living the pampered life of a rich vampire. It was Monday and my shop was closed. I was a lady of leisure. So maybe I should relax and just enjoy the thought of a future drinking premium synthetics and not worrying about rent. He was back in moments with a case that I recognized, though this one was hot pink. I sat up.
“What have you done?” I kept my hands in my lap though I wanted to reach out and snatch that case.
“I can’t stand to watch you struggle with your ancient laptop another night. So I bought you a new tablet. Not a very romantic gift, I know. Flo thought I should buy you jewelry. But Richard helped me pick this out. He installed all the software and--”
“I love it!” I grabbed it before he could say another word. “I love you!” I pulled him in for a deep kiss then practically tossed him aside so I could open the case and check out my new toy. I had pride, sure I did. But I’m not stupid. Flo could keep her jewelry. My guy knew me. This could help in my business. I recognized my favorite programs and bookmarks. Richard must have borrowed my laptop when Flo and I were out shopping and downloaded everything I liked. I opened a shopping site.
“Okay, lover, come here and pick out new sheets.” I grinned when Jerry groaned. “Kidding.” I gently set the tablet aside. “Come here and let me show you how much I love your idea of a perfect gift.” I stripped off my sweater and threw it aside.
“Now you’re talking.” He growled again and launched himself at me.
#
The Winter Solstice Ball. I felt free and easy in my long white toga. The evening was relatively mild and my sleeveless gown hugged my curves in a way that had Jerry sticking close. He’d pleased Flo when he’d bought me a diamond pin to place on my shoulder. It was a bat, which made me giggle. When my mother donned a toga, she always wore a diamond pin but it certainly wasn’t anything that could possibly be related to vampires. Looking at Flo in her fancy and very difficult to wear Marie Antoinette gown and Diana Marchand in her Scarlett O’Hara Southern belle costume, I was very happy with my choice. There were plenty of other women dressed in fancy gowns, along with flappers, Egyptian queens and even a mermaid. That was Lacy who had come with Rafe. I was a little surprised to see him there but apparently he was a good customer of Damian’s.
“I hope you’re having a good time.” Damian, our host, had gone for the swashbuckling look, a masked pirate complete with ruffled shirt. I had a feeling the sword he wore was the real thing. He’d tried to get everyone to wear masks and some had gone along with the idea. Jerry wouldn’t allow it, too into defense for the upcoming showdown with the Maurys.
Damian and Miguel had hit it off and their talk of a fencing club had moved forward. It was the talk of the ball. There were several men wearing swords, even a trio dressed as Musketeers. Jerry and Richard were interested in joining the club too. Ancient vamps did like their swordplay.
“You aren’t dancing. Gloriana, you won’t let him waste this music, will you?” Damian grinned, obviously loving his role as host.
“Of course not.” I held Jerry’s hand. “You know how I love to dance.”
“Not sure we have time for that. Any sign of the enemy?” Jerry glanced around almost eagerly. He looked delicious in his Campbell plaid. He certainly had the legs for it. We’d had to bring Damian in on our plans for the Maury situation. After all, the showdown was going to be at his party.
“My security detail hasn’t reported any problems. There are a few mortals that are invited guests, so the intruders could slip in with them. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.” Damian looked me over. “Ah, Gloriana, you are very goddess-like tonight. Beautiful. I think you and I should tango together.”
“I think not.” I winked. “I’m sticking with my fiancé tonight. He and I’ll tango if I decide to dance one.”
Jerry groaned. “You know I can’t do those kinds of fancy steps. Go with my blessing. Damian knows I’d carve out his heart if he makes a fool’s move on you.”
“Well, then. Come get me if they play one, Damian.” I laughed. “Really, Jer. The tango is the dance of love.” I bumped him with my hip. “And, darling, you have leaped over swords with bagpipes playing. So that excuse isn’t working for me.”
Damian pulled my hand to his lips. “And we’d see if you could carve
out my heart or if I did yours.” He dropped my hand. “Later, Gloriana.” He strode away.
“My brother. You’d think we were just here to have a good time.” Flo sashayed up to us. Her sapphire necklace looked fiery in the light from the candles that blazed around the edge of the outdoor dance floor. Richard stood close to her, his hand on her elbow. He had on a courtly French costume, his sword strapped on as well. Neither of them wore a mask.
“We are, darling. Relax. We have this well in hand.” He smiled at us. “You left the broadsword at home, Jeremiah.”
“Gloriana put her foot down. And I have to admit it would have torn the upholstery in the car.” Jerry gave me an accusing look.
“Exactly. And you wouldn’t have been able to dance with it strapped on either.” I grabbed his hand. “Here’s a nice slow one. Come on.” I nodded to Flo. “You’ve got lots of friends here. We’re watching.”
“I know. Have fun. I am in a bad mood. Ignore me.” She turned to Richard. “We dance too. It is the best way to pass the time.”
“Of course.” He pulled her into his arms, her skirt belling out behind her. “Cisneros is here. See him by the band? Looks like he’s talking to Israel Caine. Surely he wouldn’t involve him in our problem.”
“I doubt it. But he and Ray get along all right ever since Miguel arranged for Aggie, the former Siren, to go out to L.A. and work with the record label there. Ray was glad to see the last of her.” I threw this over my shoulder right before Jerry danced me away from the pair.
“You and Cisneros. I’m still not sold on what you insist is a friendship. You have too damned many male friends.” Jerry held me close, his chest hard against my breasts. The fact that I could feel a knife against my waist wasn’t exactly a turn-on.
I bit back a grin. “What can I say? Men like me. You know there’s nothing else to it.” I looked up at my lover. It had taken lots of fast talking to get Jerry to agree to have anything to do with Miguel. The fact that the hit man had warned Flo instead of taking the contract had gone a long way toward convincing him that Miguel was a necessary evil here. Also, Richard was on board. Jerry and Richard’s friendship was solid. They’d spent hours discussing what they expected to happen tonight. “No one lights my fire but you, Jerry.”
“I know that.” His confident smile came from knowing he’d made me scream my pleasure just an hour before, as we were getting ready to come to the ball. “I’m not jealous, Gloriana. But this meeting tonight may not go as smoothly as we hope. I’d like you to stay away from Cisneros, Florence, and Richard until we get this deal settled tonight.” Jerry scanned the dance floor, on alert. He was ever the warrior, though it was easy to forget it when he wasn’t in his plaid. Tonight he looked the part with that dangerous looking knife stuck in his wide leather belt.
“Now why are you trying to spoil this evening by bossing me around? You know that doesn’t work with me.” I pinched his hand. “Even though you have made me very happy lately.”
He shrugged and looked into my eyes. “I had to give it a try. You are one stubborn wench. You know that, right?”
“Which is just one reason you love me. See anything significant?” I looked around when he twirled me. Miguel was dressed in his Rhett Butler garb. He now stood next to Diana Marchand. I was right, his Southern look charmed her and she was fluttering her fan at him. But I wasn’t fooled. He was giving her only half of his attention. The rest was on the open doors that led from the house. He suddenly gave Diana a courtly bow and moved quickly toward them.
“A group of three men just came out of the house. They’re dressed in cowboy costumes if you can believe it. I have a feeling they thought they’d blend in, being in Texas and all.” Jerry grinned. I knew he was itching for a fight. “I smell mortals.” His hand left my waist to slide down to his knife.
“Relax, Jer. You’re supposed to negotiate, trick these people, and not make this into a battle royal.”
“But I love battles. It’s been way too long.” He dropped my hand and I realized the song had ended.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention? I’ve asked one of my guests to sing for us and he had a great idea. Israel Caine, come up here.” Damian waved to Ray who strode to the microphone in front of the band. “If any of you were at N-V on Halloween night, you heard our own Gloriana St. Clair sing for the first time in public. She did a great job and sang a duet with Ray here. Glory, would you mind coming up and taking the mic with Ray for an encore performance?” Damian began clapping and the audience joined in.
I looked for Miguel, pretty sure this was on him, but he’d disappeared. Had he and Jerry arranged to get me out of the way so they could handle the Maury confrontation without me? Damian stopped in front of me and held out his hand. Ray was saying something into the microphone about our song choices Halloween night. I realized I couldn’t say no. I had too many friends here and Jerry was practically shoving me at Damian. I let the Italian lead me to the podium.
“This is a surprise. We haven’t rehearsed so forgive us if we’re a little rusty.” I turned off the mic and whispered to Ray. His eyes lit up and he laughed. Oh, yes, he was happy to stick it to anyone who tried to tell me what to do, especially Jerry. He turned and talked to the band. Luckily it was a popular song they knew and they shifted to a key we were both comfortable with. As soon as the audience heard the opening bars, cheers went up. We were ready to rock.
We sang “A Crazy Little Thing Called Love.” It was a Queen classic and had a great beat. It certainly gave Ray and me a chance to play off of each other. Every eye was on us. It wasn’t a hot ballad so I knew it wouldn’t make Jerry or Ray think there was anything real going on between the rocker and me. It was just a fun, upbeat tune that let us show off our singing chops. The message was clear though—my lover should be “cool” and “relax.” At the end Ray and I fell into each other’s arms, both of us pumped by the song and the roar of the crowd. They wanted an encore but I bowed to Ray, letting him take a solo turn while I waved and disappeared off the stage, looking for Jer and the rest of the crew.
But they were gone. All of them. Oh, no, I wasn’t letting them get away with that. I used my vamp senses and got a whiff of mortal, following my nose to the edge of this property that sat on a hilltop. Damian had bought the acreage close to downtown Austin for three reasons: the spectacular view of the city, the fact that it came with a castle built by an eccentric millionaire back in the day and that it was surrounded by an electrified security fence. The three mortals surrounded by three angry vampires looked like they were ready to take their chances with the fence and the steep drop on the other side when I arrived. Flo landed next to me as I started to ease closer to hear what was going on.
Chapter Seven
Richard had his sword tip pressed against one mortal’s chest, about where his heart should be. “You want to explain what in the hell is going on?”
“I am Stefan Maury, these are my cousins. We’re here to make a deal. You know the terms.” The man held out his hands to show they were empty. They were steady, which was surprising considering the position he was in. “I have other men here who will make you sorry if you decide to break faith with us now.” He nodded and I was suddenly grabbed from behind.
Flo shrieked and began to struggle. She was also being held by a burly vampire. How he’d gotten past security was anyone’s guess. I tried to look into the man’s eyes but he must have heard that there were vampires with special powers here and he wouldn’t look at me. The guy behind me was really strong too and there was no way I could freeze him without eye contact.
“What the--” Jerry whirled, his knife in his hand.
“Don’t try it. I have a stake close to her heart. She’ll be gone before you can toss that blade,” the man at my back said gruffly. Sure enough I felt a prick against the back of my toga. The smell of fresh blood filled the air.
“Same here, Mainwaring. If I push this stake in a few more inches, your wife is dead.”
&
nbsp; “Let them go.” Miguel had managed to get behind the Maurys. Sparks flew when he tossed two of the men against the fence. They slumped, obviously shocked into silence. Now he held a knife against Stefan Maury’s throat. “Is this worth your own life?”
“I can’t go back without the relic. Keep the necklace. We don’t care about it. But my grandmother is dying. She needs the True Cross. The priests in her village insist it will save her.” The man had nerves of steel. He didn’t flinch when Miguel drew a line across his cheek with the tip of his knife.
“And if she dies anyway? What then?” Miguel nodded to Jerry and Richard. They were staring at Flo and me, obviously looking for a way to get us free.
“Jerry, don’t try anything. He’s not bluffing. There really is a stake against my back. I can feel it.”
“She’s right, Ricardo. I’m so sorry.” Flo sobbed. “But you must give him your relic.”
“Of course, darling. But will they let you go then? How can I trust them?” Richard pulled a velvet box from inside his doublet.
“We need proof, of course. Of their good intentions.” Miguel drew another bloody line on Stefan’s face. “I can smell Glory’s blood from here. Let her go and I’ll consider that a sign of good faith. Push her over here. You’ll still have Florence as leverage.”
“Very well. Let the blond go.” Stefan bled from several cuts now but still stood straight and tall. That took a lot of courage considering the vampires surrounding him all had fangs down, his mortal blood doing a number on us.
The vampire holding me shoved me toward Jerry. I stumbled then turned and caught my captor’s eyes. He was turned to stone before he could move another step. Then I jerked Flo free from the man who’d captured her, using the element of surprise to turn him into a statue as well.
Real Vampires Take a Bite Out of Christmas Page 7
