Real Vampires Take a Bite Out of Christmas

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Quit stalling and get to it, woman. And you know I like you best in nothing at all.” He pinched my butt and turned me around. He really was nervous.

  “Right.” I took a breath and pulled open the box top. “Oh, Jerry. I can’t believe…” I pulled out the two-piece Chanel suit. It was the kind I’d always lusted after. Vintage. Couturier. Perfect in black with gold buttons and a little chain across the pocket. I held it up and knew it would fit.

  “Flo said you have a thing for that designer. Lacy too. And she knew your size. She wouldn’t tell me what that was. She gave me three options to choose from on the Internet.” He studied my face. “This one seemed right. I know you like black and… Shit. Tell me if it’s not to your liking.” He sat on the bed next to the box.

  I hugged the knit to me, actually speechless for a moment. “To my liking?” My voice shook. “Jerry, you have no idea. For years I’ve watched women wear these kinds of designer originals and wished…” I blinked. Yep, he’d made me cry. “I could never afford a piece like this. Never. Not even used. Because if I did run across a couturier vintage piece it was either too small or I had to sell it to support the store.”

  “Gloriana.” Jerry took the suit from me and pulled me into his lap. “You will never have to sell something to survive again. I promise you that. I know you are an independent woman. I respect that. But it is my greatest wish that you will let me do this for you. I will always provide for you. Anything you want.” He kissed my damp cheeks. “Will you let me do that? My love?”

  “You are maddening. Because I love you so much, yes, you can do that.” I leaned against him and let a few tears fall. He’d bought me a Chanel suit. Damnable, sweet, almost perfect man. Yes, I’d have to keep an eye on him. He’d want to take over my life. But there were worse things he could do. I felt that nagging fear shift inside me. My mother was out there. Plotting. And her idea of taking over my life wasn’t out of generosity but because she wanted to manipulate me. No, I couldn’t think about her now. Couldn’t let her ruin this perfect moment.

  “Thank you, Gloriana. I know that wasn’t easy for you.” Jerry kissed me then, sweetly, then with a hunger that was never far below the surface. When he pulled back we were both aroused, our minds on one thing.

  “Jerry…” I pushed my fingers into his hair.

  “No. Not yet. Aren’t you eager to try on the suit?” He picked it up and handed it to me.

  “That can wait.” I was more interested in taking off clothes than putting them on. I had pulled open all the buttons on his navy shirt and now ran my fingers over the hard planes of his chest.

  He shook his head. “No, I want to see you in it. Why don’t you go into the bathroom, slip it on and then let me come in and take it off of you? Shall we make that bathroom our first room to celebrate Christmas properly in?” Jerry’s grin had turned wicked.

  “Sounds like a plan.” I slid off his lap with a wiggle that made him groan then gathered up his gift. My gift to him? Me, of course. And he could bite me wherever he pleased.

  The End

  If you enjoyed this novella, be sure to check out the first book in the Real Vampires series, Real Vampires Have Curves. Other Bartlett titles can be found here.