His shirt was unbuttoned and he jerked it off, tossing it into the audience. The blue satin was shredded in seconds, leaving several women clutching pieces of it, tears streaming down their cheeks as they screamed his name. He never missed a beat, just kept singing and dancing along the edge of that stage like a tightrope walker. So dangerous.
I jumped up, afraid to lose sight of him when he bent down to kiss yet another woman. Damn it, he really was staggering now. More women grabbed at his black boots and snug jeans but he skipped out of reach, teasing them until he stumbled. He didn’t fall though, just grinned and saluted, then aimed for the other side of the stage.
The music soared toward a dramatic conclusion and I tried to relax. Okay, he was going to make it. I guess I hadn’t given him enough credit. Ray was a professional. He’d done this for years. And he’d done it drunk more than once when he was mortal too. Nate had told me that. As a vampire, Ray was stronger than he’d been before. I guess I should quit trying to mentor him and just let Ray go, let him live his own life.
Then he reached down to kiss one more woman and he disappeared, falling headfirst into the crowd. I held my breath and heard Nate curse beside me. Surely Ray would pop up any second now and wave to us, assuring everyone that he was all right. But it didn’t happen. The crowd where Ray had landed was thick, too thick to give anyone space to work a way in. Unless they had a vampire’s special gifts.
I whammied a path to Ray, staring into wide eyes and commanding obedience, until I got to where he lay on the concrete, stricken women hovering around him. The band had gone silent, clearly stunned that their lead singer had literally taken a dive midchorus.
“Move. Give him air,” I said as I shoved the women back and looked down at Ray’s pale face. He had a pool of blood under his head and had obviously been knocked unconscious when he’d fallen.
“Back up, let us through!” Nate’s voice. He’d found the paramedics who were always on hand at these concerts and he managed to beat a path to where I knelt next to Ray. A woman shrieked Ray’s name and that did it. Screams and shouts sounded from every part of the area. The women who could actually see the blood under Ray’s head sobbed uncontrollably.
“Calm down. He’ll be okay. Ray’s tough.” I tried to smile, but couldn’t manage it. “Let the paramedics get to him.” The women did shuffle back, clinging to each other.
Two men carrying a first-aid kit and a litter stopped next to Ray and started to assess the damage, pulling out equipment I knew would be useless. This was impossible and I knew what I had to do. No matter what was wrong with Ray, a day’s sleep would take care of it. For now, we had to get away from these mortal witnesses. I gazed into their eyes, then told the paramedics to put Ray onto the stretcher without checking his pulse or whatever else they usually did. Nate and I stayed close as they carried him to his trailer. I would handle things from there.
The crowd got really quiet as a path opened in front of us. I heard the clicks that meant that pictures of this were going to show up in the tabloids. No help for that. Ray deserved whatever bad press this brought him. Nate and a pack of bodyguards kept the paparazzi at bay as we crossed the parking lot. Curious bystanders probably wondered why we didn’t load Ray into the waiting ambulance but a brief comment at the trailer door took care of that. Nate just put out a statement that Ray was already awake and refused to be transported.
Inside, I threw a towel under Ray’s bleeding head and had the confused paramedics lay him on his bed. The fact that the wound was still bleeding freaked me out. Vampires usually quit bleeding in moments, even from head wounds.
“We should—” The paramedic never got to finish whatever he wanted to say. I got in his face and took care of business again. Nate hovered behind them and escorted them out the door with the empty stretcher. After I’d finished with them, all they’d remember was that Ray was fine, awake, with no sign of a concussion. He’d just gotten a little bump on his head.
Actually, he was still unconscious and I was going to have to find him some decent blood to drink. Not from me; I’d already given my quota for the night and still felt shaky. What I drank to keep me on my feet was from Ray’s stash, full of alcohol, and I was feeling the effects. I grabbed another bottle and drained it. Nate was close beside me again and smelling way too delicious.
“What can I do, Glory?” Nate stared down at his friend. “He’s not, uh, dead, is he? You wouldn’t let the paramedics do anything. Not even take his vital signs.”
“Nate, his signs aren’t vital. He’s a vampire, remember? And immortal. Unless he fell on a stake or the sun came out, he’ll live. But I don’t like how he’s looking.” I put my hand on Nate’s arm. “Blood pressure, temperature, they’re not going to be in the normal range. Those results would have freaked out the paramedics.” I sighed. “But there is something you can do. Have you been drinking tonight? Drugging?”
“What? I don’t do drugs. And, while I could use a stiff drink, especially tonight, I always wait till after the show is over.” Nate looked from me to Ray. “Shit, I get it. You need my blood. For him to drink. What about yours?”
“I already fed him before the show. To get him sober enough to perform. I can’t give again tonight.” I touched the oozing cut on the back of Ray’s head. It was healing now, but slowly, and I didn’t even have enough juice in me to speed up the process. “I know you’re not enthusiastic, especially after he attacked you before, but it will save him. I don’t know how serious this head injury is, but he’s not coming around yet. I don’t like that. He’ll live, but I’ve seen impaired vampires who never healed properly for one reason or another. I don’t want Ray to end up less than he should be.”
“God, no.” Nate shucked his suit jacket and sat on the side of the bed. He always dressed like the business manager he was and didn’t go for a casual look. He unbuttoned his cuff and rolled up his sleeve, then offered his wrist.
“Thanks. I’m sorry if this hurts.” I bit into his wrist, ignoring how yummy his blood tasted, then pressed the open wound to Ray’s lips. “Come on, Ray baby, drink for me.”
No response. This was not normal, not by a long shot. Usually one whiff of an exotic type like Nate’s really did it for a vampire. I lay on the bed next to Ray and pried his mouth open, no fangs in sight.
“Run your wrist under his nose. Let him get a good sniff.” I looked down at Ray’s chest. Was he even breathing? He didn’t actually need to but I pushed on his sternum to move things along. Nate shoved his wrist under Ray’s nostrils.
“Come on, buddy. This is good stuff. Glory’s favorite. I hear it’s rare and expensive.” Nate glanced at me. “I think his nose twitched.”
“Yeah, and his fangs are coming down. Brace yourself, this won’t be pretty.” I winced when Ray latched on to Nate’s wrist with a growl, sinking his fangs in deep. Nate shuddered, then reached out and took my hand.
“I can handle it.” Nate did hang on to me though.
I watched to make sure Ray didn’t take too much and color gradually came back into his cheeks as he drank. When his eyes fluttered open, I wrenched Nate’s wrist away from him and licked the wounds closed. Ray made a grab to get the wrist back but I pushed him onto the bed again, my hands on his shoulders.
“Forget it. You’ve had enough.”
“No.” He tried to get past me, almost knocking me off the bed.
“Yes.” I sat on his chest. “Get out of here, Nate. I’ve got this.”
“You sure?” Nate grabbed his suit jacket, obviously glad to leave Ray in my hands.
“Yes, I’m sure. Does Ray have any more obligations tonight?” I didn’t turn around, just stared down at Ray, daring him to buck me off like I could see he was thinking of doing.
“No, he’s done. The band is taking a break, like I told you. The roadies will pack up the equipment and it’s going into storage until we need it again. I’ll handle it all from here. Ray’s free and clear until the end of the month.” Nate stood at the foot
of the bed. “You okay, buddy?”
“No, I feel like shit. Get back here and let me have some more of your juice. I’m hurt, can’t you see that?” Ray’s voice was rough. Obviously the set had strained his voice.
“No can do. Glory says that’s all you need. I have to take her word on that.” Nate kept his distance. “As for being hurt? It’s your own damned fault. Deal with it.”
I dug in my pocket, peeled off my apartment key, then tossed him my car keys. “Could you get someone to drive my car to my place? It’s a red convertible. I parked it in the far corner of the lot, almost in the trees.”
“No problem.” Nate moved to the side of the bed but still out of Ray’s reach. “Thanks, Glory. I’ll say it, even if Ray won’t.”
I smiled at him, then turned and frowned down at Ray, who’d made a grab for Nate again.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s unanimous, I’m a bad boy. Now get off me, Glory, so Nate and I can have a little business meeting.” Ray put his hands on my butt and tried to shove me off. He obviously didn’t have any strength and cursed when he couldn’t budge me.
Nate strode to the door. “Here’s what I’m going to do. I’ll take care of the press, spread the story that you’re okay, but already on the way to the hospital to be checked out anyway. Should keep the vultures away long enough for you to make a move.” Nate sighed. “It’s what you’d do if you were human, Ray.”
“Well, I’m not human so get back here,” Ray growled.
“No, thanks. You about took my arm off. Not exactly eager for a replay.” Nate didn’t try to keep the anger out of his voice as he jerked open the door.
“Pussy,” Ray snarled.
“Asshole.” Nate slammed the door and was gone.
“Get off me. Unless you’re ready to spread your legs and let me inside.” Ray’s smile wasn’t a bit loverlike.
“Like you could even get it up, hotshot. And no thanks anyway. Right now you’re about as appealing as roadkill.” I stayed where I was. “You couldn’t thank Nate? And we are human, Ray. I’ll set Nate straight on that later.” I glared down at him. He was obviously in pain so I let my anger go. I reached back to gently explore the back of his head. “Hmm. Hit the concrete pretty hard, didn’t you? Admit it. You had it coming, strutting along the edge of the stage like an idiot.”
“My fans expect it. The ladies loved it.” He licked his lips and grinned, finally showing some of his famous charm. “Want a sample? Or should I say a reminder? You seem to like kissing me. And sure I can get it up. Give me a minute and something to work with.” He grabbed my hair and wound his fingers in it. “Still wearing those shades? Lose ’em.” He used a thumb to send them flying.
“Careful. Those are vintage. And I’m not interested in kissing you. You made a fool of yourself. I hope no one took video of that performance tonight, but I’m betting it’ll be all over YouTube by morning. Israel Caine staggering around until he falls off the stage.”
“Hey, no such thing as bad publicity. I bet I have a thousand get-well cards and e-mails by the end of the week. Enough to freeze up Facebook.” He slid one hand down to my jugular, clearly thinking to take another drink from me.
I heaved myself off him. “You’re probably right. Most women are stupid over you. Not me.” I rescued my shades. “Can you stand?”
“Don’t know. My head hurts like hell. Bring me a drink.” Ray tried to sit up but didn’t quite manage it.
“Not happening. You’re coming home with me and putting some nonalcoholic synthetic in your system.” I grabbed his hand and pulled him up.
“You goin’ to let me sleep in your bed?” Ray grinned when I swung his legs to the side and tugged him to his feet. “ ’ Cause that’s the only way I’m leavin’ here with you, babe.”
“Of course, Ray.” I didn’t hesitate to lie to him. Whatever worked at this point. I slung his arm over my shoulders, relieved that he had enough steam to actually walk beside me to the door. Even enough to make a lunge toward the booze on the kitchen counter. He was still too weak, though, to resist when I kept it out of his reach.
“Can’t shift. To, um, dizzy.” He leaned on me as we stumbled down the steps. I was glad that Nate really had managed to keep the paparazzi away and the parking lot was deserted.
“This your car?” I nodded toward a black SUV. Good grief, the things were everywhere, obviously a macho must-have.
“Yeah, keys are on the visor.” Ray was heavy and he was barely able to shuffle his feet. I was glad to dump him into the passenger seat and buckle him in. He leaned back and closed his eyes. “Head hurts like a son of a bitch.”
“I’m sure it does. Remember that the next time you decide to lock lips with one of your fangirls.” I said this as I snatched the keys and latched my own seat belt.
“No need to be jealous, babe. Just part of the act.” He opened one eye and looked at me. “Usually.”
“You are an asshole.” I started the car with a roar and reversed out of the parking lot. Ray just chuckled, then groaned, closing both eyes again.
What was I doing taking him home with me? Penny would be there and I shouldn’t let him within miles of her. I drove there anyway, alternately worrying about Ray’s condition—he seemed to have lapsed into unconsciousness again—and having him around Penny. He was the worst example possible for a new vampire. He was profane, liked to flaunt his hot body and would no doubt do his best to drink his way through my supply of alcoholic synthetic. The first thing on my agenda would be to hide that.
By the time I dragged him upstairs to my apartment, I was almost frantic. I couldn’t get more than a groan from him. I blamed his recent diet of alcoholic blood on his poor healing and myself for not letting him take more from Nate when he had the chance. I was relieved when I saw my door ajar, sure I was going to have to drop Ray on the floor to dig out my key.
I kicked the door open so I could shoulder him inside, not even stopping to wonder about the lack of security that easy access implied. I’d just managed to dump Ray on the couch when I realized I was being watched from the kitchen doorway.
“This is interesting.”
“Jerry!” I straightened, brushing back my hair, and suddenly realized I’d lost my sunglasses somewhere between the car and the apartment. “I thought—”
“That I’d still be in Florida, taking a break?” He strode over to me, a bottle of synthetic in his hand, and looked down at Ray sprawled on the couch. I hadn’t bothered to put a shirt on him and one of his legs had fallen to the floor. He still hadn’t moved.
“Well, yes, that’s what you said you wanted.” I inhaled, savoring his nearness. I’d missed him so much I felt tears pop into my lashless eyes. I hated for him to see me like this. No doubt he’d decide to make the break permanent. And here I was toting around Ray, a man he hated.
“What’s the matter with Caine?” Jerry nudged Ray’s foot with his boot. “Not dead, is he?” I knew I didn’t imagine the hopeful note in his voice.
“No, but he was hurt tonight, during his concert. And drunk. He fell off the stage and hit his head. He needs more blood but I’ve given him all I can.” I put my hand on Jerry’s arm, unable to resist touching him. He wore a short-sleeve knit shirt in a deep red that looked wonderful with his dark hair and eyes. My heart leaped at the way he studied me for a brief moment. He frowned when he noticed my lack of lashes, but he was wise enough not to mention it. I wanted to bury my face against his wide chest and just breathe him in. But then he looked away, down to the bottle in his hand.
“Blood. This stuff sure won’t do it for him. It’s too damned weak.” He set the empty bottle on the coffee table with a grimace.
“He took some mortal blood from Nathan but I was afraid he’d get carried away and stopped him, maybe too soon.” I couldn’t help it. I moved in and slipped my arms around Jerry’s waist. I just had to hold on to him. To let him know in a small way that I was only here as Ray’s mentor, nothing else.
“Yes, he’d take too much if h
e could, especially if he’d overindulged in the alcoholic brew. It lowers your inhibitions.” Jerry smiled down at me. “And from what I know of Caine, he has damned few of those sober.”
“True.” I snuggled against Jerry. “I’m so glad to see you. It’s been a rough night.” I was desperate to ask him why he was here but scared of his answer. It was enough that he smiled at me and kept his arm around my shoulders instead of pushing me away.
“Obviously. Caine needs vampire blood to heal properly.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” I sighed. “I know you don’t like Ray, Jerry, and that the feeling is mutual. I don’t expect you to . . .”
“Just my dumb luck to show up here when you’ve got this lackwit on your hands.” Jerry put some space between us and rubbed my cheek with his thumb. “I’m sorry you’ve had a bad night.”
I blurted it out, just couldn’t stand it. “Why are you here, Jerry?”
“Because I got to Florida and then wondered what the hell I was doing. I don’t run away when I want something.” He ran his thumbs up and down my neck, making me shiver. “I stand and fight for what I want.”
“And what is it you want, Jeremiah Campbell?” I knew the answer, saw it in his eyes and read it in his mind as he opened to me. My own eyes filled and I trembled.
He pulled me closer until our chests met and I had to look up at him, the gleam in his eyes taking me back centuries to the first moment I saw him, so handsome, so determined to have me.
“You, woman. I want you, Gloriana St. Clair. Any way I can get you. So I’ll woo you and win you, by God. Against all comers.” He leaned down, kissing my cheeks, my chin, then my lips. He seduced my mouth open to take it completely.
I moaned and climbed his body, trying to show him how desperately I wanted and needed him too. How his words had thrilled me and calmed a terror I’d been feeling ever since he’d left. I hadn’t even dared acknowledge it, the awful dread of what life without Jerry, truly without Jerry, would be like. Now I wouldn’t have to face it. I clung to him and poured my heart into that kiss.
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