Gerry Bartlett - Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs

by Gerry Bartlett

  “No, I wouldn’t let you. We’re too vulnerable then. And in those days I still slept in a coffin behind a locked door in a hidden room in the basement of our town house or a cave in the country. I didn’t want to scare you away.” He frowned when Ray made a noise. “You have something to say, Caine?”

  “Sure, but not right now. I want to hear about Glory’s experience.” Ray sat on the opposite end of the couch from Jerry and leaned forward, his eyes on me. “So then what happened?”

  “I realized I was wide-awake and the sun had already come up. That’s when I signaled to Valdez in the living room.”

  “Why?” Jerry frowned at my bodyguard.

  “To talk it over, I guess. Who else am I going to call? You?” I toed off my shoes again, stalked over to the club chair on the opposite side of the room and sat. “All my other friends are vampires. They’d be dead that time of day. Rafe wasn’t. Of course neither was Brittany.”

  “Shape-shifters. Lucky bastards.” Ray frowned at Valdez. “Glory, I’m thinking whatever Ian’s giving you at bedtime must be like what he’s developed to get vampires out during the day.”

  “That’s not all that happened, though.” Valdez settled next to my chair. Like we’d drawn up sides. “She eventually got drowsy and fell asleep. I waited a minute to be sure she was out, then went to talk to Brittany.” He nodded toward Ray. “I knew Glory didn’t want Caine to know about this daylight thing and tried to talk Brit out of telling him about it until we knew more. I was coming in from the hall when I heard Glory scream.”

  “What?” Ray and Blade were both on their feet.

  “Calm down. I’m here. I’m okay. Crisis averted. See?” I leaned back and crossed my legs, refusing to let them upset me.

  “What crisis?” Jerry didn’t sit down. Ray paced the carpet again, kicking my high heels out of the way.

  “Hey! Watch the shoes!”

  “Sorry. So what happened, Glory?” Ray finally stopped.

  “I’ll tell it.” Valdez moved away from me. Like he wasn’t going to use me for protection. “She apparently had another nightmare right away and walked back into the living room. We’d shut the drapes when she stuck her head out the first time, but there was a sliver of sunlight. She stepped into it and burned her cheek.”

  “Son of a bitch!” Jerry slammed a fist into the palm of his other hand. I had a feeling he was imagining Ian’s face there.

  Ray came up and put his hand under my chin to inspect my cheek. “Looks fine now. Makeup or did you heal?”

  “I healed. Though Rafe put some mortal cream on my face too, as a precaution.” I frowned at Ray. “Listen to me, Ray. I was burned by the sun. Do you see what this means?”

  “Yeah. You can be awake, but you can’t go out in it. He told me that when I went out to his place last night.” Ray pulled me to my feet. “Did you see the video he has?”

  “You went out there without backup?” I wanted to scream. He’d left both paranormal guards with me.

  “I’m fine. I’m here, right?” He sneered at Jerry. “Blade’s the one who’s demonized MacDonald. The guy’s not stupid; he’s into this to make some cash. Killing off clients, especially someone high profile like me, would mean the end of his business.” Ray smiled at me. “I told Nate where I was going. In case something did happen out there. But I didn’t tell you, because I know you don’t approve of this daylight deal. Imagine, Glory. I saw Ian on the beach in front of his house.” Ray’s eyes lit up and he hugged me. “I tell you, if I could do that, I could deal with this vampire thing.”

  “Get real, Caine. You’re going to have to deal with this vampire thing anyway.” Jerry stalked over to the window and stared out at the night sky. “Seeing daylight is a foolish dream. You think all of us haven’t had it at one time or another? I lost a good friend who tried for it. The Energy Vampires have been working on it for years and failed. It’s a fairy tale that’s cost more than one vampire his fortune and his life.”

  “This is the twenty-first century, Blade. You don’t sleep in a coffin or a cave anymore. So maybe it’s possible that MacDonald could have found a cure for the daylight problem.” Ray let me go and actually had the stones to walk over to Jerry, close enough to get a face full of fist. “You’re prejudiced against him because of his name, but that doesn’t mean Ian isn’t some kind of genius who could have figured this thing out.”

  Jerry smiled at Ray. That smile chilled me to my toes. “Fine. Rush out there and try MacDonald’s daylight drug. The sooner the better. Good luck to you.”

  “Jerry!” I ran over to step between the two men. I knew an almost death threat when I heard one. “Ray, this daylight experiment will have to wait. We’ve already got more on our plate now than we can deal with. I’m afraid I committed you to something without asking about your schedule first. I need you to be here tomorrow night for the taping of the finale of Designed to Kill. It’ll be great media exposure for you. So can you please, please, please help me pick a winning gown for the red carpet?”

  “Of course he can. He’s well qualified to judge a fashion show.” Jerry stuck his hands in his pockets. To look at him, you’d think he could judge one too. Tonight he wore designer jeans that had been scrubbed and bleached to a fine, worn look. Obviously more of Flo’s shopping handiwork because Jerry didn’t have a clue about style. He was more about comfort and tradition. Not that he ever looked shabby.

  Tonight even his T-shirt was trendy. It stretched over his broad shoulders, showing them off in fine form. He could have fit in with a rock band himself if I didn’t know he had the musical ability of a lump of coal. The thought made me smile. Until I saw Ray’s face flush and his muscles tense like he was about to lunge.

  “Stop it, Jerry. I know you’re trying to pick a fight and I won’t have it.” I turned to Ray. “What do you say, Ray? This will be great publicity. You can imagine how excited Zia was when I pitched the idea. Please tell me you can fit it into your schedule.” I took his arm. “You know I value your opinion on what looks good on me.” I sent Jerry a mental message to please cut me a break here. “You too, Jerry, but this is part of the Grammy thing. I’m sure you understand.”

  Jerry glowered, obviously not ready to concede anything.

  “Sure, Glory, whatever makes you happy.” Ray slid his arm around my waist. “We also need to remind the public that we’re engaged. After the taping, you have to come with me to a couple of parties. The big-deal pre-Grammy blow-outs. One of them is thrown by my record label. It’s a command performance.” He shot Jerry a superior smirk. “The tabloids have noticed we haven’t been seen together lately. Time to show them we’re still hot and heavy before the awards show. That we can’t keep our hands off of each other.” He ran his hand down to pat my bottom.

  I don’t know who growled louder, Blade or Valdez. I eased Ray’s hand back up to my waist. “Thanks, Ray. They had a mirror set up. Couldn’t do that, could I? I had to distract the production crew so I offered you as a way to help make the decision.” I looked at Jerry for signs he understood what I was up against here. Not a glimmer. He’d slipped on a mask of indifference. What? This time when Ray pulled me closer and nuzzled my neck, I didn’t stop him.

  “You can count on me, babe. Besides, I want to show off you and your new body. You look hot. I’m having a dress sent up from the boutique downstairs for the party tomorrow night. It’ll work for the show too. The clerk there said you tried it on, but didn’t buy it.”

  “Ray, you shouldn’t do that.” I’d tried on a ridiculously expensive cocktail dress for the hell of it, egged on by Flo. It was emerald green silk, short and flirty, with the kind of V-neck I loved and a belt to show off my new waistline.

  “It’s an investment, darlin’. It’ll look great on the tabloid covers. When you wear it, they won’t be able to say you’re springing the baby trap.” He kissed my cheek.

  “No one reads that trash.” Jerry strolled over to the couch and sat again. “Seems a waste of time to pretend to
be lovers when Glory is dumping your sorry ass the day after the Grammys.”

  “Is she? You sure of that?” Ray picked up my left hand where I still wore his ring, the diamond flashing in the light.

  “Millions do read the tabloids, Jerry, and it hurts me when I see those mean headlines.” I smiled at Ray. “And, Ray, you know our plans.”

  A knock on the door was a welcome interruption. “That’s got to be Trina.”

  Valdez loped to the door. “Smells like her. Check through the peephole.”

  I looked, then let her in. She was dressed in her usual running outfit.

  “Seriously, Glory, don’t you want to at least do the stairs?” She was panting. “I did them, but I can do a few more if you want to change. I bet it gives you another five pounds.”

  “Don’t be ridiculous.” Jerry shut the hall door behind her. “You’re quite thin enough, Gloriana.”

  Ray stepped close to my other side. “Are you kidding me? If all she has to do is a few flights of stairs, why wouldn’t she? Her big night’s coming up. When is she going to be on TV all over the world again?” He looked down at my butt, then up at my face. “Five more pounds and you’ll have the tabloids printing that mean Israel Caine has been starving you.” He grinned and winked. “And your cheekbones! Baby, you’re looking more like a supermodel every night.”

  Okay, I have to admit that would be a dream come true. “I’m doing it. Sit down, Trina. Ray, would you get her a bottle of water from the minibar? I’ll be out in a minute.” I headed for the bedroom to change.

  “Gloriana, you’re mad. You do realize this weight will come back when you’re off whatever MacDonald’s been giving you, don’t you?” Jerry followed me into the bedroom and shut the door.

  “Thanks for reminding me.” I turned on him. “You don’t think I’m haunted by that very thought? Hell, Jerry, for the first time in my life I feel thin! Like I have control over my body.” I grabbed my shorts and T-shirt from the dresser. “What do you know about it? You’ve got all the muscles you’ll ever need. And you don’t have an ounce of fat on you. But I’m not like that.” I jerked off my sweater and threw it on the bed.

  “This is your fault, you know. I really didn’t have a clue what I was getting into when I agreed to let you turn me. I’d have lost the weight first if I’d known.” I unhooked my bra, ignoring Jerry’s growl. Interest or indignation at the way my words had jabbed him? At the moment I didn’t care. I picked the sports bra out of the drawer and slipped it over my breasts. Thank God it was looser now, only mildly viselike.

  “I’m sorry if you’re having regrets. But it’s way too late for them. Besides, you know I’ve always thought your figure was perfect.” Jerry moved close to run his thumb over one abused nipple. “Now, what the hell is that thing you’re binding yourself with?” He tried to slip it up to look at my breasts again. “It’s too tight.”

  “Oh, no, you don’t. I’m going to exercise. It’s a sports bra, keeps me from jiggling.” I swatted away his hand and peeled off my skinny jeans. They were still tight and five fewer pounds would make them slide on easily. Oh, yeah.

  “I like it when you jiggle.” He sat on the side of the bed and watched me step into my shorts.

  I’d just sat beside him to put on my socks and running shoes when his cell phone rang.

  “Yes? What did you find out? Really? All right, I’ll see what I can do. Thank you.” He slapped the phone shut.

  “Was that Richard?” I tied the first shoe.

  “Yes.”

  “Well? Did he get the test results on the stuff in the syringe?” I stopped, scared to hear what he’d say.

  “Yes, it was some kind of vitamin compound. Virtually harmless. Fact is, I don’t know what the hell it would do for a vampire.” Jerry frowned.

  “See? I knew it!” I pulled on the other shoe and tied it. “Ian’s a genius. He works with chemicals. Maybe vitamins would help us and we just don’t know it. Your hatred for him is irrational, Jerry. It’s based on an ancient feud that should have been settled a long time ago.” I realized that had probably not been the smart thing to say.

  “Gloriana, I don’t appreciate that.” Jerry followed me when I got up and walked to the door. “Our quarrel with the MacDonalds is based on wrongs they have done us that you know nothing about.”

  “Anything in the last century or two?” I held up my hand when I could tell he was probably going to start trotting out cattle-stealing misdemeanors. “No, forget I asked. Just tell me if you have one shred of proof that this MacDonald is the villain you claim?” I waited before I turned the knob. Ray and Valdez could probably hear through the door. Only mortal Trina would be unaware of our conversation.

  “Not yet. But I want you to give me your bedtime supplement. The one that’s causing your nightmares and sleep problems. Richard can have that analyzed as well.” Jerry put his hands on either side of my head when I leaned against the door. “I’m convinced you could have died today, Gloriana, if I hadn’t provided you with a daytime bodyguard.”

  I looked up at him, knowing what he said was true. I put my hands on his chest and felt the heartbeat that had been with me for so long. Slow but steady.

  “I guess you’re right, Jerry. No, I know you’re right. But I can’t give you all of the supplement. Let me pour a small sample into an empty water bottle.” I touched his frown. “I need to take it, Jer. Or I won’t lose that last bit of weight.”

  “Damn it to hell, Gloriana. This is ridiculous.”

  “No, what you mean is I am ridiculous. I get that. You don’t get me. Too bad. This is important to me. I’m doing it. Take it or leave it. Small sample. What’s it going to be?”

  “And if you try to walk into the sun again?” He grabbed my hand and scraped my palm with one fang. Blood welled up and he licked it clean. “You scare the hell out of me, woman.”

  “I’m sorry, Jerry, but Valdez is here to take care of me. Let him do his job.” I felt the slide of his tongue again and fought the heat that pulsed deep inside me. Sorry, but I found it erotic as hell.

  “Right. Shifting into human form. Carrying you to bed. You and Rafael are getting quite chummy, aren’t you?”

  “We have no choice. He’s stuck with me. Now it’s worse than ever since I might get up during the day. I’m sure he’s exhausted.” I made myself jerk my hand free. “I’ve got to go. Trina’s waiting.”

  “And then you’ll feed from her.” Jerry followed me into the living room. “She’s become your pet, then.”

  “Just temporarily. She’s very generous.” I smiled at her. She held one of Ray’s new CDs and apparently he’d signed it for her. “When this is over, it’s back to synthetics for me. You know that’s what I do.”

  “I’m not sure I know what you do anymore, Gloriana.” Jerry turned to Trina. “You have Glory’s supplement for tonight?”

  “Yes, it’s right here.” She looked at me, then, at my nod, handed him the bottle.

  “I’ll take just this much.” Jerry poured about an inch into an empty water bottle and screwed on the cap. “Is that satisfactory, Gloriana?”

  “Fine. Thanks, Jerry.”

  “Good night.” With a nod, he walked out to the balcony, jammed the bottle into his jeans pocket, then shifted into bird form. He flew off without a sound.

  “Wow. You really are popular, Glory.” Trina giggled. “Thanks for the CD, Mr. Caine. It’s awesome.” She managed to cram it into her fanny pack. “Let’s go, Glory. It’s awfully late. You don’t want to get caught by the sun.”

  “Hey, Trina.” Ray approached her and took her arm. “Have you seen Ian outside during daylight hours?”

  “What?” Her eyes were wide. “No way. He’s a vampire. Creature of the night and all that. Why would he be out during the day? Seems like he’d go up in smoke or something.” She giggled again. “But what do I know? You guys tell me. What would happen if you went out in the sun?” She looked from Ray to me.

  “We’re not sure. Stories
are that we turn to ashes. That’s all that’s ever found of a staked vampire after his body is left out in the sun.” I shook my head. “This is not a topic I want to get into. Ray, will you be here when I get back?”

  “Sure, Glory. Too close to dawn for me to go anywhere else.” He yawned. “I’m going to take a shower. Have fun, ladies.”

  I opened the hall door and Trina, Valdez and I headed to the elevators.

  “I’ve got my second wind now. But let’s just do fifteen or so. Why don’t we get off at four and jog up the rest of the stairs?” Trina started stretching and made me do the same.

  When we got off the elevator, the corridor was empty. We did a few more of Trina’s warm-up exercises, then headed for the stairs.

  “Ready?” Trina opened the door into the stairwell and Valdez bounded through. Then she slammed it with him on the stair side and pushed a dead bolt home while she and I were still in the hallway. Before I knew what she planned, I was staring at the pointy end of a short wooden stake, my back against the door.

  “Trina? What the hell?” I heard a crash as Valdez hit the door and it vibrated between my shoulder blades.

  “You manage to come through that door, dog, and you’ll make this stake go right through Glory’s heart!” Trina hissed at the door, then concentrated on me.

  “Why?” I tried to grab her hand but that only got me a warning jab with the stake. “Why are you doing this?”

  “You don’t want me to be a vampire, you bitch. You tried to talk me out of it last night.” She aimed it at my heart and I felt the sting as it pricked my skin through two layers of fabric.

  “It’s for your own good, Trina. You have no idea what you’re getting into.” I tried to catch her gaze so I could whammy her. Do some vamp mind control on her. No luck. She’d obviously spent enough time around Ian to know better than to look at me directly.

  “It’s my dream. And tonight I heard Ian tell his guards that he was never going to make it come true. He’s already picking out a new mortal to serve him.” Tears welled up but Trina ignored them. “I thought that meant he was going to finally make me a vampire but the guards laughed and said that they’d finally get to have me for their playmate.”