Sucks to Be Me

by Painter, Kristen

  Best she talk to Pierce first and see if he was even willing to represent her.

  When Rico arrived, she wasn’t feeling quite so desperate. Neo’s offer had boosted her mood significantly. She’d reached out to Dr. Goldberg, too, who’d very apologetically told Donna she would be out of the state at a one-day wellness conference, but said she’d write a letter and email it to whomever Donna wanted.

  She welcomed Rico in with a smile, noting the plumber’s truck was out front again. People were going to think there was something critically wrong with her pipes.

  “You look surprisingly cheerful for someone with an emergency.”

  She closed the door behind him. “I had some unexpected kindness come my way, and it’s picked me up a bit, but things are actually pretty serious. Let’s sit.” She went into the living room, her expression much more sedate now, and he followed.

  When he took a seat, she began. “I’ll keep this brief and to the point. I’m being put on trial in front of the Immortus Concilio for killing Yuri and severing the tether with my sire. I need whatever proof you can give me that he was a known Russian gangster and would have done me harm.”

  Rico stared at her for a long second. “Donna, that’s serious.”

  “I know. That’s why I asked you to come over. And why I’m asking for your help.”

  He raked his hand through his hair. “Should I ask what happens if you lose?”

  She gave him a quick, bitter grin. “You’re out a witness.”

  “As in—”

  She nodded. “As in I will be put down, to paraphrase my sire’s sire. Who, by the way, happens to be Artemis. Name ring a bell?”

  “The Queen of North America?”

  “That’s the one. But get this, if I win, I take Claudette’s position as governor.” She shook her head. “Vampire politics are as crazy as human ones.”

  Rico wasn’t amused. In fact, he looked downright miserable. “Do you get to have an attorney?”

  “Yes. I have a meeting with one in a couple hours.” Rico didn’t need to know it was a date.

  “Tell him I’ll be your first witness.”

  “You’re sure about that?”

  “A hundred percent. I need you, Donna. You’re a key witness in my case against the Villachis. I can’t have the Immortus Concilio deciding to end you. This is bigger than them and whatever nonsense rule you supposedly, and accidentally, broke. Plus, I don’t want to see anything bad happen to you. You’re good people.”

  Once again, she was touched by the unexpected offer and kind words. “Thank you. I’ll let you know what my attorney says.”

  Provided Pierce agreed to represent her. Which she really, really needed him to do.

  Chapter Thirty-two

  Donna had never dined at Meridian before, but the moment she entered, she felt like she’d been wrapped in a warm, intimate embrace. It had the aura of a private club. Dark wood, dark leather, white linens, low lighting, touches of brass and crystal, soft jazz, and a staff that was somehow attentive and unobtrusive and knew what you wanted before you did.

  It was the perfect place to discuss personal business, and considering that Pierce was an attorney, it seemed logical this was the sort of place he’d bring her to.

  Not that he’d brought her here, exactly. The arrangement had been for her to meet him at the restaurant, something she approved of. Really, he’d done everything right, setting the evening up so that she didn’t have to reveal any personal details about herself to him.

  And while she appreciated how private he’d allowed her to remain, that was about to end. He was moments from knowing exactly what was going on with her.

  Which was why she’d taken so much time getting ready. Every detail about herself was as perfect as she could make it. From the amazing little black dress to her hair to her Louboutin stilettos, she’d done her best to present the image of a confident, sophisticated vampire woman.

  As much as she imagined that looked like.

  Donna walked in and found him waiting for her at the bar just off the small foyer.

  His eyes lit up when he saw her, and he smiled like he’d just found out he’d won the lottery. It wasn’t a bad way to be greeted. Certainly better than any greeting she’d gotten from Joe in the last decade.

  Pierce held out his hands to her. “You look like a goddess. But then, you are one.”

  She smiled and took his hands, her small clutch tucked under one arm. “That’s very kind of you. You look very handsome yourself.” He did too. She knew suits, and the one he was wearing was no doubt custom-made and expensive.

  He leaned in and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, my queen.”

  In that moment, she panicked a little, thinking there was no way he’d represent her once he found out she wasn’t the perfect vampire he imagined her to be. After all, she’d broken one of the most sacred rules of her kind. Would that shatter Pierce’s image of her? It seemed highly possible.

  When he pulled back, he frowned as he looked at her. “I’ve made you unhappy. I shouldn’t have kissed you without permission.”

  “No, that was fine.”

  “Then please, tell me what I did to upset you. I’ll make it right, I promise.”

  She forced a little smile. “It’s not you, Pierce. You’re perfect, I swear. I just…I need to talk to you about something. Could we go to our table?” He was less likely to make a scene when they were seated in the restaurant with other people around. But then Pierce didn’t strike her as the type of man who’d make a scene at all. He was far too suave for that.

  “Of course.” He let go of her hands to speak to the maître d’.

  Moments later, they were ushered in and seated at a quiet half-circle booth in the far corner. Easily one of the best tables in the place. Under different circumstances, Donna thought she would be looking forward to enjoying the evening immensely.

  Right now, she had no idea how things were going to turn out, and that tension kept her from sinking into the experience.

  Sad, because she couldn’t remember when she’d been out like this with Joe. When they went out, it was always to the same nice, but local places where Joe could be assured the meal, or at least a bottle of wine, would be comped, and he’d be treated like royalty, which basically meant a lot of fake compliments and fawning service.

  She’d grown to hate those meals.

  No one here seemed to know who she was. Pierce, yes. But she might as well have been any other woman in Manhattan.

  It was bliss.

  Pierce took the wine list from the server, then politely dismissed the man and turned his attention to her. “What’s going on? You seem distraught.”

  She nodded. “I am. I’m…in trouble. And I need your help.”

  “Anything.” He put the wine list down. “Just tell me what I can do.”

  She took a breath and looked him straight in the eyes. “Defend me.”

  For a moment, he didn’t say anything. Then he smiled. “Are you teasing me?”

  “No, I’m dead serious. I want to hire you.” She lowered her voice, the air in her lungs as thick as mud. She felt like she might suffocate before she got the words out. “I’m about to be put on trial before the vampire council. And if I’m not cleared, they will put me to death.”

  His face fell. “What? I cannot allow that. Of course I’ll defend you. What are you accused of doing?”

  She closed her eyes for a moment. This was it. The moment in which he’d either turn on her or be supportive. “Killing the first human I drank from.”

  “Breaking the tether with a sire is serious.” She wasn’t sure what surprised her more—that he knew the consequences of what she’d done or the degree of detachment with which he’d answered. “Did you do what you’re being accused of?”

  “Yes. But it wasn’t intentional.”

  “The hunger took over?”

  “That and self-defense.” She was able to breathe again. His understanding of things was a welcome re
lief. “So you’ll do it?”

  He frowned like she was silly to think otherwise. “Not only will I do it, I’ll win your case.”

  His bravado was kind, but she couldn’t let herself be swept up in it. She had to be realistic about this. “Have you ever done anything like this before?”

  “I once defended a vampire in human court, but that’s as close as I’ve come.”

  “Then why do you seem so certain you can do this?”

  He took her hands in his. “I realize you know very little about me, but I am undefeated as an attorney. The vampire council may have some different rules and regulations but arguing is arguing. We’ll put a case together that they cannot deny. When is this trial?”

  She frowned. “Tuesday.”

  His brows rose. “That doesn’t give us much time.”

  “I know. Would you like to come stay with me until then?” The words were out of her mouth before she truly considered them. But it would make things easier. “If it’s convenient for you, of course.”

  The light in his eyes was unmistakably joyous. “That would certainly give us more time together.”

  “Can you afford to put so much time into this case? I mean, you must already have cases you’re working on that require your attention.”

  “I’ll adjust things. This is more important. And with such a short deadline, giving it first priority is the only way to be sure I can present the best defense possible.”

  “Thank you.” She squeezed his hand. “I do have a few people already willing to testify on my behalf.”

  “Excellent. We have a lot of work to do, but that will help.”

  She smiled, a real smile this time. “I cannot tell you how much this means to me. There is one other thing I need legal help with, however.”

  “What’s that?”

  She held his hand, clinging to the connection as the reality of what she was about to ask sank in. “I need a will.”

  She expected him to argue. Instead, he nodded. “That’s wise. It’s not my area, but we can certainly draw something up that will do the trick.” Then he leaned in, smiling. “You’re not going to need it, though.”

  “Thank you. I hope you’re right. I just want to be prepared.”

  “I understand. You must have been so worried about all of this.”

  “I was. Still am. Not as much now, though, thanks to you. I don’t feel like I’m alone in it now, you know?”

  “I understand.” He brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. “And I am honored you came to me.”

  “I owe Neo for taking me to Redline, or I never would have met you.”

  He smiled. “What do you say we get a great bottle of wine and celebrate our new partnership?”

  She nodded. “A drink sounds wonderful.”

  He’d barely raised his hand when their server reappeared. Pierce ordered, then they were alone again. “We should start tonight on preparations.”

  “I’m all for that. We can work around the clock if need be.”

  “We might have to.”

  Whatever it took to keep her alive, she was in. “I should have asked already, but how much do you need for a retainer?”

  He shook his head. “I’m not charging you for this.”

  “Pierce.” She tipped her head the same way she might when one of her children misbehaved. “You can’t do this for free.”

  “With all due respect, I can do whatever I like. And I’m not charging you.”

  She studied him for a moment. “Is this because you want to become my assistant?”

  His eyes twinkled. “I wouldn’t turn down that offer.”

  “Would you really give up your career for that life?”

  “I would. Does that surprise you?”

  “Very much so. Have you ever been an assistant to a vampire?”

  He hesitated, his expression taking on a wistful look that matched the faraway gaze in his eyes. “I was, yes.”

  “Why aren’t you still? If I can ask that.”

  “It’s a fair question. And…he chose a different path.”

  “He?” Donna’s brows went up. “I wasn’t expecting that. Not that it matters. So you’re—”

  “No. The ‘he’ in question was my brother.”

  That explained why Pierce knew so much about vampires. “Ah. Did you have a falling out, then, since you’re not assisting him now?”

  Pierce shook his head, his gaze shifting downward. “No. He was reckless. Wouldn’t let me help him the way he should. He was out too late. Didn’t make it home before sunrise and couldn’t find shelter in time.”

  He looked away, but the pain in his eyes was clear. “That was just his way. Always pushing things right to the edge. Vampires like that don’t last long.”

  “Neither do people.” She touched his hand. “I’m so sorry.”

  He smiled and met her eyes again. “What’s past is past, right? Anyway, you gave up your life to become a vampire, so why shouldn’t someone give up theirs to be your assistant?”

  “Not on purpose, I didn’t.” She sighed. “Let me explain…”

  Two hours later, they’d had a wonderful meal, two amazing bottles of wine, and some of the best conversation she’d ever had. Pierce not only listened to her, he was interested in what she had to say. That felt like a revelation of what could be.

  She wanted more of it. More of him. More of this kind of life that was carefree and overflowing with peace and happiness. She dearly hoped the council would find her innocent. Life with a companion like Pierce would be a lot of fun.

  He called the car service for her right before they left the table. Then he stood with her in the foyer, waiting for it to arrive. “I’ll go to my place, pack a bag, and then come to your house. All right?”

  “Perfect. Thank you. I can’t say I’m looking forward to this, but I am so glad you’re helping me. I’d be lost without you right now.”

  “This is going to be difficult, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” The car arrived. He gave her a quick smile and went to open the door for her. “Try not to worry, all right?”

  She nodded. “I’ll do my best. See you in an hour or so?” She’d already given him her address.

  “Yes.”

  This time, she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks again, Pierce.”

  “My pleasure.”

  True to his word, he arrived at her home an hour later with his computer bag, a small suitcase, and a bottle of wine. He’d changed into jeans and a sweater. It was the first time she’d seen him looking casual, and she liked it. He handed her the bottle. “Thank you for this opportunity to be of service to you.”

  She took the wine. It was easily an eighty-dollar bottle, but then she realized Pierce was all about impressing her. It was sweet, really. “Please, I’m the one who needs to be thanking you. Come on, I’ll show you to your room.”

  She took him to the first-floor guest room. “I hope this is all right.”

  “It’s perfect. Your house is beautiful.” He put his suitcase next to the bed, then pulled his laptop from his computer bag.

  “Thank you.” She glanced at the laptop. “I guess we should get to work.”

  He nodded, suddenly all business. “The sooner, the better.”

  Chapter Thirty-three

  Hours later, when dawn approached and Donna’s eyes were barely staying open, Pierce shook his head. “That’s enough for now.”

  She straightened. She’d been sitting sideways on the couch, facing Pierce, who was one cushion away, but she’d slumped down a good bit. “No, I can keep going.”

  “No, you can’t. You need to sleep.” He glanced at his screen, the glow lighting up his face. “I have research and writing to do anyway.”

  Reluctantly, she nodded. She was pretty worn out. “All right. But I should feed you, shouldn’t I?”

  He shook his head without looking up. “I know where the kitchen is. I can make my own breakfast when I’m hungry. I want to work
on this—”

  “I didn’t mean breakfast.”

  His head came up. “Oh.”

  When he didn’t say anything more, she nudged him. “It would help, wouldn’t it? Gives you strength and speed and stamina?”

  He stayed very still. “It would, yes.”

  “All right, then.” She called down her fangs and nipped her wrist, then offered it to him.

  He took it and drank. He was gentle and ended it quickly, releasing her wrist and closing his eyes.

  The small, twin punctures healed immediately. “Are you all right?”

  He nodded, eyes still closed. “Just feeling the power go through me.” Then he added, “Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome.” She stood. “I’ll see you in a few hours.”

  He opened his eyes. They were brighter and clearer than she remembered, and he seemed suddenly younger. If that was her blood at work, it was amazing. But then, she’d seen how the change had affected her. “Sleep well.”

  “Thanks.” She went upstairs and fell asleep almost instantly.

  “Donna?”

  She pulled the covers up higher against the voice in her dream.

  “Donna, I’m sorry to wake you, but—”

  “What?” She squinted, still not fully aware if she was dreaming or what. “Pierce?” He was standing a few feet from the bed, brows bent, mouth in a frustrated frown.

  “There’s a woman at the door who claims to be your sister, but she’s dressed like a nun, so—”

  Donna bolted upright. “Crap. Cammie. What time is it?”

  “Going on eleven. Do you know her? Or should I send her away?”

  “No, she’s really my sister. I just didn’t know she was coming.” Donna grabbed her phone off the nightstand. A text from Cammie had come in at six a.m. to let Donna know she was going to stop by. “Let her in. I’ll be down as soon as I can.”

  “All right.”

  As he left, Donna jumped out of bed. She’d thought Cammie would just call, but she must have had the time and decided to swing by instead. Obviously.