He took the card. “Of course.”
“Good. I’ll catch up with you later.” She thumbed over to the door. “You gentlemen know the way out.”
Evelyn sauntered back over to her desk and flounced in the chair, huffing while grabbing a stack of papers. Her cheeks turned rosy as she knitted her eyebrows together.
How adorable.
She would do.
Louis grabbed Hector’s arm, dragged him outside, and pressed him up against the door. He wrapped a hand around his boss’s throat.
“Screw this up and I quit. I might have a chance with her.”
He stormed over to the Volkswagen Beetle, fighting the urge to go back inside the building. Damn it all. He didn’t get to kiss her.
Maybe her lips would taste like her perfume.
2
Evelyn Rodriguez flopped into her computer chair, holding her head in her hands at her latest predicament. She swore she’d never take clients again. Never.
They were nothing but trouble.
The last one she took was two years ago and their professional relationship didn’t end well. Simon wanted to date her. He bribed her with her Audi. He bought her a studio apartment three blocks from her work. And gave her money.
Lots of money.
Like a fool, she accepted.
Of course, the relationship lasted six months, but he turned into a stalker toward the end. He bugged her house. Her phone. He met her at her closest cousin’s house. He turned half her coworkers against her, including her assistant. Then he chased off her customers.
Evelyn dumped him after that.
At least she walked off with a place to live.
The car payments were hell on her budget, though. If she didn’t need the Audi, she’d sell it. Four hundred dollar car payments were ridiculous. Even after cutting the cable, she barely made ends meet.
She lifted her head, then entered data into a spreadsheet.
Why did she set herself up for trouble again?
What possessed her to accept that dashing man’s proposal? His spicy cologne or his rugged good looks? Perhaps both. The sexy stud carried himself well. He wasn’t like Hector by a long shot.
In fact, he outdid him in the manners department.
Being charmed wasn’t like her, but Evelyn knew why she accepted the job. Her checking account had thirteen dollars in it. Work had been slow since the holiday season started. She took the pay cut while everyone else had gotten their checks.
If she didn’t get paid next week, she’d be overdue on her rent.
Again.
Either way, the fault lied with her. She could have paired him with someone else.
Instead, she said yes.
Man, he was a juicy morsel, too.
Evelyn fished around her desk drawer, groaning when she wrapped her hand around an empty candy bar wrapper. She didn’t have enough chocolate to deal with her mistake. Hell, she didn’t have enough candy to deal with the memories of her ex haunting her.
A trip to Walgreens would fix that.
“You know, I’m surprised.” Jemina’s voice turned sultry as she talked in Spanish and leaned over her shoulder. “You always turn down proposals. Why accept his?”
Because of his devilish voice. The man resembled a Native American sex god. No one had indigo colored eyes in this city. No one. The closest anyone came to matching his shade was blue-green.
But his features—God, he could’ve been a model. The man looked fine wearing his pressed suit. To be honest, she couldn’t picture him looking horrible in anything.
He had to be sporting a six-pack underneath his suit.
Evelyn shrugged, grabbing a stack of papers. “Don’t know.”
“I thought you’d stick him with me.” Jemina slapped a twenty dollar bill on her desk. “If you’re heading out, grab me a milkshake before McDonalds closes the ice cream machine. In fact, grab two. Buy one for yourself.”
“I’m fine.” Evelyn waved the twenty away, then rose from the chair. “I’m wondering why I took his offer myself.”
“You opened your secret desk drawer.”
“Look, I shouldn’t have said yes.” She paced around the tiny office. “I haven’t taken clients in years.”
“What’s wrong with escorting one man? He’s sexy.”
Evelyn drummed her fingernails against the wall. “It’s cutting into another girl’s paycheck.”
“You pride yourself on good customer service, remember?”
Good customer service her ass.
His insistence drove her crazy.
For all his rugged charm, Louis’s voice sent pleasant shivers throughout her body. He wasn’t even in the room and Evelyn imagined it wrapping around her like a warm electric blanket on a cold winter day. All she needed was a cup of hot cocoa and it’d be perfect.
Evelyn shivered, then hugged herself.
This heartthrob couldn't get away.
“Have you heard about him before, Jem?”
“Nope.” Her cousin ended the word on a teasing drawl. “I know just as much as you. He doesn’t act like Hector. Thank St. Mary. Otherwise, I’d clobber him and throw him out. We don’t need another Casanova making moves on the girls, right?”
She nodded. “Right.”
“You're distracted.” Jemina handed Evelyn her purse. “Go get some air.”
“Something about him is weird, though.” She brought her hand to her lips, catching notes of spice from his cologne. “His hand was cold when he touched me. I know it’s December, but it’s been warmer than usual.”
“And?”
“His hand felt like an ice cube.”
“Maybe we’re getting paranormal clients for once.”
Goosebumps traveled along Evelyn’s arms. “You should’ve said he lives in an icebox or an air conditioned building.”
“Cheer up, Evie. They’re not that bad.”
Easy for Jemina to say. She dated a bloody werewolf.
“Something seemed off about him.” Evelyn grabbed the contract and skimmed it until she found his last name. “Armandi. Armandi... where have I heard his last name?” Her hands hovered over the keyboard. “Google might know something. Google always knows something.”
Jemina grabbed the mouse. “Good lord. Just call him.”
And risk being enchanted by his smooth voice?
No thanks.
It didn’t stop her from pressing her thighs together and imagining his voice in her ear. She wanted that voice to envelop her. To wrap her into his dark depths and just pull her deeper into his spell. If his hands touched her, it’d be over.
Heat rose in her cheeks.
No. She had to give this assignment to someone else.
Jemina could handle him while she focused on keeping the office manageable. Even filing papers would be better than imaging herself playing tonsil hockey with Louis Armandi.
This wasn’t like her at all.
“Maybe you’re right.” She went back to her desk and grabbed her wallet. “I’m going out for a while.”
“Seriously, stop by McDonalds for me.” The hefty woman crossed her arms. “I didn’t grab dinner. I had to pick Reggie up from soccer practice because Joe worked late tonight. We passed each other when I left.”
Evelyn sighed. “Fine.” She shoved the twenty into her heart patterned travel wallet. “You should eat healthier, you know.”
“Sweetie, I’m cursed. You try being a three-hundred-pound hippo with an insatiable appetite for Latino food.”
“Order salad.”
Her cousin made a disgusted noise. “It’s bland.”
“Then put dressing on it.”
“I’d rather starve.”
Evelyn threw her hands into the air. She wouldn’t win this argument.
“Come on.” Jemina grabbed her large handbag. “I’ll go with you. We’ll go dress shopping together. Think of it as a celebration. We’ll get you something nice—something that doesn’t remind you of Simon.”
Her ex's name left a bitter taste in her mouth. “I was doing fine without thinking of him, thank you.”
“I’m glad.”
Evelyn paused at her cousin’s sincerity. “What?”
“I’m glad. You need someone new in your life.” Jemina turned off the computer monitor. “We’ll get you a wicked dress. Something red. We’ll need shoes for you, too. Maybe pumps. Heels might not work for you.”
She crossed her arms. “I have heels at home.”
“God, have a little fun. You’ve been a grouchy stick in the mud.”
Vixens became her life after Simon ditched her, but she had built the business from the ground up. To accommodate the growing business, she hired a few more girls and stayed in the office. Sometimes, she worked later than everyone else. Those late nights turned into an every week affair and didn’t leave her much time for dates.
It wouldn't hurt her to leave the office tomorrow night.
Someone else could handle the paperwork.
“You’re right.” Evelyn straightened her back. “But this means you’re manning the office tomorrow. Opening, closing—the lot. I’m not coming to Vixens except to meet him here. Got it?”
Jemina leaned closer, then chuckled. “Sure.”
“I mean it.” She waggled a finger at her. “I can’t fall behind on paperwork again.”
“You worry too much.”
“Jem—”
“God, lighten up.” Jemina grabbed her keys, then wrapped an arm around Evelyn’s shoulder. “You sound like Gunther’s wife. I hate that bitch. I have to see her tomorrow night, so let’s have fun before I have to hear her whine.” Her voice rose. “She always whines about something trivial. I can’t take her dress shopping like you.”
“Maybe dress shopping isn’t her thing.”
“No shit, but I’m not turning into a bookworm, either.” The younger woman rolled her eyes. “I can’t get her to read a fashion magazine unless it’s for hippies.”
“All right, fine. Let me tell the girls we’re leaving.”
“Most of them already left.”
That made things easy.
Evelyn did her three-sided pat, making sure her items were in place. Her wallet and phone were in their respective pockets. Her keys stayed lodged inside her front right pocket. Once she finished gathering her things, she shut off the lights and headed out the door.
She’d get something done tonight.
* * *
By the time Evelyn walked out of Vixens, a limousine pulled up to the building.
This couldn’t be a coincidence. Limousines didn’t show up unannounced in Charm City. Her clients preferred driving something low-key like the Volkswagen Beetle sitting in the parking lot. Or a rental car.
What was a Beetle doing there, anyway?
Whatever. It didn’t answer why a limousine pulled up next to her building or why Hector Irving waved to her from the black Volkswagen.
This couldn’t be his. He never took a limousine. He always came in one of his old classic cars. The cretin pointed it out every time he visited them and took pictures of the girls draped across the hood. She wouldn’t put it past him to ride in a limo, though.
How could Louis stand this cretin?
Hector walked away from the black Volkswagen Beetle, pointing at her while he ducked into the limousine. He gave the driver a thumbs up sign before driving away from the building.
She jutted her chin.
Creep.
Jemina tapped her shoulder. “I got a call from work. Someone’s been following us.”
Evelyn tilted her head toward her. “You took another job? When?”
“I thought I told you.” Her cousin cracked her knuckles. “Pretty sure I did.”
“Nope.”
“Better pay, longer hours. It’s why I’ve missed work the last few days. Anyway, watch out for crazies. I gotta jet.” She gave Evelyn a peck on the cheek. “Tell me all about Mr. Mysterious when I see you Monday.”
“Okay.”
Jemina adjusted her low-cut top before heading down the stairs. When she reached the bottom step, she pointed toward the side of the building.
A Kia Soul parked beside Vixens.
Damn, talk about speeding up before closing time. Vixens never had late night company except on Saturday nights. Sometimes, Evelyn would have to call the police because a client would get frisky after partying. Or clubbing. Whatever her clients preferred.
Tonight cursed her with weirdos.
She grabbed her phone, then reached for her ponytail. Damn it, she forgot her handbag and her knives. She’d go back inside for them later.
If things got weird, she’d just pummel somebody.
Someone stepped out of the car, ignoring her as they checked out their back tire. A woman yelled at the driver through her window to hurry up.
What a stuck-up snob.
Another door slammed shut from the Volkswagen Beetle. Hector’s companion leaned against the car.
Evelyn turned, narrowing her eyes at him.
She forgot about Louis Armandi.
Her body shuddered at the way his cold hands had danced along her skin. He put just enough pressure on her wrist to make things sensual. The gentlemanly kiss made things hotter. If he traveled further up, he could have made her lips tingle.
Blast it all, no.
He was her client, not a delicious one-night stand.
Well, soon to be client. The weirdos didn’t show up until he visited her and Jemina said someone was following them. Also, what kind of weirdo waited in the parking lot for her?
A stalker.
A dissatisfied client.
Or a creature intent on making her their prey.
She didn’t care for any of those possibilities and stormed down the stairs. She’d take care of the people inside the Kia first. Then she’d take care of Louis.
Being ethical sucked sometimes.
An icy hand grabbed her arm when she got halfway across the darkening parking lot. They tightened their grip as she stopped in place.
Evelyn twisted their arm behind their back.
She stopped when she recognized Louis’s face.
“You have a hell of a grip.” His voice rumbled. “I shouldn’t have come up unannounced.”
Heat flushed her cheeks. “Sorry.”
“Anyway, the Kia has been loitering in the parking lot since Hector and I left.”
She released his arm. “Do you know them?”
“No.”
Wow. That voice was sexier in stereo. A pitch lower and she’d tingle from head to toe. Not that she hadn’t felt its effects already.
Her heartbeat fluttered at his voice.
However, this job turned dangerous. Weird people followed her out of her building. Jemina’s warning became an earworm that wouldn’t go away.
This job wasn’t worth her life.
“Look, we need to talk.” Her voice trembled and she turned away from him. “About earlier…I think I might have made a mistake. I’m sorry about grabbing your arm.”
He stroked his goatee. “If anyone made a mistake, it’s me. Bringing Hector along wasn’t the greatest idea.”
Her lips moved, but her voice stayed trapped in her throat.
Men were such dunderheads.
“Wouldn’t you agree, Evelyn?”
“Yeah.” Her gaze returned to the strange car, but it had already disappeared. “I guess.” The disgusting man helped distract her from Louis’s voice. “He’s demanding and lewd. He treats women like they’re property instead of people.”
His icy hand touched hers. “I was hoping we could talk in private. It’s why I made Hector leave.”
She always associated cold hands with the undead, but maybe he had poor circulation or anemia. Then again, supernatural—well, paranormal creatures—existed. There were werewolves and cat creatures for Christ’s sake. Still, her limited knowledge of paranormal creatures extended to shifters and two mages. They didn’t have cold fingers that rese
mbled popsicles. Hell, they didn’t even have fireball spells. Just mind mojo spells no one understood.
Louis didn’t have the attitude of a mage, though.
Their arrogance would give them away.
His thumb brushed against her palm, warming against her hand. It trailed up to her wrist, then came down again.
Evelyn let out a soft breath.
She had to stop this before—
“If you’re busy, I could come back tomorrow.” His finger edged toward her forearm. “You seemed to be in a hurry.”
“It’s okay.” Damn her breathy voice. “I have… I have a minute.” She pulled her hand away and held it. “I wanted to see if you’d let someone else take my place.”
There. She said it, yet her body still tingled from his touch. She’d miss it, but she played the ethical card.
Running a business sucked sometimes.
His hand touched her face. “No.”
Her heartbeat emulated a jackhammer. “Why?”
“There’s something about you.” He traced her strong jawline. “Something refreshing that I like. It’s your humanity, I think. You’re not afraid of being yourself.”
“Who are you?” Evelyn parted her lips, breathing from her mouth. “No one has heard of you.”
“I keep a low profile.”
“I noticed.” Her tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth. “Even my nosy cousin didn’t know your name.”
“For now, my name will do.” His hot breath tickled her ear. “I need to get going. Wear something blue. It suits you. I’ll call you before I pick you up tomorrow.”
Her body tensed at his words. “Blue?”
“Well, it’s better than red.” He took a shuddering breath. “And classier. I associate red with hookers, honestly.”
Her anger dissipated.
Louis had standards.
“Oh, and one more thing.” He ran a hand through her hair. “Change your necklace, please. Silver goes better with blue than gold, I think.”
What an odd request. It was better than some of the other ones her clients requested, but she had worn her cross since her mother baptized her. Her necklace was the only piece of her mother she had left.
She couldn’t discard it.
“I’m sorry, but I have nothing else.” Better to let him down gently. “I don’t have much jewelry at home.”
Vulture’s Kiss Page 2