Gerry Bartlett - Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs

by Gerry Bartlett

  “Okay, woman, I think we can get out of here now.” Ray slung his arm around my shoulder.

  “Are we going to Chip’s party?” The vampire had made sure we knew he was holding a special celebration for his winners. Ray wasn’t the only one of his stars to cop a Grammy tonight. There had been three others. As far as I knew Ray was the only vampire among them.

  “I let him know I was skipping out. He gave me a key to the Masters’ Club. That’s the private vamp club here. Why don’t we go check it out?” He was leaning close and said this into my ear. “You’re supposed to be teaching me the joys of my condition, remember?”

  “I guess I owe you something after that tribute from the podium.” I couldn’t help it. I pulled his face down and gave him a kiss. He quickly turned it into something special. When I heard someone clearing his throat, I pulled back. Valdez, with Brittany beside him, stood in the aisle waiting for us.

  “Where to?” Rafe didn’t show by his expression what he thought of the kiss, just followed us up the aisle of the rapidly clearing building. “Fred called. The limo’s in front.”

  “Good. We’re heading to a new club. I’ve got the address right here.” Ray handed a card to Rafe. “Give this to Fred.” Outside, Ray followed me into the back of the limo while Brittany and Rafe were told to squeeze into the front with Fred.

  “Alone at last. Where were we?” Ray pulled me into his arms.

  “On our way to a club. I was thanking you a minute ago. Don’t take it as a green light, Ray.” I smiled and patted his chest. “That was a wonderful thing you said up there. My friends will be amazed.”

  “I meant it. I’ve never forgotten how you took me on after Lucky turned me. You kept me from losing my mind and my life.” Ray kept his arm around me. “I didn’t want to be a vampire, you know that. But I’m stuck. Chip’s right. Time to make the best of it. I’m staying in L.A. and keeping an eye on Ian’s experiments. I’m going to plug into the vampire scene and get in good with Chip’s crowd. He’s got power and not just in the music biz.” Ray played with one of the curls the hairdresser had left to fall next to my cheeks. The rest of my hair was in a twist at the back of my head. It exposed my neck and let the fabulous earrings and diamond necklace I wore show off to advantage.

  “I’m glad to hear you making plans like that, Ray.” I shivered when his fingers brushed down my jaw to my neck. “But I’ll miss you. Unfortunately, I’ve always known Austin is too far from your usual scene to stay your home base.”

  “Oh, I could make it work if I thought you really wanted me there.” Ray leaned down and put his lips against the vein throbbing at my neck.

  God, but these vampire men and their moves. Of course it didn’t take them long to figure out how erotic it was to have a man play around with your life force. I shifted in the leather seat and ordered my body to quit reacting. So what if I’d sort of had sex with Blade just hours before? If Ray had figured that out, he’d just take it as a challenge. He eased his hand along my knee and up my thigh. Somehow my silk dress worked its way even higher.

  “You do need to be here. Chip’s a good connection for you. He obviously can show you aspects of the vamp life that I don’t have a clue about. I’ve never been into the power and, uh, the high life the way he is.” I worked hard to keep my voice steady, but it wasn’t easy with Mr. Magic Fingers such a busy boy.

  I didn’t want Ray to get away with touching my breast. It was wrong. I wasn’t going to make love with him. It would send the wrong message. I was leaving and he was staying. I’d push him away in a moment, but, oh, when he slipped aside a bodice so well made it hadn’t required a bra, it felt so, um, good. He had a light touch. Not mean and rough against a tile wall.

  My eyes popped open. When had I closed them? Ray’s head was bent over my breast and he’d worked the dress down. He was about to draw my nipple into his mouth if I didn’t stop him. I slid my hands into his hair and helped him along instead. Why the hell not?

  “Glory,” he whispered just before he pulled it into the warmth of his mouth. He traced the lacy edge of my thong and slipped a finger inside. Of course I was wet. This man could always make me want him. I’d like to blame Ian’s supplement, which revved my libido along with my metabolism, but it was more than physical this time.

  Israel Caine had stood onstage and told millions of people all over the world that I’d saved his life and that he loved me. Loved me. I pulled him with me, to lie on top of me as I fell back on the leather seat.

  “Ray.” My hands were in his hair again as I brought his mouth to mine. “Kiss me, Ray.” I wanted to taste him and memorize his flavor. It would be a long time, maybe never, before I’d see him again. He licked his tongue into my mouth and I raked it with my fangs. His finger probed me and I knew he felt my desire as I moaned and arched against his hand.

  The car stopped and the intercom came to life. “Mr. Caine, we’re here.”

  “Tell him to drive around the block,” a shameless slut named Glory whispered.

  “Just once?” He smiled against my mouth and added a second finger inside me.

  “Twenty times.” Then I laughed and sat up, forcing him to roll off of me and almost hit the floor. “Oops. Guess that was a close call.”

  “No way. We’re going around the block.” Ray reached for the switch to call the driver.

  “No, we’re not. I’m not doing this in a backseat of a rented limo.” I pulled up my bodice and straightened my skirt. “Let’s go check out this club.” I put my hand on his flushed cheek. “It’ll be fun.”

  “I know something else that’ll be fun. In bed back at the hotel.” Ray slid his hand up under my skirt again.

  “Nope. We’re here. Let’s go.” I plucked out his hand and shook my head. “Not happening.”

  “Oh, man, I thought I finally got you with that big speech tonight.” Ray reached for the door handle.

  “Was that all that dramatic declaration was? A way to get into my panties?” I slapped at his arm. “And here I was full of warm fuzzy feelings and you were just being a conniving jackass.”

  “They’re such pretty panties.” Ray grabbed my hand and pulled it against his swollen crotch. “And the way you’ve been leading me around by my cock made me desperate. Whatever works, darlin’, whatever works.”

  The car door opened and Ray hopped out like nothing had happened. I climbed out after him, swishing my skirt and taking his arm. Two could play at that game. And that was all it had to be. A game. He was the great Grammy-winning Israel Caine, and I was ordinary shopgirl Glory St. Clair. I needed to keep that in mind. Too bad my heart didn’t seem to be getting the message. And Ray forgot that I was a mind reader. All that tough talk had been so much b.s. He did have some genuine feelings for me behind that smart talk and playful attitude. But I’d rejected him one too many times. So he was being cautious. I couldn’t blame him. If I truly wanted him, I was going to have to send a clear signal with no last-minute rejection. I just wished like hell I knew what to do about that.

  He said something to Brittany and she laughed and stayed with the limo. Rafe ignored him and followed us inside what looked like an upscale office building. The doorman stood under a red awning and watched as Ray used a key card to enter. Soon we were in an elevator and headed for the penthouse.

  “Why is Brittany still downstairs?” I decided we needed to talk. Anything to keep Rafe from examining my wrinkled dress too closely. Fortunately, it had come with a matching wrap and I held it over my bodice where one of the ruffles had come loose.

  “She’s guarding my Grammy. I’d hate for some obsessed fan to get hold of it.” Ray grinned. “I’ve got three more of them at home, but this one’s special. Everyone had written me off. This signals a big comeback.”

  “Right. That’s what Chip said.” I stepped out of the elevator as soon as it stopped. “Nice place.” An understatement. The luxurious bar was made of zebra wood and curved around one side of the room. There were walls of sliding glass doors th
at opened onto terraces. Tables were scattered over the darkened room and wine-colored leather banquettes made for cozy corners where couples lounged over goblets of red. I sniffed. There were mortals and vampires here. Shifters too. Maybe some other paranormals. I’d have to ask Valdez if he could identify some of the others.

  The music was heavy on the bass and conducive to slow dancing. Some couples were taking advantage. Just like at the other vamp club, some were heterosexual, some were same sex. All were very friendly to each other.

  “Good evening. Mr. Caine. Congratulations on your win. I’m Dom, your host. Mr. Rollins phoned and said you might be joining us.” The tall man wore a tux and black tie with his snowy shirt.

  “Thanks, Dom.” Ray looked around. “Can we get a table? You can put our bodyguard at the bar.”

  “Certainly, Mr. Caine, this way.” Dom directed Rafe to a spot at the bar, then led us to a table near the terrace. We had a great view of the city lights. Ray held my chair, then ordered us drinks of fresh in my favorite flavor.

  “I assume you’re off the diet now, aren’t you, Glory?”

  “Might as well. I’m not taking any more of Ian’s supplement.” I inhaled when the goblet was placed in front of me. I looked up at the young waiter. “Your source?”

  “Blood bank, ma’am. We’re very careful here.”

  “Thank you. That’s all I ask.”

  The waiter nodded and stepped away.

  “Very smooth, Glory. I wouldn’t have thought to ask. What could be wrong with it?” Ray sipped his drink. “This is good.”

  “Hey, I’m still your mentor, you know. Remember it could be tainted with alcohol or drugs. We’ve been through that scene and I know you don’t want someone else’s hangover.” I glanced around again. “I’m sure the Council approved this place. So we can relax here and drink freely. Kind of like a health inspection for vamps. That’s a perk of having an organization in town. That’s why Damian’s trying to do it in Austin.”

  “Right. But I need to ask Ian if he’s got a supplement that’ll let me have a glass of Jack once in a while.” Ray laughed. “Hey, it’s as important to me as your diet is to you.” He frowned. “Shit, I guess I am an alcoholic.”

  “See? One of the blessings of being made vampire. It cured you of that.” I sipped my drink. “Another caution. Always smell the blood you’re taking for disease too, Ray. Don’t know if your life out here is going to include hunting mortals. I hope not. I don’t recommend it. Too dangerous. For the mortal and for you.”

  “Yeah, unless someone like Ian sends you an offering. Didn’t see you turning that down.” Ray sipped his drink. “This beats the hell out of most synthetics. I’ll have to see how to hook up with a blood bank. That’s the way to go.”

  “Expensive, but you’re probably right. I’ll stick with my synthetics from now on.” I looked around and spotted a few attractive female mortals in the crowd giving Ray the eye. “Just play it safe, Ray. You may find some mortals served to you on a platter, so to speak. Vamp groupies. Just be careful. If something smells off to you, pass. If they’ve got a disease, you can pick it up, at least for a while. You’ll heal, but sometimes it can be a painful process.”

  “Weird. You mean I could take on someone’s, I don’t know, butt boils and end up with them?”

  I laughed. “Please don’t make me picture that.” I sipped my drink and felt the pressure increase at my waistline. “This is good. I’ll miss this dress. But it was fun while it lasted.”

  “You were the most beautiful woman there tonight.” Ray reached for my hand. “I was proud to be seen with you. I arranged for a DVD of the TV show to be sent to our suite. When I thanked you, I saw them flash your picture on the big screen. You were glowing, you know.” He squeezed my fingers.

  “Damn, Ray. I was so in the moment, I didn’t even look.” I blinked back stupid tears. “Thanks.”

  He pulled my fingers to his lips and nibbled them. “You sure you don’t want to stay here in L.A. and keep me company? Hell, I need your guidance. I might end up with butt boils or cock rot.”

  I laughed and slipped my hand from his. “If you pick up a case of either of those, you deserve to suffer. E-mail me pictures.” I shook my head. “I appreciate the offer, Ray, but you know I’ve got a store in Austin. People depend on me there.”

  “Lacy would love to run it for you. Turn it over to her and start one here. Have you had a chance to check out the vintage-clothing scene? Sienna tells me it’s cool.” Ray picked up his glass again.

  “I know. I talked to her about it. She’s found some great buys. The dress she wore tonight was sixties haute couture.” I could see that I’d just lost Ray’s attention. “What are you looking at?”

  “I think I just spotted my first vampire call girl.” Ray nodded toward the bar and a woman talking to Valdez.

  “You think?” I examined the redhead with legs a mile long and creamy skin. In a way she reminded me of Mara, except this woman was less evil witch and more Miss Con-geniality. She leaned toward Valdez and flashed him some impressive cleavage before they both laughed at something she said. Hmm.

  “Well, she just slid a business card across the bar to him. Her number.” Ray glanced at me. “Maybe she’s not for hire. Maybe she’s just into old Rafe. He’s a decent-looking guy.”

  “Yeah, he is.” I picked up my goblet again. “Good to know you can find a call girl here. You need to get laid. That much is obvious. And by a vampire. Since your try with mortal DeeDee was such a disappointment.”

  “Don’t remind me. She’s called me twice, wanting to know what’s up with us. Told her you and I were making up. Now we’re the real deal. That’s why I ignored her in the elevator. Had to keep on message.” Ray slid close on the leather banquette. “Come on, Glory. Stay here, make it real. We have fun together. Like right now. Fly with me to the beach. We can stop at Ian’s, pick up two bottles of the daylight thing and see the sun rise together. How does that sound?” He picked up my hand and stroked his fangs across my palm.

  Truth? It sounded wonderful. I was so tempted I almost jumped up and ran out to the terrace.

  “I can’t stay. And I can’t make it real. But I could use some fun.” I took a breath. “Ray, I saw the sun rise this morning.”

  “Oh, God.” He groaned and leaned his head on my hand. “Tell me about it.” He looked up and waited. “Every detail.”

  “It was amazing. The colors. I’d forgotten. You have any idea how long it’s been for me?” I blinked and had to stop while I gathered myself. “Anyway, I knew enough not to let the sun touch me, but I looked out the window and saw the sun come up. Birds chirped and the sky gradually lightened. You and Blade were lying there on the bed. No heartbeat, no movement. Dead. And I was, well, alive. It was incredible.”

  “Shit! Let’s go!” Ray jumped up and pulled me toward the terrace.

  I stopped and looked back. Valdez was on his feet and tossing a few bills on our table. I nodded once, then did the bat thing. Why not? I wanted to go. Ray wanted me with him. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I wasn’t going to miss out.

  Eighteen

  “How long does this last, Ian?” Now that I had this tiny bottle in my hand, I was having second thoughts. Nothing Ian had given me so far had acted like it was supposed to. And it didn’t help that Ray was practically jumping out of his skin and talking about lying on the beach under some cabana and watching the sun come up over the ocean. Yeah, right. And what if this wore off and we died right there in the sand? Was Rafe going to cover us with a tarp or something and stand guard until sunset?

  “That’s hard to say, Glory.” Ian smiled. “It varies. You’re smaller than Ray. The same dosage might last a little longer with you than him.”

  “See, Ray? It’s unpredictable. Think this through.” I held on to his arm. Valdez was behind us and staying silent. I liked him better as a dog. Then I couldn’t see the stony disapproval on his handsome face. Or the lethal glances he divided equally
between Ian and Ray.

  “It won’t last all day?” Ray uncapped his bottle and sniffed. “What’s in this stuff?”

  “Not one dose anyway. And the formula’s my secret. So’s the diet one.” Ian smiled at me. “You look great, Glory. You want to keep this up, we can work something out. Make a special deal. Recruit new clients and I’ll give you the supplement for free.”

  My breath stalled. Forever a size six?

  “That’s a hell of an offer.” Ray grinned. “She’s gorgeous, isn’t she?”

  “She certainly is. One of my best success stories.”

  “Too bad you don’t have a video.” Ray obviously had visions of me in a bikini.

  No way. Even at a six, my thighs weren’t anywhere near camera ready.

  “Oh, but I do.” Ian picked up a remote. “Put this together from surveillance footage.” The screen lit up. “Before.” There I was, stuffed into my size-twelve jeans and T-shirt playing cool rocker chick as I stood next to Ray on Ian’s deck.

  “Nothing wrong with that, babe.” Ray squeezed my waist. “Nobody fills out a T-shirt like my woman.”

  “Thanks, Ray.” But when I saw the “after” picture, obviously taken just minutes ago, I had to sigh. My beautiful dress. Like a flame. Thanks to Darren’s genius design, my waist looked impossibly small. And my hips! Even my face looked thinner. Yep, I had cheekbones.

  “Very dramatic. What do you say, Glory? Want to keep it up?” Ian froze the picture. To tease me, I guess.

  “No thanks, not interested. I’d have to chase down runners every night and I don’t like taking advantage of mortals. Then there’s the fact that your supplements do weird things to me, like wake me up and give me nightmares.”

  “True. Your reactions intrigue me.” Ian picked up my wrist and inhaled. “I’d like to draw a blood sample if you don’t mind. To analyze this. It might help me make my products more effective.”