Real Vampires Hate Their Thighs by Gerry Bartlett Read Free Book Online Page B

still had plenty of juice.” I worked up a grin, trying really hard to act like I didn’t give a damn. I turned away from him to pull off my earrings and drop them on the dresser. “Give her a call, though, if it’ll make you feel better.”
    “Scared her, did you?” Ray got up and moved behind me to slide his arms around my waist. “Come on, Glory. Face facts. You’ve got Blade. I can smell him on you. And you have the look of a woman well loved. You’ve got to know it drives me crazy every time you come back after a night with him. I needed an outlet, you know? I was hurting.”
    “I’m sorry, Ray. I guess I can’t blame you for wanting someone to, uh, take care of your needs.” I covered his hands with mine.
    “And DeeDee’s all right. She won’t tell a soul. That’s why we hang out together. She’s got the same issues with the gossip rags that I’ve got. Her room is two floors up. It was easy for her to sneak down here.” He rested his chin on my shoulder.
    “How convenient.” I heard myself go snarky and took a breath. Stupid. Ray could screw every woman in Los Angeles for all I cared. “I didn’t rip open her throat, but I put on a pretty scary show. Valdez too.” I turned to face Ray.
    “I’ll just bet you did, vamp girl.” Ray bumped against me, his hands on the dresser on either side of me so that I was trapped, or not. My choice. “I’ve seen you in action against some serious bad guys, remember? A mere mortal female wouldn’t stand a chance.”
    “Exactly. I was actually holding back, but your ‘friend’ might not see it that way. So you may have to do some fast talking to get her to give you another shot.” I smiled and caught a drop of water that slid down one of his lean cheeks. He was flaunting himself again, standing close in nothing but a towel. Ray was beautiful, from his broad shoulders to his narrow hips and everywhere in between. Thanks to a bitch who’d decided that turning him vampire would be the perfect payback for a man who’d loved playing in the sun, Ray would look like this forever—tanned, toned and 100 percent every woman’s fantasy.
    I licked my lips, a reflex I immediately regretted when Ray grinned and bumped against me again. I glanced down at the invitation under the towel and felt a flush warm my cheeks.
    “I like you jealous. It’s hot. And you’d better block your thoughts, Glory girl.” His sapphire eyes sparkled. “You’re looking like you want to take up where DeeDee left off.”
    “Get over yourself, Caine. I was playing a part earlier. Outraged fiancée. Now that we’re alone, forget it.” I put my hand on his bare chest and gave him a gentle shove to give me some space. “I’ve been more than satisfied tonight. Maybe you’d better see if DeeDee will give you another chance, though I wouldn’t drink from her again. She needs some recovery time.” I yawned and stretched. “I feel the sunrise coming, though.”
    “So do I and I don’t do quickies. I like to take my time.” He grinned, a wicked twinkle in his eyes. “I imagine I can talk DeeDee back into bed eventually. She and I have a really good time together. You and I could too if you just let me show you my moves.” He slid one finger along my collar-bone.
    I smiled and grabbed his hand. “Give Blade some credit. I am a woman well loved. Very well loved.” I yawned again. “Now I’m going to throw on my gown and crawl into bed. Would you let in Valdez? I want to say something to him before I conk out.”
    “Only to tell him to stay the hell in the living room during the day. He’s supposed to guard the door, but I think he climbs in right between us as soon as we close our eyes. I swear these pillows smell like dog when I wake up. I haven’t forgotten that he’s really a man, you know.” Ray walked over to the bedroom door.
    “Hey, he’s protecting both of us. Something happens during the day? We’re golden. He’d die before he’d let harm come to either of