“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 that 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.”