As for that p.a.w.n shop owner. I know him a long time, tu mi capisci? He has earned my trust and my loyalty. If you were in trouble, I do the same. Help you or get revenge if I am too late. Flo suddenly reached out and pulled me to her chest. You came to me. I love you for it. Now stay away. Let me handle it. I will not die. No worry, She pulled back, pasted on a fake smile and took a shuddery breath.

I cant just turn that worry off, Flo. This is a big deal. I blinked back tears I couldnt allow myself to shed.

I know. I will figure it out. Now you must show that you are still a good actress. We cannot let the men know we have a problem. She muttered something in Italian, pulled a lipstick out her purse and expertly drew it across her lips. There. Now we must go back. She jerked open the door. Come, smile. You are a good friend but you cannot tell me what to do.

I shook my head then staggered back to the chair. I wasnt ready to follow her yet, a smile was beyond me. There had to be another way to deal with this. I just wished I knew what it was. I pulled my phone out of my pocket. Yes, I did have his number. And what did that say about me? A hit man on speed dial. s.h.i.t.

Chapter Four.

Whats going on with you and Florence? Jerry and I were lying in his big king-sized bed. Hed made love to me until I was boneless. Now I needed to get dressed and go to the shop. We were living at his house until the apartment was ready. I had two things on my list tonight that I had to accomplish"order wedding invitations and pick out a costume for the Winter Solstice Ball. For some reason both those decisions overwhelmed me, so Id stalled getting out of bed and enjoyed some alone time with Jerry instead.

I dont know what you mean. I decided Id better get in the shower. I couldnt discuss Flos situation with Jerry. Hed tell Richard and then the rift between Flo and me would be even wider.

Come on, you two were together every night planning for the wedding until we met the other night at N-V. Then you dragged her downstairs and she hasnt called or come around since. Jerry rolled over and watched me gather up the clothes hed dropped on the way to bed and start hanging them up.

We had a little disagreement. Shes bossy. You saw her registering me, us, like she was the bride. I couldnt look at Jerry while I made up this excuse. Its my wedding. Right? She was trying to take over. I finally told her to back off. Give me some s.p.a.ce. I stepped into the walk-in closet so he couldnt see that I was near tears. I hated lying to him but the truth wasnt an option. I threw his shirt into a hamper and found a hanger for his jeans. My clothes took up a small section of the huge walk-in. It was a symbol of how our lives were so unequal. Jerry had so much and Id bring so little to our marriage. The tears that were so near the surface lately threatened to fall. Pity party. I was so ready to toot the horn and toss the confetti.

I thought you two were having fun together. Jerry stood right behind me, his hands sliding around my waist. You sure youre not just nervous about the wedding? Is it bothering you that my folks are coming?

Of course it is. I whirled around and buried my face in his warm strong chest. G.o.d, but I loved the smell and feel of him. His strength. Just having him hold me made everything feel moremanageable. Your mother hates me. Shes going to try to ruin this wedding if she can.

Gloriana, settle down. Jerry smoothed my back, his touch calming me as it always did. Mum will not do a d.a.m.ned thing to ruin our night. Ill see to it. Ive talked to her and let her know how important this is to me. She will put on a happy smile and be gracious or, by G.o.d, Ill never speak to her again. He lifted my chin so I could see his eyes and read his mind. Do you believe me?

Yes. I kissed him then, deeply, tasting him and savoring the delicious connection we had. Thank you, Jer. I know how much family means to you.

You are my family, Gloriana. Now and forevermore. You can take that as my vow. Whether it is in front of a preacher and our friends or not. He was deadly serious and I loved him more than I ever had.

Jerry. I pulled him down to the floor, desperate to have him again. Would I ever tire of the feel of his hard body against mine? I couldnt imagine it.

He touched me in all the places he knew drove me wild. I kissed a path down his strong chest to the burgeoning proof that he wanted me as much as I did him. I pushed him back and took him into my mouth, drawing him deep inside as I squeezed his sacs and breathed in his essence. He was mine, eager to prove that he would have no other. It gave me a power that made me stroke him faster, with a rougher touch. Then I bit deep into the vein at his upper thigh. His blood was warm, salty and like heaven to me. His shout of pleasure made my own satisfaction double, triple, until I quivered with it. I needed more. So I turned until he could use his clever mouth on me. Oh, G.o.d, but he knew me. He held me in place, his tongue just where he could bring me to crest after crest.

I pulled back, sitting astride him, groaning as his c.o.c.k plunged deep inside me. Yes! This is what I wanted, needed, loved. My man, my lover, my husband. I couldnt wait to take my own vow. Yes, hed be mine forevermore too.

By the time I got to the shop it was almost midnight. At least the Internet never closed and after dithering over font, paper, and style, I finally managed to order the invitations on-line. Then I took advantage of owning my own resale shop. We specialized in carrying a variety of costumes so I had plenty to choose from. One of them should be perfect to wear to Damian Sabatinis annual Winter Solstice Ball. But there was one problem. I really, really wanted my best friends help making a choice. I punched speed dial for Flo and was relieved when she answered.

Are you going to lecture me? Her voice had a chill I hated.

No. Ive missed you. Any chance you can come by the shop and give me some advice on what to wear to Damians party? I had pulled a few options but none of them were singing to me. Of course this had just been an excuse to call my best friend. We needed to mend this rift between us. And I was dying to know what was going on with the threat against her.

Ive missed you too. I hope youve worked on the guest list for your shower. Im still planning it, you know. Flos voice sounded shaky. Shed obviously thawed. I am coming now. Stay there. It will be a few minutes. She ended the call.

Florence is coming here? Miguel stood a few feet away. He was examining the rack of mens evening wear.

When did you sneak in here? I stuck my phone in my jeans pocket. You going to talk to Flo about her, um, problem? I glanced around. Midnight was a dead time in my business, though wed been busy earlier when the shifts had changed at nearby hospitals.

You bet I am. She called the p.a.w.n shop owner. He must have seen my surprise. Yes, hes still alive, but barely. Apparently he has lots of valuable contacts in our world so the Maurys are afraid to alienate them by killing him outright. Miguel smiled at my furtive peeks around us. Yes, I checked too. Your clerk is taking a smoke break in the alley and we are very much alone.

Good thing. Both that we arent being overheard and that Saul is alive. Flo was ready to rip open some throats over her buddy Saul. Apparently he generates a lot of loyalty. I carried my costume choices to the back room. Sure enough, I could smell shape-shifter Megans bad habit through the back door.

Yes, the Maurys are now very much aware. Flo called them too. The woman is b.a.l.l.sy, Ill give her that. Shes declared war on them. Refuses to give up her necklace and dares them to try to hit her. You can imagine how that went over.

So what now? I sighed. This could not end well.

Im waiting for my invitation then Ill tell you. Have you talked to Sabatini yet? Miguel stalked out to the shop. I heard its a costume party. I like this jacket. Maybe Ill do a Rhett Butler look with a top hat. You have one of those? He slipped on a vintage wine-colored velvet jacket that fit him perfectly. The color wasnt bad with his dark skin either. I dont keep much stuff from my past. I move around a lot.

Youre kidding me. Youre going to wear a costume? Mix and mingle with Flos brother while you are committed to a hit on her? I stalked over to a locked case, pulled the key from my other pocket, the one without my phone, and opened it. The vintage silk hat was expensive but I knew Miguel could afford it and I could use the cash flow. See if this fits your enormous head.

He just grinned and pushed it on over his dark hair. Perfect. Now a white silk shirt and a cravat. I have tux pants. Thatll do it, I think.

You are quite a piece of work. I pulled out the perfect shirt in his size"Id become an expert in figuring that out"and a mans navy silk scarf. Tie this scarf into a cravat style. Itll give you the look youre after. And I have a stickpin thatll finish it off. I unlocked another case and pulled out a pearl pin that would add to his total cost in a major way. He didnt blink at the price tag, just handed it to me.

Fix it for me. You know I cant use a mirror.

Yeah, right. I adjusted the scarf, stuck in the pin and stepped back. Yep, a dark and dangerous Rhett Butler. If my next door neighbor Diana came as Scarlett like she usually did, theyd make quite a pair. Maybe Damian, who dated Diana and tended to take her for granted, needed some compet.i.tion. Thats the look. Ladies will swoon. If I can get you in.

Call Damian now. I want to hear you do it. He sat in front of the register on a stool we kept for customers.

Fine. All I can promise is that Ill try. He may not be eager to a.s.sociate with a known criminal. I pulled out my phone. Of course I had Damians number in my contact list. He was a supplier for the best synthetic blood. I couldnt afford it, but Jerry and Ray and all the well-heeled vamps used him. I had to admit, being married to Jerry would mean Id be drinking the premium stuff from now on as well. Jer wouldnt have my bargain brand in his fridge.

Damian and I had had a moment when Id first arrived in Austin. He was known as Casanova, a myth he worked hard to live up to. He was handsome, Italian, and had a line that made most women weak in the knees. I hadnt been immune. Now, I was all about Jerry. Damian and I had established a nice friendship, mostly because of his sister Florence. He answered on the second ring.

Gloriana, Jeremiah already called me. He said both of you are coming to my ball. Is he going to trot out his plaid again? Damian chuckled. Everyone knew Jerry didnt care for costumes and used his clan plaid as his dress of choice whenever a costume was called for.

You know Jerry. Im still working on my look. No plaid for me. Makes my b.u.t.t look big.

Ridiculous. Your b.u.t.t is perfetto. Damian had always been appreciative of a full figure. He and Diana had been an item for a long time and she had some extra inches almost everywhere.

Thank you. Glad you think so. Now as to why I called. I have a friend who would like to get to know you better. He thought an invitation to your ball might be the way to do that. I glanced at Miguel who was obviously listening to both sides of the conversation. Ears like a bat. He had taken off his purchases and now laid them on the counter.

And who is this friend? Does Jeremiah know him?

Yes. Sort of. Its Miguel Cisneros.

The hit man? If I didnt know better, Id say Damian had dropped his phone. You call him your friend?

Hes not a hit man any more, Damian. You know people can change. Youve changed yourself. Look how youve settled down. Head of the local vampire council now. Not the wild party boy you used to be, are you? I grinned when I heard a spate of Italian.

Dont remind me. I think I am losing my touch. I should move back to Italia, race sports cars again, go back to my fast women. I am turning into a staid boring pillar of the community. He spat this like he was disgusted.

No, its a good thing. You will live longer, not being chased by irate husbands. Right?

Hah! I am a dead shot, a fencing master. And dont even ask me how mortal men fare when they try to come after me. Big sigh. So why does Cisneros want to meet me and whats in it for me?

Miguel grabbed my phone. Sabatini, Cisneros here. Gloriana was kind enough to provide the introduction. Let me plead my own case.

Im listening. Damian didnt say anything else.

I understand youre a businessman. So am I. Not what I used to do, of course. That is finished. No more loansharking either. I cut all ties with Lucky Carver and her kind. But the years I worked for her, I learned some valuable lessons and made some contacts that could be useful for both of us.

How? Damian was being unusually curt.

Many people I know are vampires, of course. Good clients for your synthetic blood operation. Also, I have a considerable amount of capital I would like to invest. I understand you are into real estate in Austin and elsewhere in the state. I think we could work together to pick up some property, turn a profit. But wed need to sit down in the same room to discuss that. Miguel said something in what I a.s.sumed was Italian.

Damian answered in the same language and I was out of it then. I barely speak English. Foreign languages have always defeated me. I began writing down the list of Miguels purchases on a bill of sale. By the time I got to the total, Miguel had ended the call.

So, are you going to the ball?

Yes. And we are going to meet sooner than that to discuss some business. Seems we have more in common than Sabatini thought. A love of fast cars and fast women, among other things. Miguel was grinning. Im thinking we should start a fencing club. Ive missed a good match with a sword. He glanced at my total and peeled off some bills.

Good grief, you and Damian really are two peas in a pod. Cash sale. I took the money and slipped it into the register.

We both understand how to make a buck. Thanks, Glory, for keeping your end of our deal. Miguel took the bag with his purchases.

I cant believe youre going into business with my brother. Flo stood inside the front door. I doubt h.e.l.l follow through with these plans if you kill me.

Megan walked in from the back room. Im back from break, Glory.

Great. Lets take this to the back room, people. I dragged Flo toward my storeroom. Miguel sauntered after us after giving Megan an interested once-over. She smiled at him. She was attractive and single.

Quit dragging me, Glory. Im going. Flo peeled my fingers off of her arm and stepped into the room.

This is going to be fun. Miguel gestured for me to go ahead of him. Megan, is it? What time do you get off work? He winked.

Leave her alone, Miguel. My clerks are off limits to you. I slammed the door and faced both of them. Flo looked ready to leap for his throat. Miguel was texting someone. I wanted to bash both of them in the head with something heavy to get their attention. Where was a weapon when I needed one?

Chapter Five.

Would you two pay attention? What is the plan? I sat on the table I kept in the back room. Jerry and I had had some great times there. I needed to call Jer and tell him everything. I was the one who demanded communication in our relationship. Flo definitely shouldnt be keeping secrets from her husband either, especially not one this big and life-threatening.

Glory, you are absolutely right. Miguel slid his phone into his back pocket. Florence, you need to call Richard and get him involved in this.

No. She sat in the only chair in the room and crossed her legs. After looking for a place to put it and finding nowhere she considered clean enough, she set her Chanel bag on her lap. This is my problem. Ricardo has nothing to do with this.

Thats where youre wrong. Miguel sat on the table next to me, his leg against mine. Not for the first time, I wondered why there were absolutely no sparks between us. I slapped his hard thigh.

Dont read my mind.

Youre too easy. Obviously you were thinking that Florence needs to tell her husband whats going on. Youre right and I have the reason right here. Miguels phone buzzed. Let me answer this then Ill show you. He hopped down and answered. There was a muttered conversation, mostly monosyllables on his part. It was in a foreign language but I did hear Richards name. That got Flo on her feet next to him, her hands fisted.

What the h.e.l.l have you done? She was so upset shed dropped her purse on my concrete floor and hadnt noticed. I jumped down and scooped it up. The expensive purse looked okay but I couldnt stand to see it lying there in harms way.

Relax, Florence, Im working to save you. Obviously you heard both sides of my conversation. I have contacts all over Europe. The vampire on the phone lives near the town where the head of the Maury family has a chateau.

And this vampire is on our side? Whats this about my husband? Flo realized her purse was missing and s.n.a.t.c.hed it out of my hands. After a quick inspection, she set it on the chair.

Miguel laughed. Darling, no one is on your side in this. These guys do favors to get favors in return. Saul is well-known and a good connection as you know. The Maurys are mortal but have plenty of money. No one cares about them but they have the sway an ancient name and money can buy. Or did until they picked on Saul.

Yes, I knew it! The Maurys have made a grande errore hurting him. But Ricardo! Tell me. I heard his name. Flo made the mistake of grabbing Miguels jacket. His look could have melted steel. She stepped back and shook her fingers as if hed singed them. Say you can fix this, Cisneros.

Maybe, maybe not, princess. If you werent Glorys friend, I would have left you to your fate. Miguel looked her over with cold eyes. As usual Flo was dressed for success. Tonight she wore vintage Chanel head to toe. Her shoes were perfect leather pumps with a bow on the toe. Her suit was straight from the Grace Kelly era, pink and black. I didnt doubt shed bought the entire ensemble new back in the day from CoCo herself. It would sell in the shop in a heartbeat and for big bucks. Princess was right.

Miguel, dont say that. Okay, I know youre doing us both a favor. We appreciate it, dont we, Flo? I nudged her and she smiled weakly.

Yes, I do. Sorry if I do not seem grateful, signore. This is upsetting and when you say my husbands name She sniffled.

Okay, enough with the mysterious looks. Tell us whats going on, Miguel. Forget Flos exquisite taste. We had a bigger problem than what to wear to her funeral.

I called in some favors, put out the word about the Maurys and the way they treated Saul. People dont like that. Now the Maury family is panicking, working the phones, calling in reinforcements. They can buy paranormals to take their side and this could turn into a war over there. Saul isnt stupid. Thats bad for business. He wants to broker a peace. Miguel glanced down when his phone signaled a text.

Why? They hurt Saul. He should want to see them wiped off the face of the earth! Flo stomped around the workroom, looking angry again. Hed better not drag Ricardo into this.

Saul is all about the bottom line, Princess. The Maury family has quite a few influential friends who do business with him as well. Saul plays both sides in this. Bones and bruises heal. He doesnt want to lose any customers, no matter how difficult they are. Miguel looked up from his phone, his glance at Flo saying what his words hadnt. Obviously my pal was one of Sauls more difficult clients.

I wont give up the necklace. Flos stubborn look could be used for billboards. It would make anyone pause to read the message, whatever it was.

I get that, Florence. So does Saul. But he knows of something else the Maury family wants desperately. Apparently he and your husband had a conversation the last time you were in Sauls shop. Richard Mainwaring owns something that the family would take in trade. And they would call off the hit if they could get this rare item.

But"

Wait, Flo. This sounds like a win. Doesnt Richard own thousands of ancient doc.u.ments, artifacts, stuff like that? Maybe its something that isnt that important to him. I slipped my hand around her shoulders. Sit. Think for a minute. These people are making a concession. And should you really be keeping something this big a secret from Richard anyway?

I dont like it. Ricardo paid good money for the necklace. A deal is a deal. Flo wasnt softening. She glanced at Miguel. Dont listen. She got up and pulled me with her into the bathroom. Men do not need to know every little thing, Glory. You will find in your own marriage that it is necessary to protect Jeremiah from some truths that he would rather not know.

Which is why I will never marry. Miguel said through the door. We could hear the click of the keys. He was texting again. Should I tell them no deal? I cant promise the Maurys wont find another hit man to take my place once they figure out Im not taking care of you.

I pulled Flo back out of the bathroom to give him a probing look. Youre not?

Miguel held up his hand. Quit trying to read my mind, Glory. I told you. I gave up wet work. I didnt take their money.

Dont text them yet. I faced Flo so she could see I was serious. I dont want to upset you, pal, but if you dont tell Richard now, I will. This is too important. If it means losing you as a friend, Im sorry, but I cant stand the idea of you in danger or losing your life.