Real Vampires Have More to Love
Page 62

Aggie grabbed my arm while I still reeled from Blade’s sucker punch. “Come on, you two. The wedding party is supposed to be on the floor.” She shoved me at Jerry. “Blade, the best man has to dance with the maid of honor.” She was pressed against the tall English vampire Richard had imported as one of his groomsmen.
Jerry kissed Mara’s pale cheek. “I’ll be right back.” Then he swept me into his arms.
I couldn’t believe I let him get away with it, then noticed Flo and Richard beaming at us. I forced a smile for their sakes. “Thank God this is a slow one. Even you can handle that.”
Jerry looked down at me, not bothering to smile. “Cheap shot. Just shut up and dance.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” I smiled as he swore and pulled a pin from his palm.
“What the hell is this? Your dress is a damned mine field.”
“So it is.” I intended to dance in silence but couldn’t stand it. “Mara, Jerry? Seriously?”
“Why not?” He glanced back to where she stood next to Lily. “We have a history, a daughter together, and she was more than happy to come.”
“I’m sure.” I stared at his snowy shirt front with the gold and onyx studs I’d given him one Christmas. I’d saved for them for months. I felt a lump in my throat and more tears behind my eyes. Would this music ever end?
“You shouldn’t be surprised, Gloriana. Clearly we are taking a break. I was just the last to know.” Jerry stepped back. Music over. He strode away, his shoulders broad, his stride still that of a warrior.
I couldn’t have a crying jag here in the middle of Flo’s wedding reception. I grabbed a glass of champagne, looked around and focused on the enormous wedding cake. The vamps wouldn’t be eating it, but Flo had insisted on the tradition, and the shifters would make short work of it.
The band started a tango, Damian’s favorite, and he and Diana swept onto the floor to the applause of the guests. Show-offs. Several other couples had also taken up the challenge.
“Dance?”
I looked up from my study of the bottom of my empty glass to meet Rafe’s eyes. “Are you kidding? Why would you even ask me after the way we left things?”
“I see an opportunity here. Blade’s obviously moving on. Seems like that clears the way for you to do the same.” Rafe nodded toward where Mara stood close to Jerry, her hands on his chest.
I couldn’t deny I was tempted. The music was sensual and throbbed with desires barely leashed. I loved to dance and knew Rafe was a man with some moves, but . . . “I can’t.” I smiled to take the sting out of my refusal. “Not playing those games.”
“Coward.” Rafe swung me into his arms until we were pressed together hip to hip, breast to hard chest. He grinned. “Blade is patting his pockets like he’s checking for a dagger to throw. At the very least we could make him jealous. I don’t mind being used as long as I get to hold you like this.”
Oh, his body felt good against mine. And I’d never forget how we’d been together. Neither would Alesa. She was trying to glue me to Rafe. Nope, not happening. I wasn’t about to make a scene, but I also wasn’t going to join the couples doing Latin dirty dancing in the center of the floor.
“Give it up, Rafe. I won’t use you, and I’m in a dress that’s a few pins away from self-destructing.”
He looked down and grinned. “I’ll say.” He tucked a piece of fabric into my bra with a familiarity that was probably being duly noted across the room. “What happened?”
“Don’t ask.” I sighed and gently shoved him away. “Quit acting loverlike and hit the buffet. I hear it’s awesome.”
Rafe stepped back, releasing everything but my hand. “Might as well. It’s clear I’m wasting my time tonight. But, just so you know, I meant it when I said I’m not giving up. No pressure. But I’m here for you, Glory. Whatever you need, whenever you need it.” Then he turned and strode away into the crowd.
“Are you kidding me? Go after him. A dance with him would be as hot as the seventh level of hell.” Alesa growled. “I swear I’m getting out my pitchfork again.” She popped me with some heat.
“Gloriana, look at you. Pull yourself together.” CiCi grabbed my arm before Alesa could push me after him. “Seriously. Your bra is showing. Let me try to pin this back in order.” She dragged me into the powder room and did what she could.
“I know, but I’m having a hard time caring. Did you see who Jerry brought to the wedding, CiCi?”
“Mara.” CiCi frowned. “I have never liked that woman.”
“She’s taking dead aim at Jerry.”
“Let her. He watched you talk to the shifter. He was clearly jealous. You were smart to rub his nose in that relationship.”
“I wasn’t. I wouldn’t.” I hadn’t been using Rafe.
“Hell Boy can take it. Get over it and go after him and dance this time.” Alesa wasn’t worried about a thing. I think the champagne had taken her edge off.
“Come on, Glory. They’re cutting the cake.” CiCi pulled me toward the crowd again.
“Interesting dress. How’s my little devil tonight?” Greg Kaplan held out two glasses of champagne.
I took one. “Don’t know what you mean.”
“Oh, come on. I heard you’ve got a demon thing going on. No wonder you’re shooting the red eye and standing up to Simon.” Greg sipped his champagne. “I’ve already texted my fearless leader about it. He’s thrilled.”
“What? You’re nuts. No demon thing here.” I drained my glass and felt a nice buzz. “Who let you in, anyway?”
“EVs are catering. The champagne is one of our newest items. Rocks, doesn’t it?” Greg polished his off and signaled a waiter for more. “Join our crew, and you’ll have unlimited access to these kinds of goodies.”
“Never. Who told you about this fictional demon?” I accepted yet another glass. Why not? It was a celebration of love. Flo had just cut the cake and smashed a bite into Richard’s lips. Another precious moment for the photographer. Gag me. I couldn’t believe this was me, not Alesa, being so cynical and uncaring. Then I saw Jerry laugh at something Mara said as they drank champagne together. Cozy. Nothing Alesa could do to me hurt like the pain of seeing the man I loved with another woman. I couldn’t stand to watch and focused on Greg.
“Let’s see. Aggie found out from Flo, who apparently did her best to stomp the bejesus out of the demon, which has taken up residence in her BFF.” Greg winked. “Still denying it?”
“Leave me alone, Greg. Flo and Richard are about to take off. They’re calling all singles to catch the bouquet or garter. You still single?” I cast an eye over the eager women gathered near Flo. Mara was there, of course. And Aggie. Even Nadia, who’d danced with Ray and made no secret of her claim on him. A few men had been dragged by Damian for the garter toss, Blade among them. Ray just leaned against the piano and drank some of Damian’s blood with a kick. That worried me.
“Eternally. Never could see any reason to tie myself down.”
“Me either.” I polished off my drink. “Guess I’d better go over there and be a good sport for Flo.”
“Yeah, maid of honor.” Greg winked. “Remember. Simon wants you, and he always gets what he wants. He could even help you with your demon problem. Hook you up to the energy pump and give our goddess a new plaything.”
Now that actually made me stop and think for a nanosecond. Alesa stayed quiet. Which made me think for another nanosecond.
“Forget it, Greg. Nothing could get me to hook up with anything or anyone”—I looked him up and down—“connected to the EVs. Tell Simon to give it up.”
“No way. He kills the messenger.” Greg steered me toward the gathering ladies. “Don’t sell Simon short. Next time you’re in your car, check the trunk. You won’t be sorry.”
Another gift? That bastard. He couldn’t buy me. I wasn’t going over to the dark side. Alesa torched me just then to show she wasn’t happy with my goody-two-shoes attitude.
“Glory, your face is red. Are you all right?” Blade’s daughter, Lily, took my arm.
“Fine, thanks. Just a little overheated.” I patted her hand. Lily really didn’t deserve her mother.
“Still shagging the bodyguard, Gloriana?” Mara, smiling of course, appeared next to her daughter. “Thank you. You finally got Jeremiah to see you for the slut you are.”
“Go stake yourself, Mara.” I faced Flo, who was waving her bouquet and trying to catch my eye. My poor friend had no clue of the meltdown I was trying desperately to avoid. “Just because Jerry and I are done doesn’t mean he’ll be satisfied with you.” I smiled at Lily. “Sorry, sweetie, but your mother and I have issues.”
Lily frowned at her mother. “No problem. Mother and I have issues too. Don’t give up on Dad, Glory. You can work things out.”
“Gloriana, what is this?” Mara plucked out a pin. “And this?” Before I could stop her, she’d managed to pull out half a dozen critical pins. “What did they have to do, put two dresses together to get one big enough to fit you?” She laughed.
I growled and slapped a hand across my chest to keep up the fabric. Alesa offered a few choice suggestions along the lines of “kill the bitch.” Tempting.
“Ladies, get ready to catch the bouquet,” the band leader announced, and there was a flourish and drums.
Flo had a good right arm, and the flowers sailed straight at me. I didn’t want them but couldn’t let them hit the ground. I reached up when Mara made a leap and snatched that bouquet out of midair. She landed next to me, the flowers clutched in her hand.
“Well, looks like we have the next bride.” The band broke into “The Wedding March.”