Read Online Fatal Circle by Linda Robertson - Free Book Online

“I can just make it.” His expression was imploring. “I can’t crap out on the guys. I set this up.”
    I wasn’t exactly fond of the idea of going alone into the vampire’s haven, but I wouldn’t make things harder for him. I hoped he never had to “crap out on the guys.” I nodded.
    “That’s okay, Johnny,” Menessos’s voice heralded from the doorway as the vampire strolled through. “You can join us later, whenever you’re done.” He flashed his delighted and pointy grin.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    While Menessos gave the location of his haven to Johnny, I changed into my freshly washed copper Henley shirt and added my brown blazer. They dressed up the jeans a little. I had to admit, this kind of felt like I was meeting his family. I wanted to make a good impression, even though I knew the notion was ridiculous.
    When I came downstairs, Johnny hugged me, planted a quick kiss on my cheek, and whispered, “This thing runs until ten. I’ll get to you ASAP.” Then his lips pressed mine. It might have grown into something lustier but Beverley giggled and we both broke it off.
    I escorted him outside. The rain was gone, the sky clear, but it was cold.
    Johnny pointed to the duffel bag on the porch. “That’s my suitcase.” It was pretty big, as duffel bags went.
    “I’ll take that with my stuff.”
    “Make your minion carry it for you.”
    “Johnny.”
    He affected innocence and shrugged. “It’s heavy.”
    “ Riiight .”
    His lean arms encircled me with another hug and he whispered, “You’re the boss, Red. Don’t be afraid to make him know it.”
    “I’m not.” The hug ended too soon. “I’m not a fan of going in there alone, but I’m not afraid of it, either.”
    He tweaked my cheek. “That’s my girl.”
    Like a good boyfriend, he left me with a toe-curling kiss that sent fireworks sparkling up and down my spine. “I’m sure we’ll have our own room at the haven,” I whispered. “There’s some perks to our temporary relocation.”
    “How am I supposed to talk coherently about band shit while my brain is stalled on that promise?”
    I tapped his temple lightly. “Duh. Think with this head in the studio.” I added, “Innuendo point for me.”
    He chalked it onto the air scoreboard. “As soon as I get to you, though, the other one’s taking over.” He finished with a low and lusty growl in my ear.
    When his motorcycle roared up the road, I went back inside. Nana leaned in the dining room doorway, smoking and giving Menessos the stink-eye. He appeared a bit sheepish. “What did I miss?”
    Neither offered an answer.
    Beverley spilled the beans. “He complimented her on her shirt.”
    “That’s it?”
    “She told him not to try any weirdo vampire crap.”
    “Oh.” The moment went awkward. “Well. I hate long good-byes, so let’s get this over with.”
    Nana put her cigarette in the ashtray and came forward, open armed. “It’s the right thing for the right reason, Nana. It will all work out.”
    “I believe you.” She patted my back.
    “The contractors are supposed to come and give quotes about the remodeling. Their days and times are written on the calendar. And there are enough sticky-note jokes inside the book cover to last for three weeks . . . I don’t think I’ll be anywhere near that long, but just in case. Use them and it’ll be kind of like I’m still here.”
    Nana backed away. My attention went to Beverley. Unenthusiastically, she came toward me. I crouched to receive her hug. “I’ll be thinking about you, kiddo.”
    “I miss you already.”
    “Likewise.” When this embrace ended, I held on to her arms, being as earnest and sincere as I ever was. “I will be back. And that party will happen.”
    The onset of her tears brought mine flooding up like the dam just broke. “I gotta go.” I stood, hefted my bags, and left.
    With everything tossed in the trunk of my Toyota Avalon, we climbed into the car. Menessos got in the back. Seeing my displeasure