Read Online Real Vampires Hate Skinny Jeans by Gerry Bartlett - Free Book Online Page A

caused some of my kin to do things out of character.” Jerry ran a hand through his hair. “Power of suggestion. Obviously. It was about that time that my parents began having troublein their marriage, went their separate ways for almost a century. Then one of my brothers was killed in a skirmish with the MacDonalds. Sheep died. A well went dry. Of course everyone with a superstitious bent blamed the curse. Taken individually, these things happen. Put together, the MacDonalds took credit, claiming their curse had done its job.”
    “Well, I guess one more coincidence was that you changed your name.” I took my drink to the living room and sat on the couch. I quickly jumped up again and opened the windows, letting the cool fall air get rid of the demon stench.
    “It
was
a coincidence. I had used the same identity too long.” Jerry sat beside me and took my hand. “I’ve never been ashamed of my family or afraid of some stupid hag’s curse.”
    “No, it doesn’t sound like you.” I took a drink.
    “I also went to London and met you. That certainly turned out better than all right. No curse there.” Jerry smiled and kissed my knuckles.
    “Of course not.” I was putting off asking him the big question. “That was quite a scene with Ian. I have a headache, but I wasn’t about to take the pill he offered me for it.”
    “MacDonald’s guards tried to keep me out. Were going to toss me down the stairs.” Jerry frowned. “You didn’t think I was going to meekly accept that, did you?”
    “No!” I dropped my bottle on a coaster and grabbed Jerry’s thigh. “I’m sorry, Jer. That was not well done of Ian. He has to know you are always welcome here.”
    He put his hand over mine. “I’ll always distrust a MacDonald, there’s too much history there. But I wouldn’t want you upset, Gloriana.”
    “Thanks, Jerry. But…” I had so much to tell him and he had plenty to tell me. “I need to know something. Tell me all about how it was when you first saw me. Back in London. What attracted you to me? How did I appear?”
    “This is an odd subject. Trying to keep me from getting on you about having that demon here?” Jerry lifted my hand to his lips and nibbled the sensitive skin between my thumb and my forefinger.
    “No. I offered to handle this for Rafe. My choice. Now humor me. Refresh my memory.” I smiled at him and leaned against his arm. He had on a soft black sweater and it suited him. His jeans were worn and hugged his strong legs. Even his boots were masculine, a rough brown suede probably scuffed when he’d kicked Ian’s guards out of his way.
    “I noticed you at the Globe backstage helping with costumes. I’d come to see a play and went to pay my compliments to Shakespeare.”
    “I remember seeing you there.” Who wouldn’t have noticed the man in a kilt? He was so handsome in a dark, slightly dangerous way. He’d shed much of his Scottish accent since, but back then he’d spoken with a burr that had enchanted me.
    “And I saw you, always busy. I liked the golden color of your hair and the generous shape of your body. Will said you’d been trying to talk him into putting you on the stage in a minor part. Against the law, of course, but bribes in the right quarter took care of that and audiences loved to see an occasional female on the stage.” Jerry had his finger wound around one of my curls. I’d let my hair grow long again and he liked it that way.
    “Yes and it paid a bit more if you could get your chance at it.” I knew most of the women who’d had a turn on stage had wound up mistresses of rich men. I’d been terrified, but desperate enough to risk it by the time I’d asked for my chance.
    “Will told me that your husband had died in an accident and he’d let you stay on so you wouldn’t starve. Looked to me like you weren’t eating like you should. Your face was gaunt.”
    “Yes, I had cheekbones back then.” I sighed. Unfortunately Jerry had fattened me up before