Read Online Suckers Bite Back (San Francisco Vampires #5) (Vampires of San Francisco series) by Jessica McBrayer - Free Book Online Page A

probably doesn’t know my number and is cautious.
    “Manda, it’s Aidan. I told you I would call,” I say, realizing I am grinning.
    “Hi Aidan. I have to admit I am surprised. I didn’t think you’d call, especially not so soon.”
    “I wanted to see what you were doing tomorrow.”
    “It’s a free day for me. First in a month. Why?” she asks coyly. I can almost imagine her beautiful smile.
    “If you can stand to be around me, I would like to spend the day with you. Are you up for it?” I cross my fingers. I’ve never had to do this before. It’s nerve wracking. No wonder human males have phobias about this.
    “Sure. What are we going to do? I need to know how to dress.”
    “What would you like to do if you could do anything or go anywhere?”
    “Hiking. In the Teton mountains outside of Yellowstone,” she says without hesitation.
    “Okay. Dress for hiking then. Where should I pick you up from?”
    “I’ll text you the address.”
    “Good. I’ll see you at 8 a.m. Sleep well, Manda.”
    “Thank you,” she whispers. “You too, Aidan,” she says more strongly. I hang up after that. I don’t want to spoil the moment. Her voice is as sexy as she is.
    Oh gods, what am I doing? Does this make me shallow and selfish to want this? I feel like I am cheating on Lilith. But then I remember that Lilith doesn’t want me anymore. The hurt is still there. No matter how much time I spend flying in the hot desert winds, it can’t erase the hurt. It’s not as bad as it was though. I also know that I have caused her as much hurt. Maybe it’s time we both move on…
    “I have a little confession to make Manda. We are going to Wyoming this morning.”
    “How on earth can you make that happen, Aidan? Do you have a private jet or something?” she asks. Her face is unbelieving and more than a little skeptical.
    “Something like that. Do you trust me?” I ask her.
    “I don’t know you,” she says. Her eyes dart around like she is looking for a way out of this conversation. I don’t want to scare her but I desperately want to make her wish come true. She’s dressed in hiking boots, cargo pants and has a back pack on. She obviously takes her hiking seriously. The boots and back pack are well worn and broken in.
    “Could you trust me?” I ask.
    “I would have to know you better.”
    “Then let’s get a coffee and we can talk.”
    “Okay.” I bravely take her warm, soft hand in mine as we cross the street from in front of her apartment. There is a small café and I hold out a chair for her to sit in. Only then do I let go of her hand. I sit next to her.
    “Ask away,” I say.
    “How old are you really?” she asks.
    “Over five thousand years.”
    She looks at me like I’m making fun of her. I keep my face straight to let her know I’m serious and let my words sink in. Her face starts to turn from disbelief to wonder. She looks behind her and leans close to me.
    “What are you?” she whispers.
    “I’m a djinn, a jinni if you will.”
    “I always knew there were other beings but I never thought I would meet one. I don’t want to be rude, but can you prove you’re a djinn before I consent to go off on some wild adventure?” she asks, eyes wide and smile wider.
    I pop a new Kate Spade bag onto the table. The one that just came out in the stores that has a waiting list. She gasps.
    “For you, Manda,” I say and wink.
    “Oh my gosh, thank you, Aidan,” she sputters and blushes again. “You really are a djinn. Oh my gosh. I can’t believe this,” she whispers behind her hand.
    “Believe it, love.” That term of endearment was always for Lilith. It just slipped out though, naturally. “Now about that trip I promised you. Do you have to do anything before we go?”
    “I can’t believe we’re going hiking,” she squeals. “I’ve been jonesing for the mountains.”
    “We can’t have that. Come, grab your purse and take my hand.” I lead her into an alley and wave my hand, changing