First Drop of Crimson (Night Huntress World 1)

Denise poked her head out of the bedroom, a shy look on her face.

"I was going to take a shower, but it's, um, there's not a separate bathroom area. The shower's out in the open and it's all glass, so...just don't come in until I'm done, okay?"

Spade hid his grin. He'd known about the open, clear-glass shower in the center of the bedroom when he reserved this suite. In fact, he had chosen it specifically for that reason. Some things he wasn't above cheating on.

"Of course. You may also want to catch a nap after you eat. We won't be going to the Belaggio until closer to midnight."

She sighed but nodded, and pulled the curtains to the bedroom all the way shut. Spade was tired and jet-lagged as well, which meant Denise had to be exhausted since she didn't have the advantage of being a Master vampire.

Though she wasn't just a human anymore. Spade wondered how much of that she noticed and chose not to talk about, and how much she was unaware of. He'd quickly realized Denise's voracious appetite combined with her inability to gain weight was related to her marks. Her temperature, always a few degrees hotter than a normal human, spiked when she was angry. Then her speed that night when she ran from the club. The bite marks on her neck that healed completely within a day. The tattoos. Denise's skin should have been scabbed for days after such extensive work, but after an hour or two of redness, it returned to being smooth as silk, healing even faster than her neck had.

He also noticed she'd manifested the changes in her hands only when she was very angry. Then after she calmed down, her hands returned to normal. Denise hadn't had an incident since England. That could be from the tattoos keeping Raum's essence from growing in her...or it could be because she'd hadn't gotten extremely angry since then.

Spade didn't plan for her to lose her temper any time soon, either. He intended to show Denise there was more to being with a vampire than what she'd seen that awful New Year's Eve. Then she could finally conquer her fears of the undead world - and join it.

He'd lost the woman he loved before, but he wouldn't let himself lose Denise. Once he found her wretched relative and forced Raum to take the brands off Denise, he'd make her a vampire. Then death couldn't steal her from him as it had stolen Giselda.

And one way to ease her reservations over the undead world was to show her the pleasures of it. Denise already wanted him, conflicted though she might be. Spade intended to show her that their attraction couldn't be ignored anymore. It would be the gentlemanly thing to give her more time to come to terms with her feelings for him, but he didn't have time. They were closing in on Nathanial, and once they found him, his time was up.

So, if the quickest way to defeat her reservations about the undead world was through her attraction to him, he'd exploit that weakness with relish. Soon she'd be finished with her monthlies - not that it would bother him under normal circumstances, but her blood was too dangerous now - and he'd be able to complete his seduction.

Soon, darling, he promised her, hearing the shower turn on and imagining the water dripping down her bare skin. Very soon.

Denise felt like her senses were on overload. First, the unimaginable hotel suite. Then the drive to the Strip, seeing those lights growing ever closer, until it felt like they were driving into the mouth of a glittering behemoth. Spade had the limo drop them off a couple of blocks from the Belaggio to walk the rest of the way. Denise didn't know if that was for some sort of security precaution, so the driver didn't know where they were bound, or because he wanted to enjoy the sights.

They were certainly amazing. All the neon lights, crowds, noise, and the vibe along the Strip sent an almost palpable message that inhibitions didn't apply here. A play ground for grown-ups, she'd heard Vegas called, and the dazzling display of entertainment options, even at midnight, seemed to agree.

"What do you think?" Spade asked as they entered the Belaggio.

Denise shook her head. "Ask me later, when I'm less overwhelmed."

He gave her one of those sly smiles she'd come to enjoy far more than she should. If not for the seriousness of their objective tonight, she'd feel like she was on a date. A very, very extravagant date. Aside from their accommodations, Spade insisted on buying her a new dress, shoes, purse, and jewelry - all without letting her see any of the prices. It was her costume for tonight, he'd said with another of those grins. Granted, her new outfit was far more in line with Spade's Armani shirt and tailored pants. Hell, his watch probably cost more than her entire ensemble.

Yet Spade wore his clothes and accessories with elegant diffidence, without the superior attitude that usually accompanied someone with his bank account. Denise had dated a few rich guys before Randy, but most of them had seemed so impressed with themselves, they weren't interested in her except for sex or arm decoration. Spade, even under these pretend circumstances, was attentive and charming. Add that to his odd combination of gallantry, ruthlessness, and loyalty, and Denise's feelings were running well beyond physical attraction.

If only he wasn't a vampire, she thought. Then she gave herself a mental slap. If Spade wasn't a vampire, she wouldn't be here with him, because she'd needed a vampire's help to find Nathanial. She had to stop getting caught up in the illusion and focus on reality.

Spade led her past the entrance with the medley of slot machines, craps tables, and blackjack dealers to the back of the casino labeled Club Prive. Denise was amazed how the atmosphere seemed to change from gleeful hedonism to stylish avarice within the space of a few dozen feet.

After a polite exchange with the hostess, they went inside the gold-and-mulberry decorated room. It had several booths, servers hovering in attendance, and at least two games already in progress.

Spade gestured to the bar. "Order me a scotch, please. Won't be a moment."

Denise glanced at the window discreetly located in the corner. "You just don't want me to see how much money you're exchanging for chips, or I'll have a heart attack, right?"

He laughed. "Clever girl. But it's not all on your account. I find I'm feeling lucky tonight."

She could have read so much into that last sentence, accompanied as it was by a sinful curl to his mouth, but that was a road best left untraveled.

"I'll get your drink," Denise managed. And one for herself. A stiff one.

A few minutes later, Spade came back carrying a tray of different-colored chips. Denise had already finished her scotch, but decided against another one. As was customary for the date of anyone gambling, she'd be on her feet for a while tonight, standing behind Spade as he played. No need to invite swaying with too much alcohol.