Read Real Vampires Get Lucky for Free Online Page A

Lucky's memory and . . . Naw. I knew my duty. Unfortunately.
    "Looks like we're going to be stuck with her for a while." Valdez had read my mind, of course. I rubbed his silky ears.
    "Yep, she's got a lot to learn." The phone in the shop was ringing. And ringing. When nobody answered after ten rings, I jumped up and headed for the bathroom. Either they were really busy down there or something was wrong.
    "Trouble?" Valdez stopped by the bathroom door.
    I stopped and looked back at Lucky. She'd finished her Fangtastic and was busy trying to rub out the bloodstain on her boot.
    "Yeah, trouble."
    Four
    "Come on, Lucky. Decide. Either come down with me or stay up here. Take a shower. Raid my roommate's closet." Did I have a death wish? Nobody raided Flo's closet. And she still hadn't come home, something I'd worry about later. "She's about your size. And she has great shoes." Hey, I was desperate.
    Lucky sat slumped on the couch. In the same position she'd been in when I'd hit the shower. I was desperate to get downstairs and check on things. I'd called twice more and still no answer.
    "Go. I'll stay here." She picked up her purse and pulled out her cell phone and flipped it open. "Oh, God."
    "What?"
    "My father's called six times. I didn't check in. If I don't report by . . ." She glanced at her wrist. "Shit. My Rolex is gone. Doesn't matter anyway. I've got to call right now or Daddy will send his goons to check on me."
    "Goons?" I didn't have time for this. But if an invasion was imminent . . .
    Lucky wasn't listening to me. She'd obviously hit speed dial.
    "Dad, it's me. I'm, uh, okay." She put a shaking hand over her eyes and sobbed, then handed me the phone. Oh, swell. I cleared my throat. "Hello?"
    "Who the hell is this? Why's my baby girl crying?"
    "I'm Gloriana St. Clair, uh, Lucky's new friend." I tried to hand the phone back to Lucky but she slapped it away.
    "Listen, lady, put Luciana back on. Now."
    "She's a little upset, sir." Hey, this guy sounded like a "sir." "She had a near miss last night."
    "Near miss? What the hell does that mean?"
    "I'll let her tell you." I dropped the phone in Lucky's lap and ran into my room to get my shoes and purse. I could hear Lucky talking and crying. By the time I got back to the living room, she was sniffling and held out the phone again.
    "Daddy wants to talk to you."
    "I don't have time. I've got-"
    "Goons on your doorstep?" Lucky stuck the phone in my hand. "Talk to him. He's, uh, grateful." A grateful loan shark. Okay, I guess I could spare a moment. "Hello, this is Gloriana."
    "You got any idea who tried to take my girl out?"
    Hmm. Cut to the chase, why don't you? "No, we didn't see anyone. And Lucky's bodyguard is missing. Maybe-"
    "Don't make sense. Brittany's been with us for years."
    "Well, sir . . ."
    "Call me Carl. You did good, little lady. Sure, having a vampire daughter ain't my notion of a swell time, but we'll figure it out. I want to repay you. Anything you want." The man coughed. "Within reason, of course. Just tell Lucky what you want."
    "That's very kind of you." I saw Lucky pull a tissue out of her purse and wipe her eyes. "There is one thing Lucky has . . ."
    "Put her on. I'll make sure she gives it to you. And, little lady?"
    "Yes?" I couldn't stop grinning. Maybe saving someone would actually pay off.
    "You spread the word. There's a million cash for whoever finds the asshole who tried to take my little girl out."
    "A million. Dollars?" Visions of financial freedom made the room spin.
    "You bet. Put Luciana back on the phone. And thanks."
    "You're welcome." I handed the phone to Lucky.
    "Glory, we've got to go." Valdez dropped his leash at my feet. "I've got to go ."
    "One more minute."
    Lucky snapped her phone shut, her face pale again. "He said to give you whatever you want. As a reward." She saw my gaze move to the object of my desire. "No! Please! You have no idea how many months I waited to get this. I had to bribe the salesclerk." She snatched up her