(Glory St Clair 11) Real Vampires Say Read My Hips (32 page)

“Never mind. I shouldn’t have spoken.” Alesha glanced at Charis and bowed her head.

“Really. I am shocked you did so.” Charis sniffed. “Can we go now?”

“Not yet. Hand me your papers, Alesha.” I took them from Alesha’s shaking hand. Looking them over quickly, I spotted the place where I could sign to free her, pulled open a drawer, and found a pen. I laid the page on the granite countertop and, with quick strokes, signed the document then gave the pen to Charis.

“Witness my signature please.”

“What did you just do?” Charis looked horrified.

“I don’t own people. Our father knows that. Now you do. Sign or you’re going right back home to face the gossip you just ran away from.” I wasn’t going to cut her any slack and glared at her.

“Hey, Alesha knows how things are up there. Don’t you?” Charis aimed her own glare at Alesha.

“Yes, mistress.” Alesha wasn’t about to get in the middle of this but I could see her mouth quivering on the edge of a smile.

“Sign, Sister.” I slapped the pen into Charis’s hand. “Then we can go shopping. Or not.”

“Fine. But you’re giving away a valuable piece of property. Alesha is worth--”

“Shut. Up.” I was close to throttling my father’s child. She got it and quickly signed where I pointed.

“There you go. Congratulations, Alesha. You’re a free woman.” Charis threw down the pen and spun toward the door. “Can we go now? I can’t wait to see more of Earth.”

“I can’t wait either, Glory.” Alesha surprised me with a strong hug. “You are the most wonderful of women, lady. I will live with you and serve you until the day I die.”

“No, you won’t.” I laughed. “I hope we find you a handsome husband to live with. Or if you don’t want one, maybe a career that will help you be independent, making good money so you can take charge of your own life.”

Alesha did a little dance. “All of that sounds fine to me. But first I get new clothes. I want some of those cotton pants, jeans you call them. They look pretty and comfortable. Would they be appropriate for your housekeeper to wear, Glory?”

“Yes, indeed.” I grinned at Charis.

“Are you done yet?” My sister dragged me toward the door. “Honestly, you act like you’ve never had a servant before, Glory. Buying her clothes. What’s next? Adopt her? Set her up on a blind date with a hot guy?”

“If I knew a single one I thought she’d like, I might.” I ignored the words Charis muttered as she stalked to the door. Of course I’d never had a servant before. Independent Glory worked and scraped by. Living with Jerry now had changed all that. It wasn’t the worst thing that had ever happened to me.

“You’re insane.” Charis reached for the doorknob.

“Stop. The alarm is set, I saw Richard arm it again when he left. Both of you watch me punch in the code.” I gave them a quick lecture on the importance of keeping the security system set, especially during the day if they went out. Once I was sure they had the code memorized, we stepped into the hall.

“Well, that was interesting. I guess vampires do have to be security conscious.” Charis tapped her foot while I locked the door. “Father told me something about your, um, lifestyle.”

“Yes, we’re immortal unless we’re caught during our death sleep by someone with a stake.” I shivered, thinking about that vulnerability. Flo had been right about one thing, coming back to the death sleep was a little unnerving. “The very fact that both of you will be awake in our apartment when we are dead to the world means we are trusting you with our lives.”

“Don’t worry, Glory, I will guard you with my life.” Alesha looked very serious. “Give me a weapon and I will lie across your bedroom door each day if you wish it.”

“Honestly, could you be more melodramatic? Like you could hold off anyone with your pathetic skills.” Charis stomped down the stairs. “You did say the shop was down here, didn’t you?”

“Yes.” I waited at the top. “Don’t you have something to say to me, Sister?”

She stopped at the first landing and looked back with what I was beginning to think was an evil smile. “Sure. You can trust me, Glory. I want you to live. Or Father would make me go back to Olympus. But die for you like little miss handmaiden here? Don’t count on it.” She turned and tromped on down the stairs.

I shrugged. What did I expect? She was young and selfish, raised by a woman who was nuttier than a Christmas fruitcake. And, yes, her father had neglected her to run around with his mistress. I jumped when Alesha touched my shoulder.

“Are you all right, Glory? That was unkind.”

“I’m fine.” I stuck my cell phone and keys in my pants pockets. It was a tight squeeze. “Let’s go. I have a business to check on and shopping always cheers me up.”

As soon as we got downstairs, Charis and Alesha headed to the racks. I rushed to the cash register and the stack of sales slips next to it. I wanted to see the day’s receipts.

“Hold it right there, Goldilocks. You touch my register and you’ll be drawing back a nub.” The voice meant business and I actually felt my stomach plummet to my toes before I turned to confront whoever thought they could boss
me
around.

The tall black woman wore skinny jeans like they’d been invented just for her. She strutted toward me, not bothered at all by the balancing act it must have taken to be so confident in the platform heels that added an extra five inches to her six feet. Amazon. That’s the word that came to my mind. Then I was pinned to the checkout counter by her hand on my chest.

“Kira?” I glanced around and saw at least three mortal customers watching us warily. “I’m Gloriana St. Clair, the owner here.”

“Prove it.” She kept her hand on me, sharp painted black nails making it obvious that moving might draw blood. Then she inhaled. “Oh, shit. Guess you are. Either that or another of your kind has the guts to waltz in here and go for the receipts.” She finally released me and stepped back. “Guess Lacy told you I’m the new girl.”

“She mentioned you.” I rearranged my sweater and relaxed, smiling at the mortals who looked afraid to move. “Nothing to see here, folks. Just a little misunderstanding. I’m Glory, the owner. Welcome to my shop.”

“She’s right. It’s the head honcho herself. Laura, go try that dress on, girl. You’re going to have Eli panting for you when he sees how it shows off your tatas.” Kira walked over to take a cocktail dress from one of the women. “Let me set you up in a dressing room. These your friends? You all going to the same party?” She smiled at them. “Where are your picks? You telling me we’ve got nothing you want to try?” She led them to a rack and started pulling looks that would flatter them. Before she was done they each had a half a dozen outfits and were excited to try things.

“Good work.” I had the day’s total figured out and was happy about it. So far the shop looked good. Merchandise was in order and the shelves were well-stocked. I assumed Lacy had left for the night since she usually worked days anyway.

“So where have you been all this time?” Kira leaned against the counter. “Lacy’s been frantic, you know. And in her condition, it isn’t good for her to be under stress. You couldn’t drop her a text? A quick email? Something to let her know you weren’t dead in a ditch somewhere?”

“No, I couldn’t.” I set down the paperwork and decided I needed to get some things straight right now. “I don’t have to explain myself to you, Kira. I appreciate the fact that you’re protective of Lacy. She tells me you’re a friend of Rafe’s. So am I.”

“He told me.” Kira turned and watched Charis throw a stack of clothes on a chair. “She came in with you. You want me to tell her we don’t treat the merchandise that way? She’s got a five hundred dollar Chanel jacket on the floor.”

“I’ll handle her. She’s my sister.” I could see Charis was going to take some work. She was used to snapping on outfits with her goddess magic. What the hell was she doing messing with the clothes from here?

“She’s a pig. Look at that.” Kira stalked over and rescued a silk scarf before Charis stepped on it. “Lady, please respect the clothing here. Most of it is old and well-loved. It would be a shame for you to ruin it for someone else.”

“Excuse me? Glory, are you going to let this clerk talk to me that way?” Charis hung a silver chain around her neck. “Father will pay for anything I want, you know.”

“How? Did he leave you a credit card?” I walked over to stand beside Kira. “Honestly, Charis, Kira’s right.” I smiled at my clerk. “I couldn’t have said it better myself. Respect the clothes. Until I see the color of Dad’s money, you can’t take anything upstairs with you.”

“Well, what’s the fun of bringing me down here then?” Charis looked mulish, especially when she saw that Alesha had a pair of jeans and a white shirt in her hands. “But you’ll dress the hired help?”

“You bet I will. Kira, this is Alesha. She can have whatever she wants and put it on my tab.” I led Alesha to an empty fitting room. “Try those on and let’s see how they fit.” I glanced at the tags then pulled her dress tight around her. “You may need a smaller size. I had no idea you were so tiny under that baggy dress.”

“I was looking for ten, you said, Glory.” Alesha was obviously excited. “I will put these on then come show you. If you approve, then I want them.”

“Boring. Jeans and a white shirt. At least pick a color.” Charis plucked a blue cotton blouse from the rack. “Take this in there. It’s a medium. Should fit. Glory will want you to have more than one top anyway. Right, Sis?”

“Of course.” I was surprised that Charis was willing to help but then maybe she was like me and got off to shopping, even if it was for someone else. “Charis, go ahead and pick something for yourself. I’m sure Dad will be good for it. I’ll have to talk to him about billing options anyway. If we go to New York.”

Kira grabbed my arm. “What’s this? You’re leaving again? You sure you own this place? You have any idea what we’ve been through without you here? The complications it caused?”

“I’m sorry but it looks like you dealt very well with my absence. Thank you for your part in it.” I lifted her hand off of me. At least she’d retracted her claws this time. “Oh, look. Your customers have made selections. Why don’t you write them up?” I showed the tip of my fangs, making it clear that was all she was getting from me. “Now.”

“Sure, play the ‘v’ card. Meet me in the alley later and I’ll show you how a proud black woman turns into a panther.” She had leaned in and I was sure no one heard her but me. With a hint of a snarl, she stalked over to the register. Then she turned on the charm for the customers, laughing and taking the clothes from the women who had emerged from the dressing rooms.

“Wow. I heard that.” Charis was wide-eyed. “Shape-shifter.”

“Say that louder. I’m not sure the mortals heard you.” I frowned. “And, no, not the Chanel jacket. Not until I’m sure Dad’s going to be that generous. Pick something under a hundred dollars.”

“I doubt he’ll deny me anything, since he’s just driven my mother insane, but go ahead, be a bitch.” Charis pouted. She thrust the jacket into my hands and flounced around the store. “Forget it. I can make my own jacket.” To my horror, she snapped one on.

I looked around and sighed in relief when I realized the mortals were too busy signing credit card receipts and laughing about their purchases to have noticed. I snatched Charis by the arm and dragged her back toward the dressing rooms.

“This bitch can send you home you know. Behave in front of the mortals.”

“Sorry.” Her eyes filled with tears. “Guess I can’t do anything right.” She sank down in the chair I kept for the people who waited while a friend or loved one tried on clothes.

“Glory, what do you think?” Alesha stepped out of the dressing room.

“You’re getting there. Comfortable?” She nodded, looking shy and a little overwhelmed. Pretty too. The white shirt fit perfectly but I could tell she needed a good bra. Olympus was behind in a lot of ways, including outfitting the handmaidens. The servants were mortal and didn’t have any magical powers. I assumed what they wore was provided by whoever owned them. The jeans were baggy in the butt and I found a pair in a size eight for her to try. “Back you go. I want to see you in the blue shirt next.” In a few moments she was out again.

“I like this look but do you think I am too bold?” She twirled in front of the mirror. Then she gasped. “Oh! You are standing behind me, but…” She glanced around. “Does your kind not reflect?”

“No, we don’t. It makes it hard to do makeup but I manage. I’ve had years of practice.” I saw Charis was up again and had slipped the silver necklace she’d liked into her pocket. Brat. Now she was shoplifting. I was tempted to call her on it, but the bells on the door signaled we had more customers coming in.

“Glory, I told my guy you were home and he insisted we come by.” Lacy was followed closely by Rafe.

“Blondie, where the hell have you been?” Rafael Valdez, my one-time bodyguard and one of my best friends, pulled me into his arms. “You have any idea how worried we were?”

“I’m getting the picture.” I felt a push when Kira brushed past me as she escorted her customers out the door. “I’m sorry. I was basically a prisoner.” I inhaled and knew we were finally alone in the shop. No more mortal customers except for Alesha. “Kira, put up the closed sign.”

“Really?” She raised an eyebrow. “We never close except on Sundays and Mondays.”

“I am still the boss, last I checked.”

“Yes. Was that December? January?” Kira locked the door and turned the sign.

Rafe said something to Kira in a foreign language and she flushed then answered him in the same language. They were soon practically yelling at each other and I was beginning to think they were going to exchange blows when Rafe grabbed her by the neck and gave her a quick hug.

“Ignore them. They do that all the time. Whatever the language is, I don’t know it.” Lacy bit her lip. “Both of them have a temper. Kira’s is the worst. But I don’t know what I would have done without her the last few months. We needed the help.”

“Yes, I’m sure you did. I just saw how great she is with customers.” I smiled at Rafe. “Congratulations, Papa. A baby on the way. That’s huge.”