Nightlord Lover Read Free

Harleys, the gay population, the Goth culture and the city folk with
their pricy cars that cost more than most houses. And everyone coexists in a
unique sort of harmony. It’s so refreshing.”
    “It is. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.” She had no idea that the
vampire culture was directly responsible for the harmony and prosperity.
    Larissa stood up from the table. “It’s late. I should go. I
have a big day tomorrow. Thank you for the drink.”
    “I’ll walk you back.”
    “No need. Do you live far?” she asked.
    “I have a house off Ferry Street. Not far.”
    A few snowflakes swirled around the old-fashioned street
lamps. “If it snows I hope it doesn’t keep the customers away tomorrow.”
    “It’s the Christmas season. Nothing short of a blizzard will
keep away holiday shoppers. I’m sure you’ll do fine. If you need help getting
customers, ask Jordan or Ramon. They’ll have a few suggestions.”
    The door to Larissa’s store was open a crack when they got
back to her store. She stood in the doorway before walking inside. “I’m sure I
locked this when we left.”
    He knew she did too. “Let me go in first.” He moved ahead of
her, sensing a presence, not a mortal one. Already the eager ones were hovering
around her. This was his property and his mark if he so desired. No one should
be entering through the tunnel without his permission. They were trespassing.
He flipped on a light and Larissa screamed.

Chapter Two
     
    “I’ve been robbed!” Larissa held her hands up to her face as
she surveyed her shop in disbelief. All her beautifully arranged displays of
lingerie, bras and panties were tossed around or swept onto the floor in a
heap. Easels with sale posters and photos were knocked over. Drawers beneath
the display tables looked as if someone had opened them and yanked out everything,
merchandise strewn everywhere. She pulled out her cell phone and started
dialing 9-1-1.
    “Hold off, Larissa,” Garrick said. “See what’s missing
first. Whoever was here is gone.”
    She opened the cash register. There was only enough money to
get started in the morning and it was all there. “Odd, why didn’t they take the
cash? Let me check my apartment.” She ran upstairs with Garrick following her.
Her door was still locked. When she entered everything looked in place. “I don’t
own expensive jewelry or have valuables lying around other than my computer and
iPad.” She checked her bedroom and everything seemed there, including the
electronics on her desk where she’d left them.
    “Anything missing?” he asked.
    She shook her head then charged back downstairs. “Why would
they just mess up the place without stealing anything?” Her throat tightened. “It’ll
take me hours to straighten this up in time for opening tomorrow.” Tears filled
her eyes.
    “Kids,” Garrick said. “The door probably wasn’t closed tightly
and the wind blew it open. I’ll have Ramon take a look at it.”
    “I should still call the police. The store was vandalized.”
    “Don’t. I know the police chief. I’ll mention it to him
tomorrow. If you call, you’ll only have a bunch of cars out here and the gossip
will spread all through town. You don’t need that kind of publicity.” He
started calling on his cell phone.
    “Who are you calling?” she asked.
    “Ramon and Jordan. I’m telling them to come over now to help
straighten up. Between the four of us, we’ll get your place in order.”
    “But it’s so late.” Her words cracked.
    “They won’t mind.” He hugged her. “You’ll see. We all work
together here.”
    His embrace felt heavenly warm and safe, made her feel
protected and a little turned on. Heat rushed to her face, embarrassed by her
physical response to his touch. What was wrong with her? He was showing her
kindness and she was getting horny? She pulled away, avoiding his gaze. “Thank
you, Garrick. I’ll get started on the front display.”
    Twenty minutes later Ramon and