Dead Sexy. Amanda Ashley

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      Regan’s phone rang almost the very instant the sun went down. A tingle of anticipation ran through her body when she picked it up and heard his voice.

      “Miss Delaney, what can I do for you?”

      He cut right to the chase. She liked that. “You said there had been three other murders.”

      “Yes.”

      “Were they in the park?”

      “No.”

      Regan frowned. “But they were similar to the recent ones?”

      “Yes, almost identical.”

      “Were they all males?”

      “Two men and a young woman.”

      “I’d like you to tell me everything you remember.”

      “Of course, but this is hardly the kind of thing one discusses over the phone. Why don’t you meet me at Sardino’s for dinner?”

      “I’m sorry, Mr. Santiago, but synthetic blood isn’t on my diet.”

      His laughter sent frissons of heat dancing up and down her spine. “I am sure I can persuade Sardino to prepare something a little more to your liking.”

      “I don’t think so, Mr. Santiago.”

      “Then I have nothing more to say.”

      She felt her temper rise. “That’s blackmail.”

      “Indeed it is.”

      It was also flattering. “What time?”

      “As soon as you can be there.”

      “All right,” she said after a moment’s hesitation. “I’ll meet you there in forty minutes.” It would give her time to wash up, fix her hair, and change her clothes. She shook her head. What was she thinking? The man was a vampire and this was a business meeting, not a date!

      “Forty minutes,” he agreed, and hung up the phone.

      In spite of herself, Regan took pains with her appearance, choosing a long white skirt, white heels, and a dark green sweater that made her eyes appear several shades darker. She brushed her hair until it crackled, put it up in a fancy twist, and then let it down again. She rarely wore much makeup. Tonight, she indulged in a touch of powder and a bit of eye shadow and lipstick. Picking up her handbag, she checked to make sure her pistol was inside and loaded, and she was ready to go.

      Stepping outside, she was glad to see that the storm had passed. She hated driving in the rain, but she loved storms, loved the thunder and the lightning and the way the rain washed away the dirt and grime of the city, leaving everything looking and smelling clean and fresh.

      Sardino’s wasn’t yet crowded when she arrived. At this time of night, most of the humans had already left the park, while most of the vamps preferred to arrive later. She parked at the curb and took a deep, calming breath before getting out of the car.

      Santiago was waiting for her. Dressed in ubiquitous black, he looked dashing and handsome and deadly. She could tell, by the heightened color of his skin, that he had fed not long ago.

      He smiled when he saw her, displaying even white teeth. “Good evening.” His smile was devastating, without a hint of fang.

      “Hello.”

      He held out his hand. “Our table is ready.”

      Regan looked at him, hesitant to let him touch her.

      Santiago raised one brow in a silent challenge.

      Pursing her lips, Regan placed her hand in his and let him lead her to a table in a secluded corner of the room.

      A waitress clad in a long black dress and a crisp white apron came to take their order.

      Santiago asked the waitress to have Sardino fix Regan something to eat, then ordered a glass of A negative for himself.

      Regan’s heart skipped a beat. Was it merely coincidence that Santiago had ordered A negative, which happened to be her blood type, as well? But of course it was, she thought. How could he possibly know?

      With a nod and a smile that showed only a hint of fang, the waitress moved away from the table. The fact that she couldn’t completely hide her true nature proved that she was still a young vampire.

      “Does all blood taste the same?” Regan asked what was uppermost in her mind without thinking.

      “No.” His gaze moved briefly to her throat. “Each type has its own…shall we say, bouquet.”

      Regan grimaced. It was more information than she needed. “So,” she said, changing the subject, “tell me about the other killings.”

      “There is little to tell. They were almost identical to the one you saw last night. And the one today.”

      Regan wasn’t surprised that he knew about the latest victim. She had a feeling that he knew everything that went on, not only inside the park but outside, as well.

      “You told me that on the phone,” Regan said. Leaning back in her chair, she crossed her arms under her breasts. “I thought you had some new information.”

      “There have been other killings.”

      “What do you mean?”

      “Someone is also killing vampires.”

      That piqued her interest. “I hadn’t heard about that,” she said, leaning forward.

      “Of course not. But I have.”

      “How many?”

      “Four, so far.”

      “Do you think the same person is killing both vampires and humans?”

      Santiago shrugged. СКАЧАТЬ