Page 31 of Tempting the Dhampir

My home for the foreseeable future.

Chapter sixteen

Chat Log

Sadie: Just landed in Vegas

Sadie: Everett is rich. Like, owns-a-hotel rich

Sadie: Message me when you get to Adelbert’s place. I want DETAILS!

Chapter seventeen

Everett

Our flight arrives around sunset, the summer heat still unbearable. We hurry to my car to escape the dry desert temperatures and blast the AC. A slight sheen of sweat covers my skin from the short time outside, whereas Sadie looks cool and composed, like she’s ready to walk a runway.

Once our bodies have cooled enough and I can lower the blast of the AC, I turn to Sadie. “Are you ready to see Vegas?”

“Yeah.” She’s not one-hundred-percent convincing as she nods, but it’s enough to know she’s not spinning out anymore.

I arranged for my car to be waiting for us, wanting to drive her to the hotel myself while Pierce takes our luggage directly there. On the plane, I was so preoccupied with work and making arrangements for our stuff to be moved to the suite before we arrived that I wanted to take the time in the car to check in with her.

“I’m going to drive you the long way in. I want you to get the maximum first impression of Vegas.” And I want to see your face as you take it all in for the first time.

“That’s… considerate.” A line forms between her brows as she cocks her head at me, seemingly trying to puzzle out my thoughtfulness.

I gave Sadie space on the plane because I thought she needed time to process all the information I dumped on her. I want her to feel comfortable with me, and having a moment alone before she’s thrust into my world might be good for us both.

“Anything for you, sparkles.” I try to lighten the mood by adding a wink, which has served me well so far with her.

“Anything? Don’t tempt me,” Sadie warns with an imperiously arched brow.

There she is. Confident Sadie is back. What a queen.

“Just you wait.” I hit her with the sauciest smirk I can muster and waggle my eyebrows.

We’re silent for most of the drive, the sky darkening as we make our way toward the hotel. I take back roads through more residential areas, building the suspense on the way to the main attractions. In the distance, the bright lights of the Vegas Strip lure us with every mile we pass.

I drink Sadie in as she takes in the view. Watching her face light up as we make our way through the streets of Vegas is unexpectedly gratifying.

Wanting, no, needing to know more about her, I ask, “What are you most excited to see or do in Vegas?”

She doesn’t look at me, keeping her eyes fixed on the sights out the window, as she mumbles, “It’s embarrassing to admit.”

“I didn’t think you’d be embarrassed by much. Come on, it’s a safe space. Tell me,” I coax, reaching over to give her hand a squeeze.

“It’s not so much about the shows or the clubs or the casinos that I want to see. I actually just like the vibes of Vegas and the excuse to dress up. If you haven’t noticed, I have a love for glittery things, and I tend to stand out like a bedazzled thumb back home. Vegas seems like it will indulge my fashion choices,” Sadie admits, her finger drawing patterns on the back of my right hand where I’m still holding her left.

I smile to myself at how easy things feel between us. Physical touch and truthful admissions seem to come naturally, and I’m not about to lose a shot with the most interesting woman I’ve ever met.

“I like your sparkly style. It’s a good contrast to my everyday, boring black. And if you want an extra excuse to dress up even fancier, I’ll be sure to schedule events for us to attend. Vegas is going to make you feel right at home.”

“No need for special events, zooms. But tell me, what’s with the black outfits anyway?” Sadie asks, gesturing to my black-on-black clothing choice.

My shoulders lift on a shrug. “It’s easier to fade into the background and keep an eye on things at work. And takes less mental space when I have to pick something to wear.”

“Pft, please. Like you could ever fade into the background with a face like that,” she says with a roll of her eyes, then immediately slaps a hand over her mouth.

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