Page 10 of Hell Bites

“That’s what I said.”

“Uh-huh.” He starts typing something on his computer that he’s used to show me a few things about living up here. A web page about The Nerd Word pops up, but I still don’t see a picture. “Here’s the address. Give me your phone.”

I narrow my eyes but hand over the phone. He takes a picture of the address.

“What is that going to do?”

“Now you have the address in your phone, saved in your photos. All you have to do is put it into the maps app, and it’ll give you direction. Luckily, it isn’t far. Do you know how to drive?”

“Uh, sure.”

He grits his teeth and looks up at the ceiling, shaking his head.

“Don’t drive her car, or any other car, for that matter. I’ll send you info of someone who can drive you, and will be discreet.”

“Why would I need someone to be discreet?” I ask, tilting my chin up.

“You may fool your brother into thinking you’re a little angel, but I know what you really are.”

“What’s that?” I ask, feeling slightly offended.

“A manipulative demon.” He snaps his computer shut and gets to his feet. “Whatever you do is going to fall on you and your brother, since he helped you get here. Just keep that in mind before you do something stupid.”

I frown at him. “I won’t do anything to get my brother into trouble.”

He looks at me as if he doesn’t believe me, then heads to the door, but stops and turns toward me before leaving. “I’ll send you the info of someone who can drive you once I find someone capable.” He steps outside.

“Thank you!” I call after him, but he ignores me.

I hurry to lock the door and press my back to it as I look around.

Kiza let me know that my brother was able to edit some information up here, and it now looks like the woman who was just taken away in Kiza’s truck, sold her house for cash two weeks ago and fled the country.

I am now the proud owner of a two-bedroom, ranch style home.

The only thing it’s missing is a guest.

Chapter Four

Felix

Grinning to myself, I lean toward the mic to close out the episode. “And that, my friends, is a wrap for this week’s The Nerd Word. I’ll be diligently sifting through your requests for next time, so don’t hesitate to email me suggestions, and maybe if you’re all very good girls and boys, you might hear your word on Crude Corner. Until next time, word warriors…”

I switch off the mic, then remove my headphones, momentarily satisfied with those parting words.

I don’t know what the hell has gotten into me, but I was feeling myself a little bit tonight.

Scratch that, I know exactly what has gotten into me, and it’s not even a what but a who.

Zia’s last email was a little more aggressive than normal, a little more possessive if I’m being honest, and while that should have probably made me block her and start searching for virtual restraining orders, it didn’t.

No, the email put a smile on my face and an erection in my jeans because the idea of someone wanting me based on nothing but my voice? Well, it caters to that incredibly lonely side of living the way I do.

It is kind of creepy, though.

I’ve seen Play Misty For Me. I know how this could turn out.

That’s still not enough for me to try to cut Zia off or anything. Her attention is a nice change of pace, but I’ll keep it in the back of my mind. I don’t really have to worry, anyway. I’m a fucking vampire, so if things come to a head I’d be able to handle myself, and I’m sure it would end poorly for Zia because of that alone.

---