Page 43 of Pleasantly Undead in Dark River

Nico laughed, as he led me into an ensuite bathroom which, again, was huge. There was a shower head in the middle of the room, and a single drain. A vanity ran along one wall. A small partition which I could only assume hid the toilet sat at the back. Underneath what I can only assume was a custom made shower head given the size, was a stone bench, that curved ever so gently like a wave. So you would just legit lay under the rain shower head?

I looked at Nico. “You definitely have orgies here. This bathroom is made for sex.”

Nico laughed and turned on the shower, and soon steam was heating up the room. “I promise you I’m not having orgies here. I just come from the times of Roman baths, and this seemed like a good alternative.” He tested the water on his hand. “Lay down. You’ll see why. The chair is made of lava stone. It warms quickly.”

I shed my clothes and climbed up on the stone bench which was surprisingly smooth and warm. Honestly, it was like lying on a giant tongue. The water poured down, just missing my head but coating my body in a steady thrum of pressure.

It was bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.

“I’m never leaving this shower,” I groaned. Nico laughed, but didn’t join me. I just laid there, letting the water wash away the night, loosening my muscles.

I looked over and Nico was gone, so I just closed my eyes and relaxed. I would track him down later. First I had to make love to this beautiful, beautiful shower.

I must have dozed off,because when I woke up, I was naked between silk sheets. I sat up on my elbows, and beside the bed was a travel mug of what smelled like coffee, and a perfect little cupcake.

Under the travel mug with a picture of David Hasselhoff giving the thumbs up on the side, was a note.

Raine, you snored so sweetly I let you sleep. Rest. I have just gone to speak to the Town Council about our issues. Relax. Try the cupcake. The TV is in the base of the bed. Here is the remote.

A little arrow pointed to a small remote control.

I will tell the others that you are having a rest day, but I wouldn’t rely on them staying away for long. They are as anxious for your affection as I am.

Always yours, Nico x

God.No man should be that sweet and give oral sex with such abandon. That's how you catch feelings. Throw in cupcakes and I was screwed six ways to Sunday. Actually, I was probably screwed on Sundays too.

Following Nico’s orders, I sipped my coffee and ate my cupcake, which was orgasmic. I watched a cheesy chick flick about bounty hunters falling in love, and then finally dragged my lazy ass out of bed.

I slipped on one of Nico’s shirts, a tee that said, “Love Bites, But So Do I.” I laughed and decided I was keeping it forever. I slipped on my broken shorts, and my Converses. Just as I was stepping up to the front door, someone knocked. I pulled the door open, but there was no one there. I automatically looked down, because Lucius had conditioned me to expect heads. But there was no one there either. Unease crept down my spine, but I ignored it. Maybe I imagined it. Maybe it was a bird hitting the door. That all sounded stupid, but there wasn’t any kids to blame it in town except mine, and they were well and truly asleep right now.

I locked the door behind me, keeping my senses open. It was probably Lucius. It was definitely something he would do. Still, I zipped my way to the sheriff's office to pick up the key to The Immortal Cupcake that I’d left with Walker. As I pushed open the door, I stiffened. An unfamiliar vampire was talking to Walker, Judge sitting idly behind his desk, but it was a deceptive stance. I could sense that he was ready to pounce. Walker’s eyes flicked to me, and his face was purposely blank.

Judge, however, walked over to me and kissed me with a shitload of possessiveness. “Raine. It’s good to see you.”

I couldn’t tell what the hell was going on here, but I was on edge. “Hey, I just came for the key.” I looked between Judge and Walker, the latter walking over to me, kissing me softly on my lips. “Here. I’ll be over there in a moment. I am just walking our guest out.”

I took in the stranger. He was average looking, plain brown hair combed over, a warm expression on his face, and eyes that made my blood run cold. Eyes like a serial killer.

“You are the succubus?” The man said, his accent heavily European. He inhaled deeply. “Barely a trace, but that is a good thing, no? No one wishes to be trapped. A slave.”

He looked between my guys and his expression said it all. He thought they were slaves, disdainful of the town.

I edged back toward the door. “Apologies. I can’t stay.”

The man gave me a cool smile. “You can always come with me. I will shower you with jewels.” And pain. I could almost foresee the pain he’d inflict.

“I’m not up for sale. You can tell that to your peers too. I’m not interested.”

This time his smile was more like a shark. “Perhaps you just don't have the right incentive yet.” The threat wasn’t even veiled.

“Leave,” I growled.

Judge walked me out, his face folded into a frown. When we were halfway across the square, I saw X striding in the direction of the Sheriff’s office. He looked like violence that was barely contained. Judge grinned. “We will see how they feel faced with their nightmares.”

I shook my head, my hands still a little trembly. “Who was he?”

Judge shrugged. “No idea, one of the European nests. Never heard of him, but he has obviously heard of you.” He sighed, pulling me closer. “We are going to have to make it clearer that you are not for sale. Something big.”

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