Fireworks for July: A Holiday Bites Vampire Paranormal Holiday Romances Read Online Free PDF Page B

town.
    When they got into the elevator, she turned to clutch Carter’s arm. “Surely I can do something to free you. I’ll give you necklace.”
    She grabbed the chain secured around her neck, but he shook his head. “I told you, I can’t touch it. It’s part of the curse.”
    “Carter—”
    “It’s okay, doll. One day I’ll get free, and when I do, I’ll look you up.”
    July wanted more than that. She wanted him. To explore all that they could have together. Okay, so he was a vampire. There were worse things, right? They’d figure it out.
    The elevator doors dinged open. Carter grabbed her hand, and they hurried onto the casino floor. Then her lover stopped. “Shit.”
    July craned her neck, but she didn’t spot whatever had him agitated. He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “It’s some of Chance’s boys. I’ll deal with them. Go straight out the front. Get a cab. Go to McCarran. Do not talk to anybody.”
    “Carter.”
    She saw the regret, the longing in those blue, blue eyes, and her heart turned over in her chest.
    “I know,” he said. “Me, too.”

    A s July threaded her way through the banks of slot machines, she nearly rammed into a lady standing stock still in the middle of the narrow aisle. She looked over the woman’s shoulder to see what was going on.
    Someone had won a jackpot.
    July slipped through the gawkers. She stepped outside into the warm night and looked at the traffic whizzing by the street. There was a cab lane just on the other side of valet parking. She went to step off the curb and felt a sudden, strong urge to walk down the street.
    Come to me, sweetling.
    July pivoted, heading toward the alley to her left. She couldn’t resist the voice inside her mind. She knew, vaguely, that this was the wrong thing to do.
    That’s right, my little darling. Walk down the alley. I’m waiting for you.
    She quickened her pace, though deep inside her mind, she screamed at her cooperating limbs to stop.
    He waited for her in the shadows, his arms opened. She stepped right into his awful embrace.
    He held her tightly, leaning down to sniff her neck. “Ah. Grace’s little protégé. How delicious you are.” He lifted his head and touched the circle of gold nestled in her cleavage. “I’m surprised she gave it to you.”
    July was mesmerized by the man’s deep red eyes.
    “Leave her alone, Chance.” The familiar voice helped July to climb through the fog in her mind. Carter .
    “You’ve had your taste,” said the elder vampire, not even glancing up. “I gave you first dibs. A gift. Was revenge not sweet?”
    July blinked. Chance’s hold on her was weakening. “Revenge?”
    “He never got Grace, you see. She didn’t want him. She wanted me.”
    “I didn’t use her,” Carter said. “July...”
    But before he had to explain, she already understood. Chance was trying to manipulate her. To manipulate them both. July pushed away and broke free of Chance. “My aunt was stupid and weak-minded,” she said. “Otherwise, why would she choose you over Carter?”
    The barb hit his ego—and he grabbed her again and yanked her roughly against him. He leaned back, revealing his fangs. “What do you know? You’re nothing. No one.”
    “Yeah, she is,” said Carter. “She’s my girl.”
    His words filled her with more strength and determination. July reached out and grabbed at the vampire’s throat. Her fingernail scraped his skin and snared the chain around his neck.
    “Bitch!” He swatted at her, and July went flying sideways. She hit a Dumpster, and fell down onto her side. Agony ripped through her as she banged hard against the concrete.
    Scuffling noises drew her attention. July’s heart pounded in dread. Carter! He was fighting Chance, and she knew he wouldn’t win. . Chance was a much older vampire, and no doubt stronger. After all, Carter had never been able to get free of his cruel undead master.
    Her entire right side throbbed, but she didn’t think anything