The Vampire's Mail Order Bride

Howler’s wasn’t the place to do that, but if she was having a good time, he would too. All while keeping an eye out for anyone paying too much attention to her.

Bridget waved at them from behind the bar. “Hugh, Delaney, over here.” She pointed at two bar seats that were opening up.

He’d met Bridget a few times before, but he couldn’t say they were more than acquaintances.

Another couple made a beeline for the stools, but Bridget bared her teeth and barked at them. The couple scurried away.

“All righty then,” Delaney muttered.

“Exactly.” Hugh took her hand and pushed through the crowd to claim the seats.

“Hank told me you guys were coming.” Bridget smiled. She was a little wild looking with all that auburn hair and those big gold eyes, but attractive enough if you went for that type. Which he didn’t.

Bridget stuck her hand out to Delaney. “Bridget Merrow, nice to meet you.”

Delaney hopped into the seat and shook the woman’s hand. “Nice to meet you too. Anyone in here we ought to know about?”

“Not yet. But I’ll keep you posted. I’ve got my staff on the lookout for them too,” Bridget answered. She waggled her finger between them. “What’ll it be to drink?”

Hugh took the seat beside Delaney, letting her answer first.

“White wine.”

“Whiskey,” Hugh responded. “Best you have. For both orders.” Which still didn’t offer much hope.

Bridget’s brows shot up. “You want the best white I have, I’m going to have to open a bottle.”

“Fine,” Hugh answered. At least that way Delaney wouldn’t end up with something that had been open too long and gone vinegary, although he imagined this establishment went through alcohol pretty quickly.

As Bridget went to fill their order, Delaney twisted her chair toward him and wiggled into position so that one of her knees was between his. He didn’t really need a drink. Her grin was intoxicating enough. She leaned forward, clearly enjoying herself. “You hate this place, don’t you?”

“What makes you say that?”

She shrugged. “What doesn’t make me say that? It’s loud, it’s full of tourists…” She glanced down. “I think there’s sawdust on the floor.”

He slid his hand up her leg, reveling in being able to touch her. “I hadn’t noticed.”

She laughed. “I don’t believe that for a second.”

“Maybe I was too distracted by you.” He gave her thigh a squeeze.

She blushed a little, but then seriousness came over her. “Thanks for doing this.”

“For having a feel in a public place?”

She smirked. “You know what I mean. For coming to Howler’s. And for agreeing to do the parade tomorrow.” As her expression sobered again, she traced a circle on the back of his hand, which still rested on her leg. “There has to be an end to this. I can’t live the rest of my life looking over my shoulder.”

“No, you can’t. Doesn’t mean I like what we’ve decided to do, but I want you to be safe and happy.” As happy as she made him.

“I am happy.” Her smile reappeared. “More than I could have imagined. Are you happy?”

He swallowed. “I am.” So much it scared him.

Bridget returned with their drinks. “Don’t go look now, but the two guys that were in here before are now in the back room at a booth. There’s a third guy with them.”

Delaney’s leg twitched beneath his hand. He gave her a reassuring pat but kept his eyes on Bridget. “Have they seen us?”

She smiled like they were talking about something completely unrelated. “I don’t think so. They probably came in through the rear entrance. Most people use the front door, but there’s a little overflow parking lot in the back. Anybody who parks back there usually comes in that way.”

“Thanks. Text your brother, let him know. In fact, ask him to wait for us in that back parking lot. We might be able to draw them out.”

Delaney twisted her wine glass in place on its paper napkin. “I thought we were just supposed to let them overhear us talking about going to the parade tomorrow.”

“We’re going to do that. Then we’re going to take it a step further. See if we can wrap this business up this evening.” Then he could take her to the parade without the distraction of this threat.

“I’ll let Hank know.” With a nod, Bridget headed back to the kitchen.

The joy had left Delaney’s face, although she was clearly trying not to look frightened. “I’m not sure I like this.”

“Sweetheart, I promise I can protect you if something happens.” He lowered his voice, not that anyone could hear him over the ruckus in this place. “Three humans against one vampire is not much of a fight.”

She managed an almost convincing smile, and he hated that she was afraid. For that alone her former boss deserved to be punished. “What’s your plan then?”

“Have you ever done any acting?”

“Does a school play count?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then yes.”

“Excellent. Here’s what I’m thinking…”

Drinks in hand, Hugh and Delaney stumbled their way into the back room. There were enough people in the place that there was no way Rastinelli’s guys would try something in the bar. She pointed at one of the dart boards. “That one’s open,” she declared, hoping she’d gauged the perfect acceptable level of loudness for a supposedly drunk person.