Four Centuries (Damned and Cursed Book 7) by Glenn Bullion Page A

in here, I was in the middle of a job interview with Michael.   For security.   I guess I have to lose his resume."
    "No.   He'll do fine, but you'll need a few more of him.   Don't worry.   You're not going to have any other vampires wandering in like me."
    "Of that, I have no doubt."
    Frank hovered in between flirty and obnoxious, neither of which was a good fit for him.
    "I have a feeling I could get a team of ninja assassins to guard this place, and you'd still get in."
    She finished off the bottle of blood.
    "And you'd be right."
    He laughed shortly and grabbed a notepad.   Victoria was surprised once again when he started scribbling notes of their conversation.   He was taking Victoria seriously, which was his best course of action.
    "So," he said.   "You're the queen bee of Baltimore?"
    "That's a little strong.   I just watch over things."
    "Well, you're a lot prettier than the last vampire boss I dealt with.   And nicer, too, although Michael might say otherwise.   I tried to set a place like this up in St. Louis.   Not only did the bloodsucking asshole take five percent, but he wanted a list of all the clients.   I refused, so it was time to leave."
    "Wow.   I have to say.   I'm impressed."
    He laughed shortly.   "Thanks.   While we're here talking, is there anything else?   The last thing I want to do is piss off the queen bee."
    Victoria was amazed Frank was so receptive.   She wished she had more input, more ideas.   But it was Frank's business.   She was certain more would come, but all she could think about at that moment was getting home and packing for her trip.
    "I don't think so.   I'll be in India for two weeks or so—"
    "Wow, no shit.   India.   Business or pleasure?"
    The thought of Bradley and the upcoming trip made her frown.   She was interrupting her life and going across the world for him, no other reason.   She would tie up the loose ends caused by his death, and go home as fast as she could.
    "Definitely business.   I'm not trying to sound menacing or anything, but I'll be checking up on you when I get back.   Thank you for the blood."
    She rose to leave, but stopped short of turning when he gestured for her attention.
    "Uh, Victoria.   One more thing.   I hate to ask this, and I have the feeling I'm going to regret it.   But let's be honest with each other.   The whole time you've been here, I'm sure you've been sizing me up.   I'm trying to do the same.   If I were to ignore everything you said, what would you do?"
    She treated him to her full smile.
    "Frank, I almost like you.   So I really don't want to think about that.   But let's see…I'd shut down the Vermilion."
    "Really?   That's…that's all?"
    "And if people got hurt because you ignored me…I'd break every bone in your body.   Twice.   Don't let the pretty face fool you."
    He swallowed hard.   "I, uh, think we understand each other."
    "Glad to hear it.   I'll see you in a few weeks."

CHAPTER 3

    The last time Victoria had flown in an airplane was over fifty years ago.
    She hated it then, too.
    Commercial aviation and vampires were a bad combination.   Flying during the day was impossible.   A delayed flight, unexpected layover, engine trouble, any of these things were annoyances for a mortal.   For a vampire, it was death.   A short flight in the same time zone could be done, with a lot of planning and precaution.   But anything beyond that was a risk not worth taking.
    Only the wealthy could afford the special care required for extended flight.   A private plane, crew, arrangements at the take-off and landing site.   Victoria could afford the expense, although she simply didn't enjoy flying.
    The fact that taking off and landing felt like being in an elevator didn't help.   How Alex did it, she would never know.
    Her immunity to sunlight allowed for far more convenient flight, but she still needed to keep up appearances.   The only other vampire that knew of her condition was