Free The Vampire's Kiss by Amarinda Jones Page B

knew there was nothing straightforward about this woman. He suspected that smile hid more secrets that the Sphinx.
    “Who are you, woman? What secrets do you hold?” Even as he said the words he knew Polly wouldn’t tell him any more than she had to.
    “All I can tell you is what the witch who came to Maverick House told me. You must marry your true love to gain ownership of the house.”
    Richard wanted the house more than anything. There was something about it that called to him like nothing else did. But

    The Vampire’s Kiss
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    marriage? That wasn’t something on his agenda. Marriage was so final. It also meant the loss of his immortality. I’m not ready for that yet. “Alaric married Josephine so the house is his.” His cousin had won, and that annoyed the hell out of Richard. They had been rivals for years. That he could occasionally take and sexually dominate Alaric’s woman was the only satisfaction he had over his cousin.
    Polly shook her head. “Not necessarily.”
    Richard’s eyes locked with hers. There was youthfulness in her gaze that belied her appearance. She dressed like a frump with no character or style yet her aura and words were anything but. “Why is it none of us saw the witch?” That intrigued Richard. Polly had claimed she had been visited by an old crone who had told her what the men had to do. Why had she not come to them directly?
    “I know not.”
    Richard snorted. “I think you know more than you say.”
    Polly’s hands went down to her ample hips. “Do you want to stand here and quibble with me or act?”
    He was a man of action but Richard also wanted to pierce the veil and get a glimpse into the woman behind it. What do you get out of this?”
    “Nothing. Unlike vampires, normal people do things because they can.”
    That made Richard laugh. “You are the least normal person I know.”
    “Why thank you, Richard. Now, do as you are bid. I must be off.”
    He watched her walk away. The fascinating thing about Polly was she dressed plainly to the point of frumpiness and yet she walked like a queen. “One day I will find out who you are, woman.” Richard sighed and turned his attention back to the other lady in question.
    Maybe what Polly said was right. She usually was. Possibly it was worth his while to go talk to the redhead. If the ownership of Maverick House was still up for grabs, Richard wanted a chance of taking possession of it any way he could.

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    Amarinda Jones
    “I just have to kiss her. How hard could at be?” Richard knew he was considered attractive by women. It was a glamour that all vampires had. But whatever the outcome, a kiss or a slap in the face, Richard was a man of action, and consequences were there to be taken and dealt with accordingly.
    And I may just win the house. He made his way over to her.
    Memphis Rower was intent on drying herself off after her swim.
    Richard’s eyes travelled over the path her towel took. Large breasts jiggled in the black Lycra as the material swept down the swell of her stomach to her curvaceous hips and pale, dimpled thighs. He felt his cock harden just picturing her pinned, naked and underneath him as he fucked her until she begged to come.
    She looked up at him eyebrow arched. “What do you want?”
    Attitude. I like it . “You.” Richard saw no point in beating around the bush.
    “Does that line always work?” Memphis wrapped the towel around her waist.
    He smiled. “Generally.” She blinked several times. Richard was pleased she wasn’t immune to his smile.
    “Uh-huh.” Memphis slipped her feet into nearby flip flops.
    “I want to kiss you.”
    Memphis burst out laughing. “Sure you do. The point is why would I want to kiss you?” She reached down and picked up a small cotton tote bag.
    For the first time in his life Richard was at a loss for words.
    Mortal women never questioned him. They just came to him and did as he bid. Vampires had a charm that surpassed all human men. Who was this woman?