Page 39 of Twice Bitten

“Let me guess. A limo? An Escalade?”

“Worse. A Rolls Royce.”

Lipstick fell out of my purse and rolled across the floor. “Excuse me?” The entire freaking neighborhood would be atwitter when they saw me get inside.

“Incoming,” Edmund said. “Get your lipstick, straighten your hair, and put your game face on.”

My fingers trembled as I snatched the lipstick and shoved it back into my purse. I straightened my shoulders and reached for the door.

A tall, well-built male stood there when I opened it. Like most vampires, he possessed a cold sort of beauty. Ice-blue eyes, dark hair, well-sculpted cheekbones…

I sighed, my fear draining away with the realization that the Prime wasn’t here to kill me. Not immediately, at least. This male, even though he was a vampire, was merely here to pick me up. He’d be a fool to harm me. “Why must all of you be so pretty?” I blurted.

A surprised chuckle broke from the vampire. “I think it’s in the manual.”

And funny? My feminine instinct almost made me swoon before I got it under control. A reluctant smile tugged my lips up. “Well, who am I to question the manual?”

He held out his elbow. “My name is Leo. I’ll be your driver this evening.”

“You couldn’t come in like a Kia or something, Leo? I’m going to be all over the neighborhood gossip board this evening.”

“Sorry, Miss Alex. The boss is well known for his extravagant taste in vehicles.”

“Yes, well, considering someone just lectured me for my poor taste in thrift clothing, he must be aware that my taste is scraping the bottom of the barrel.”

“I’ll make sure he knows.”

“No need,” I said dryly. “This is a one-time thing.”

Leo didn’t respond, which was a little worrisome. He led me down the steps and over to a cream-colored Rolls Royce.

“Good gracious,” I muttered. “I feel like a toddler with jam on my fingers. My mere presence will sully this gem.”

“We have napkins in the center console,” Leo said as he held the door open.

I laughed. “Why are you a driver, Leo?” The leather was a deep mahogany brown and smelled brand new. I slid inside, the fabric of my dress gliding over my skin as I settled into the warm seat.

“I do many things, Miss Alex. Whatever the Prime needs.”

My lips twisted. “And what do you need?”

Leo’s icy eyes flickered. “Watch your dress, ma’am. I’m about to close the door.”

I ignored the flutter of curtains in the surrounding houses and the nosy nellies peeking out. I’d never live this down.

Leo pulled away from the curb and into traffic with ease.

“How long have you worked for the Prime?” I asked.

Our eyes met in the rearview. “Years.”

“A wide range. Five? Ten?”

When he stayed silent, I sighed. “Come on, Leo. This is my one-time ride in a fancy car with a handsome man, and I’m all dressed up. At least pretend to participate in my fake Cinderella story, please.”

A flash of teeth and Leo shook his head. “Fifty,” he said after a moment. “May I offer some advice, Miss Alex?”

“You may.”