“All good. I got a little dizzy, but I’m fine now.”
Sheri scowled at me, then she threw one last glare at Russel.
“I’m taking him home.”
Russel opened his mouth as if to say something, but Sheri tugged on my arm, and I stumbled after her along the booths and up the stairs.
The cool air outside felt like a punch, but it finally cleared my brain.
“Why did you come back?” I asked Sheri. I didn’t mean it to sound accusing, but it probably did. “Where’s your date?”
“Bit me and fucked me in the back of his car. Great dick, I came a few times, but I have a crick in my neck.” She grabbed my hand and marched down the street. “What the hell was that, Eddie? I leave you alone for an hour, and you get yourself sucked dry.”
“He wouldn’t. You know they can’t do that.”
“You looked like you were going to pass out. What happened?”
“What he said. Alcohol, the venom, and, um, coming. Twice. And blood pressure can drop after orgasm, right?” She was a nurse. Surely, she knew that.
Sheri harrumphed. “How did you end up with him in the first place? I thought you weren’t interested.”
“He was…” Who was Russel? How did he seduce me so easily? And he wanted me to come home with him.
He kissed like a god, and I’d never see him again. How he held me and called me sweetheart… A pang of regret made my throat close. I slowed my steps, tempted to go back.
But it was just as well. He had only wanted to feed.
“Eddie?”
“Can we take a cab home? Cummy underwear.”
Sheri burst out laughing.
4
LOST AND FOUND
RUSSEL
I moved out of the booth, but the bartender stood in my way.
“Excuse me.”
He didn’t budge. Putting his hands on his hips, he shook his head at me. “I wouldn’t do that, man.”
“Let me out.” That woman was dragging Eddie away from me. They were disappearing up the stairs, and I was wasting time. I took a step forward, but a firm hand on my chest stopped me.
“Dude, chill,” the bartender warned. “We don’t want any trouble.” His golden eyes told me he wouldn’t be easily threatened or overpowered. He looked well-fed and younger than me. If it came to it, he’d crush me like a bug.
“I’m not causing any trouble,” I said, keeping my tone even. “I’m leaving.”
He raised his eyebrows doubtfully. Then he stretched his arm toward the bar counter and presented me with the card machine. “You owe me for the recovery cocktail.”
“Forgot about that. Sorry.” I added a generous tip and blipped my phone over the machine. “All good?”
“You tell me. Do I have to warn my bouncer about you?”
I exhaled, gathering the scraps of my patience. It seemed I had to explain before he’d let me go. “The boy was a newbie. He came twice in a row, just from a couple of bites, and got a little overwhelmed. The recovery cocktail was already kicking in when his friend returned and freaked out. He’s cute and tastes amazing, which is why I want to ask for his number. I won’t harass them.”
