Vulture's Kiss: Charm City Assassins, #1

By E.M. Whittaker

Dhampir Louis Armandi leads a double life. By day, he's a businessman. By night, he's a professional mobster. He doesn't have time for romance. Even if he did, there's one rule: whoever he dates must be able to resist his vampiric charm. Their relationship won't work otherwise.

 

Meanwhile, Evelyn Rodriguez is in a personal and business rut. Her ex is stalking her. Her accounts are in the red. She's got two weeks to pay her rent or face eviction.

 

She's got no choice but to accept Tall, Dark, and Handsome's proposal and pretend to be his classy girlfriend at his business party for a few hours.

 

The job seems simple enough. But between his devilish charms and his sexy voice, she breaks her one important rule: never mix business with pleasure.

 

If she's not careful, she'll become the next victim to his vampiric curse.

• Language: English
• Publisher: E.M. Whittaker
• Release date: Apr 3, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201752064

E.M. Whittaker

E.M. began writing when she turned 13 with fanfiction, but considered fictional writing after creating original characters and back stories within fandom universes. After extensive encouragement and building up her fanbase, E.M. plunged into original writing in 2012, specializing in paranormal mystery, urban fantasy, and psychological thrillers. She learned about the writing and publishing world while working at Borders Bookstores from 2008-2011, participating in running various book signings with indie authors, connecting with others and reading vast material to find her calling. After Borders shut down, she worked at Amazon in their Print on Demand (or Make on Demand) department, where E.M. learned about the expectations for self-publishing with CreateSpace and their software. After a year of working in this department, E.M. left the corporate world to pursue her dream of writing. Readers can find bloopers, pictures and the latest news about E.M.'s projects at http://www.emwhittaker.com.

Book preview

1

Louis

If he’d listened to common sense, Louis Armandi wouldn’t have driven through Charm City with his boss keeping him company. He’d have dropped him off at home and handled his own private matters.

He didn’t need help choosing a date.

Okay, date stretched it. Professional escorts performed a service. He needed an escort to accompany him to a lengthy shareholder meeting.

Someone with brains, preferably.

And a will.

God, he needed someone with a will.

Dating had become hard once he accepted his vampiric side. Every decent woman he met became a brainless bimbo or food whenever they glanced into his eyes. Just once, he wanted a woman who tried fighting against his charms.

So far, he found nothing.

Hector insisted he knew a good place, but so far, his boss/friend’s suggestions proved disappointing. Either the women looked anorexic or they weren’t interested in anything he told them. He wanted a person, not a trophy or a thrall.

He turned left and headed toward the highway.

Louie, I know another place. Hector clapped his shoulder softly. It’s a bit pricey, but they got good broads there. They might have someone who can counter your… vampiric charms.

Louis slammed the brakes. Why couldn’t Hector have told him this earlier?

They’d wasted three hours of their Friday night.

Look, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. His boss talked faster. Try Vixens. Please. If you don’t find anything, we’ll head home.

Louis drove. You better be right.

I hope so. You’ve started getting unbearable at the office since you divorced Marianne.

He tightened his grip on the steering wheel. We had nothing in common. She wanted my money. Took me for a ride during the divorce, you know. She almost left me penniless by the time I paid the goddamn attorney fees and her settlement.

So why worry about one floozy?

Hector made a good point. He needed a date for one night, not forever. It beat the aristocratic court playing matchmaker at every public event. If he found someone with brains—someone he could talk to—he wouldn’t have to fake dating someone else.

If they withstood being mesmerized by his glowing scarlet eyes.

You know exactly what happens at these shareholder meetings. Louis’s voice lowered in revulsion. They try setting me up with a girl who’s incompatible and has the brains of a jellyfish.

I know.

I’m sorry. I don’t want an airhead as a lifelong companion.

I thought vampires didn’t date. Hector pointed to the right. Turn here.

Louis turned, raising an eyebrow at the rundown buildings. Where are you taking me?

The Projects.

His foot hovered over the brake. Why would anyone have a business there?

Cheap overhead, I guess. She’s moving offices soon… or so she said.

A woman going places.

Interesting.

His foot pressed roughly on the accelerator, glancing at the road while heading straight.

Louie, stop worrying about hiring the perfect floozy. It’s just one date. Hector pointed to a brick building with a black light near the main door. There. Pull into the parking lot. I’ll call and see if the owner’s available.

This is the last place, man. Louis made his way into the parking spot, keeping his foot on the brake pedal. I should’ve looked on the internet for an escort who could handle my kind.

Yeah, yeah. Hector frowned. We’ll just go inside. No point in calling when we’re already here.

The dhampir turned off the car, pocketed his keys, and exited the car. He snickered at the black light overtop the main entrance. Whoever ran this place had a sense of humor.

If the girls sucked, he’d try meeting with the owner of Vixens.

Anything beat dating an airhead again.

Louis opened the door to a fight in progress, pausing when a short Latina woman twisted a tall African American woman’s arm behind her back. The Latina didn’t break a sweat while undermining her opponent. She dropped a purse beside the tall woman before walking over to the counter.

Louis sniffed, then furrowed his eyebrows together.

She wasn’t a shifter.

Interesting.

He waited at the door, straightening his tie. The rest of the building reeked with shifters, yet they respected the human who restrained the taller woman. They waited until the shorter woman passed them, then headed toward the loser. Several girls huddled around the tall woman while she rotated her shoulder.

One of them—a feisty redhead—pointed at him, then moved her finger to the counter. She blew him a kiss and winked.

Bile rose in his throat.

No, she wouldn’t do. He needed someone low-key, not a teasing harlot. Besides, gingers were dangerous, like his ex-wife. They were unpredictable. Not the type of woman he wanted present for a business meeting.

He’d settle for the human.

What do you think? Hector asked, coming in beside him. I told you they’d—

I walked into something interesting. Louis moved his head toward the counter. A human restrained a shifter. She’s behind the counter.

There’s two humans here, actually—the busty Latinas behind the counter. Hector drew out the word. I wouldn’t call them human, though. More like She-Hulks in training. They’re frightening if you make them angry.

The last time he trusted Hector, he stayed in a loveless marriage for six and a half years. This time, he’d pick the date for his shareholder meeting.

He made his way to the counter.

Hi. The woman greeting him spoke with a thick Hispanic accent. Can I help you?

Ah, yeah. Louis cleared his throat, chuckling at the human running her hands through her slightly frizzy hair. I’d like to talk to the woman standing behind you.

She busy. The woman cracked her knuckles, then puckered her ruby lips in a thin line. "How can I help you?"

Well, for starters… He rested one arm on the counter. I’d like to hire the woman who restrained the shifter when I arrived.

She laughed. Evelyn run Vixens, not work for likes of you. Sorry.

"Then what’s your name?"

She gave a knowing smirk. Whatever you like, sweetie. Names not important in this business. Not unless you own something.

This woman talked like a hooker.

Definitely on the no-no list.

The human—Evelyn—met his eyes and crossed her arms, shaking her head at him. Not the expected response once someone met his cursed eyes.

Thank God she resisted.

He wasn’t leaving until she agreed to take the job.

Well, none of the other girls interest me. Louis straightened his blazer. And I have a specific request. She’s perfect for the job.

The hefty woman’s raised her eyebrow. Why?

It’s a shareholder meeting.

Her brown eyes lit with excitement. Oh, business. Well, we have other girls for that. But you seem keen on Evie, so…

Then I’ll talk to her myself.

He stepped behind the counter, bypassing the gatekeeper.

The woman grabbed his arm. No one allowed back there.

This will only take a minute.

She tightened her grip, then loosened it, grumbling under her breath.

Her words faded once he closed the gap between Evelyn and himself. Her cross expression added to her natural beauty. Her brown eyes resembled a tiger’s eye jewel, not melted chocolate like her coworker. She wore her black hair loose, but grabbed it, restraining her curly locks with a ponytail.

He grinned, bypassing the stormy look in her eyes.

She’d look beautiful in a ballroom dress.

If she could resist his glowing eyes, he’d be in business. He’d deal with Hector’s insults. If she staved off the aristocratic court, he’d pay twice her asking price.

It’d be worth paying to save his sanity.

I’m looking for a woman to accompany me on a business venture. He deepened his voice, relaxing once he hit a sensual pitch. I can’t stand shareholder meetings. They’re droll and uneventful. They always try playing matchmaker whenever they get bored.

She headed back to her desk. I’m sorry, but I don’t take clients anymore.

I’ll pay up front.

Evelyn turned around and held a pen. Maybe you didn’t understand what I said. I stopped taking clients years ago. Talk to Jem. She’ll get you sorted.

No one else interests me.

Then take your business elsewhere.

He put a hand on her shoulder and sighed. Everyone else treats me like a man whore. You’re the first woman who asserted herself. Well, other than your gatekeeper sitting the counter. She seems more like the bouncer type.

Hector groaned. Louis, come on. You’re playing with fire asking this broad.

Fire. Right. He wanted fire. Not brimstone and burning stakes, but someone with a spark of personality to them. Something about her drew him closer and he didn’t understand why.

She awakened something within him.

The divorce drained him, but decades of living alone ate away at his soul. Dating became the same old tired ritual. After a year, the relationships turned loveless. Each woman left because they couldn’t change him or make him human again.

He’d be careful this time.

I hope I’m not being too forward. He brushed a strand of hair away from her face. I don’t meet sophisticated women often. The way you diffused the situation was priceless, yet classy.

Evelyn shrugged. You have to be tough in this particular line of work. Course, it would’ve helped if Yasmine calmed down. I’m sorry about that. It’s not how I conduct business.

She leaned over the desk and grabbed her phone, shoving it in her back pocket.

Louis blew out a breath and loosened his tie.

Ahem. He pounded a fist into his chest. Still, it doesn’t matter. To be honest, I think you’re the only person capable of understanding a shareholder meeting. I mean, you’re a business owner, so you’ll get some of the lingo.

Depends on the trade. She met his eyes while fingering her gold cross necklace. Give me a cheat sheet. I’ll have everything down by tomorrow night.

Louis blushed. I don’t think that’s necessary.

All right. One second.

Evelyn moved behind the counter, slid past her coworker, and grabbed a stapled piece of paper by the printer.

She even made grabbing paper sexy with her sauntering walk.

Hector was right about playing with fire.

I’ll make an exception for you. She slammed the paper on the counter. This is our standard contract. Sign the form when you’ve finished reading it. I’ll go over the rules before you leave.

Goosebumps trailed down his arms at her confident demeanor.

What a delightful woman.

He moved over beside her, then skimmed the piece of paper. Standard contract rules applied. The price tag—while higher—went toward a good cause. Ten percent of her business went to a women’s shelter in the area.

No other escort businesses gave back to the community.

She understood the true meaning of business.

I’m glad we finally settled on who is going with you. Hector tapped his foot against the floor. I thought we’d strike out here, too. I’ve never met someone as picky as you. I thought the other girls would have interested you.

I’m not into stick figures.

Evelyn coughed into her hand, failing to mask her obvious laughter.

I’m glad we caught you, Evelyn. Hector handed Louis a pen. Some of these places are sleazy as fuck, you know. They asked if we’d tip their workers before leaving them for the evening. One of them drew up a contract about sexual intercourse for God’s sake.

Louis covered his face with a hand. Sorry about my boss.

It’s fine. I don’t demand tips and I don’t carry cash. She pointed at the X on the contract and drummed her fingernails against the counter. If you feel the service was adequate, go ahead and tip. Otherwise, there’s no obligation. My girls are paid well enough.

If she could handle Hector tomorrow, he’d buy her whatever she wanted. He drove most of his dates away.

You don’t seem like your boss. Evelyn rested her elbows on the countertop. He’s got quite a reputation here. Just leave the goods alone and we’re in business.

Fine. Louis slid the signed contract toward her. He’s tolerable once you get to know him. He patted her hand. To be honest, I’m glad Hector’s not looking for someone. None of the girls are his type.

He grabbed the pen and pointed it at Evelyn. She’s out of your league, Louie.

Maybe. But he had to try.

Another night with a blind date would drive him batty.

It’s just one night. Louis snatched the pen back from him. If I don’t like her, we’ll move on.

You’re already getting cozy with the hooker. I don’t like it.

Whoa, gentlemen. Evelyn held up her hands. I don’t run a fucking brothel here.

She clapped her hands together.

Sexual relationships can happen, but those are at the girl’s and client’s discretion. Furthermore, I’m not an easy piece of ass. This is a professional relationship. She lowered her head and pulled gently on Louis’s tie. Understand?

He fought off a grin and looked down her shirt. Sure.

I mean it. Her grip tightened. I’m about to turn you down.

Louis held up his hands. All right, all right.

Good. Evelyn plucked the pen from Louis’s hand and nibbled on the end. Come with me. I’ll go over the finer details with you. Jerkface can stay here or go choke on his champagne. Either outcome works for me.

I can’t stay. He took her hand and kissed it. We’re running behind schedule.

She pulled her hand away. Don’t get personal.

Louis leaned closer to her ear, savoring her cherry blossom perfume. I’ll call you. Hector can give me your number.

Don’t bother. Her hand slipped into her pocket and she slapped a business card into his hand. Make sure he’s not listening on the other line. I’d prefer to talk with you—if you’re done peeking down my shirt.

He took the card. Of course.

Good. I’ll catch up with you later. She thumbed over to the door. You gentlemen know the way out.

Evelyn sauntered back over to her desk and flounced in the chair, huffing while grabbing a stack of papers. Her cheeks turned rosy as she knitted her eyebrows together.

How adorable.

She would do.

Louis grabbed Hector’s arm, dragged him outside, and pressed him up against the door. He wrapped a hand around his boss’s throat.

Screw this up and I quit. I might have a chance with her.

He stormed over to the Volkswagen Beetle, fighting the urge to go back inside the building. Damn it all. He didn’t get to kiss her.

Maybe her lips would taste like her perfume.

2

Evelyn

Evelyn Rodriguez flopped into her computer chair, holding her head in her hands at her latest predicament. She swore she’d never take clients again. Never.

They were nothing but trouble.

The last one she took was two years ago and their professional relationship didn’t end well. Simon wanted to date her. He bribed her with her Audi. He bought her a studio apartment three blocks from her work. And gave her money.

Lots of money.

Like a fool, she accepted.

Of course, the relationship lasted six months, but he turned into a stalker toward the end. He bugged her house. Her phone. He met her at her closest cousin’s house. He turned half her coworkers against her, including her assistant. Then he chased off her customers.

Evelyn dumped him after that.

At least she walked off with a place to live.

The car payments were hell on her budget, though. If she didn’t need the Audi, she’d sell it. Four hundred dollar car payments were ridiculous. Even after cutting the cable, she barely made ends meet.

She lifted her head, then entered data into a spreadsheet.

Why did she set herself up for trouble again?

What possessed her to accept that dashing man’s proposal? His spicy cologne or his rugged good looks? Perhaps both. The sexy stud carried himself well. He wasn’t like Hector by a long shot.

In fact, he outdid him in the manners department.

Being charmed wasn’t like her, but Evelyn knew why she accepted the job. Her checking account had thirteen dollars in it. Work had been slow since the holiday season started. She took the pay cut while everyone else had gotten their checks.

If she didn’t get paid next week, she’d be overdue on her rent.

Again.

Either way, the fault lied with her. She could have paired him with someone else.

Instead, she said yes.

Man, he was a juicy morsel, too.

Evelyn fished around her desk drawer, groaning when she wrapped her hand around an empty candy bar wrapper. She didn’t have enough chocolate to deal with her mistake. Hell, she didn’t have enough candy to deal with the memories of her ex haunting her.

A trip to Walgreens would fix that.

You know, I’m surprised. Jemina’s voice turned sultry as she talked in Spanish and leaned over her shoulder. You always turn down proposals. Why accept his?

Because of his devilish voice. The man resembled a Native American sex god. No one had indigo colored eyes in this city. No one. The closest anyone came to matching his shade was blue-green.

But his features—God, he could’ve been a model. The man looked fine wearing his pressed suit. To be honest, she couldn’t picture him looking horrible in anything.

He had to be sporting a six-pack underneath his suit.

Evelyn shrugged, grabbing a stack of papers. Don’t know.

I thought you’d stick him with me. Jemina slapped a twenty dollar bill on her desk. If you’re heading out, grab me a milkshake before McDonalds closes the ice cream machine. In fact, grab two. Buy one for yourself.

I’m fine. Evelyn waved the twenty away, then rose from the chair. I’m wondering why I took his offer myself.

You opened your secret desk drawer.

Look, I shouldn’t have said yes. She paced around the tiny office. I haven’t taken clients in years.

What’s wrong with escorting one man? He’s sexy.

Evelyn drummed her fingernails against the wall. It’s cutting into another girl’s paycheck.

You pride yourself on good customer service, remember?

Good customer service her ass.

His insistence drove her crazy.

For all his rugged charm, Louis’s voice sent pleasant shivers throughout her body. He wasn’t even in the room and Evelyn imagined it wrapping around her like a warm electric blanket on a cold winter day. All she needed was a cup of hot cocoa and it’d be perfect.

Evelyn shivered, then hugged herself.

This heartthrob couldn't get away.

Have you heard about him before, Jem?

Nope. Her cousin ended the word on a teasing drawl. I know just as much as you. He doesn’t act like Hector. Thank St. Mary. Otherwise, I’d clobber him and throw him out. We don’t need another Casanova making moves on the girls, right?

She nodded. Right.

You're distracted. Jemina handed Evelyn her purse. Go get some air.

Something about him is weird, though. She brought her hand to her lips, catching notes of spice from his cologne. His hand was cold when he touched me. I know it’s December, but it’s been warmer than usual.

And?

His hand felt like an ice cube.

Maybe we’re getting paranormal clients for once.

Goosebumps traveled along Evelyn’s arms. You should’ve said he lives in an icebox or an air conditioned building.

Cheer up, Evie. They’re not that bad.

Easy for Jemina to say. She dated a bloody werewolf.

Something seemed off about him. Evelyn grabbed the contract and skimmed it until she found his last name. Armandi. Armandi... where have I heard his last name? Her hands hovered over the keyboard. Google might know something. Google always knows something.

Jemina grabbed the mouse. Good lord. Just call him.

And risk being enchanted by his smooth voice?

No thanks.

It didn’t stop her from pressing her thighs together and imagining his voice in her ear. She wanted that voice to envelop her. To wrap her into his dark depths and just pull her deeper into his spell. If his hands touched her, it’d be over.

Heat rose in her cheeks.

No. She had to give this assignment to someone else.

Jemina could handle him while she focused on keeping the office manageable. Even filing papers would be better than imaging herself playing tonsil hockey with Louis Armandi.

This wasn’t like her at all.

Maybe you’re right. She went back to her desk and grabbed her wallet. I’m going out for a while.

Seriously, stop by McDonalds for me. The hefty