Ruby’s face split into a grin. “Well…I wouldn’t mind you strapping on that harness again, and afterward, you can buy me a big honking dinner to help replace all the calories I’ve burned off over the past day or so. How’s that?”

“That is a deal,” Bennett purred. She went to seal it with a kiss only to pull back before her lips met Ruby’s. “Oh, wait. It would have to be a late dinner. Once the sun goes down, there’s something I have to do.”

“Bay at the moon?”

“That would be werewolves, and don’t even start asking about them,” Bennett said, giving Ruby the evil eye. “No, I need to go see Napoleon, and there’s a rule about daywalkers showing up uninvited during the day, so I can’t rap on his door until the sun sets.”

Ruby reached for her drink, only to stop halfway. “Napoleon?” she said, looking back at Bennett. “As in the guy who tried to kill you with that trap?”

“Yes, and since it’s almost an hour’s drive, between getting there and getting back, I most likely won’t be home until after eight.”

Ruby picked up her wine and took a leisurely sip. “Okay, so how about this? Instead of calling Gus, let me act as your driver. That way, once your meeting is over, we can go to dinner from there. It would save at least an hour—right?”

“I’m afraid that won’t work,” Bennett said, a hint of sadness creeping into her tone.

It took a few seconds for Ruby to catch up, and when she did, she rolled her eyes. “Oh, that’s right. I forgot. I’m a mortal, and I can’t be trusted with the super-secret location of vampire lairs. My bad.” Ruby got up, and going over to the strap-on, she picked it up. “I trust you with this, though, so let’s go have some fun before you have to leave.”

Bennett hung her head, thinking for a minute before she ambled over to stand behind Ruby. “Why don’t we do things the old-fashioned way this afternoon and leave that for later tonight?” Bennett said, taking the toy from Ruby and putting it aside. “I’d hate to have us scrambling about for showers if we lose track of time.”

Ruby’s face brightened, and she turned to Bennett. “Does that mean I can drive you?”

“Yes,” Bennett said, lowering her mouth to Ruby’s. “But don’t expect a tip.”

***

Shortly after six that night, Bennett strode into Napoleon’s house, and the stench of sex, opium, and crack cocaine in the air caused her temples to throb instantly. She glanced around at the various orgies taking place, but before she could take a step, a man wearing nothing but a leather pouch to hide his shortcomings lumbered over.