Page 20 of Hot Vampire Next Door: Season Three

Jimmy let me borrow some jewelry—a set of gold tassel earrings and a tiered gold necklace with a simple star charm on the end. The charm hits at my sternum.

When Bran sees me in our bedroom, he does a double-take and my insides light up like a supernova.

He comes close, slides his hand around to the back of my neck, and draws me into him so he can speak directly at my ear. “You look lovely, Mouse. I’m already fantasizing about all of the things I will do to you in this dress.”

I warm beneath him and then pull away so I can look up at him. “First, we celebrate. You deserve that much.”

“It’s not as special as you’re making it out to seem.”

“Bullshit.”

He tilts his head down, narrows his eyes. “Careful, little mouse. I’m not above making the party wait for me.”

I breathe out and grin. “So you can fuck me?”

He drags his thumb over my bottom lip. “So I can punish this smart mouth. Give me an excuse. Any one will do.”

His touch turns punishing as his fingers trail down to my chin, forcing me to turn, exposing my neck.

My breath quickens, heart thumping loudly.

And then a knock sounds on the door and Bran groans. “It’s Jimmy,” he tells me even though the door is closed and there’s no way for him to see through it.

He darts over to it and whips it open. “You have impeccable timing, Jimmy.”

“If you’re going to be Head of House, you’ll have to get used to everyone always needing something from you.”

The line of Bran’s shoulders rises with a deep, exasperated breath. “I detest it when you make points I can’t argue.”

“I’m glad to be of service.” She nods at me. “You look beautiful, Jessie.”

My face is probably still flushed. I’m sure she heard us. “Thanks, Jimmy. You too. That dress is amazing.”

She’s left her hair natural and the curls spring with her movements. Her gauzy gold dress looks gorgeous against her dark skin. Giant emeralds swing from her ears.

“Thank you.” She gives us a spin. “It’s vintage Chanel.”

Bran scowls. “Coco was insufferable.”

“You hated her because she was brilliant.”

“I hated her because she bought that flat I wanted. Right out from beneath me.”

Jimmy rolls her eyes. “Ignore him. He collects real estate and when he loses out on it, he gets grumpy.”

“When isn’t he grumpy?” I counter.

“Also another excellent point.” Jimmy smiles innocently at Bran.

“I can see the two of you together might very well be the death of my last nerve,” he says.

“And how we will delight in it.” Jimmy waves us on. “Now hurry up. You both are the guests of honor tonight and the party is waiting for you. Chop-chop.” She disappears from the doorway.

Bran winds his arm around my waist, drawing me to his hip. “Stay by my side tonight,” he tells me. “And if you’re a good girl, maybe I’ll treat you like a bad one after.”

I try to pretend like that doesn’t sound like the best night ever.

Episode 40