Bed and Breakfast [Bloodkin 1] (Siren Publishing Classic ManLove) Read Online Free Page B

very impressive erection.
    Moss gulped and averted his gaze. Arousal from the part of a future employer—especially in these dubious circumstances—couldn’t be a good sign. “Well?” the man asked. “What will it be?”
    Moss swallowed around the knot in his throat. He looked up at the bloodkin and found himself nodding. “Y–yes.”
    The smile that appeared on his employer’s face made Moss feel even hotter. “Excellent. Now that we’ve reached an agreement, I’ll introduce myself. I’m Vane Bloodmoor.”
    “Marlais Hayden, pleased to make your acquaintance,” Moss replied automatically.
    “The pleasure is all mine,” Vane answered. He retrieved a bell from the desk and rang it. Almost instantly, a knock sounded at the door and the butler reappeared. “Yes, Your Lordship?”
    “Benson, tell everyone to leave and compensate them for their time. I’ve made my choice. Then bring me the contract.”
    The butler—apparently named Benson—nodded and stepped out. “Just a few more formalities to deal with,” Vane explained. “In the meantime, let’s talk a bit about your job will entail.”
    Moss nodded. He shouldn’t be worried. This might be the best job he could ever find in this damn city. He could just stay here for a little while, until he received his first paychecks and gathered enough money for his trip.
    “You’ll live here, but you’ll have your own quarters,” Vane said. “We will dine together, but occasionally, depending on my needs, I will require your blood. Also, you will have to check my accounts and visit with several merchants and lawyers in the city.”
    As Vane continued to list Moss’s attributions as a secretary, Moss couldn’t help but feel just a bit excited. He’d have a job, a real job that would allow him to use his skill for numbers and letters. He quieted the small voice in his head saying his glee had nothing to do with employment.
    In just a few minutes, Benson returned to the study, carrying several documents. “Ah, here we are.” Vane took the papers from Benson and sat down at the desk. Moss could no longer see him clearly, but he did realize Vane scanned the contracts. The other man dipped a quill in an inkwell and began to cross out things and write on the paper. At last, he finished, and put the quill back.
    “I made a few amendments, due to our arrangement. You will be handed a copy. Read it carefully tonight. If everything is according to your wishes, tomorrow you can begin.” He nodded toward Benson. “This is my manservant, Benson, and dear friend. You’ve met already. He will help you with anything you might need during your stay.”
    Apparently, Vane thought the decision had been already made. At this point, Moss didn’t doubt the man was right.
    “Thank you, my lord,” he replied a bit numbly. “I’m sure everything will be fine.”
    Vane clapped his hands together. “Well then, Benson will see you out. I expect you here tomorrow, Marlais.”
    The abrupt change in mood surprised Moss. He could’ve sworn Vane also wanted him, but now, he sounded so formal and so coolly polite. Had the tent in Vane’s pants been just a play of shadows? Now, Vane just seemed eager to put distance between them.
    Almost as a side thought, Vane added, “Oh, and, Benson, have the coachman take Marlais home. It’s late.”
    “Understood, Your Lordship,” Benson replied.
    Coachman? Moss hadn’t seen any servants, other than the ever-stoic butler. Perhaps they weren’t privy to the selection process of their master’s companions.
    These thoughts evaporated when Moss processed Vane’s last order. Take him home with the coach? No way! That would be a disaster. Whoever accompanied him would see the poor state of his lodgings. How could he ever show his face here again after such a shameful experience?
    “That’s quite all right. You don’t need to bother,” he hastily said.
    “I insist,” Vane replied. “I wouldn’t want to have any trouble on the way