Bitten By The Bad Boy: A Bad Boy Vampire Romance by Jasmine White

done good, kid.” She play-slugged Kyra in the arm.
    “Thanks for helping.” Kyra wanted to say more but didn’t know where to start. All week Bree had been close, ready to provide whatever Kyra needed. She made sure Kyra stopped to drink and eat, forced her to leave for fresh air and a shower each night, and helped with all of the arrangements. Kyra hugged her friend, not too tight.
    “You’re getting better at hugging,” Bree teased. “And, this is what we do. It’s what friends do for each other.”
    “I didn’t think I deserved it anymore.” Kyra looked away.
    “Why not, K?” Bree didn’t wait for an answer, “you’ve always been there for me. I think you’re the only one who didn’t lecture me for dropping out of college or judge me for my lifestyle. You’re just there, unfailingly supportive. How could I offer anything less in return?”
    Tears welled in Kyra’s eyes. She had no idea. “It’s your life, Bree.”
    “I know,” her friend responded thoughtfully, “that’s why I re-enrolled in school.”
    “What!? How? When?” Kyra squealed.
    “Yesterday. Being with you this week has made me realize how much I enjoy being in this world. I remember why I went to school and suffered through those insanely boring lectures. I lost it somewhere and that’s why I left school.” But, I don’t need that many more credits and I figured I may be able to apply here once we oust your horrible bosses. It wouldn’t be so terrible working with my best friend.”
    “Wow. I had no idea.” Kyra beamed, “and of course I would love to work with you but I wouldn’t hold your breath for this place. There’s still a lot to do and even if we oust the assholes it doesn’t mean we can keep the museum afloat.”
    “Oh, I think things will work out spectacularly tonight.” Bree smiled mysteriously.
    “What do you know that I don’t?” Kyra raised an eyebrow. “What did you do?”
    “Nothing, really!” Bree exclaimed innocently. “I just have faith in our plan.” She pulled her phone from her back pocket, “on that note, I have to go help Rey bring everything in.”
    “And I guess I will just stay here, useless.” Kyra groaned. Still two hours to sunset.
    “It’s fine, Kyra. It won’t take us long.” Bree slipped out the door, putting on a show of being stealthy so Kyra would chuckle.
    Kyra glided around the room while she waited for her friends. It turned out exactly as she’d hoped, very simple, very elegant. Sam had the brilliant idea to use flameless candles – they cost a little more but would be a lot less dangerous when the shit hit the fan. Kyra still couldn’t believe they’d managed to keep the gallery off limits this week, couldn’t believe Mary obliged and changed the security clearance.
    She moved through the tables, made adjustments as needed, and waited for Bree to return with Reina. A knock at the main door alerted Kyra to Bree’s return. Kyra opened it, ready to greet her friends, but found herself face to face with Bill. His features contorted into a sneer. “Oh, you are here.”
    “Of course, where else would I be?” Kyra pushed Bill backward and shut the door behind her.
    “Fretting in your office, picking up last minute items, dressing? Who knows?” Bill shrugged.
    “Can I help you with something, Bill?” Kyra asked sweetly.
    “I was just checking to see if I could be of assistance,” Bill replied innocently.
    “Of course. How kind of you to offer, but I have everything under control.” Kyra beamed at him. “Oh, here are my friends. You remember Bree and Reina.” They could not have timed their arrival any better. “You’ll excuse us - we have to dress for this evening. The caterers will be here soon and I want to be ready to greet them.
    “So you will have food after all.” Bill’s confidence wavered.
    “Oh, yes.” Kyra smiled wider, she knew they’d been checking in with the usual vendors all week.  “Like I said, I have everything under