Suck It Up, Buttercup (First Fangs Club #2) - Kristen Painter Page 0,1

indoor pool on the first floor of the building. If something isn’t to your taste, or you need to repurpose a room, that’s perfectly fine.”

A salon? Donna smiled. “I think it all sounds wonderful.”

“Additionally, there is access to the roof and to the apartment below, which the governorship also owns. Rest assured, both floors have been fortified with iron. The windows have all been coated with UV film too. Although that’s meant as a precaution, not a lifesaving measure. Understood?”

“Perfectly.” Donna nodded with great seriousness, but the truth was, she didn’t need protection from the sun so long as she was wearing the blessed crucifix she’d had on when she’d been turned. The crucifix, a gift from her nun sister, Cammie, had been purchased at the Vatican and blessed by the pope. Donna wasn’t sure what part of that was keeping her safe from the sun, or if it was just her belief in a higher power, but whatever the reason, the cross’s protection was her secret. It would stay that way as long as possible too.

Artemis went on. “The apartment below is where your driver and administrative assistant live. There’s more living space available, should you like to install additional staff. The driver and admin are available to you at any time.”

“Good to know.” Donna gestured to Pierce. “And my assistant?”

“You can put him up in the apartment below, but most governors have their assistant in-house.”

Donna nodded. “That’s what I thought.”

Pierce smiled politely. “I’m happy to live wherever you’d like me to.”

“Thank you.” Donna would have to think about that. Having Pierce close had benefits, but she was just getting used to being alone. And liking it.

Instead of giving an immediate answer, she walked through the living room, which she imagined qualified as one of the lounges, and into the kitchen, which had enough space for a breakfast bar and a table that sat six.

Lots of polished concrete and clean lines with touches of charcoal, slate, bronze, and rose gold. It was darkly modern and sleek and very sophisticated. More androgynous than full-on masculine, but not so much that it felt oppressive. And not at all like the kind of place she would have pictured the vampire governor might call home. But then, she wasn’t sure what else it should look like. And it didn’t much matter, because she didn’t really plan on living here.

Did she?

A new question popped into her head. “Is it mandatory that I live here?”

“You’re the governor. It’s expected that you’re here occasionally. Well, more than that, I suppose. Enough to be considered regular.” Artemis frowned. “If something isn’t to your liking, there’s money in the budget to make changes.”

“It’s not that, it’s just… Wait, there’s a budget?”

“Yes. How do you think you and your staff get paid?” Artemis shook her head. “Don’t get too caught up in being here, though. Your schedule is yours. As long as you’re fulfilling your duties, you’re good. Like I said, you must find a balance.”

Donna was still focused on one of the first things Artemis had said. “I get a salary?”

Artemis laughed. “I did mention that before. Did you forget? This is not a volunteer position.”

“I completely forgot. Remember, I’ve been a vampire for less than a week. And it’s been a pretty crazy week at that.”

Artemis’s expression softened. “Forgive me. It has been. But you’re still much more…together than most at this stage.”

“I appreciate that.”

Pierce leaned in. “You’re doing very well.”

She smiled at him. She was glad he was here. “Thanks.”

“Yes,” Artemis said. “There is a salary for you and your assistant. And obviously, whatever staff you need besides your admin and your driver, who is also your head of security. Like I said, there is also room for you to hire more staff. The governorship of New Jersey has deep pockets. Your admin can provide you with the budget. Bear in mind, my office audits every governor at the end of the fiscal year.”

“So don’t be foolish,” Donna supplied.

“Yes. This isn’t your personal bank account.” Artemis smiled. “I doubt this will be an issue for you. But I tell you these things because I must.”

“I understand.” Claudette’s downfall had come about because she hadn’t told Donna all the things she should have. There was no way Artemis would follow the same pattern of behavior. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have become queen.

Artemis waved a hand. “If you have questions, you can reach out to me, but your staff can help you as well. They’ve been at their jobs