Stone In Love

Chapter 52

I did my damnedest to stay awake as I waited for Vincent, wrapping myself in a robe after a much-needed shower and staking a claim on the balcony chaise. Vincent was required to speak to Rafael and his domus after the challenge, which Rafael retracted after the battle with the demons.

It turned out Rafael knew his chances for winning were slim, but Emile had encouraged him to make the challenge, planting the seed in Rafael's head and nurturing it in the hopes of providing an opportunity for a demon ambush. The plan had worked, but the end result was Emile being ostracized by all three New York domi and forced out of the city. What an asshole.

Clyde was the first to alert me to Vincent's presence, but I had little time to prepare before Vincent picked me up and carried me back to his room. In his human form, he looked like he had been in a brawl with the entire membership of the WWF, but he seemed determined to tuck me into bed before he disappeared into the bathroom. I hadn't been resting long when my eyes flicked open to find Vincent lying next to me, propped on his elbow, his beautiful gray eyes locked on my face.

"Good morning," he said as he smiled a heart-melting, no holding back smile. Was I dreaming?

"Yes, it is," I offered in return. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I've been run over by a city bus, but I've felt worse."

"I'm glad you're in one piece. I was really worried about you." I lifted my hand to his face and let it drift over his cheek where a pair of matching cuts marred his perfect features. He closed his eyes as he leaned into my touch.

"There is very little that scares me, Reese, but I was nearly overcome with fear when I saw you being carried off by that demon. It was my worst nightmare come true. The fact that you are here in my bed, alive and well, is a testament to your cleverness."

"Did you hear my whistle?"

"Yes. We were following a hunch that you had been taken to Cecile. Did Christoph tell you he was taking you there?"

Bonnie and Clyde lifted from their positions at the end of the bed and nuzzled between our chests, reminding us it was breakfast time. I appreciated the distraction. I didn't want to think about Cecile or Willem or the fact that I needed to tell Vincent that a demon's blood ran through my veins. The thought made me physically ill.

"Yes, he did. Do we have to talk about this right now? The dogs are hungry."

Vincent's forehead bunched in worry, like he suspected I was hiding something, which I was, but he submitted to my suggestion, and the morning quickly turned into a three ring circus, with every member of the domus inviting themselves over to talk about the events of the evening. Rizzo had been released from the hospital and was given the prime spot on the couch with plenty of pillows to accommodate his delicate condition. Lunch was prepared by Wren and Amelia, and before I realized how much time had passed, I was helping Griffin clear the dinner dishes. Feeling the fatigue of a full house, I scooted Rizzo's feet out of the way and reclined next to him, refilling his glass with red wine. Of all the Valentinos, Rizzo was the only one I ever saw drink wine.

"You gave us a real scare, mon amie," he said as he took a sip.

"I was pretty scared too, Rizzo, but if you want to know the truth..." I leaned in to speak conspiratorially. "Christoph revealed everything but his social security number to me. He was a regular blabbermouth."

Rizzo's eyebrows shot up. "Really? I cannot say I am surprised. You have that effect on us." He smiled as he glanced at Vincent across the room. "Have you told Vincent what happened between you and Christoph?"

I bit my lip as I eyed the wine bottle. A sedative sounded pretty damn good about now. "No. I don't want to ruin the mood. Not everything Christoph said was good."