Enemy Mine

Chapter 27

Where are you off to?

This was the text I received from Christoph while I sat at the airport waiting to leave the country. I had completely forgotten to tell him. Of course, I felt guilty when the message chimed through, with Vincent seated next to me hovering at my shoulder, but he knew this would be our life for a while and I didn't try to hide my screen as I sent a reply. 

Verona, Italy. Sorry, I forgot to fill you in. We'll be back Tuesday.

What's in Verona?

The hearing for Vincent's narrow-minded grandfather.

That sounds less romantic than I originally thought. I hope all goes well.

Thanks.

Vincent shook his head as I set my phone in my lap. "How often does he text you?"

"Not very often. The last time was..." I grabbed my phone again and scrolled through Christoph's text stream. "A week ago last Saturday. The night you interrogated me about my relationship with him. 'For the health and safety of the domus, I need to be suspicious of anything related to demons'. I'm pretty sure that's what you said."

"You're right. I did say that, and it will always be the case, but you are excellent at pointing out my narrow-mindedness, which I plan to explore further." He dropped a kiss on my nose and sat back in his seat, reabsorbing himself in his NASDAQ app.

As far as perks, flying first class had to be up there with the concierge level at the Four Seasons. We all had our beverages by the time the coach passengers started boarding, and the boys were able to stretch their legs. Colin and Sylvie sat two rows back, so chatting between couples would be limited, but Sylvie seemed content to snuggle with Colin as they perused the dinner menu. I hated thinking about their doomed relationship, but I also knew Sylvie treated life like a soldier, living each day as if it was her last. And, right now she was having lots of excellent sex, which I considered to be a perk on any level.

Once the plane reached its cruising altitude, I loosened my grip on Vincent's hand and we closed our eyes for a nap. At least Vincent appeared to nap. I had never been able to sleep on airplanes, so I laid awake thinking about everything that could go wrong on our trip. Would the magisters let prejudice taint their views? Would it be a fair hearing? Did I remember to pack Amelia's perfume? How long since the airplane had its last safety check?

"Try to relax, Reese." Vincent's smooth voice interrupted my self-destructive musings, and I realized my fingernails were digging into his hand.

"Can't relax. Airplane."

"You told me you were over your fear of airplane flight."

"No, I said I was better with it, not over it."

He leaned in and kissed my cheek. "Follow me into the bathroom and I'll help you get over it."

"You're nuts if you think both of us will fit inside an airplane bathroom, let alone get anything done."

"You underestimate me, Miss Kentwell."

With catlike stealth, Vincent slipped his hand up the front of my blouse, and I glanced at the older couple across the aisle from us. They'd been sleeping for a while.

"I love your wicked ways, but I'll wait until we land before I let you seduce me."

He leaned into my ear, breathing warmth onto it. "You haven't given me a chance yet."

Vincent swept his fingers across my torso, setting off the chills, then he slipped his thumb beneath the seam of my bra. I turned and pressed a kiss to his cheek, hiding his hand from view. "Sex with a gargoyle is one thing, but I draw the line at sex on an airplane."

"I admire a female who knows how to prioritize. What do you suggest we do to alleviate your anxiety?"

"Let's talk. Tell me about the mansion we're staying at in Verona."

I helped Vincent ease his hand away from my breast, and not a moment too soon. "Okay," he said as he adjusted his growing erection. "The mansion is the residence of the current high magister. His name is Adamo Ricci."

"Adamo Ricci is the head cheese with the best digs. Got it."

"He is the high magister of the Gollum Council of Magisters," Vincent corrected me as he cracked a patronizing smile, although I often wondered if he really got my humor. "Domus Ricci is an ancient surname among gollums, and Adamo takes his legacy and his position seriously."

"So, a staunch traditionalist like your grandfather? That doesn't sound good for us."

"He isn't as staunch as he sounds. He achieved the position because of his ability to analyze each case and make decisions based on the individuals involved. And while you are the opposite of a staunch traditionalist, I have no doubts he will like you."

"I'm afraid your opinion might be tainted, since you're currently sleeping with me." I grinned at him and took his hand, threading my fingers through his. "Did Adamo invite us to stay with him, or did you arrange it that way?"

"Magister Ricci orchestrated everything. That is how he operates. He gets to know the parties on both sides of the argument, gauge their personalities, learn their agendas. I believe it's a thorough and fair process."

"Sounds like the Salem Witch Trials to me. So, what about this rental property in Venice? Tell me about that."

"It's an ancient place I came by through both fortunate and unfortunate circumstances. I rent it out with the stipulation that I am given access to the apartment on my visits to Venice. So far, this has worked out well, and my current tenant is very accommodating."

I took a moment to read between the lines. This was Vincent Valentino we were talking about. "You had sex with her."

My bold accusation prompted a grin from him. "A few times. She is human, Reese. She operates a successful floral business and is now engaged to be married."

"That's nice. If she was a gollum, would you have been able to fall in love with her?"

Vincent lifted his brows as he shook his head at me. "You really don't want to know that, do you baby?"

"You could have just said 'no'."

Feeling pouty, I turned to stare at the headrest in front of me, and Vincent bent over my ear. "If I had been walking down the aisle to marry the girl of my dreams and I caught your scent, I would have called off the wedding."

A smirk found my lips. "That's better."