Enemy Mine

Chapter 64

Vincent and I got on the road Monday afternoon, using the excuse that we needed a break from the media blitz following his big engagement surprise. The paparazzi had been staking out the building since Saturday, and we appeased them with smiles and waves as we pulled away in the Bentley.

The drive to Allegheny Forest gave us six hours to talk shop, and Vincent helped me parse out my career goals as he navigated freeway traffic. "What do you see for yourself, long-term, as far as your photography?" he asked. "Do you want to continue working freelance or do something more focused, like attaching your name to a brand?"

"I kind of imagined myself as the photographer who gets that impossible shot. I want people to look at my work and say, 'How the hell did she do that?'"

Vincent grinned as he glanced at me through the veil of his mirrored shades. "You mean the shots that are usually taken from a helicopter, or by some fearless soul who straps a GoPro to his head and bungee jumps off a bridge?"

"Um, yeah. Clearly, I'm not suited for that kind of photography, though."

"Why not? You've got wings, baby. You can get shots that would be impossible for the average human."

I bit my lip as I considered his suggestion. He was right. If I could get a grip on my fear of heights, my gollum nature would definitely work to my advantage. "I thought we were discussing Sam Martin's job offer. Do you think it will further my career?"

"Absolutely. Even if you end up with your name in the editing credits, you can attach yourself to the MegaManhattan brand. Sam will make sure you get plenty of media attention."

"Okay. So, what does Valentino Enterprises have to offer a gollum photographer with a fear of heights?"

He chuckled. "Everything MegaManhattan offers, plus a CEO who can rock your world in the bedroom." Vincent's smirk had me clenching my thighs together.

"You drive a hard bargain, but I'm a little wary of working for the guy I'm shagging, if you know what I mean."

"Shagging?"

"Yeah, baby." I winked and smirked back. "I think I'll take Sam up on his offer and see where it leads. At the least, I'll finish the project he mentioned then reassess my situation after that."

"A shrewd decision, as per usual."

I picked up my phone and made the call to Sam, and after he told me I had made his day, Vincent and I stopped for food and a fuck, one of the many advantages of tinted windows. I didn't realize how nervous I was until we tucked into our campsite in the Alleghany Forest. Burly, bushy-faced hunters sat around campfires at most of the sites we passed, hunters I would hate to run across in my gollum form. Why the hell did a demon choose state game lands to settle down?

"It's going to be damn cold up there in the ether," I said as I gazed out the car window, watching the stars wink at us from above.

"You'll get used to it."

"That's what I keep hearing, but so far, I haven't gotten used to any of it." My spoken worries fogged the window, which only made them seem more ominous, and Vincent held my hand, rubbing my knuckles with his thumb.

"You're not alone on this journey, Reese. I will always be there with you."

I lifted his hand to kiss it. "I love it when you get sappy. It's a refreshing change from Mr. Maniacal."

"Mr. Maniacal? When did I earn that title?"

"After you fucked me in the Bentley at the rest stop." I offered a half shrug, but he didn't look convinced.