Enemy Mine

Chapter 67

Eighteen hours post-battle and I was still popping pain meds like Skittles, mostly for my chin wound and some aches and pains. The headache disappeared when the horns did, which I never saw. I changed forms before I accidentally looked at my reflection, and they had not been mentioned by me or anyone since. So, that awkwardness was happening, but I took some comfort in hearing Sylvie's voice as we chatted on the phone.

"I wish I had been there to punch Deidra in her face," she said.

"That's exactly why I didn't want you there. She would have knocked the snot out of you. And the only humans allowed in the arena are cops and military personnel."

"Well, I would have had your back, chica, even if I'd been knocked on mine. Tell me more about your horns. You barely said one word about them last night."

"I did that for a reason. I don't want to talk about them."

"Why?"

"They're a sign of my demon blood, and demons are a gollum's enemy, remember?"

"But Vincent knows you're not his enemy, and so do the rest of the Valentinos. You're family to them."

"And my horns are just a reminder that I'm not like them. I'm a freak among freaks."

"You need to stop trash talking yourself. You know damn well Vincent wouldn't care if you grew a tail. He'd probably enjoy finding new positions for sex. Until death do you part. It's in the wedding vows."

I wanted to believe Sylvie, just like I wanted to believe Vincent when he said I was beautiful inside and out, but this was still too fresh. "We're not married yet, but thanks for the pep talk. I needed it."

"I'm always here for you, Reese, you know that. But right now, my boss is buzzing me on the intercom, so I have to go."

"Okay. Catch ya later."

I hung up and adjusted the cushion under my head, putting thoughts of horns and tails out of my mind. Vincent had played nursemaid until his Monday schedule interfered, instructing me not to move from the couch while he took a quick call in his office. That quick call had now surpassed an hour, and my stomach was reminding me I hadn't eaten in a while. Even the dogs heard it growl, and their ears perked up as I started my gradual ascent from the couch. The last time I moved too fast, the floor introduced itself to my bottom.

Rather than head straight for the kitchen, I made for Vincent's office to see how serious his quick call had become. I figured his stomach was growling too. The door stood ajar, and I listened to the silence for a moment, waiting to hear the deep baritone of Vincent's voice.

"Come in, Reese." Vincent's beckoning never failed to send a thrill through me, and I slipped into the room to find him at his desk. He stood to greet me, pursing his lips as he glanced at the bandage under my chin. "How are you feeling?"

"Hungry. What were you doing?"

"Thinking." He walked over and kissed me, lingering long enough to give me a good whiff of his scent. Yeah, that thrill.

"Thinking, huh? Can you tell me what you were thinking about, or is it business related?"

"If it was business related, I would have had the problem solved an hour ago."

"So, you've got a problem? Could it be the same problem you've been thinking about all week?"

Vincent huffed out his answer as he reached for a frame he kept on his desk. It held a photo of Roberto wearing a designer suit and an easy smile, the kind of smile that could seduce any female, gollum and human alike. Vincent claimed he kept it there for inspiration, but I knew there was more to it than that.