Belly of the Beast

Chapter 13

After Griffin made sure everyone on the flight to Verona knew it was her birthday, the crew threw a small party for her in first class. While she drank mocktails served from the airplane's private stash, Vincent told everyone the story about her first birthday when she climbed onto the table and launched herself into her cake.

As usual, my charismatic mate held the attention of everyone within earshot. One attendant named Daphne continued to flirt with him shamelessly throughout the trip. When we were making our final approach, I was this close to telling Daphne to bugger off without a parachute.

We arrived at our hotel late, so Vincent ordered room service at the concierge desk before we made our way up to the top floor. He'd reserved a two-room suite, giving Griffin her own bed and bath, which, of course, offered us the added perk of privacy. But that didn't mean the girl was ready to retire anytime soon. She was squeezing every minute out of her birthday before the clock struck twelve.

"I think it's the most beautiful city I've ever seen," she said as she stood at the large bay window. "The bridges here glow differently than the ones at home. I want to walk across one while we're here."

"I'll try to make that happen, but our sightseeing time hinges on the hearing." Vincent reclined on the couch, his laptop parked on his knees and his fingers working the keys. I was on the couch with Vincent, doing absolutely nothing. Griffin turned her eyes on him, her arms crossed stiffly at her chest. It was the first time she looked annoyed since her perky arrival that morning.

"I wish we didn't have to attend this stupid hearing. I don't want to see Boris."

While her complaint was aimed at Vincent, her gaze flicked to me, and I read her body language perfectly. She would choose me over her asshole of a great grandfather any day.

Vincent glanced away from his computer to let her know he was listening. "You don't have to talk to him, Griffin, but it will be good for him to see you. Maybe he'll find some humility."

"Not if I tell him his humility stinks."

"I won't condemn you for a slip of the tongue."

The two exchanged wily grins, and I chuckled under my breath. Vincent had an easy way with Griffin, and it had me imagining, not for the first time, how he might be with his own child.

Room service arrived, and we filled our bellies with excellent Italian hotel food. Then Griffin wanted to watch a funny movie. Vincent and I dozed on the couch, despite Griffin's laughter, and the clock read two-thirty when she finally announced she was putting herself to bed.

"See you in four hours. Sleep tight."

"I'll have breakfast delivered to the room at seven." Vincent told her as he helped me to my feet.

Griffin's tired eyes had enough life in them to flutter. "More room service? Excellent!"

She skipped out of sight, and we did the same. Ours wasn't quite skipping, but Vincent had a pep in his step as he escorted me to our king-sized bed.

"I've been wanting to do this to you all night," he said as he laid me down and prowled across the starched-white duvet. Caging me between his legs, he buried his face in my hair and took my earlobe into his mouth, teasing it with his teeth. I could sense his readiness by the strong gollum scent that surrounded him, and I let it pull me under like a sedative. "How are you feeling?"

"Are you looking for a specific answer?"

He lifted his head, letting me see into those gray orbs. "I'm looking for the truth."

"I'm horny," I said. It was always the truth around him. "But I'm sure Griffin will know what we're up to."

Vincent didn't even raise an eyebrow. He just resumed his seductive play. "She has parents who sleep across the hall. I'm sure she's used to it. But if you'd rather we take this into the shower, the spray will muffle your cries of pleasure."