Valentino's Kiss Read online

  Tom smiled warmly at the woman Valen planned to claim as his. The demon that hadn’t spoken in two hundred years said his first word. Kill.

  Laura headed to the door on Tom’s arm when a wave of dizziness hit. “I think I need to sit down.”

  Valen appeared immediately in front of them. “Bring her to the guest room so she can rest.”

  Tom looked at Jenner.

  Jenner nodded.

  Laura attempted to focus on her surroundings. The lush decor blurred before her mind reset and brought her environment back to life. She had the strangest feeling that her world was somehow brighter. Her abilities returned. The tension had been escalating. Anger. Concern. Arousal. She briefly questioned the last one but decided it was probably Greg as Kiki was in the room.

  Jenner leaned close. “You okay Laura?” His concern was overly evident.

  Laura’s body felt heavy. Exhausted. She rubbed her eyes. “I think so. I honestly don’t know what happened. I feel as if I overloaded but...”

  Jenner interrupted. “What did you see?”

  “That’s the strange part. I didn’t see anything. I didn’t feel anything. Even when I’m not touching someone, I get a sense of their emotional state. It was like every emotion, every bit of light, was sucked out of me.”

  Jenner stood, turning on Valen. “If you hurt her in any way, I will kill you.”

  Dante stepped in front of his brother. “I assure you Valen would never do anything to hurt Laura.”

  Jenner’s face hardened. “Her name is Agent Whitney. Don’t forget who you are dealing with.”

  Dante’s face remained emotionless. “Am I to assume you have no interest in finding Rico’s killer, then. That your purpose here is to assert your authority and hatred of us?”

  Jenner glanced away. “We will find your brother’s killer. Human or demon the culprit will be brought to justice. That I promise you.”

  Laura sat up. “Jenner, Valen didn’t do this, at least not intentionally. I felt no push from his mind. I think I’m the one who connected with... something. It wasn’t him.”

  “What do you want to do? I can have Tom carry you out...”

  “NO.” Laura said too quickly. “I’m fine. If you get me a glass of water, I think I can continue.”

  Dante handed Laura a glass.

  “Thank you,” she said smiling at the younger Moretti.

  Jenner shook his head. “I think you should go home.”

  Laura drank half the water before smoothing the fabric of her black skirt. “I would like a moment alone with Valen.”

  Jenner’s eyes narrowed “No.”

  Laura felt the air in the room thicken. She inserted steel into her voice. “Kiki will be with me. I can’t concentrate with you hovering over me.”

  Jenner put his hands on his hips and turned to Kiki. “Go with her. You know what to do.”

  Kiki pulled a concealed weapon she had strapped under her jacket. She held it loosely in one hand. “Lead the way Mr. Moretti.”

  Valen led them into a large dining hall and closed the French doors once the ladies had entered. “Please have a seat.”

  Kiki moved to the corner. “I’ll stand.”

  Valen pulled out a dining chair from a long oak table, motioning for Laura to sit.

  Laura held a gold locket close her chest as she took the seat. “Now tell me what happened back there. I know I said it wasn’t you but it was connected to you wasn’t it?”

  Valen glanced at Kiki. “Are you sure you wish to have this conversation now?”

  “I’ll be completely honest with you, in hopes you’ll give me the same courtesy. Kiki is my best friend. Her report will be identical to mine. I will decide what goes in that report. She is also the best agent to graduate the PIA since Jenner and she won’t hesitate to shoot you.”

  “That gun she is holding. Does it by chance kill my kind?” he asked.

  Laura glanced at the weapon. “No. It will incapacitate you for a few minutes. Long enough for us to take you into custody but it won’t kill you. No gun can kill a demon. Can it?”

  “So, I thought until an hour ago.”

  Laura felt the truth. “Tell me what happened.”

  “Your abilities are not what I expected. We have come across many humans with varying levels of psychic ability. None have been close to yours.”

  Laura looked away. Great. Even the demons think I’m a freak. “What was... that?”

  Valen’s fingers traced the carving etched in the antique wood of the table. For a moment she thought he wasn’t going to answer. “You connected with a dormant part of me. Had I known this was possible I would have taken precautions to protect you.”

  “So, it won’t happen again. That... blackness?” she asked.

  “The darkness you describe no longer exists.”

  “Is it a cultural thing? Does it pertain to the murder in any way?”

  Valen seemed to consider her words. “You could call it a sickness that afflicts my race. I do not believe this has anything to do with my brother’s murder.”

  Laura struggled to put what she felt into words. “So, it’s like a cancer.”

  “It is far worse than any disease.”

  “And you suffer from this sickness?”

  “Not anymore.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “I am at your disposal to answer your questions about my race another time. I wish to focus on my brother’s murder now.”

  Laura silently reprimanded herself. “Yes of course. I’d like to take another look at his body.”

  They returned to the entrance hall. Laura knelt by the body, touching Rico’s skin. She glanced at Jenner and shook her head. Though she felt nothing from the beautiful corpse at her feet, a wave of exhaustion rolled over her. The cotton of her uniform was thin, but she felt sweat forming on her brow. She struggled to get to her feet.

  Jenner looked at Kiki. “Get her out of here.”

  Laura put on her pink terrycloth bathrobe, trying without success to forget the disaster of her first day. She went into the kitchen with Blam trailing behind her. His frail tiny body rubbed against her feet as he purred.

  She heard Jenner slamming cupboards in the apartment next to hers. He cursed loudly and hadn’t come to check on her this morning.

  She jumped when the phone rang. She put down the can of tuna she had pulled out of the cupboard and grabbed the phone. “Hello.”

  “Good morning, Laura.”

  Laura’s heart skipped. “What’s wrong?”

  Marcus cleared his throat. “Nothing is wrong.”

  She cradled the phone against her ear. “You never contact me directly.”

  “True, but I needed to talk to you without Jenner hovering near you.”

  Laura huffed. “He’s like a mother hen, isn’t he?”

  “He loves you,” Marcus said with an emotionless tone.

  She grabbed the tin off the counter. “I know. Why are you calling me? You know he’ll find out.”

  “Of course, but I want to talk to you about Valentino.”

  Laura pulled the lid off the tin. “What about him?”

  “He called the office. He wishes to see you,” Marcus said.

  “He did mention he would answer any further questions I had about the investigation.”

  “I think you have misunderstood. He has shown an interest in YOU.”

  Laura felt uncomfortable. “I just met him. I assure you our relationship is strictly professional.”

  “It doesn’t have to be.”

  Laura dropped the can on the linoleum floor. “I won’t sleep with someone to get information. I’m not that kind of agent.”

  “Of course not. We both know Jenner would kill me if I gave you that kind of assignment. I am simply suggesting you accept his dinner invitation.”

  “What information are you looking for?”

  “Anything you can get on the demon races. We have only been aware of them for a few years. Eventually the public will catch on but for now we need all the Intel we can. Of course if there is any information pertinent to Rico Moretti’s murder, get that as well.”

  Laura listened to Blam purr as he devoured his food. “I will ask him if he is willing to share information about his race but I will tell him upfront why I am asking.”

  “This is why you failed special op’s.”

  Laura closed her eyes. “No it isn’t.”

  “You continue to concern yourself with your physical differences.”

  Laura huffed. “I’m the only agent that isn’t a size 8 or smaller.”

  “No one can do what you do.”

  “Yeah. So I’m told,” she said bitterly.

  “Find out what you can.” The line went dead.

  Laura cleaned up the mess, then picked up Blam and took him to the couch. She was petting him when Jenner burst through the door.

  “No fucking way!” he yelled.

  Laura stood. “First off. This is my apartment and I would appreciate it if you at least knocked before you walk in. Second. No decent conversation starts with no fucking way.”

  Jenner tossed his phone on the coffee table. “Marcus said that Valentino Moretti asked you on a date.”

  Laura tightened her robe. “Yes, he told me.”

  “Did he order you to go?”

  Laura shook her head. “No. He asked me to get Intel from Valen on the demon races.”

  Jenner’s hands fisted at his sides. “It’s Valen now is it?”

  “Listen Jenner. I know how you feel about them...”

  His tone dropped. “They murdered my sister.”

  “I know, but you can’t hold their entire species accountable for one man’s actions.”

  “He wasn’t a man.”

  “Humans have killed demons too. Should we start a war with them? Is that what you want?”

  “No, of course not,” he said.

  “Well you could have fooled me. You treated the Morettis like shit. Right after their brother’s murder.”

  “They could have killed him themselves for all you know.”

  “Then called the PIA in to investigate?”

  “It’s been done before.”

  “Sure, but killers like that need the attention. In their own way they want to get caught. I touched Valen. I told you I didn’t feel anything. That means no intent to kill. No need for accolades. No sociopathic behavior. Nothing.”

  “Perhaps your ability is malfunctioning.”

  Laura felt her blood heat. She held out her hand. “You want to test that theory. I’m game.”

  Jenner backed up a step. “I apologize. I’m just frustrated Marcus wants to use you like that.”

  “Really? All the PIA does is use me.”

  Jenner rubbed his mouth. “Laura, I know the last few years have been hard on you. I try...”

  Laura held up a hand. “I’m sorry. This isn’t your fault. I’m grateful for everything you do, Jenner. After what I did to you...

  “That wasn’t your fault.”

  “I know but we both have to live with the consequences of my actions,” she said solemnly.

  Jenner pulled a card from his pocket. “Tom asked me to give this to you. His personal number is written on the back.”

  Laura took the card as the phone rang. She answered without looking at the number. “Hello”

  “Hello Laura,” Valen said.

  Fear and excitement rippled through her body. She glanced at Jenner. “Hi Valen.”

  Jenner looked at the ceiling shaking his head. “Fuck.”

  Valen cleared his throat. “It seems you have company.”

  “Jenner lives beside me. We usually head into work together.”

  “Understandable since you live in the Davidson building.”

  “How did you know that?”

  “I will answer all your questions this evening.”

  “I honestly can’t believe you called my boss to arrange an interview with me.”

  “I want no misunderstandings between us. This is a date Laura. You are a difficult woman to get near. Between your little ninja of a best friend and your overbearing senior partner, I was forced to leverage information on the demon race in order to get an evening alone with you.”

  “Why would you do that?”

  “You will find out tonight.”

  “Okay.”

  “I will pick you up at seven. Goodbye, Beauty.” He hung up.

  Jenner crossed his arms. “No way.”

  Laura mimicked his action. “I’m not a teenager. I’m going.”

  Valen watched Laura exit the large apartment building. Her pink coat was a bright contrast to the stark gray exterior of the functional apartment. There were several small balconies with chairs on them but only one had plants overflowing with flowers. He was sure that was Laura’s. He got out of his Ferrari.

  Laura stopped as he opened the door for her. “That’s quite a car.”

  Valen glanced at the cherry red finish. “I am sure the PIA has informed you that I manufacture parts for cars like this.”

  She raised her eyes. “So, you’re required to drive them?”

  “It makes sense to promote one’s product don’t you think?”

  Laura smiled. “And you get absolutely no enjoyment from driving a car like this?” she teased.

  Valen’s smile touched his eyes. “I will tell you that I have never enjoyed a ride in this car before today.”

  Laura frowned. “Why not?”

  Valen motioned for her to get in the car. “Because you were not in it.”

  Laura’s laugh was unsure. Is he teasing me? She got in. “I didn’t know demons were such flirts.”

  Valen leaned in to buckle her seatbelt. “I cannot speak for all demons, but I assure you I have never flirted with a woman.”

  Laura pursed her lips. “A man?”

  Valen’s eyebrows lifted, feeling the first tickle of amusement he’d felt in decades. “I think you know the answer to that.” He loved how expressive she was. It was a pale solution to the bond he needed, but he found he like the mystery that surround her existence.

  Laura searched his face. “No. You’re definitely a ladies man.”

  Valen moved a blonde silk lock behind her ear so he could whisper into it. “Not ladies Laura. Lady. There is only one for me.”

  Laura moved back slightly. “Oh okay.”

  He allowed her retreat.

  He was about to pull out when Laura cleared her throat loudly. “I hope you aren’t planning on driving without a seatbelt.”

  “I have never worn a seatbelt in my life.”

  Laura looked dismayed. “You’d better start. It’s the law. I may not be able to write you a ticket but I know several cops. I can have Tom...”

  Valen’s demon roared in his head. He turned to Laura, knowing his eyes were tinted with red. “I recommend you refrain from calling officer Granger for anything.”

  Laura sucked in a breath. “You’re actually offended at the thought of wearing a seatbelt? That’s ludicrous.” She looked back at the apartment. Valen saw her hand move to the door latch.

  He touched her arm, forcing his demon down, reassuring the beast she had no concept of the implications of her statement. “I am sorry. As you are aware, a car accident would have little effect on me. If you wish me to wear a seatbelt, I will.” He clicked the belt into place.

  Laura looked away before returning her gaze to his face. “I read a report on a demon who died in a car accident due to decapitation. While unlikely, it can happen. You have to take your safety seriously.”

  Her honesty undid him. Did this kind of earnest kindness really exist in the human race? “I want to kiss you.”

  She looked startled before she looked down. “I can’t. I mean, I shouldn’t while I’m still investigating your brother’s murder.”

  Valen took her hand and brought it to his lips. He warred with the emotions of betrayal and anger that surrounded the death of his youngest brother and the feelings of lust and need that Laura resurrected in him. “Do you still suspect me or Dante in Rico’s murder?” He kissed her hand gently as he looked to her for an answer.

  Laura watched his lips on her skin. She looked surprised. Confused. “You’re touching me and I’m not reading you. That’s never happened before.”

  Valen kissed her skin again. “Now that I know the effects my abilities can have on you, I have shielded you from them. We will only connect when you allow it and are prepared for the consequences of such an action.”

  Laura’s eyes widened. “That’s surprising... can all demons do that? I was asked to read a demon once before. I was able to get impressions from him. Emotions, but I couldn’t read his mind like I can with humans.”

  “A demon would not think he needed to shield himself from a human. I am sure you read him before he realized the extent of your ability.”

  Laura fiddled with the button on her jacket. “He did seem kind of horrified when I gave my report to Jenner.”

  “What were you able to get from him?”

  “I got his name and the fact he was breaking into a PIA owned facility. I wasn’t able to figure out what he was after.”

  “A demon burglar? I hope you do not judge my entire race by the actions of one individual. The last few centuries have been... difficult for my kind. Many have tried new and unusual things to prolong their lives.”

  “For the most part you’re immortal. Why would a demon need to prolong his life?”

  “There are many things you and your organization do not know about my race.”

  “We barely know anything about your race. The PIA was assembled after the discovery of the non-humans but that was almost ten years ago and we know very little.”

  “And yet the PIA has elected to keep our race hidden from the human population, pretending you are designated to any paranormal occurrences.”

  “I know. It can get tedious at times. Only vetted police officers are allowed on scene with us.”

  “Vetted?”

  “Told our true purpose.”

  “Which is?”

  “To police the demon race. We know you’re immortal and that you can only be killed by decapitation and fire. But your bloodwork looks completely human. There’s no medical way to tell if your demon or human.”