Page 43 of Heal Me

I grunt my acknowledgment but say no more. He’s not budging, at least not today.

“One more pro bono good deed. I had Helen clear your calendar. Let’s hit the gym.”

“That’s not a bad idea.” I’ve got some pent-up aggression that needs an outlet.

Damion holds up his hand. “First things first. Go home and shower. You reek of cigarettes.”

“I can smell myself, it’s that bad.”

“This isn’t Gabby all over again,” he says quietly.

“I know that.” Do I?

“Race you back to Memphis Magic,” Damion challenges as he jogs over to Aubry’s car.

“I obey the rules of the road,” I call after him.

“If your power of persuasion can’t get us out of a speeding ticket, then what good is it?” he taunts.

“You know I don’t use my power; besides, you were clocked at a hundred miles per hour in a seventy miles per hour zone,” I remind him.

“Luckily for us, the state trooper was a nice woman who saw things my way.”

“Next time it’ll be a male. One trick pony,” I rib the half-incubus.

“When it’s as good a trick as mine, one’s all you need,” he tosses back as he hops in Aubry’s car and revs the engine.

Childish as it is, I do race him. There’s no risk of either of us being clocked at a hundred, as neither of these cars could reach that speed. The cocky Cambion does beat me to the shop, dammit.

“Rematch,” I tell him.

Aubry’s standing on the sidewalk dressed in yoga pants and sports bra, holding a yoga mat. “So I was just heading out the door when I noticed something was missing,” she says, eyeing her car.

Damion uses his power, and Aubry is now wearing his Ole Miss sweatshirt. “There.”

She shakes her head and gives him a look and I laugh. He doesn’t need to get possessive on my account. Don’t get me wrong—Aubry is beautiful—just not my type. I like my women soft and curvy, with honey-colored skin and voluptuous breasts, who smell like jasmine and know how to worship my cock just right.

Aubry turns her attention to me as she ties Damion’s oversized sweatshirt on the side in a knot. “You reek of cigarettes.” Damion gives me an I-told-you-so look. “Next time ask to borrow my car.” She turns back to Damion. “Did you hear the whole ask part?” she says, poking his chest. “And do I even want to know why you supernaturals needed cars to begin with?”

“Better to ask forgiveness than seek permission.” Damion shrugs. Agree with the demon on that point. He pulls Aubry to him, whispering something in her ear that makes her laugh softly.

“I’m going to return Vivian’s keys,” I say to no one in particular, as these two are too wrapped up in each other to notice.

I walk inside the shop to find Vivian behind the counter. “Vivian, your keys.” I hand them to her and add, “Thank you.”

“If you’re planning on car sex with a certain someone, then I’d suggest renting a luxury SUV and taking it over to Shelby Forest. I’d go with an SUV over a sports car. More room in the backseat. Find a secluded spot to park and have a champagne picnic underneath the stars. You know what, I’ll make you and Charlotte a romantic itinerary.”

“Who said anything about Charlotte?”

“Whatever you say.” She winks.

Chapter 19

Charlotte

“Ms. Patel, if you want to continue to stare off into space, perhaps the astronomy department is where you should be,” Dr. Murray chastises.

A few people snicker, Jen being the loudest. “I’m sorry, what was the question?” I should be paying attention. My organic chemistry final is coming up, but I’m too focused on another kind of organic chemistry I have with a certain Nephilim. Aubry would have liked that pun. Dr. Murray, not so much. Then again, I’ve never seen the man smile. I’m not sure he’s capable. Frozen-face syndrome. Not really a syndrome—I just made it up—but now that I think about it, maybe it should be.

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