Max

By the time I'm done showing Vikki the apartment, it's late. Of course there's one room I haven't shown her, and given she's agreed to my completely wild suggestion that she should be my companion, I decide it's probably best not to.

Seeing the way the Maitre D' looked at Vikki gave me the idea. It popped suddenly into my head. If I have to attend the Monster Mansion House ball this year, if I have to give a speech (and it's not the sort of thing I would turn down, given the honor in being asked), then I have to have a companion with me.

It's the only way the entire evening will be bearable. It means the propositions, from both male and female monsters, will be kept at bay. If having Vikki by my side can at the very least get me out of all seven hells, then she'll be worth every penny.

Plus, all the engagements I usually turn down—she can come with me, really make a show of things, and completely throw off any uncomfortableness at the ball.

It's the perfect solution.

"You have a really nice place here, Max," Vikki says, and then stifles a yawn against her hand.

"Am I keeping you up?" I say with a mock growl.

Vikki doesn't seem bothered.

"It's been a long day. Well, not as long as my normal days, just a bit more stressful." She gives me a slight hunted look. "Not that I can't handle stress, you understand. I can do anything you need me to do," she adds hastily.

"I'm sure you're a very good girl," I intone, watching her reaction.

She visibly bristles, her ample chest heaving. I've already noticed she hasn't changed out of the dress she had on last night.

"Has Peter been in touch with you about your clothes?" I ask.

"Yes, and he's pretty pushy," she grumbles.

"You've not got anything else to wear?"

Vikki glares at me. "No, you took me straight from one job to this one. What makes you think I brought my wardrobe with me?"

I half hum, half growl, clamping my fingers over the bridge of my nose. I can already feel the pinch behind my eyes which is a prelude to the full-on blinding pain I'm most likely going to experience later. I wish these headaches weren't getting worse, and I should seek out a witch for some assistance, but I don't have time.

"Are you okay, Max?"

"I'm fine," I snap. "You can borrow some of my clothes before your fitting tomorrow if you need to."

Vikki looks up at me. "Okay…"

"I've got meetings tomorrow. I need to rest," I say, backing away from her.

Her scent has increased tenfold, and the way I'm reacting to her will bring out my full-on battle troll if I'm not careful.

And I need to be careful. All of this is just business.

As long as I keep telling myself this, it has to be true.