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“Monkey, you pig, don’t be mean to Ivan,” I say sternly.
“It’s fine.” Vlad glares at Ivan as though the big man had provoked the teeth-baring somehow. “Ivan was just leaving.”
With a huff, Ivan stomps out of the apartment.
“Oracle doesn’t like him either.” Vlad takes his guinea pig out of the carrier and holds her to his face. “Do you, girl?”
Wow. His guinea pig rubs noses with him. Monkey never does that with me.
Vlad deposits his pet on the floor of the aquarium. “Do you mind if I put Monkey in there too?” he asks. “How does she feel about strangers?”
“She didn’t bare her teeth at you,” I say. “So go for it.”
He gently reaches into Monkey’s home. To my surprise, she leaps into his hands. Crazier still, when he raises Monkey to his face, the treacherous creature rubs noses with him too.
I feel doubly jealous. That should be me rubbing noses with him, or at least it should be me that my pet rubs noses with.
“You’re a guinea pig whisperer,” I mutter as he gently puts Monkey into the aquarium.
It’s either that, or he does have those vampiric powers after all, the ones that allow him to make animals his bitches.
“Monkey probably just smelled Oracle on me,” he says. “They’re clearly soulmates.”
Aww. He’s right. The two pigs begin running around like a couple of happy toddlers, squealing excitedly, rubbing noses, sniffing all the toys, and eating all the veggies. Not once do they hide in the little houses available in the corners of the enclosure.
“You know, that looks like a guinea pig mating dance,” I say, watching their antics. “I’ve seen it on YouTube. Are you certain Oracle is a girl?”
He turns my way. “Are you sure Monkey is a girl?”
I grin widely. “All I’m saying is, Monkey’s not on the pill.”
He feigns seriousness. “If there are piglets, I’ll take them.”
“If there are piglets, you’ll pay child support,” I deadpan.
The pigs stop the dance, plop down, and begin grooming each other.
Double aww. “Adorable.”
He looks up from the pigs and scans my face, eyes gleaming. “Adorable indeed.”
Chapter Seventeen
For the first time since he’s come over, I fully process the fact that I have him here, in my home.
He looks good here.
Like he belongs.
Wish I could keep him.
“How long should this introduction be?” My question comes out a bit breathless.
His lapis lazuli eyes capture my gaze. “The introduction is pretty much over, and is a resounding success. We’re all set for a playdate. When are you and Monkey free in the near future?”
I smile. “My work schedule has been pretty chill, so any day should work.”
“Speaking of work…” He steps toward me. “Are you up for more testing tonight?”
