Spanish Nights by Valerie Twombly

still maintaining his emotional distance. The last thing he needed was to fall in love with her.
    He closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but realized dawn was approaching. Crone would be here as soon as the sun rose above the horizon. Armand tossed the covers aside then slipped from Kayla's grip.
    She stirred, her eyes fluttered open. “Where are you going?”
    He leaned over and kissed her head. “I need to shower. I have a meeting in a couple of hours that will keep me all day. You're welcome to stay or I can see you home.” He wasn't ready to tell her about his brother coming.
    She sat up and stretched. “Mmm. I should go home, I have some things I need to get done.” She rolled out of bed. “Do I have time for coffee?”
    “Help yourself to anything you find, and please don't rush on my account.” Gazing at her naked body had him all jacked up. “ Querida, the things going through my mind right now. If—” He almost slipped and said if she wasn't human. “If I had more time I'd … ”
    She strolled around the bed and came up beside him. “I know exactly what I'd do, but the day brings things that need to be done.” She touched his cheek and her lips twisted into a smile that lit the entire room. “We have time later. I'll find my clothes then make some coffee.” She was out the door before he could say another word. He raced to the shower to hurry and wash up so he had time to join her before they had to part for the day.
    *****
    Kayla had insisted she walk home, stating the fresh air would help clear her mind and get the creative gears turning. She was positive there was a story brewing in her head and after last night, Armand was sure she'd have no trouble with her muse.
    “She's a pretty thing.”
    Armand turned from the window where he watched Kayla walk away and faced his brother, Crone. “Yes she is.”
    “I wouldn't mind having a go with her myself. Think she'd—”
    Armand flew at his brother and pinned him to the wall. “You fucking touch her and I will kill you.”
    Crone arched a brow. “Really? Have you forgotten you are powerless?” To prove his point, he flicked his wrist and his magic sent Armand flying into the air, stopping his descent inches from crashing into an expensive wooden table. “I'd hate to destroy the furniture.” He lowered Armand to his feet.
    Armand growled. His arms pinned to his side and his feet firmly planted on the floor. “Release me!”
    Crone crossed his arms over his chest. Amusement danced in his eyes. “Not until you behave. I was only joking, but it would seem you are infatuated with this human.” Crone gave a sigh. “You have been on earth too long.” He released Armand from his magical hold.
    Armand crossed back to the window, hoping to catch a glimpse of Kayla descending the hill into town. Her small form could be seen in the distance. He turned around. “Something peculiar happened last night.”
    Crone picked up a billiard from the table and tossed it in the air. “Such as?”
    “While having sex I felt my magic stir. I shifted right in front of Kayla. I had no control over it.”
    His brother left the pool ball hanging mid-air.
    “Have you tried calling it again?” Crone tapped his foot on the floor.
    Armand moved to the bar, deciding he needed something stronger than coffee. He grabbed a bottle of whiskey and two glasses then headed for the chair. Crone joined him.
    “I have and nothing.”
    Crone scratched his chin. “Hmm, perhaps the curse is wearing off?”
    Armand filled both glasses to half-full and handed one to his brother before sipping from his own. “I wondered the same thing. However, there is more to it.” He went on to retell how Kayla had cooled him and it seemed she was warmed by him.
    “This is interesting. How do you feel right now?” Crone asked.
    “Same as I have my entire existence on earth. Powerless.”
    His brother's gaze moved to the window across the room. “So the only difference now is the