A Demon in Stilettos (9 page)

After riding for several minutes, Erin dropped Coy off at her apartment. Before her door had time to close, Erin drove away.

* * * *

Once inside her apartment, Coy decided to take in a shopping trip. She desperately needed to replace a few more shabby garments. Erin didn’t call back, and Coy was glad she’d disappeared.

By five-thirty, Coy had returned home. Her shopping trip had been successful. Now, she placed items on hangers, ripped up old clothes and tossed them away. Hearing a knock on the door, she turned with clenched teeth. “If that’s Erin, I’m going to split her in half!”

However, when she opened the door, she was surprised to find Johns standing on the other side. Immediately, her demeanor softened. “My delivery has arrived.”

Johns’ expression was one of concern. With upturned palms, he reached out to caress her. “Are you all right?”

“I’m fine.” She placed her hand on his chest, lifted her chin then kissed his lips. “Come inside, Doctor. You’re right on time. I need your medical expertise.”

Johns hesitated then walked slowly inside Coy’s apartment. Today, he was silent, and stroked his chin. “We need to talk.”

“Sounds serious. What’s the problem?” Coy showed Johns to her sofa.

He ran his fingers through his hair. “I don’t know how to put this…”

“Don’t tell me those clowns are trying to fire you.”

“Well, I have been reprimanded.”

“Damn. I guess, they’ll reprimand me too, huh?”

“Probably,” he said quietly. “But, that’s not why I came to see you. Sit down for a moment.” He patted the overstuffed corded sofa and sat down.

When Coy sat down, she placed her hand on Johns’ upper thigh. Immediately, she started for his moist lips. Johns turned his head, removed her hand, then stood up, leaving Coy sitting alone.

“Did you just turn your head from me? What’s this?” She folded her arms.

“Coy.” Johns moistened his lips. “Do you trust me?”

“Sure, Baron.” She brightened, then reached up to playfully squeeze his rear.

Johns removed her hand. “No.” He shook his head and inhaled. “Let’s talk.” Sitting beside her he asked, “Coy, when is my birthday?”

Bursting into laughter, Coy questioned, “What does it matter?” Giggling sarcastically, she shrugged. “I really don’t know.”

Wincing, he narrowed his dark eyes. “My birthday was this week. April 23
^rd
.”

“And I should care why?” Running her hands along the sides of her breasts, she massaged them firmly.

“You missed it. Thought you’d like to know.”

Coy was not the least bit sympathetic. “Oops.”

“One more question.” He raised his finger doubtfully. “What is my favorite food?”

Coy tossed her hair, opened her legs, and shoved her rear forward. “I suppose it’s me.”

“No, really!” Johns grew quiet, stroking the back of his neck.

“I have no idea and I don’t know why this is so important right now. We can make love first then discuss your petty concerns, later.”

“As enticing as that sounds, I’m not going to touch you.”

“W…what.” Hurt, she shook her head. “Well, if you won’t make love to me, someone else will.”

“Exactly.” His eyes met the floor. Standing to his feet, he gazed at Coy.

Coy sighed, stood up and walked into his arms. “Lincoln Johns. I know where this is going. Let me tell you, right now, I’m pleased with you. You’re the best fuck ever.”

“That’s my point.” He stroked her back, then gently kissed her lips. “Let’s sit down and try this again.” Coy pawed after him, attempting to remove his shirt. “No.” He removed her hand, once more. “Listen to me.”

Tensely, Coy sat back on the sofa and crossed her legs. “I’ll give you five minutes to tell me why we aren’t messing up my bed.”

Holding both her hands in his, Johns prepared himself. “Coy VanAlstine. I spent many years walking in my father’s footsteps. If it wasn’t for
whom
my father is, I could have been fired today.”

Removing her hands, she reached out and tugged at his belt. “I’m sorry, now can we get undressed?”

“No.” Johns removed her hand tenderly. “Listen to me!” He gently shook her shoulders. “When I met you, you tore my world in half. I knew I was wrong to make love to you at work. But, for some reason, I couldn’t help myself. Your sensuality is so powerful, it steals my common sense.”

“And that’s a bad thing, why?”

“That’s just it. It’s all about sex. You don’t know me, and you don’t really care.” He rubbed his palms together. “I know you. Once, there was a quiet woman who worked in the lab. She was reserved, kind to everyone, but a little naive. Everyone liked her, including me. I loved making her nervous when I walked past. I loved to see that blush creep into her face, when I’d tease her.”

“Sounds like a klutz. So, why would you waste your time with her?”

“I like her. She’s genuine, real, shy, and helpful.”

“Oh shit.” She rolled her eyes. “I know where this is going. You’ve found another piece of ass, haven’t you?”

Exhausted, Johns expelled a sigh. “No. I don’t have another woman, but I’d like to get to know her.”

Coy reached up and mussed his hair. “After we finish making love, you can get to know anybody you’d like.”

Johns shook his head. “I see we’re getting nowhere.” He moaned, and stood up.Stroking his shoulders, he knelt before Coy. Immediately, her legs sprang open to receive him. Johns managed to close her thighs.

While Johns ran his fingers along her freshly shaven legs, Coy lay back on the sofa and closed her eyes. Squirming in ecstasy, she enjoyed his touch.

Finally, he rested his hand on the coveted stilettos. Placing his fingers under her foot, and the other against her heel, he slowly removed the first shoe. Quietly, he placed it on the floor. Afterwards, he removed the second shoe, and also placed it aside.

Suddenly, Coy’s eyes shot open; her pupils dilated. Clenching her throat, she fought for a breath. “What didyou do?” she panted. “I trusted you!” Without saying another word, Coy turned pale and swooned. Lowering herself to the sofa, she wheezed loudly. Lacing her arms across her breasts, she closed her eyes and her body stiffened. Sweat beaded on her forehead as her breath grew ragged and labored. A deep pallor crept slowly over her rigid body, leaving her eyes and cheeks sunken and drawn.

* * * *

Mortified by the transformation, Johns leaped to his feet. Unable to look away, he shook his head. “This can’t be real!”Jutting his palms outward he backed away from the horrifying sight. His back met the wall. Fearing someone was behind him, he turned sharply investigating his surroundings.

“What’s happening?” Throwing his forearm before his face, he shielded his eyes. As if smelling something foul, he cupped his hand over his nose and mouth then clutched his quivering stomach. “It smells awful.” A gag hung in his throat. He lurched forward and wretched.“I’m going to vomit.”Johns widened his eyes, terror held them firmly in place.“What is she?”

Feeling braver, he inched closer, curiosity propelling his body. When he was near he reached out with trembling hands to check her pulse. Her body was cold to the touch, and her pulse rapid.With chest heaving, Coy unexpectedly tossed her head. Johns winced.
I can’t believe this!
He ran his fingers through his dark hair.
What caused this to happen?

While Coy’s body sustained supernatural changes Johns paced helplessly.A luminous and transparent glow came upon her. Her veins, muscles, organs, and bones became visible beneath her skin. “Oh, m…my God!” he stammered. “This can’t be happening!” Examining her frail skin, Johns watched Coy’s heart. Quivering rhythmically in her chest, it pumped blood vigorously throughout her body. “Oh my God,” he whispered, again. “Is she turning into some sort of monster?”

While Coy’s body went through its metamorphosis, Johns forgot about himself. Staring in disbelief, he hovered above her. Seeing her hair turning scraggly and gray, he stroked it with apprehension. “This is unbelievable,” he admitted, kneeling beside her.

After a few minutes, Coy’s skin became cracked and drawn; her lids at half-moon. Suddenly, her eyes opened. She stared at the ceiling, unblinking. The panting continued to rock her body. Although riveted with fear, compassion caused him to minister to her.
I’ve got to find a way to help her. Whatever this is, it’s taken complete control of her. Poor Coy. I pray she survives this ordeal.

Johns left her side to get a damp cloth, when he returned; he placed it across her forehead. With anxious fingers he slowly stroked the bony contours of her torrid face.
Just look at you—so innocent. You don’t deserve this.
He trailed his fingers tenderly across her tightly drawn lips.
I have no idea what to do. Damn!
He shook his head
. I feel so helpless. You’ve got to pull through this, Coy.
Johns raised his eyes toward the ceiling and groaned
. You’ve just gotta.

Without warning, Coy’s body emitted a sparkling mist. Surprised, Johns scrambled to his feet then scowled.Watching the odd phenomena his heart pounded madly. “What the…” Cringing with uncertainty, Johns’ eyes followed the smoke with interest.

The mist ascended slowly, and hovered around Coy’s body. Moving gradually, it collected at her feet. Forming a smoky path, billowing curls of vapor drifted from her feet in hasty departure. Finally, the vapor took the hazy form of a woman. She turned, looked at Johns then floated above the shoes.

At the sight of her, Johns snarled with disgust. “So you’re the cunning little bitch who made my life a living hell.”

A blast of feminine laughter echoed hauntingly on the air. Johns held his ears and grimaced. Then, little by little she wavered, filling the black patent leather stilettos.

Observing the smoke as it filled the shoes; Johns circled the room with his gaze. Within seconds, the air became crisp and clean. Concerned, he turned toward Coy. Gradually, her color and her breathing returned to normal. She sighed as one having a good night’s sleep. He settled down to wait for her to awaken.

* * * *

Hearing a prayer chanted, Coy’s eyes fluttered open. Someone was holding her hand, she glanced to her right then licked her dried lips. Pulling up her left arm, she slid her hand across her stomach until it touched the top of someone’s head. Lincoln Johns had bowed his head as he knelt on the floor, beside her.

With eyes widened, he raised his head. “Are you all right?” He squeezed her hand. “You were having withdrawals of some sort. Are you sure you’re okay?”

Coy licked her lips, and nodded.She tried to sit up, but was much too weak. Johns assisted her to an upright position. “You knew, didn’t you?”

He stroked his chin. “Yes. Erin told me about the shoes. You injured her badly. I took her to the medical center.”

Coy turned her face from his then placed her feet in the sofa. “I have no apologies left,” she murmured.

He sat down on the sofa, and placed his arms around her. “I know. I must admit, I thought Erin’s story was just a wild tale. But, seeing you in this condition—well, I’ll believe anything.”

Coy shook her head. “There was a hex on the shoes. I had no idea what the other Coy was doing.”

Johns grimaced. “There was more than a hex on those shoes. Don’t worry about anything you did or said.” He kissed her forehead. “I totally understand. Things will be better now, I promise.” He leaned toward the coffee table. “Here, drink this.”

With trembling hands, Coy reached out and received the tea. “Thank you.” She took a sip. “I owe you so—much.”

“You owe me nothing. Your alter ego gave me the kick in the pants I needed.”

Coy leaned her head against his shoulder. “How so?” she whispered.

He stroked her cheek. “I almost stepped over a wonderful woman, looking for freakish sex.”

Coy raised her eyes to study his. “I don’t know how to take that.”

Johns eased his back from the sofa, and then gave Coy his undivided attention. “My name is Abraham Lincoln Johns, and I’m glad to meet you.”

With tears standing in her eyes she smiled. “My name is Coy Margret VanAlstine, and I’m finally glad to meet you.” Giving Johns her tea, she lurched forward then burst into tears. “Who am I kidding? I’m so, sosorry.”

Johns placed his forehead against hers. Wiping her tears, a smile played upon his lips. “Let’s start over.”

“Are you sure you want me? I’m not very pretty, or shapely, or any of those things. I’m nothing special.”

“Yes, you are.” He lifted her chin. “It was your fear that kept us apart. Although a devilish sort, the other Coy was fearless, she actually brought
us
together.”

“But what if I can’t… Well—you know.”

“Believe me, Coy. You don’t need a pair of shoes to enjoy making love.”

Coy stroked her forehead then tugged her earlobes. “But, I saw flashes in my head. Someone was having a pretty good time.”