“Just remember,” he whispered tenderly, “we’re a team, and I’ve got your back.”
She smiled and his heart melted. “I just want to go inside and get this over with. I hope to God no one recognizes us as hotel employees.”
“Hey, you!” A snarling man nearly lost inside a baggy monk-like robe and cowl pointed at Kai and Adara. “Can’t you s-see there’s a line?” A lisp made the man sound like a talking snake. “No cuts-s-s!” Spittle sprayed from his mouth. “Read the s-s-sign. We don’t tolerate gate-crashing. Show your ID and s-sign in like everyone else!”
With a slight eye roll, Adara moved toward the sign-in area.
Spittle man lisped. “S-s-show your ID.”
She fished it out of the sparkly purse. “Here you go.” With a flick of her finger, she brought his attention to her VIP pass.
“S-smith.” More moisture flew through the air. “Nice name.” He shot her a dubious look. “S-s-sign here.” He shoved a clipboard into her hands. “You’ll have to initial the s-s-safety waiver at the bottom releasing the OAC of all liability.”
Kai leaned over Adara’s shoulder to steal a peek. “There’s a safety waiver? Is that necessary?”
“You bet it is-s!” The man’s eyes bugged. “There will be a lot going on in the way of commercial recruitment. Professional-level wizardry, s-sorcery, and what-have-you will be demonstrated in the open. The competition for the highest-paying contracts-s is going to be fierce. Once the doors-s open, you’re on your own, s-suckers.”
Adara grabbed a pen from the table and signed the waiver. “Sounds exciting.” She handed the clipboard to Kai. “Here you go, Jason. You need to sign.”
He accepted the pen from Adara and almost scribbled his real name before hastily scrawling J. Bond. He set the clipboard on the table then led Adara by the hand to back of the line.
Along the way, they attracted the interest of their fellow convention goers, who gave them a thorough once-over. When they reached the end of the queue, he drew her close and kissed the crown of her head. Then he brought her hand to his lips and slowly kissed each finger one by one.
She looked at him with cheeks flushed. “What was that for?”
He brushed his lips against her ear. “I’m just establishing to the group that we come as a pair.”
“Oh.” She nodded.
“Kiss me.” His voice was husky.
“What?”
“Don’t argue, kiss me. There’s a woman standing a few yards behind you who has a very disturbing vibe. She’s staring at us with daggers for eyes. Let’s see if we can provoke her a little more.”
“Why would she care if I kissed you?”
“Just do it.”
“I will, but only because I’m a professional.” With a smile, Adara placed her hand on his face. Even in heels, she was forced to stand on tiptoe. Her fingertips grazed the rough stubble on his jaw. She brushed her lips against his then pressed harder with a real kiss that lingered and took his breath. When she pulled away, her eyes were full of fire.
He grasped her wrist and held on, wanting the moment to last. “I know we’re doing this for work, but damn, I like it.”
The look on her face was one of startled wonder. For a moment, he was genuinely afraid he might have started a fire he couldn’t control. Anyone watching would have sensed the electricity zipping between them like the catalyst to a nuclear reaction. The feeling was intense and came on fast. Adara was so unlike any woman from his past, but hell, considering his lousy track record, that was probably a good thing.
A gong was struck and the crowd murmured. The woman in black who’d been staring snatched her gaze away. The twin doors of the cavernous ballroom swung open to reveal a raucous party atmosphere in full swing. It looked more like a discotheque than a gathering of serious occult practitioners. The room was dimly lit with a spinning mirror ball above shooting rainbow light in every direction. Multiple big-screen televisions were set up around the room, playing various loops of footage. A central raised stage was draped in black cloth.
A pretty girl dressed as an usherette motioned for everyone to enter. “Have your passes ready!” she shouted above the din of a live DJ spinning records. When they reached the front of the line, Kai displayed his VIP pass.
The usherette flashed a sunny smile. “VIP has open-bar privileges. Our sponsor, Red Eagle Corp, would like to invite you both into their private VIPs-only lounge.”
He wrapped his arm around Adara’s waist. “And where is the lounge?”
“Inside to your left. Wait at the velvet rope and a bodyguard will let you in.”
The woman in black stood a few yards away, scowling.
Adara turned away from the dour woman and leaned close. “Well, you were right. That odd woman is definitely staring at us, and she doesn’t look happy.”
Kai glanced over his shoulder. The woman’s ink-black hair was pulled away from her face. Tinted sunglasses masked her eyes. Her sallow complexion was paired with a shapeless black dress and elbow-length gloves. The outfit was unembellished by color or jewelry of any kind, lending her the overall appearance of a Greek widow. All that was missing was a dark veil. Wishing to draw her out, he used his friendliest voice. “This is our first occult arts convention. How about you?”
The lady seemed startled to be spoken to. “I attended last year’s.” The tone of her voice was formal and her pronunciation correct.
“Jason Bond.” He turned and offered his hand, and for the second time that day it went unclaimed. “My specialty is hexing encodements; you know, magic-infused industrial encryption… decryptions, that sort of stuff.” Oh, God, he was just rambling. If he wasn’t careful he’d quickly forget what he’d told her.
Adara jumped in. “He’s being modest. Jason is an expert in virtual security. That’s how we met. I asked him to mentor me. It worked out well.”
The lady’s gaze traveled back and forth between them like a tennis volley. “When did you meet?”
“About a year ago,” he blurted.
“Six months ago,” Adara chimed at almost the same moment.
The woman frowned “Which is it?”
“A year and six months ago.” Adara’s answer was breathy.
“Interesting.” The woman leaned closer to examine Adara’s VIP pass. “Susan Smith? It’s funny, you don’t look like a Susan, but you do look familiar. I’m good with faces and voices. I never forget one. Help me out.” The line of her mouth drew taut. “Where have I seen you before?”
“I—I don’t,” Adara verbally stumbled. “I don’t know.”
“I do.” The woman paused. A smug smile flickered on her lips. “You work as a croupier in the casino, don’t you?”
“You must be mistaken.” Adara shrank back.
“I don’t think so.” The woman reached into a black satin bag and pulled out a black business card embossed with a silver spider web. The card listed a phone number and the words, ‘La Araña.’ She tapped a gloved finger to the printed name. “Don’t lose the card. You’ll want to call me. In the future we’ll be working together.”
Adara stroked her palm against Kai’s chest in a sweet but possessive way that he had to admit he enjoyed. “I work with him.”
La Araña lifted her empty hands to Heaven. “I sense you’re the talented one. I have no use for him.”
Adara recoiled. “Sorry. We come as a pair.” She burrowed her hand inside his jacket.
“What a pity.” With her chin held high, La Araña walked through the open doors.
Kai watched La Araña go, not liking her focused interest in Adara. “That was uncomfortable.” He pulled Adara aside so others could enter the ballroom. Once a line of people passed, he spoke softly. “We haven’t even entered the convention and we’ve already been recognized. So much for Roy’s plan. What do you think? Should we keep going as is, or improvise?”
“I don’t know. I wish my soulscanning skills were working. But no special skills needed to know La Araña gave me
the creeps. She said I looked familiar, but so did she. I suppose she could have been hanging around the pit and I’ve forgotten her.”
He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. “I don’t like that she singled you out and didn’t want me. She had a divide-and-conquer attitude. I’m not turning my back on you for a moment.”
She fondled the VIP pass. “What do we do? Walk around with these ridiculous nametags and just ask people if they’re the killer?” Her face flushed pink and steam rose off her shoulders. The edge of the pass melted in her hands and released a burning plastic smell. “Oh!” She blew on the singed material to cool it. “Terrific! Now I have to deal with this.”
He stared mouth agape. “What just happened?”
“I’m embarrassed. It’s involuntary. When I get anxious, my inner firebrand kicks in.”
“You’re an empath and a firebrand too? Wow, double threat.”
“I’ve never been able to develop or control it. My skills are nothing like my father’s. He’s impressive.”
“So this only happens when you’re nervous or scared?”
“You’ve gotta understand, I’m not used to being in a crowd and being unable to read anyone. My armor has been stripped away. It’s frustrating to know a killer is loose and likely choosing his next victim right this minute and I can’t pinpoint them.”
The worried look on her face tugged at his heart. Poor thing, she was scared. Hell, they both might be in over their heads. “That does it. I’m calling Roy and requesting he put us on the investigation from another angle. This just isn’t going to work.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and hit speed dial.
She looked appalled. “Kai, wait! Don’t make me sorry that I confided in you.”
Roy picked up on the second ring. “What’s up? Where are you and Adara? You should be inside by now.”
He licked his lips, questioning if he was doing the right thing. “I don’t think it’s a good idea. Adara’s vulnerable and she’s already been recognized. I want to take her out of the situation.”
She tried to get hold of the phone, but he wouldn’t let her.
“No!” Roy’s response was almost desperate. “Homicide has got nothing. They don’t know what they’re dealing with and still haven’t found a trace of Charles Coldburn’s heart. I need you both in there, if only as two more pairs of ears and eyes. I’ve got your backs. Burt’s working the floor too, and he’s a mere human, for Christ’s sake. Can’t you just walk around the convention and eavesdrop a little? On the off chance we discover something, we can point the Vegas Metro PD in the right direction.”
Adara nodded. “Roy’s right. Let’s do it.”
He hung his head. “Okay, but you stay at my side, all right?”
They walked inside the convention and were instantly assaulted by loud music and flashing lights.
* * * *
“Wow.” Adara winced at the harsh lights and siren-like music. “We’re being clubbed to death by the DJ.”
Kai laughed at her awful joke. He was such a nice guy. She loved that he was protective of her. For once in her life, she’d been paired with a nonhuman—er, half human—and damn if it didn’t feel right. A fellow elemental, even an opposite one, was surprisingly easy to be with. The situation was too new to know how to feel, but every time she looked his way her heart did a funny little somersault.
He placed his hand on her waist and steered her through the crowd. Kai attracted many admiring glances. The beautiful aquamarine on her finger shimmered. She was quick to remind herself they were on a mission that would end the moment a killer was caught. Soon her dress, the ring, and even Kai’s looks of approval would turn back into pumpkins.
They strolled past a bustling bar, four deep with patrons. A waiter bumped against her arm. She glanced at him, expecting a muttered apology, and heard a familiar voice instead.
“Howdy, miss.” Burt winked and handed her a tall amber drink garnished with mint and lemon.
Happy to see a friend’s face, she accepted the glass. “Are you accidentally on purpose handing me a Long Island Iced Tea?” she asked hopefully.
Burt shook his head. “It’s just plain iced tea. Sorry.” He offered a highball to Kai.
Kai examined the beverage. “I suppose it’s safe to assume this isn’t fifty-year-aged Glenfiddich?”
“It’s fifty-minute-aged Lipton’s, enjoy.” Burt scratched beneath his cuffs. “That damn cat really did a number on my arms. I’m itching like crazy.”
Adara stared at him with concern. Burt didn’t look right. He appeared feverish and wild-eyed. “I thought you had the rest of the day off?”
Burt shrugged. “I decided I was good to work. Besides, I’m the only nonparanormal on this case who knows about the two of you. I’m watching your back.” He tilted his head and stared over her shoulder. “You have a few weirdos checking you out right now. By the way, be sure to hit the buffet. No disappointment there. The grilled lion’s paw scallops glazed in apricot sugar are delicious. I’ve eaten four already and I’m going back for more.”
Adara toasted him with her tea. “I better get to work.” She turned and surveyed the room. Aside from the excess of skull-themed jewelry and pentagrams embellished on everything, the crowd was disappointingly average in appearance. There were a few in elegant business attire, no doubt dressing to impress. She mentally put herself and Kai in that category. The rest were a sea of baseball caps and quarter-sleeve shirts who looked like they would be equally comfortable attending a sporting goods convention. No one stood out as particularly malignant.
Kai leaned close. “I feel better knowing Burt’s in here with us.”
“Me too.” She glanced at the faces in the crowd, none of which she could get a read on. “Although, the poor guy didn’t look good.”
“No, he didn’t.” He scanned the room. “Maybe we should be keeping an eye on Burt.”
“That’s not a bad idea. Why don’t I do a little recon by myself and see if I can lure the lady in black to talk to me again?”
“Okay, but stay in the room. I haven’t eaten all day. I’m going to get a couple of those lion’s paw scallops before they run out. Do you want anything?”
“I’m good. I think I’ll take a stroll around the room and see who’s here.”
He kissed her cheek. “Be careful. Call if you need me.”
Her skin tinged from his touch. “Did you do that for show?” she whispered.
His dark eyes sparkled. “No. I kissed you because you look amazing in that dress. I know the moment I walk out of sight, a pack of hungry wolves will come sniffing around and circle you.” He winked. “I’ll be right back to chase them away.”
She loved the way he looked at her and hoped that maybe, just maybe, a bit of the parts they were playing could actually be real. No man had ever acted so protective of her in a crowd or made her wish they were alone in a broom closet, ripping the clothes off one another.
As soon as she stepped away from Kai, several men looked in her direction and followed her with their gazes. The sensation of being coveted or studied was novel and unsettling. One man stared at her ass and smirked.
“This is what women put up with every day? Jeez,” she muttered.
Was it the dress, or something more? For once, men were definitely looking at her with interest. The first few minutes standing alone with others actively checking her out was disconcerting. With her soulscanning abilities deactivated, had she somehow become less invisible to humans?
She wished Kai were at her side and realized she should have let him bring back a damn lion’s paw scallop. Aside from being a broad-shouldered hunk, he seemed like the sort of guy who knew what he wanted from life and wouldn’t let go once he had it. Being with someone decisive like that would sure make life easier. She needed someone to say, “Hey, you, get in my bed! Let’s make each other happy for the next fifty years.”
A vibrant sense of self-confidence and pride to be working with him overwhelmed her. She was s
upposed to be searching for a killer in the crowd, but instead she couldn’t stop thinking about Kai. With a gentle touch, she took hold of the necklace and stroked the crystal heart.
Maybe Gisele’s enchantment was legit? Could this be what the first stage of falling in love was like—obsession? She’d always thought Kai was attractive, but had she ever really noticed how quick-witted and kind he was? No, of course not. This was all new. The aquamarine was heavenly. He’d put some effort into his choice of a ring and hell, he barely knew her. It felt great to receive a gift from him, even if it was just a loaner.
Worry set in. What if the boon went sour? Trusting a Fae was a sure way to reap disappointment. Why had she done it? She knew better. Was she really so pathetic and lonely that she’d fall for an illusion sure to fade? What a drag. Enchantments be damned; they were probably unnecessary anyway. She suspected she would have made Kai her first choice of a first lover under any circumstances.
Taking slow aimless steps, she strolled through the crowd. Everyone was chatting, exchanging business cards, or draining drinks as fast as they could pluck them from the waiters’ trays. None of the activity looked suspicious, let alone evil. She didn’t get far before a well-dressed man with silver temples approached.
“Look at us!” He lifted the pass that was hung around his neck. “We’re both VIPs. Cool.”
A silent observer by nature, she had no easy response beyond a nod.
He shifted his stance. “When I saw you in line, I promised myself I was going to talk to you. There’s something different about you. I can’t put my finger on exactly what that might be, but my guess is you’re something special. I’ve got a sixth sense for that sort of thing. Nothing gets past me. Please tell me you’re ready to ditch Mr. GQ and have some real fun?”
Where do these guys come from? Do women ever respond favorably to this sort of crap? Adara held up the ring. “Me and GQ are an item.”
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