Demons Like It Hot
Page 4
“Oh, well.” Her gaze glowed like two molten sapphires. His heart, despite the control he tried to muster, thumped in his chest, sending all the blood rushing to his groin, where an altogether different organ throbbed. Bloody hell.
She could very well be her own worst enemy—and his complete and utter downfall. One thing was obvious. The Fore-Demons wanted him to fail. And, with his previous history, it didn’t surprise him one bit. He’d heard stories about the Fore-Demons and their cryptic ways. Perhaps they knew more than they let on. Mayhap they believed he was doomed long before he even joined the ranks. He had news for the Fore-Demon Council. He would not back down. If he was meant to fail, he wouldn’t go down without a fight. Serah’s protection depended on it.
“Oh well?” he ground out, grabbing her by the shoulders. Heat pounded its way from the tips of his fingers and slammed him in the head. His whole body reeled with energy. Calming the rush of energy and emotions rushing through him, he sucked in a breath. “Your friend saved your life, did she not?”
Serah’s gaze widened. Her body trembled against him. He loosened his grip on her shoulders, reluctant to let go completely.
“Yes,” she whispered. She lowered her gaze to the gray, carpeted floor. Even though it had only been gone for a mere second, Matthias already missed that sapphire gleam. Maybe she was finally coming to her senses, because God knew he was surely losing his.
“Damn, Ambrose. We wanted you to protect her, not have her cowering in fear.” Lucia shook her head. “What the hell?”
“She needs to accept what she is. Acting stubborn and ignoring the truth isn’t the way.” He glanced around the room, seeing Lucia’s and Rafe’s piercing gazes. Uttering a low growl, Matthias scrubbed his chin. “This isn’t the sort of mission I’m used to.”
Serah’s head snapped up, affording him another glance at the jewels he desperately tried to avoid. “What sort of mission are you used to, Ambrose?”
Matthias’s heart quickened. Good God! Did she remember? She might have been strong, but his powers were strong enough to make even a demon forget, which was why his services were always in high demand. He always wondered why the gift of erasing his victims’ memories was important. After all, they usually ended up dead or banished to the deepest dregs of hell. There, memories were often fleeting.
But not everyone’s memories were so fragile. Those with stronger powers often remembered, and Serah was powerful. He needed to tread carefully. He couldn’t have her remember. Not just the kidnapping, but something else. Something he should have never done, something he swore he’d never do in over seven hundred and fifty years as a demon. He had let his emotions get in the way. He had fallen victim to her charm. He needed to keep his distance—a virtually impossible task.
But he had no choice. This mission was no longer about him finding his place. It was about keeping Serah safe. He could not fail. He owed her that much, after all the horror he’d allowed to befall her earlier.
“Well?” Her sweet, sultry voice broke his thoughts.
“I’m a tactical expert.”
Her gaze roved up and down his body, sending more heat spiraling through his veins. He strained to swallow the lump forming in his throat. “I should have guessed. Military fatigues and all.”
“He didn’t have time to change,” Rafe said, his voice annoyed. “We’ll have to go shopping later.”
Matthias cringed. Some things still hadn’t changed over the years. Shopping was one of them. Merchants might have improved their wares over the centuries, but the outcome was still the same—overpriced rubbish.
“I hate shopping,” Lucia grumbled. “I’d rather have a root canal… with no anesthesia.”
Serah chuckled. “You’re just jealous of my mad shopping skills.” It amazed him how, despite the tension of the situation, everyone remained chipper. He should’ve been unnerved, but the laughter seeped into his system. His jaw twitched as he struggled to control the smile brimming on his lips. He couldn’t show weakness.
Serah scrunched her brow, her gaze quizzical. “The constipated look doesn’t become you at all.”
“I don’t see the humor in this,” he said, forcing a gruff tone. The fact was, the humor was infectious, like a disease that crept in when you least expect it. He was practical. He was tactical. He didn’t have time for laughter. It left you open. It left you vulnerable. He needed to be alert if he wanted to keep her alive.
“Laughter is the best medicine, you know.” Serah let out a long sigh. “Seriously, Lucy. This guy’s stick is wedged so far up even a proctologist can’t help him.”
Everyone broke out into laughter. Everyone except him.
Matthias wasn’t that familiar with mortal medicine, but he was familiar with ancient languages, so he had a good idea what a proctologist was. And hopefully he wouldn’t be meeting one any time soon—stick up his ass or not.
“I’m so glad I dropped out of med school,” Lucia drawled.
“Whatever. You would have kicked ass as a surgeon, but the women of Connolly Park thank you for your sacrifice.” The sarcasm rolled from Serah’s mouth and permeated his senses. What was it about that subtle wit that drove him mad?
Lucia chuckled. “The only thing I sacrificed was my insanity. You know how much blood scares me.”
With that, an irritatingly high-pitched falsetto rent the air. Lucia dug in her pocket for the source of the annoying tune.
“Justin Bieber? For real?” Serah covered her ears, grimacing in mock horror.
Lucia fumbled with the gadget. “It was the only thing I could find annoying enough to force me to answer the phone.”
She pressed a button. “What’s up?”
Matthias contained his groan. God, how he hated those silly electrical contraptions that modern mortals allowed their lives to revolve around. He wished things were as simple as they were eons ago. But times change, people changed, and so did their technologies. In this day and age, technology was a necessary evil.
“Oh, really?” Lucia blew out a deep breath. “Wow. Just wow.” Gripping her phone tight, she paced the office. “All right. We’re almost done here anyway.”
Rafael’s eyes glinted. “What’s going on?”
Lucia covered the phone. “Hairstyling emergency. Frankie accidentally dyed someone’s hair blue.” She blew out a loud breath of air. “Where’s Kalli?” She paused briefly. “Oh, okay.” She shook her head. “Gerardo, you know that’s not safe. Even angels have their limitations. Rafe and I are just about done. Everything’s settled. We’ll be right there.”
“What now?” Rafael asked with a groan.
“Kalli sure picks the best time to stock up on supplies,” said Lucia.
“What about Gerardo? Can’t he do anything?”
“You know as well as I do that angels aren’t supposed to use their powers on humans. Looks like we’re the next line of defense.”
“Bloody hell.” Rafael turned to lock gazes with Lucia. “I really don’t like leaving him alone with her so soon. But I’ve seen some of your irate customers.”
Lucia stuffed the phone back in her pocket. She turned to her friend, sternness etched across her face. “We’re not finished talking.”
“I figured as much,” said Serah, as she steepled her fingers, hunched her shoulders, and allowed soft sigh to escape.
Matthias’s mind reeled. Angels? Here in Connolly Park as well? Angels and demons, congregating in one area? This did not bode well. Something big was brewing. Something he didn’t want Serah to be a part of. He wanted her safe, protected. He would not fail her.
It was his fault she was in this mess. Had he not delivered her into the Infernati’s clutches, they would have never found out about her powers. He’d signed her death warrant. He wished he’d signed his own instead.
“Gerardo’s only a guardian angel. No worries, buddy.”
“How—”
“The tension in your jaw. The narrowing of your gaze,” Serah said with a shrug. “It�
�s pretty much written all over your face.”
Then again, she was a Pure-Blood. From what he’d heard, they were excellent at reading expressions, even those of people they barely knew. Matthias struggled to rein in the churning emotions boiling to the surface, realizing again that they weren’t complete strangers.
Serah crossed her arms, her gaze adamant. “He’s harmless.”
Not good enough of an answer in his book. “Angels, even those of the guardian variety, don’t usually socialize with demons.”
“She needed guidance. He saw no one guiding her, so he stepped in.”
“How nice of him.”
In his previous dealings with angels, he’d learned to avoid them at all costs. But now, since he was training to be a Paladin, that would have to change. After all, he’d need an angel’s blessing. Was it worth it? He snuck another glance at Serah. She twirled a corkscrew curl around a pink-tipped fingernail. Hell yes, it was. And when he was done, he’d erase himself from her memory again. Too bad he couldn’t erase her from his.
“Gerardo was a blessing.” Lucia raised her chin. “And one damn good stylist. Angels aren’t that much different than Paladins.” She flashed Matthias a smile. “Relax. Today’s his last day. He’s being reassigned.”
“That’s mildly comforting,” Matthias muttered.
Lucia shrugged. “We both want to keep the Infernati from taking over.” With that she looped her arm in Rafael’s. “We’ll have to continue this conversation later.”
“If you need anything, you know how to reach us.” Rafael flashed a surreptitious glare. “Take care of her, Ambrose.”
“I will.”
“Good.” He led Lucia to the door. “I could always travel there, you know.”
“Yeah, that’s a great idea,” Lucia muttered.
“Good point. That swirling ice storm could scare the bejeezus out of your clients.”
“No kidding,” Lucia said with a smirk.
“Call me if you need anything.” Lucia allowed Rafael to escort her out the door. The door slammed behind them with an ominous thud.
“Guess I’m stuck with you.”
Matthias’s heart clenched. He ground his teeth. He should be relieved that she wanted nothing to do with him, yet it only filled him with regret. “I cannot let you out of my sight.”
“I hope you don’t plan on joining me in the shower. That would be awkward.”
Matthias struggled to control the beating of his heart. Just the thought of water rushing through her dark cascade of curls and down her lush, naked body sent more desire ripping through him. He needed to get her out of his system. Fast, before he exploded. No, he didn’t plan on joining her in the shower. That would be too dangerous.
“There’s no need to worry, Matt. It’s okay to call you Matt, right?” There was no mistaking the challenge in her glare. Bloody hell and Hades.
“Pardon?”
“Gerardo. Like Lucy said, he’s being reassigned.” A forced smile spread across Serah’s lips. “I’m planning his going-away party. I really can’t have any unwelcome interruptions.”
“I didn’t ask for this either, Ms. SanGermano. I have better things I could be doing with my time.” Like trying to forget he’d almost delivered her to her death.
He wished he had the ability to turn back time. He’d do things differently. Too bad time travel wasn’t one of his demonic talents. He’d gladly go back in time and tell them no—even if it meant losing one of his own.
Chapter 5
Wow. She thought those words would have brought relief, but they had the opposite effect. All she was to him was an inconvenience. Then again, she, herself, had just said the same thing about him. What was it about this guy that sent her sensors into hyperdrive? Regardless of the aura of danger that surrounded his not-so-frequent moves, another, more-mysterious aura shimmered deeper in him, leaving her utterly intrigued.
And she didn’t like it at all.
“When will your inadequate idea of protection be returning?”
“Mr. Whiskers may be small, but I wouldn’t call him inadequate.”
“A cat can’t follow you everywhere—like a true bodyguard can.”
“I was fine on my own. I’m sorry my friends dragged you into this mess. They tend to overreact anytime anything weird happens to me.”
God love ’em. Not that she didn’t appreciate a little friendly intervention now and again, but it was starting to seriously dampen her cooking mojo. If she wanted to succeed, she needed her mojo intact, and having a six-foot-four, rock-hard giant lounging around wouldn’t help things either. Even if he was a giant jackass, he was still a distraction.
Matthias scraped a hand through his light brown hair, his onyx gaze narrowing. “Your friends care about you.” He opened his mouth to say more, but instantly shut it. He took cautious steps toward her, his eyes smoldering.
Her breath caught. A huge lump formed in her throat. Sweat beaded on her palms. Her heart thumped a wild beat. Images flashed in her mind. Matthias’s gaze was burning into her, closer and closer. His strong arms wrapped around her. The ridges of his glistening pectorals pressed into her. His fingers wove through her curls, pulling her closer to him. His strong lips brushed against hers. Her mind swam. Dear Lord.
“What the hell are you doing?” she demanded.
“Nothing.”
Sure it was nothing—to him, maybe. She should have known the power of suggestion was his demonic trait. “Yeah, right. If you do that again, I’m going to imagine my knee in your nuts. Got it?”
“What happened?”
“Like you said—it was nothing.”
Matthias’s onyx gaze grew solemn. His face was as immobile as granite. He grabbed her by the shoulders and glared. “What happened?”
Like she was going to tell this man her mind was fantasizing about him—even if he did suggest it. She wouldn’t let him know he got to her. “I’m sure you know. Don’t you demons know everything that goes on in a human’s head?”
“I don’t read minds, Serah.”
“Sucks to be you, then.” As his grip relaxed, she pulled herself free and spun away. “Whatever you’re doing, I’d appreciate you doing it to someone else.”
“I’m not doing anything! I swear…”
A sarcastic chuckle burst from her lips. “Swear to God?”
“You know as well as I do that a demon cannot swear to God.”
“But you’re a Paladin, right?”
Matthias lowered his gaze to the carpet below. “Not yet.”
“Wow. The Fore-Demons sent me a Paladin-in-Training. Priceless.”
Matthias cracked his knuckles. “I have centuries of combat and tactical experience. I once was an armed guard for Napoleon Bonaparte.”
“Oh, and look where he ended up.”
“He deserved it.” His gaze hooded. “Besides, I protected him earlier in his reign.”
“And that makes it all right?”
Matthias shrugged. “I’ve lived a long time. Even demons do things they aren’t proud of. I wouldn’t expect you to understand.”
Oh, she understood, all right. More than she wanted him to know. Regret—well, it could be her middle name. Her heart clenched. She sucked in a breath. She needed to be strong—for Nonni. She reached into her pocket and clasped her hand around the watch she had so callously discarded earlier. The diamonds warmed against her skin, and peacefulness seeped into her pores. Yet she wasn’t at peace. She would never be.
“Yeah. You’re right. Being a human and all,” she fibbed. Quickly caressing her grandmother’s watch, she pulled her hand from her pocket.
“I have some questions about what happened this afternoon. I need details so I can gauge the situation.” Narrowing his gaze, he motioned her to sit. “Please.”
The last word strained his lips. She stifled a chuckle. He apparently hadn’t muttered the P-word all that often. Then again, a man of his size and strength probably didn’t have to beg for much.
Matthias snorted. “I see you are a witty woman, Ms. SanGermano. I appreciate that, but this is serious, whether you choose to believe it or not.”
“Fine. Sorry. I’ll cooperate.” She shifted in her chair. If he glared any harder, she’d catch on fire.
“Good.” Sitting in the office chair he dwarfed, he stretched his legs. Even in that brief, uncomfortable shift, she caught a glimpse of the pure muscled strength that rippled through his entire body.
And here she thought the questions would make her uncomfortable. She gulped down a breath of air. Get it done already, so she could get this guy out of her sight—and away from her overactive hormones.
“Did you see anything when the explosion occurred?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary. Just the flames burst a little.”
“Hear anything?”
“No. Just Edie, my sous-chef, screaming.”
He scratched his chin. “Smell anything?”
“No. Just the smell of horribly expensive chocolate erupting.”
“Taste anything?”
“No. But the chocolate would have tasted good, had it not exploded.”
“Feel anything?”
Had he seen her hand in her pocket? Did he know? The way the word rolled off his lips left her uneasy. “Well, Mr. Ambrose, I felt a lot. You would too if you watched ten-dollar-a-pound chocolate erupt before your eyes.” She held back her sigh of relief. She couldn’t show him any hesitation.