“We have a lot more in common than just cooking, it seems. I hate that too.” Daniel wrapped his arm around her shoulder and gave her back a friendly pat. “Enough chitchat. Let’s see this awesome tiramisu I’ve heard so much about,” he whispered in her ear.
No tingles. No shivers. Again, nothing. Her libido was indeed shot.
Chapter 23
Matthias should have stayed outside. He sat at the desk and mashed keys on the keyboard. He’d seen Serah kiss Daniel. It had been the most clichéd, overly romanticized kiss ever, but he still saw it. He wished he hadn’t.
He gritted his teeth. Why in the hell did he feel this way? He was supposed to be strong, to keep his emotions in check. Ever since he laid eyes on Serah, his resolve had gone out the window. He was doomed.
Sera continued to laugh and giggle, pulling out mixing bowls and various utensils. He had no idea what they were or what they were used for, but the way they shined told him one thing. Silver. He relaxed slightly.
Daniel followed her around like a lovesick schoolboy, following Serah’s lead. So much for relaxing. All he wanted to do was retch. Unfortunately, as a demon, that was impossible.
Daniel reached up and brushed Serah’s shoulder. She smiled at him and tapped him on the back with a wooden spoon.
“Owwie,” Daniel yelped in mock pain. He leaned in and whispered something into her ear.
His conscience warred inside. He wanted to tune in and hear Daniel’s words, but he wanted to respect Serah’s privacy as well. He clenched his fists, his fingernails digging deep into his palms. He didn’t care if he bled. It was the only way he could keep himself sane.
“Iz zumzing bozzering you, Mizter Ambroze?” Edie sidled up next to him and took the empty seat next to his. “You seem… vhat iz zee word? Ah… tense.”
“I am fine,” Matthias ground out. “I’m just checking the perimeter.”
Edie nodded. “Oui. Security iz hard vork, no?”
Matthias arched a brow. What was with this woman’s sudden interest in his job? Serah’s employee seemed friendly enough, but he’d learned many things in his centuries of training. Sometimes the friendliest people made the worst enemies. And you didn’t know until it was too late. He angled another gaze at Serah and Daniel. They continued to frolic and giggle as she whisked something in the bowl. Daniel placed his hand on her shoulder as she cracked an egg.
And now Edie hovered. It was best to keep his distance. “It’s too much hard work for a sous-chef to worry herself with.” With that he shut the computer down and closed the lid.
Edie sunk back in her chair and scooted back. “My apologies. I vas just trying to make little talk.”
Matthias nodded. “I’m not really that much of a conversationalist.”
“Zat’s too bad. You look like zomevone who has lots to say.” Edie drew her lips straight and steepled her fingers. “Don’t vait or it vill be too late.”
Great, another cryptic person to complicate matters. There was one thing worse than cryptic goddesses, cryptic humans. This wasn’t going to be easy.
“I need to make a phone call.” With that, he pushed the chair back and pulled the phone from his pocket. He mashed his finger into the touch screen and pressed the phone to his ear. He marched to the same office Daniel had occupied earlier and kicked the door shut.
“Rafael Deleon.”
“Are you on your way? The TV guy is here.” Matthias took a seat at the desk, swiveled and stretched his legs out.
“Lucy’s already on her way. I’ll poof in back of the store in about five minutes.”
Poof? Even Deleon used those silly words to describe the demon travel? Matthias shook his head. Had he not seen how powerful Rafael Deleon had become, he’d say the Paladin was going soft in his life here on Earth with his half-succubus.
“I have questions about Edie.”
“The sous-chef?”
“Yes. Can she be trusted?” He leaned around to peer through the blinds. “She hovering. It seems suspicious.”
Rafael’s deep rumble of laughter echoed in his ear. “Edie is very protective of Serah. Gerardo informs me she’s not an angel, so no worries there.”
“Noted. I still plan to exercise caution.”
“I wouldn’t expect anything less, Ambrose. Which is why you were chosen for this mission.”
Matthias controlled his sarcastic chuckle. Among other reasons, he was sure. The Fore-Demons wanted to make sure they could trust him. What better way than send him back to the woman he had almost helped the Infernati destroy.
Rafael’s booming voice broke him from his thoughts. “How about Daniel?”
“He’s not an unblessed demon. That’s not to say he isn’t working with the Infernati.”
“He could still be a demon?”
“I’m not ruling it out.”
“If he doesn’t smell of brimstone, then he’s one of us.”
Matthias groaned low, hoping Rafael didn’t hear. “Not necessarily.”
“What sort of angel is just going to bless random demons?”
Matthias adjusted the phone to his ear, his grip tight. One little bit of honesty wouldn’t hurt Rafael. “One that is now dead.”
And that was all he could say for now.
“You killed that angel, didn’t you?”
“No. Be here in five minutes.” He pulled the phone from his ear and slammed his thumb on the red dot to end the call.
Between Edie and Daniel, something smelled fishy. And it certainly wasn’t salmon. He’d get to the bottom of this. He’d make sure of it.
He slipped the phone into his back pocket and reclined in the chair. Maybe a little meditation would help clear his mind.
The door swung open. His meditation would have to wait.
Serah stood there in the doorway, a pristine white chef’s jacket hiding his view of the swirly blue dress he’d suggested she wear earlier. Sadly, it hid her sultry curves as well.
“I didn’t interrupt anything, did I?”
“No. I just spoke to Deleon. Lucia and he are on their way.”
Serah wrung her hands in front of her. “Yeah… about that…”
Matthias narrowed his gaze. He didn’t like the sound of that. “What is it?”
“It’s going to get crowded. Daniel and his crew will probably take up most of the kitchen.”
Matthias leaned over the desk, and narrowed his gaze. “And?”
Taking cautious steps closer, Serah gulped. “Daniel needs you guys to make yourselves scarce during the recording. They like a more intimate environment.”
Intimate? What the hell kind of show were they filming? It was a blasted cooking show, not a romance. His jaw twitched. He gripped the edge of the desk. “That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard.”
“There needs be some chemistry between the host and guest. Otherwise, it gets boring.”
Matthias gritted his teeth. He saw the way Serah and Daniel interacted. Smiles, jokes, laughter. They had enough chemistry already. “You look like you were getting along just fine.”
Serah shut the door behind her. “Yeah, he’s pretty awesome. And he’s clean. I can sense vibes from people and his appears honest and good.”
“I’m still not convinced.” Sure, Daniel looked like any normal person, but there was just something about him that screamed caution. “Edie as well. How long has she worked here?”
Serah’s gaze sparked and her lips drew straight. “Now you have a problem with my employees?” She took a deep breath and paced in front of the desk. “For your information, I hired Edie after my grandmother died. She had very good references.”
Matthias bolted from the chair and stormed toward her. She had no idea of the danger she was in. He grabbed her by the shoulders and glared down at her. She glared back, defiantly lifting her chin. His body reacted accordingly. His heart pounded and hot sizzling energy ripped through him. He throbbed against the boxers he still wore. Bloody hell. Who knew defiance could be such a tur
n-on.
Controlling the emotions colliding inside, he reached and brushed aside one of her curls. “I just want you safe—is that so wrong?”
Serah’s gaze softened and lowered to the floor. Hopefully she wouldn’t notice the problem that had recently arisen.
“No, you are dedicated to your mission,” she said, her voice wavering. “Like all Paladins are.”
“Good. So you will tell Daniel I won’t let you leave my sight?”
“I’ll try, but it’s his producer who’s calling the shots.”
“Is the producer here?”
“No, she’s not.”
“What she doesn’t know won’t hurt her.”
“I guess,” Serah said with a shrug. I’ll talk to him.”
“That’s all I’m asking.” He pulled away and turned to look out the window. Trees lined a lazy river. They swayed with the breeze, their leaves of golds, reds, and oranges fluttering in the wind. Breathtaking, but not as breathtaking as Serah. This was getting to be too much. The sooner this mission was complete, the better.
***
Great. Now she had to worry about Edie too? Who knew what side she was on. Team Daniel or Team Matthias. Wonderful, now she was starting to sound like a vampire- and werewolf-obsessed teenager.
And what was Matthias’s deal? In one moment he was tender. The next, he was uptight and distant. If the signals got any more mixed, she’d need a strainer to separate them.
“I’m not done here.” She’d get down to the bottom of this somehow. She closed the blinds to the office and turned back around. “What is your deal?”
Matthias scrubbed his hand through his hair and turned one way and the other. Then he looked her in the eyes, his onyx pupils sparking and swirling. “My deal?” he asked, his tone incredulous.
Serah stood her ground. She raised her chin and crossed her arms. “Yes. One moment you are tender and caring.” She took a deep breath. “Then next moment you’re an uptight ass.”
His eyes continued to swim like a dark ocean. His jaw twitched. He clenched and unclenched his fists. “Serah, don’t do this now.”
“Do what? Have a discussion?” She shook her head. “You are so infuriating. What were the Fore-Demons thinking sending you here?” She took another breath and exhaled deeply. This breathing thing didn’t work. She was still stressed as hell.
Matthias stalked toward her, his gaze penetrating. He gripped both of her shoulders, tight but not too tight. “You drive me crazy.”
He continued to glare, dark and menacing. At one time a look like that would’ve sent her running. Now it fueled something else inside her. Something even more dangerous. Maybe she should run after all.
“I—” that was the only word she could get out. Matthias crushed her to his body, his arms wrapping firmly around her back. Her breasts crushed into his rock hard abs, she shivered at the electricity rocketing through her. “What are you doing?” she managed on a gasp.
“This.” He slid her up his body, his hands firm but gentle. She closed her eyes, flashes of naked skin on skin filling her thoughts. She reached up and moved to the buttons of the crisp linen shirt. She plucked one, two, then three buttons.
His hands roved up and down her body, finally settling on her ass. How’d his hands get underneath her dress? He lifted her up and set her on the edge of the desk, pushing her back. Papers went flying. She didn’t care.
Matthias hovered over her, his dark eyes misting over. With that, he lowered his lips to hers. It was like an explosion went off. A delicious, ecstasy-filled explosion in her mouth. She couldn’t help but moan. She returned the kiss with just as much eager excitement. She opened her mouth, allowing him full access. He swept his tongue inside and traced it against hers. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she pulled him closer.
He nibbled sucked and nipped her lip, his hands roaming over her breast to pop one button of her jacket and then the other.
“See how you drive me crazy?” he murmured in her ear with a slow tantalizing lick along her lobe.
If this was crazy, then she was going there right along with him. She’d never done anything so crazy in her life. God, it felt so good.
Matthias’s mouth moved down her neck, licking and nibbling a path down to the base of her throat. Tongue tracing along her bobbing pulse, he inched open her jacket, exposing the dress underneath. He traced a fingertip along an azure swirl.
“You took my advice. Nice.”
Serah managed a nod. There was no way she could manage anything else. Her pulse skyrocketed and liquid heat pooled in her loins. If this was what a little bit of kissing and groping did, she didn’t know if she could handle anymore. Then again, she did love testing her limits.
She moved her hands along his shirt, over the contours and planes of his chest. Firm muscle grew taut against her touch. Returning to the buttons, she struggled to unhook the remaining ones. She whimpered in frustration.
Too bad she couldn’t have been born with fingers of steel like Lucy. She’d seen the amount of clothes those two had demolished together.
“Ahem.”
Speak of the devil. Lucy and Rafe stood in the doorway. A wide smirk spread across Lucy’s lips. Rafe, on the other hand, scowled, his silver gaze boring into Matthias. He started to lunge forward, but Lucy reached out and grabbed his wrist. She shook her head and Rafael growled, reluctantly stepping back.
“Uhh, it’s not what you think,” Serah stammered, pulling her chef’s jacket closed. Her shaky fingers fumbled with the tiny buttons.
Lucy snorted. “Yeah, it looks like a hell of a lot more.”
Matthias buttoned his shirt and stood tall. Scratching the stubble that dotted his cheeks, he blew out a breath. “I’m sorry. It won’t happen again.”
“It better not,” Rafe growled. He turned to Lucy. “Did you encourage this?”
“Heck no. They obviously don’t need my help.” She shut the door behind her and pushed in the lock. “The next time you two decide to get your freak on, lock the door.”
“If he knows what’s best for him, there won’t be a next time.” Rafael crossed his arms and sent Matthias a dagger of a glare. “Duty first, right?”
Finishing the last button of her jacket, Serah snorted. “Just like you put your duty first?”
“This is different.”
“How is it different? You came to Earth to protect Lucy.” Serah put her hands on her hips and sent Rafe her own slicing glare. “And I know there was a whole lot more than protecting going on between you two.”
What the hell? Why was she taking this so personally? She should be thanking Rafe for putting the kibosh on Matthias’s and her more-than-intimate kiss. But she only felt one thing… annoyed.
She clenched her fist. She wanted to plant it right between Rafe’s glaring eyes. She ground her teeth.
“Serah,” Matthias spoke, his tone gentle and reassuring. He took her hand in his, his callused hands softly stroking. “Rafael is right. Intimacies only complicate matters. I apologize for any stress I’ve caused.”
He turned to Rafe. “We’ve got several matters to discuss and not much time. Let’s have a seat.”
Rafe offered a brusque nod and allowed Lucy to choose where she wanted to sit. What a gentleman. At least some demons were. Lucy scooted out one of the guest chairs. Rafe pulled out the other, leaving Serah and Matthias the love seat. How ironic.
“Sorry, I don’t particularly care for couches,” Lucy said, folding her legs beneath her.
With an arch to her brow, Serah took a seat, scooting as close to the side. “Why do I find that surprising?”
Matthias, thankfully did the same. With a soft grunt, he stretched his legs.
“Enough,” Rafe barked. “So what was this incident Matthias told me about earlier?”
“Incident? What incident?” Serah feigned bemusement. From the piercing glares from both Lucy and Rafe, she’d failed miserably. Not surprising at all. “Oh! That incident. It was nothing.”
> “You were almost killed,” Matthias gritted out. “How is that nothing?”
“The woman driving the car was not a demon. Her kid, however…”
“You know how I hate it when you avoid answering our questions, Serah.” Lucy leaned in, her greenish-gold eyes flaring.
That look said it all. They were serious. And the only way to get out of this mess was to tell the truth.
“Fine. Somehow an Infernati demon managed to change the timing of the light at the corner of A-Line Road and Lover’s Lane. I ran a red light and was almost sideswiped.”
“Bloody hell,” Rafe growled. “This is worse than we thought.”
“How so?”
Matthias blew out a deep breath. “I didn’t want to alarm you until we had all the facts.”
“What. Is. It?” Serah gritted out.
“Some of the Infernati demons have the ability to manipulate electricity.”
Jeez, was there any part of human life not in danger of demons? This grew deeper by the second. “Seriously? What’s next? Water Demons?”
“Does this really surprise you? The Infernati will use any means to infiltrate human civilization.”
Matthias nodded. “It doesn’t help that they have human minions ready to do their bidding.”
Rafe sucked in a deep breath. “Any person can be a minion, even someone you’ve trusted for years.”
Matthias moved closer to her and took her hand in his. His grip was strong, protective. “Are you absolutely sure you can trust these people?”
She’d known Edie for almost two years. She was a blessing in disguise. When her Nonni died, Serah didn’t know if she could manage the business on her own. She struggled to make ends meet. She was about to sell when Edie literally ended up on her doorstep. With her dazzling red hair and vibrant attire and personality, she was just what Serah needed. How could she not trust her? So her accent was a little off. So what? She was an excellent cook. The fondue was just the icing on the cake where Edie was concerned.
Daniel, on the other hand, was kind and sweet. A perfect gentleman. He seemed honest and sincere. And his aura seemed clean as well. He couldn’t be a minion. The Infernati weren’t that good. Were they? God, she hated all this conflict.
Demons Like It Hot Page 17