Page 84 of Necromancers Don't Raise

“Hmph. You already lounge around in unholy underthings, even in front of other men, in my kitchen, which I made a point to not mention for fear of sounding insanely jealous. I’m insanely jealous.” He kissed my hand with some shivery teeth at the end.

I sighed heavily. “I love you.”

His brows lowered. “That feels like the opening line of a scam.”

I shifted closer to him and caressed his cheeks. “We could get married at the courthouse this very second and then watch tv in your bed instead of on the couch afterwards. I feel fine.”

His brow rose. “Now I’m really suspicious. What’s the catch?”

I winced. “Well, now that you mentioned it, I sort of promised Philip the blue diamond statue. If I don’t get it to him soon, he’ll release the second interview to the public.”

“Second interview?”

“Of course. I didn’t actually confess my mother’s secrets on National Television. I’m not as honest as I am practical, and I wouldn’t hurt my dad for the world. Philip also did the lights and played my mother’s role in the first interview, the one she didn’t see. I thought he did a fabulous job. I got the idea from Fiora. She worked with an enchanter to make that video of me running after the cat, to make everyone accept that the fire was an accident. It must have been a very powerful enchanter, but I’m not going to worry about that right now. She’ll have her trial, and hopefully all the truth will come out.”

“About your mother?”

I shook my head. “She won’t testify against my mom. She worships her as the mother she always wanted but never had.”

“Hmph. So, you’re still loyal to her. I kind of enjoyed you being heartless. I suppose if you’re feeling up to it, we could get off the couch and do a few essential tasks. Barbara Benson needs to be laid to rest, but Bones fancies her. Do you think I should let him court her? I mean, keep her animated for a few days while she considers her options. What are your thoughts? Is that ethical? I really have no idea.”

I smiled at him. “That’s very sweet.”

“Also, the young sorceress, Gabriela has been trying to contact me. We’ll probably have to swing by the Cat’s Pause after we get married to deal with her. Philip can meet us there to pick up the statue. I don’t want him in my house ever again. I don’t want anyone but you and the dead in my house ever again. You must also want to check on your mother. She had a bad fall.”

I snorted. “She’ll be fine. Mr. Good will make sure of that.” I had been worrying about her, though.

He smiled at me and then pulled out his fancy phone, texted someone and then said, “In that case, let’s get dressed. They require shirts at weddings.”

I sighed heavily and traced his muscles until he stood, kissing my hands and then firmly pulling them down.

“Seduce me later, Nova. After the wedding, or I’ll forget that you’re respectable and forget everything else as well.”

After I’d dressed faster than I ever had before, we drove through the rain, water splashing up to the windows as Mercury drove the car, me next to him in my aquamarine dress.

I was worried about my mother. I was worried about what Mr. Good would do with her. And what about my dad? Some of the truth had to come out. Still, nothing could truly touch me when I was with my heart.

We pulled up at the courthouse, icy rain still slashing down, making visibility terrible.

“Are they open?” I asked.

“Night court operates once the day court closes. Are you sure you don’t want a gown, flowers, friends?”

“I want you. That’s all. I can’t rest until I’ve had my way with you after that display on top of the hotel. I wonder if the video was still rolling, because you know…”

He cut me off with a soft kiss before pulling back with a frown. “I know. All the goblins would pay a pretty penny to watch it.”

I smiled happily. “Lucky for you, I don’t want any pretty pennies, just a pretty Mercury. You’re so pretty, Mercury, with your gleaming hair and dazzling eyes threaded with lightning, and I’m not even talking to your more muscular pursuits.”

“Muscular pursuits?” He put a strong hand over my forehead. “You’re not feverish. It must be a hallucination brought on by a desperate need for rest.”

“With you in your bed.”

He gave me a soft smile and smoothed his palm over the side of my face. “I adore you flirting with me. Are you really sure you want to get married? It might be against your ethics to accept the business of a diabolical dark sorcerer. You will own everything I have, and me. Every last gem and jewel.”

“Convenient, since I’ve already given away your blue diamond statue without your permission. You’ll also own everything I have, which is basically me getting around Mr. Good’s business. Do you mind handling all the people I can’t bear to talk to?”

He raised a brow. “Of course not, my heart. If you are uncomfortable with demons, or any other infernal race…”

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