Page 13 of Dead Heat

“I didn’t pay attention. I was distracted by all the activity. Can you help me?” His dark eyes glimmered with hope.

“I’ll do what I can.” I looked at Kane. “I don’t want to step on Josie’s toes.”

“You won’t. Once she finds video evidence of the guests, I’ll turn that information over to you.”

“How much do I owe you?” Alessandro asked.

“Nothing. I’m not an investigator.”

His gaze swept the room. “Looks like you could use a little money to fix the place up. Seems a shame not to restore it to its former glory.”

I pointed to the wall. “I have a Klimt print.”

Alessandro turned to look. “Oh, right. I’ve seen that one in a few sorority houses. It’s nice.”

My jaw clenched as Kane stifled a laugh.

“You don’t owe me any money,” I said. “I owe Kane a favor.”

“You do?” the demon asked.

“You’ve helped me on more than one occasion,” I reminded him. “This is the least I can do.” I took out my phone. “Do you mind if I take a photo of the rune for research purposes?”

Alessandro yanked up his shirt, appearing eager to show off his toned torso one more time.

I snapped a photo. “Thanks.”

“Alessandro, would you mind waiting for me outside? I’d like a quick word with Lorelei before we go.”

The incubus nodded. “No problem.” He tugged down his shirt and left the room.

I smiled once I heard the front door close. “Is that how you mark your territory, Your Highness?”

His face was pure innocence. “What do you mean?”

“First, you wanted me dressed like a kitten-loving hobo, then you greeted me with that enthusiastic kiss. You wanted to make it clear to Alessandro that I’m off limits.”

He rubbed his chin. “Isn’t it possible that I was simply incredibly glad to see you?”

“It’s possible.”

“Good.”

“And I’m definitely off limits, even without you peeing a circle around me.”

“You make it sound so romantic.” He snaked an arm around my waist and pulled me flush against him. “When’s our next date?”

“Next one? I don’t think we’ve officially had a first one.”

“Didn’t Magnarella’s gala count?”

“No, that was work-related.”

“Then we should definitely have our first official date.” He nuzzled my neck. “Name the place. Anywhere at all.”

“Get a room,” Nana Pratt said with a groan.

“This is my house,” I reminded the pearl-clutching ghost. “You’re the one intruding on a private moment.”

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