Page 33 of Dead Heat

I had no desire to follow that statement to its natural conclusion.

An idea snapped into place. “It seems like all your bad luck has been related to your appearance.”

“Is that a theory?”

“It is now. Follow me.”

He trailed behind me into the kitchen.

“What if one of your former sexual partners is exacting revenge?”

“Revenge for what? It isn’t like they’d leave unsatisfied. Never happens.”

“All men say that.”

Alessandro thumped his chest. “Incubus, remember? This body is designed for sex.”

“Dearie me,” Nana Pratt said. It seemed we now had an audience. I hadn’t even realized she was in the house until now.

I groped for possible reasons. “Do you disclose upfront that you’re an incubus? Maybe somebody felt used and discarded.”

“I don’t always disclose it. Depends on the partner. Some figure it out when they meet me and don’t need to be told.”

“I really hate to ask this, but can you write a list of your most recent sexual partners?”

“Kane said you already have that.”

“I have the names of the couple from the Devil’s Playground. Who else has there been in the past week?” I set a sticky note in front of him, along with a pen.

He gazed at the square yellow paper. “Got anything bigger?”

“You can use both sides.”

He glanced at me. “I’d have to write really small. You want to be able to read it, don’t you?”

“You know what? Text me the list. It’ll be easier to reference on my phone anyway.” I gave him my number.

“I won’t remember all their names, but I can describe any distinctive characteristics.”

“Only ones that would be visible to strangers, please.”

He smirked at the phone and continued typing. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

“Seems like this could take some time. Would you like a snack?”

He looked up at me with interest. “What kind of snack are you offering?”

“No, no,” I said quickly. “Actual food.”

“Are you sure? Because you’re very attractive, and I do great over-the-counter work. I’m kind of known for it, in fact.”

His expression was far too angelic considering his proposal.

“I appreciate the offer, but no thank you.”

“It’s because of the hairline, isn’t it?” He groaned in frustration. “I’m doomed.”

“It’s because I’m involved with Kane, your boss, who happens to be a former prince of hell and not someone you want to upset.”

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