Page 25 of Half Dead

Alessandro poured him a shot. “Last one, bro, or you might forget the lyrics.”

David sucked down the clear liquid, smacked his lips, and looked at me. “You remind me of someone.”

Alessandro snorted. “I doubt that. She’s one of a kind.”

David leered at me. “What a coincidence. So am I.”

Sunny hissed violently at him, prompting David to hiss back. If he wasn’t careful, he’d end up as a burnt kebob.

A woman squeezed between us, apologizing profusely. Her bright blue hair was shaved on one side and her nose sported a silver stud.

“You’re cut off, Jordan.” She swiped the empty glass from his hand.

“Don’t worry, Grace. You’ll only have to put up with me temporarily.”

“Our regular bassist couldn’t travel with us, so David’s subbing for him.” Grace grimaced. “Lucky us.”

Dantalion jerked his chin up, to indicate activity behind her. “Looks like they’re ready for you.”

“Time to earn your keep.” Grace slung an arm along David’s shoulders and steered him toward the raised platform.

“That guy is a walking biohazard,” Alessandro said.

Dantalion cut a glance at him. “He drinks that much?”

“No, he smells that much.”

“Agreed. My nostril hairs are still recovering,” I said. “Where’s the boss?”

“Downstairs,” Dan said.

“If he’s hosting a slumber party tonight, any chance I can score an invite?” Alessandro asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows.

Dantalion laughed. “I’d like to see you try.”

“Sorry,” I told the incubus. “Kane and I have sworn oaths of monogamy.”

“Too bad,” Alessandro said. “The two of you could keep me supercharged for a long time.” He sauntered to the opposite end of the bar to serve a couple of unruly fae.

Dantalion observed me. “What’s wrong?”

I snapped to attention. “What makes you think something’s wrong?”

“Your face. You look like the keg of your favorite beer is about to get kicked.”

I inched closer to the counter, debating whether I ought to tell Kane first. Then again, Dantalion was a great duke of hell. He’d be as knowledgeable as Kane on the subject of Lucifer’s cufflink.

The live music kicked off, which meant our conversation would be private, although I’d have to strain to be heard. I withdrew the trinket from my pocket and placed it in the palm of his hand. “Recognize it?”

All the color drained from Dan’s face. “Where did you get this?”

“A little bird.”

Dan shoved it back in my hand. “Put it away, please. I don’t want to look at it.”

I stuck the cufflink in my pocket. “I take it we should be concerned.”

“If your little bird found that in Fairhaven, then yes, we should.”

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