Page 47 of Half Dead

“I can and I am.” He focused his attention on me. “Lorelei Clay. Do you know your name means death twice over?”

Every muscle in my body was screaming to run, get away, but I forced myself to remain still. “I’m aware.”

“I like your parents. I’m not a fan of subtlety either.”

I pictured Kane’s battered body from his nightmares. “So I’ve heard.”

“Ah, my reputation precedes me. That’s a shame, although I can’t say I’m surprised.”

His comment caught me off guard. “Why is it a shame?”

“I’m a changed demon, Miss Clay. I’ve seen the error of my ways, and I’ve come here to prove it.”

“Why Fairhaven? Why not prove it in Dublin or Dubai?”

He raised a finger. “An excellent question, and one I’d love to answer over a bottle of Pichon-Lalande.”

Otto offered a nervous chuckle. “I did mention that, didn’t I?” He slid to his feet. “Would you like to take a trip to the wine cellar? I have an excellent selection.”

“I’ll wait here if you don’t mind,” Lucifer said. “I’d love the opportunity to get to know your guest a bit better.”

No doubt. I looked at Otto. “I’d like to try a glass. It sounds expensive.”

Lucifer’s mouth split in a grin. “A woman who appreciates the finer things.”

“Yes, because we’re in such short supply.”

Otto seemed to sense the tension and was reluctant to leave us alone. “On second thought, I’ll ask Heidi to retrieve the bottle. She works much faster than I do. I’ll only be a moment.” He hurried from the room, leaving me alone with Kane’s archnemesis.

Lucky me.

“How did you meet Otto?” I asked.

“At an auction house. He bid on the painting I’d been coveting.”

“Who won?”

“A third party.” He winked. “But only because I let him. He was trying to impress his father. I could hardly stand in the way of that.”

“Is this part of your efforts to rebuild your brand?”

“I suppose it is. I’d love to hear more of what you know about me.”

I laughed. “Spoken like a true narcissist.”

Lucifer gestured to the piano. “Do you play?”

“On occasion.”

He fixed me with a penetrating stare. “I sense immense talent. Please, indulge me.”

Please.

I resisted the urge to pull him into a nightmare reality and leave him there to rot. Thankfully, Otto returned with Heidi in tow. She carried a tray with a bottle and three wine glasses.

“Is Lorelei being modest?” Otto asked. “I think that’s her real talent.”

“Schubert is a particular favorite of mine,” Lucifer said. “I’d be honored if you played it for me.”

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