Page 77 of Hell Hath No Fury

I look to Lilith, who shrugs, so I sigh, muttering to myself as I pull the offending fabric up my legs, then button and zip them. Glancing down at my now clothed legs, I say, “Not a bad fit at all.”

Agatha appears behind Lilith, shaking her head. “Could you guys please get serious for one fucking moment?”

Immediately, I straighten, tottering a bit as I overcompensate, but Mickey is there, his hand pressed between my shoulders. “Careful. You’re probably gonna feel more fucked up before you start to feel better.”

“And how would you know, old man?”

Mickey laughs, shrugs, then replies, “Let’s just say I know a thing or two about the types of drugs they used on you and how to use them for good and for evil.”

My jaw drops open, truly surprised. I want to know more, but Agatha asks, “Where’s Irina?”

Lilith shakes her head. “I went right for her and missed her.”

“You’re saying she got away?”

Lilith turns her bemused gaze on me. “Yes, that’s what I’m saying. Not like you were any help with your sword out.”

I go to respond, but I’m cut off by a vibration coming from Matt, who reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone. “Authorities are here. We gotta go.”

Darius shrugs out of his suit coat and hands it to me. “Put this on. We should be able to smuggle you out of here without drawing too much attention to you.”

“Yeah,” Tony adds. “At least he’s no longer running around with his dick out.”

Darius and Tony flank me, the two of them attempting to maneuver me toward the exit, but then I stop and exclaim, “Has anyone seen my suit lying around anywhere?”

“Seriously?” Antoinette retorts. “After all this, you’re worried about your suit?”

Eyes widening in horror, I answer, “It’s a custom Kiton,” as if that is explanation enough as to why I would be concerned.

Antoinette stares at me, lips pressed together, shaking her head. But then Darius says, “That’s fair. But no, no sign of any suits.”

I frown, all the fight going out of me. Darius and Tony once again move me toward the exit, and I go, glancing around in the hopes I’ll catch sight of my clothing.

Suddenly feeling tired, I mutter, “I really loved that suit,” and then I allow myself to be led out, unfortunately sans suit.

34

Of Darkness and Demons

Antonio

Severalhourslater,I’mshowered, fed, watered, and considering settling down for a nap. Matt updated us on the scare they’d had with the video and countdown and how all of them would be blaming any newly sprouted gray hairs on us. I tried to make a joke out of it, but not being as well-versed in misplaced humor as they are, it fell rather flat.

We’ve taken up residence at my father’s French estate—or I suppose I should saymyFrench estate, given his recent untimely death. Either no one has been made aware of his demise, or no one cares because when we arrived, the staff took it in stride, making accommodations for everyone in the group in record time.

Most of the drugs are out of my system, but this just leaves me feeling drained and ridiculously paranoid.

Lilith made sure I was all set before disappearing. And while I’m relatively certain she hasn’t gone far, part of me feels anincessant need to hunt her down. To make sure she hasn’t left me.

I’m just headed to the door when it swings open, and I spin around, not wanting anyone to guess what I am up to. Of course, this leaves me leaning awkwardly on a dresser, tapping my fingers on the top of it like a fucking crazy person.

“What are you doing?” Lilith asks as she shuts the door and walks toward me. “You should be in bed.”

“Not without you.”

She gives me a patient look, her eyes warm as she grips my arm and attempts to pull me in the direction of the bed. “Come on now. You need your rest.”

Refusing to budge, I place my hand over hers. “So do you.”

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