Page 36 of The Incubus and the Bodyguard

“Can you have your men cover the property while we’re inside?” she asked Vlad and Cortes.

“We don’t need to,” Vlad said. “There’s a divine barrier protecting the place. If anyone with magic or demonic powers tries to attack, it will repel them.”

Delphine gave them a skeptical look. “A divine barrier?”

Cortes grimaced. “You’ll see what we mean when we get there.”

“We should be able to take care of anyone else who turns up,” Vlad said, heading into the foyer. “I can fight.”

Delphine frowned. “We should have your guards follow us anyway.”

Vlad grudgingly agreed.

She made the call and coordinated their backup on the ride in the elevator. Tarang padded silently beside them when they stepped out into the underground garage.

Vlad pressed his remote key. The Bentley’s lights flashed.

“We should take my wheels.” Delphine indicated the Range Rover parked beside his convertible.

“Why?” Vlad said.

Delphine counted to three in her head. “Because Gideon modified it to be literally tank proof.”

Vlad stared. “Did you just grind your teeth?”

Cortes made a strangled sound.

“And why do we need a tank-proof vehicle?” Vlad added suspiciously.

Delphine ignored the silently laughing Colombian and did her best not to scowl at the incubus.

“I did not grind my teeth. As for your second question, it’s because there are people out there who want your blood and wouldn’t give a rat’s ass about ramming your precious Bentley into a river.”

Vlad pursed his lips. “You just did it again. You ground your teeth.”

Delphine’s fingers twitched. “Maybe it’s because my client is turning out to be a royal asshole and I’m seriously considering putting a bullet through his leg,” she snapped.

Vlad blinked. Tarang huffed worriedly.

Cortes turned away slightly, shoulders quivering. Popo’s gaze swung avidly between Vlad and Delphine.

“Technically, Yuliy is your client,” Vlad murmured.

“Dude,” Cortes choked out.

Delphine counted to five this time.

“Are we doing this or are we going to stand here having a debate?” she said glacially.

Vlad watched her for a moment before sighing. “Alright, we’ll take the Range Rover.”

“Cortes will ride shotgun,” Delphine said briskly. “You’re in the back.”

“It’s broad daylight,” the incubus protested. “It’s not like we’re storming a fortress.”

“No.” Delphine opened the back door and indicated the interior. “We’re protecting a vulnerable asset.”

The way Vlad’s eyes darkened told her she’d hurt his pride.

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