Page 75 of Of Mercury and Mist

Snaking an arm out from under his, I went for his eye, shoving a finger against his closed lid. Suddenly, I was yanked from his grasp and when I kicked my legs out, I met dead air. Alarmed voices raised around me as candles were lit and cellphone flashlights turned on.

I found myself seated at an empty table beside where I’d been hosting Samuel just moments before.

“The situation has been contained,” I heard Matthew’s voice call out. “Please enjoy your evening.”

The lighting flickered back on, and a murmur spread through the crowd before all returned to normal. My phone dinged and a notification from Matthew appeared on the screen requesting my presence in his office.

Feeling slightly disheveled and with my head spinning, I ran a hand through my hair and straightened my dress. When I stood up on shaky legs, I glanced around the room. Everything appeared normal, but Micha and his guests had left. Samuel was gone as well.

Disappointment filled me as I threaded my way past the customers and to the office.

“The disturbance was centered around you,” Matthew chastised me.

“One of our guests got handsy very fast and I tried to push him away. It happened before I could send a signal,” I defended myself. We were supposed to raise our hand like we needed help in a classroom in these scenarios, not stab a guest in the eye. When that failed, we were to yell for security. I’d done neither.

His jaw ticked. “You are aware that your history is not secret to me, right? I know you have a penchant for not following the rules. If I didn’t have such a lucrative contract with your sponsor, I’d be letting you go for disturbing our guests’ peace. This behavior cannot stand.”

“I honestly was taken completely by surprise, I’m sorry. He tried to kiss me, and I’ve committed to Isaac. I know he’d be angry, and I just wanted to protect our bond.”

Matthew’s eyes softened. “I was unaware he assaulted you, I’m sorry you had to experience that.” He made a humming sound and then continued, “I appreciate your acknowledgment of the sanctity of your joining. Consider this a warning. I am going to have to send you home for the evening; for the comfort of our esteemed guests. I’m sure you understand.”

I nodded. “I do think that would be best. It ruined my mood; I need to rest.”

Closing the door behind me, I pulled out my cellphone and tapped out a message.

Please come get me. I need to go home now.

TWENTY-SIX

Micha

Matthew’s decision was anticipated, and I texted Ashley I’d be there for her in five minutes. Sure enough, she was precisely punctual. The satisfaction I felt warred with the flame of anger stabbing my upper chest. If the blond demon hadn’t transitioned himself to another Realm, I’d be feasting on his flesh before removing my woman from the den of debauchery that was Angels.

I’d had to cut a meeting short and put Ipomoea’s acquisition of a small start-up holistic medicine company on hold, thanks to the man. I could assume where he’d disappeared to, but I didn’t want to risk a visit without the support of Josiah or Kiam. Preferably, the former.

There’d been no retribution so far, in response to our defiance of the rules, but I didn’t want to tread where we weren’t wanted. As it was, I’d started hearing a few whispers of scouts, though I hadn’t seen anything that would spur me to action. We were living on borrowed time, no matter how long that could be.

Retribution would be attempted, we just had to be ready. I was fully aware I’d tipped the scales, speeding up the process by weakening my position, leaving myself vulnerable and ultimately, Ashley. This was why I’d chosen to disguise myself, to stave off any overtures.

I had to wonder if it was enough.

Mason held the door for her as she clambered into the car while I finished tapping out an email over the aborted meeting, apologizing for my sudden absence and suggesting a follow-up date or phone call.

After I hit send, I tugged the exhausted girl onto my lap. “If you want, I can ask Matthew to forego any more shifts.”

She shook her head, sliding it back and forth against my chest. “No, it's okay, I need something to call my own.”

The expression made me bristle, though logically I knew she was referring to an activity. “Very well. Are you all right?” She wasn’t, but I had to ask. Normally I avoided small talk, finding it pointless and banal. Humans took a comfort in the aimless words, often not expecting answers, yet I knew she’d be soothed.

“I will be. Someone touched me and then tried to kiss me.” She shuddered and pulled back slightly, resting her forehead against me. “I got makeup on your jacket; I’m sorry.”

She tried to brush it off with her hand and I stilled her with my own. The scent of the demon clung to her, pungent and offensive. “We’ll fix this when we get inside.”

“I stabbed him in the eye with my finger.”

My chest shook with laughter; she was amazing. She took on a powerful demon with the only tool she had on hand, consequences be damned. God, I loved this woman.

“He could’ve killed you for that. It would’ve been within his right.” He must’ve had an ulterior motive, seeing as he hadn’t.

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