Page 16 of Infernal Hearts

“Fine.” With a quick walk back to the bathroom, I snatch up my underwear and yank them on. I was about to ask him for a new set, but it might be best if I don’t push my luck. “Better?”

He cautiously looks over at me with a stone-cold face. “Marginally.”

“You’re no fun.”

He, of course, ignores me. “Glad you’re feeling better. Mind if I take a look at the cut?”

“Only since you asked nicely.” I walk over to him, placing my hand on the counter and twisting my torso toward him.

His gentle fingers graze my stitches, and for the slightest moment, his heartbeat picks up speed. I chuckle as goose bumps ripple up from where his skin meets mine. I glance down at him, but his eyes only meet mine with a frown.

I smirk as some of my more sensitive areas swell. “Sorry. Can’t control my body sometimes.”

Dr. Blackwell visibly stiffens at my comment—the first time I’ve actually seen him react to my words—but he quickly shakes it off. “Well…I suppose you’ll live after all. There’s still plenty of daylight left for you to get out of town. I’d recommend not pissing anyone else off if you can.”

I put up my finger and cut off his train of thought. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that.”

“About pissing people off?”

“No, getting out of town.” I hop up on the counter and put my hands on my legs. “I still have important things to get done.”

He shrugs. “Well, that’s against my advice, but suit yourself. I don’t think you’re in any danger of dying from this wound. Motel’s down the road. If you leave now—”

I respond quickly and decisively, head held high. “Oh no, I like it here. I’d rather stay.”

His eyes narrow, and he scoffs. “That’s not happening.” He turns away and washes his hands.

How much am I willing to tell him? How much can I share without giving too much away? I’m not sure who to trust, but he seems like he’s a good one. He isn’t susceptible to my normal tricks, but I can’t do this alone. I need to find Dane and get some answers and get out of here as soon as I can. I’ll just appeal to what I already know works with him.

“Okay, fine, big kid words.” I clasp my hands and cross my ankles. “I need help. I’m here looking for my brother. You know the town, you’re magically trained, and I need help finding my way around. Besides, I also may need some more stitches in the near future. It makes perfect sense.”

His jaw clenches as he turns around and stands tall. “I’m a vet, not a safe house.”

I smile. We’ll see about that. “I want to offer you a deal.”

“Why in the world would I make a deal with you?” He shakes his head fervently and points at me. “You didn’t even tell me you’re a demon.”

I blink, my face staying blank. “Well, of course I’m a demon. Black blood, sharp teeth, glowing eyes. What did you think I was, a fuckin’ fairy?” I know it’s a risk to be so blunt, but that was an absolutely absurd accusation.

“That’s beside the point.”

“You clearly haven’t met many of my kind.” I slide off the counter and walk toward him, crossing my arms. “Demons are just victims of toxic gossip. Slander. Lies. We’re about as evil as black cats are unlucky.”

He narrows his eyes, jaw set. “Is that so?”

I nod and purse my lips, a strong mental focus running through my brain. “Yes, on a biblical level. All our powers do is help us survive. There are far more of you than there are of us, if you haven’t noticed.”

He adopts a condescending smile as the rest of his features go rigid. “Then why exactly does disaster follow demons wherever they go?”

My hands come up to my chest. “I am not about to be blamed for human impulses. Look at you, for instance. If more of them had your control, I’d be useless.” Which is still bothering the ever living fuck out of me. Why doesn’t he react like everyone else?

“Still not a good idea.”

“Humor me.”

“Say what you’re telling me is true.” Licking his lips with a heavy sigh, he walks around the couch and sits on the armrest. “What kind of deal are you offering?”

Finally got his interest. Now, I just have to make sure to keep it and not scare him off.

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