Page 37 of Infernal Hearts

“Best way to get info is to get people nice and lubed up.”

“What is it with you and all the sex? And also, why do you want to get people all lubed up?”

“Because a drunk bar is a fun bar. And for the record, lube isn’t nasty. It’s the best thing since sliced bread, actually. Only silicone, though. Water is awful. But spit works just fine.”

I can’t help but grin. Him being outrageous is actually amusing me the more I get to know him. “You just can’t help yourself, can you?”

He turns back to the bartender, giving him a friendly wave. “Hey, Eric, another gin and tonic, please? And two shots of Patron for me and my friend here.”

I tense as soon as that word leaves his slick mouth. “We aren’t necessarily friends. We’re working together, but I don’t know you well enough to call you one of my friends.”

“Then two shots of Patron for me and my not-friend here.”

Eric gets to pouring. “Whatever you say, Levi.”

I can’t believe it. “Really? Levi? First-name basis already?”

“What can I say? I’m a people person.”

I take another drink of my beer. “You aren’t exactly a person, though, are you?”

He frowns. “Now that’s just hurtful. Demons have feelings, too, y’know.”

I hiss at him. “Will you keep your voice down?”

“No one’s listening to a word we’re saying.” Levi shouts to the entire bar. “Another round on me!”

They all cheer and thank him before Levi aims his attention back to me. “See? They’re busy.”

“Whatever you say.” I cross my arms and put my head on the countertop.

“Long day, sweetie?”

It’ll only get worse if I stay silent. “Don’t sweetie me.”

Eric returns with our shots, salt on the rim and two bright green slices of lime on a napkin.

“To a good deal?”

“To finding our people.” Salt, shot, lime before I breathe out a fume of tequila. I haven’t had a shot since my college days—it’s surprising that I still remember how to make it go down easy.

Levi motions at Eric. “Two more for each of us, please.”

This one goes down easier than the first.

I sit there and take it all in. Everyone here is having a great time, and honestly, it’s more than relaxing to see so much joy. It’s so different from my usual isolation and constant work. It’s great, despite the overly flirty company next to me.

“Jason?” A familiar voice sounds from behind me. “Is that really you? In a bar?”

I spin around.

Things did not get better.

Michael.

I close my eyes and pray this isn’t real. “Oh, Jesus, not you again. Can we just skip this conversation?”

Michael steps forward, holding his hands out cautiously—remorsefully. “Please, I didn’t give you a wonderful impression the last time we talked. Let me try again.”

---