Page 65 of Infernal Hearts

She looks me up and down. “So you’re the demon?”

I raise my eyebrows and nod, keeping things amicable. “And you’re the fairy.”

“At least that’s out of the way. Got a minute?”

“I guess.” I can see clients coming in and out of the clinic in the distance, yet she’s here to talk to me. “Want to take this away from non-magical ears?”

“I’d be delighted.” She follows me inside.

“I’m not having the best day, so excuse me if I’m not the greatest conversationalist.” I sit on the couch and cross my ankle over my knee, spreading my arms along the back. “What’s on your mind?”

She puffs out her chest and looks down the bridge of her nose at me. “Jason is what is on my mind. And whatever you did to him.”

I smile pleasantly. “I didn’t do anything he didn’t ask for.”

“Cut the shit.” She points her finger at me like she could stab me with it at any moment. “You and I both know how often demon deals can go wrong. And I don’t need you wrapping my boy up in something he can’t outlast.”

I hold up my hands. “He’s helping me, and I’m helping him. This is a mutual relationship, trust me.”

She narrows her eyes and takes a step forward. “See, I’m not so sure about that. This whole search? Not good for him.”

I furrow my brow. “And why is that?”

“Because he got out of the magical world a long time ago, and here you are just sucking him back into it.”

Dear god. “What is it with you people? There is nothing wrong with the supernatural.”

Her hackles rise like she’s about to breathe fire. “Oh, yes the hell there is. It’s dangerous. Do you know he almost died today?”

My skin goes cold as the color drains from my face. “What are you talking about?” Again? Two near accidents so close together?

She nods. “A phoenix called this morning. Would’ve burned him to a crisp if I hadn’t been there.”

I grit my teeth. As much as I hate it, I see her point. “Well, I’m glad you were.”

She sighs. “Can you just stay away from him? For his own good?”

Maybe she’s right. Maybe this line of work is too dangerous for him. But it’s such a shame—he has a gift. I know it. I’m sure she knows it. But it’s no use arguing with her right now. Placating is the best way to go.

I give her a single nod. “As soon as our deal is done, I’m gone.”

“When might that be?”

“One more week. Then you’re rid of the scary demon who’s corrupting poor Jason.” Okay, maybe not so placating.

She takes a quiet breath, and her muscles relax. “What kind of demon are you, anyway? Envy? Pride?”

“Greed.” It’s a total lie. Lust always has been and will be my sin, but she won’t know the difference. But I don’t know who I can trust with the secret that I may be the last of my kind. And I certainly don’t trust her.

She chuckles and looks down at the ground. “For what it’s worth, he’s more at ease than I’ve seen him in years.”

“I’m glad to hear that.” While the search still seems bleak, I’m glad to know that something good came out of this.

She turns to the door but pauses before walking through. “If this deal goes south, know that I’ll be the first one to find you.”

A forced smile crosses my face. “I’ll be right here.”

She leaves, and I fish my phone out of my pocket, dialing Rani’s number. She immediately picks up.

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